Books Like...

'When He Was Wicked' in the 'Bridgertons' series by Julia Quinn tells the story of Francesca Bridgerton, a widow who finds herself drawn to her deceased husband's cousin, Michael Stirling. Despite their shared attraction, Francesca struggles with guilt and grief, while Michael has been in love with her for years. The book explores themes of love, loss, guilt, and second chances, set against the backdrop of historical romance. The writing style varies from the usual lighthearted tone of the series, delving into deeper, darker emotions and intimate moments.

'A Rogue of One's Own' by Evie Dunmore follows the story of Lucie, a dedicated suffragette who is determined to advance women's rights through her work in publishing. When Lucie puts together a consortium of rich women to buy a publishing house, she faces opposition from Lord Ballantine, who has his own plans for the business. Despite their conflicting goals, a complex romance develops between Lucie and Tristan, exploring themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and emotional growth. Set in the 1880 Victorian Era, the book delves into the struggles of women in society and their fight for equality, while also featuring a diverse cast of characters and addressing issues of societal norms and personal sacrifices.

In "A Lady Awakened," a recent widow, Martha, must urgently produce an heir to her late husband's estate to prevent it from falling into the hands of his predatory brother. To accomplish this, she enlists the help of Theo Mirkwood, a charming but irresponsible lordling, to impregnate her. As Martha and Theo navigate their unconventional arrangement, they undergo personal growth and transformation, leading to a deepening bond and unexpected romance. The book explores themes of duty, sacrifice, redemption, and the complexities of relationships against the backdrop of Regency England.

The Duke Who Didn't is a heartwarming romance set in the village of Wedgeford Downs, focusing on the blossoming relationship between Chloe Fong, an ambitious and independent woman with a passion for creating sauces, and Jeremy Wentworth, the Duke of Lansing who has been hiding his true identity. The book explores themes of second chances, friendship, and love, as Chloe and Jeremy navigate their feelings for each other amidst secrets and societal expectations. Courtney Milan's writing style is described as gentle, humorous, and engaging, with a focus on unique characters and a diverse community.

'The Perfect Rake' by Anne Gracie follows the story of Prudence Merridew, a strong and protective older sister who risks everything to safeguard her siblings from their abusive grandfather. When they encounter the charming and flirtatious Gideon, a rake with a vulnerable heart underneath his frivolous exterior, Prudence's world is turned upside down. As Prudence and Gideon navigate a slow-burn romance amidst dark pasts and challenging circumstances, they find themselves drawn to each other in a heartwarming and humorous tale that blends romance, humor, and emotional depth. The plot unfolds with a mix of witty banter, endearing characters, and moments of darkness and light, culminating in a charming and engaging regency romance.

In "The Devil Comes Courting," readers are introduced to Grayson Hunter, a biracial Black man facing racism in a white-controlled world, and Amelia Smith, an Asian woman struggling to find her identity in a society that tries to suppress her roots. The story follows their journey of healing and self-discovery as they come together to work on creating a Chinese telegraphic code in Shanghai. Set in the 1870s, the book beautifully weaves themes of grief, guilt, racism, and cultural identity, while also exploring the historical context of Western imperialism and the challenges faced by its victims.

'A Week to Be Wicked' by Tessa Dare follows the story of Minerva Highwood, a geologist, who persuades Viscount Colin Payne to fake an elopement with her to attend a geology conference in Scotland. As they embark on a road trip filled with adventures, their witty banter and growing attraction lead to a romantic and humorous journey. The writing style is described as witty, modernish romance with entertaining characters and a well-crafted romance plot that keeps the readers engaged.

When Annabelle Archer earns a place as one of the first women to study at Oxford in England in 1879, she encounters a group of early suffragettes and an insufferable duke who is not at all happy with his attraction to a commoner. The story revolves around their interactions, the societal expectations they face, and the development of their romance amidst the backdrop of the suffragette movement. The writing style is described as enthralling, with a good balance between serious themes of gender and class and the more lighthearted aspects of the story.

'Mr. Impossible' by Loretta Chase is an adventurous romance set in Egypt during the early 19th century. The story follows Lady Daphne Pembroke, a brilliant scholar posing as her brother to pursue her passion for ancient Egyptian writing. When her brother is kidnapped, she enlists the help of Rupert Carsington, a reckless and charming adventurer, to rescue him. Together, they embark on a thrilling journey filled with danger, intrigue, and romance. The book combines elements of humor, excitement, and historical mystery, creating a swashbuckling tale reminiscent of classic adventure films like 'The Mummy'.

In the book "Scandal in Spring" by Lisa Kleypas, Daisy Bowman, the youngest of the Wallflowers, is facing pressure from her father to find a husband or be forced into an unwanted marriage. Daisy's father gives her a time limit to secure a match, leading to an ultimatum that threatens her independence. As Daisy navigates this challenge, she finds herself drawn to Matthew Swift, a man she once despised but who has undergone a transformation that stirs unexpected feelings within her. The story unfolds with themes of family dynamics, romantic tension, and personal growth, set against the backdrop of historical romance and societal expectations.

The narrative in "Scandal in Spring" weaves together the individual journeys of Daisy and Matthew, exploring themes of love, forgiveness, and self-discovery. Through a series of engaging interactions and emotional revelations, the characters evolve and confront their pasts, leading to a climactic resolution that promises a satisfying conclusion to the Wallflowers series. Lisa Kleypas's writing style shines in this installment, blending humor, drama, and romance to create a compelling tale of love and redemption within the Regency era.