Books Like...

'The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever' by Julia Quinn is a regency romance novel that follows the story of Miranda Cheever, who falls in love with her best friend's older brother, Nigel Bevelstoke, Viscount Turner, at a young age. Despite their age gap and Turner's initial rejection, they are thrown together later in life and forced into marriage. The book explores Miranda's unrequited love, Turner's emotional baggage from his past marriage, and their journey towards finding love and happiness. The writing style is described as lively, engaging, and witty, with a mix of humor and emotional depth that draws readers into the characters' world.

"The Earl's Dilemma" by Emily Larkin follows the story of Kate Honeycourt, a red-haired and freckled spinster who has been secretly in love with James Hargrave, the Earl of Arden. When James needs to marry quickly to comply with his father's will, he decides to offer for Kate, assuming she will agree to a marriage of convenience. However, Kate surprises him by refusing his proposal and offering to help him find a suitable bride instead. As the story unfolds, James slowly realizes the true depth of Kate's character and must convince her that his feelings have changed.

The plot is filled with high angst, humor, and romance as the characters navigate unrequited love, self-discovery, and the complexities of societal expectations in the Regency era. Emily Larkin's writing style captures the emotional turmoil and growth of the characters, creating a charming and engaging historical romance.

'Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake' by Sarah MacLean follows the story of Lady Calpurnia Hartwell, a wallflower who decides to break free from societal expectations and embarks on a journey to experience scandalous adventures. She enlists the help of Gabriel St. John, the Marquess of Ralston, and as they break the rules together, they find themselves falling in love. The plot revolves around Calpurnia's quest for self-discovery and empowerment, intertwined with a budding romance with Gabriel. The writing style is described as light, charming, and humorous, with engaging characters and witty banter that keeps readers entertained. is praised for its well-rounded characters, carefully crafted storyline, and the delightful escapism it offers to readers.

In "The Heiress Effect" by Courtney Milan, the story revolves around Jane Fairfield, an eccentric heiress who is determined to remain unmarried to protect her sister. When she meets Oliver Marshall, a man with political aspirations, their paths cross, leading to a struggle between ambition and honor. The book is praised for its character development, humor, and eventual happy ending, as well as for portraying a diverse representation of characters and relationships in Victorian England.

'Guilty Pleasures' by Laura Lee Guhrke is a historical romance novel that follows the story of Daphne Wade, a plain and intelligent young woman who works as an antiquarian expert for the Duke of Tremore, Anthony. Daphne has always lived to please others, from her father to the Duke, sacrificing her own happiness. However, when Anthony starts to see beyond her exterior and appreciate her true worth, their relationship takes a new turn. The book explores themes of personal growth, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships, all set in a historical backdrop with witty repartee and engaging characters.

First Comes Scandal by Julia Quinn follows the story of childhood friends Nicholas and Georgiana, who are thrust into a marriage of convenience to salvage Georgiana's ruined reputation. After being abducted by a scoundrel, she finds herself in a precarious situation, and Nicholas's father insists he come home from medical school in Edinburgh to marry her. Nicholas initially resists, viewing Georgiana as almost a sister, but as they spend more time together, he begins to see her in a new light, highlighting their easy bond and shared interests.

The writing style is filled with Quinn’s signature humor and witty banter, promoting a light and playful tone throughout. The plot unfolds slowly, focusing on the couple's gradual shift from friends to romantic partners, peppered with charming and comedic moments involving Georgiana's cats. While there are no major conflicts to overcome, the interaction between the main characters and their evolving relationship is depicted with warmth, making for a sweet and enjoyable read.

'The Captain's Wallflower' by Audrey Harrison tells the story of a wounded, blinded British naval captain named Alexander who finds love with a young wallflower named Amelia. Despite societal challenges and personal struggles, their relationship blossoms with the help of a fluffy dog and mutual understanding. is praised for its realistic portrayal of characters, the slow development of the romance, and the avoidance of clichés often found in Regency romance novels.

'Unlocked' by Courtney Milan is a historical romance novella that follows the story of Lady Elaine Warren, a spinster who was bullied and made a laughing stock during her first Season by Evan Carlton, the Earl of Westfield. The plot revolves around Evan's return after ten years of self-imposed isolation, seeking to apologize and make amends to Elaine. As the story unfolds, readers witness the growth and redemption of the characters, exploring themes of forgiveness, redemption, and second chances. The writing style is eloquent, with well-rounded characters and a believable setting that engages readers emotionally and keeps them glued to the story.

"Just Like Heaven" by Julia Quinn is a Regency romance novel that follows the story of Honoria Smythe Smith and Marcus, her brother's best friend, as their relationship evolves from casual acquaintances to something more. The book is described as a quick and fun read, with likable main characters but a tepid romance. The plot centers around Honoria and Marcus navigating their feelings for each other amidst the backdrop of the Smythe Smith Quartet and a life-threatening illness.

The writing style of the book is noted for its humor, light-hearted tone, and predictable nature. Some readers find the characters to be well-developed and relatable, while others criticize the lack of depth in relationships and chemistry between the characters. Overall, the book is seen as a fluffy and entertaining read, but falls short of the author's previous works like the Bridgerton series in terms of charm and magic.

'Friday Dreaming' by Elizabeth Bailey tells the story of Friday, a character who is described as naive and deeply in love with Nick, her best friend. The plot revolves around their unrequited love as they navigate through misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and meddling friends and family members. Despite the challenges they face, the book is praised for its well-developed plot, authentic portrayal of troubled romance, and a feel of genuine discovery of love. The writing style is noted to be engaging, with elements of humor intertwined with the angst and emotional rollercoaster experienced by the characters.