Books Like...
In "Love in the Afternoon" by Lisa Kleypas, the story revolves around Beatrix Hathaway, the youngest of the clan, who begins a correspondence with Captain Christopher Phelan under her friend's name. As their letters deepen their connection, Christopher returns home as a war-weary soldier looking for the woman he fell in love with through the letters, not realizing it was Beatrix all along. The book explores themes of love, deception, PTSD, and growth as Beatrix and Christopher navigate their feelings and past traumas to find a way to be together. The writing style of the book is described as romantic, sweet, and heartwrenching, with a focus on character development and emotional depth.
If you liked Love in the Afternoon, here are the top 100 books to read next:
(We also have 100 recommendations for the series: The Hathaways)
- #1
In "The Devil in Winter," part of the Wallflowers series by Lisa Kleypas, the story revolves around Evangeline Jenner, a shy and timid young woman who proposes a marriage of convenience to the notorious rake, Lord St. Vincent. As their relationship develops, they both discover their true feelings for each other amidst family drama and societal expectations. The book explores themes of redemption, love, and self-discovery, with a focus on the transformation of the characters as they navigate their unconventional relationship.
The writing style of "The Devil in Winter" is praised for its ability to portray the gradual development of affection between Evie and St. Vincent, capturing the emotional depth of their characters. Readers appreciate the engaging plot that combines romance, intrigue, and mystery, creating a compelling narrative that keeps them invested in the story until the end.
As Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent, stared at the young woman who had just barged her way into his London residence, it occurred to him that he might have tried to abduct the wrong heiress last week at St... - #2
'Ravishing the Heiress' in the Fitzhugh series by Sherry Thomas revolves around the emotional journey of Millie and Fitz in their arranged marriage. The story delves into the complexities of their relationship, including Fitz's past love, Isabelle, returning and the challenges they face in their marriage. The writing style is described as emotional, with flashbacks providing insight into the evolution of Millie and Fitz's relationship over the years.
Sometimes, as she lay in bed at night, she thought of falling in love, in the ways of a Jane Austen novel—her mother did not allow her to read the Brontës. Love, it seemed to her, was a result born of... - #3
In "When a Scot Ties the Knot" by Tessa Dare, Madeline Gracechurch invents a fictional Scottish suitor, Captain Logan MacKenzie, to avoid her first season in London. She writes letters to him for years until she decides to fake his death and retreat to a castle in Scotland. However, her fictional suitor becomes a reality when the real Captain Logan MacKenzie shows up, determined to marry her. As they navigate their desires and begin to fall in love, the story unfolds with humor, romance, and a touch of fantasy.
Maddie was, by nature, an observer. She knew how to fade into the background, be it drawing-room wallpaper, ballroom wainscoting, or the plastered-over stone of Lannair Castle. And she had a great d...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Castles Ever After ) - #4
'What I Did for a Duke' by Julie Anne Long is a historical romance set in Regency England, part of the Pennyroyal Green series. The story follows the relationship between an older, mature Duke of Falconbridge and a younger, intelligent, and independent woman, Genevieve Eversea. The book explores themes of revenge, love, forgiveness, wit, humor, and finding true love amidst societal expectations and personal growth. Readers praised the character-driven narrative, the slow-building romance between the hero and heroine, and the witty, humorous dialogues that add depth to the story.
From a deucedly awkward crouch between a birdbath and a shrubbery in the back garden of a Sussex manor house, Ian Eversea watched the silhouette of a woman pass tantalizingly once . . . twice . . . Ha... - #5
Slightly Dangerous is the final novel in the Bedwyn Series by Mary Balogh, focusing on the story of Wulfric, the Duke of Bewcastle, and the widowed Christine Derrick. The book explores the unlikely and captivating romance between the seemingly cold and authoritarian Wulfric and the lively schoolteacher Christine, with a talent for calamity. Balogh's writing style expertly weaves together a tale of complex characters, personal secrets, and unexpected connections, set away from the fashionable ton environment of London.
The plot unfolds at a house party where Wulfric and Christine meet, initially appearing as polar opposites but gradually revealing a powerful attraction and a meeting of minds. As their relationship develops, Christine brings joy and spontaneity into Wulfric's life, while he provides her with a sense of companionship and freedom from past pain. Balogh pays tribute to Pride and Prejudice in this novel, blending familiar character dynamics with a refreshing twist, creating a compelling and heartwarming story of love and self-discovery.
YOUR CHEEKS ARE LOOKING ALARMINGLY FLUSHED, Christine,” her mother remarked, setting her embroidery down in her lap the better to observe her daughter. “And your eyes are very bright. I hope you are n... - #6
'It Happened One Autumn' is the second book in the 'Wallflowers' series by Lisa Kleypas. The story follows the headstrong American heiress, Lillian Bowman, as she navigates the English society in search of a titled husband. The plot revolves around the clash between Lillian and the proud British aristocrat, Lord Westcliff, as they find themselves drawn to each other despite their initial dislike. The book is filled with amusing banter, steamy encounters, scandalous secrets, and unexpected twists, making it a delightful and entertaining historical romance read. Kleypas's writing style captures the tension, humor, and sensuality between the characters, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
“T he Bowmans have arrived,” Lady Olivia Shaw announced from the doorway of the study, where her older brother sat at his desk amid stacks of account books. The late afternoon sun streamed through the...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Wallflowers ) - #7
Cold-Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas is the first book in The Ravenels series, set in the late 19th century. The story follows Devon Ravenel, a charmingly wicked bachelor who inherits an earldom with a lot of debt and complications. Sparks fly between Devon and the beautiful widow, Kathleen Lady Trenear, amidst family dynamics and societal restrictions. The plot unfolds with a mix of romance, societal challenges, and character growth, all set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society.
“Obviously the horse found him as insufferable as I did.” Devon paced around the receiving room in restless, abbreviated strides. “If Theo hadn’t already broken his damned neck, I’d like to go and bre... - #8
In "Romancing the Duke," Izzy Goodnight, a penniless and determined heroine, inherits a castle from her godfather, only to find the brooding and disfigured Duke of Rothbury, Ransom, still in residence. As the two clash over ownership of the castle, their mutual attraction grows, leading to a romance filled with humor, emotion, and sparring that defies their initial impressions of each other. The story unfolds with elements of fairy tales, humor, and a touch of realism, as Izzy and Ransom navigate their individual traumas and ultimately find love in a unique and entertaining way.
Because the name Isolde Ophelia Goodnight also suggested romance. Swooning, star-crossed, legendary romance. And for as long as she could remember, Izzy had been waiting—with dwindling faith and incre... - #9
'The Duke and I' by Julia Quinn is a historical romance novel that follows the story of Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. The book explores themes of manipulation, misunderstandings, and the complexities of relationships in early 19th-century England. The plot revolves around Daphne's desire for love and Simon's reluctance to marry due to his past trauma, leading to a fake engagement that turns into a genuine love story. The writing style of the book is described as witty, humorous, and engaging, with well-developed characters and entertaining dialogues that bring the story to life.
The Bridgertons are by far the most prolific family in the upper echelons of society. Such industriousness on the part of the viscountess and the late viscount is commendable, although one can find on... - #10
"Marrying Winterborne" by Lisa Kleypas is a historical romance novel set in Victorian London. The story revolves around the relationship between Rhys Winterborne, a self-made wealthy businessman with a rough exterior, and Lady Helen Ravenel, an aristocratic woman facing financial difficulties. Despite their different backgrounds, they are drawn to each other, leading to a passionate and tender romance. The writing style is described as vivid and detailed, capturing the Victorian era's clothing, food, and societal norms.
Rhys returned his attention to the letter in front of him. Losing his temper was a luxury he rarely permitted himself, but for the past week he’d been invaded by a sullen gloom that weighted every tho...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Ravenels )