Books Like...

Of all Gellis' many books, 'Masques of Gold' is a favorite among readers. The book is set in the time of King Stephen and delves into the world of guilds in London, providing a detailed and impeccably researched historical background. The plot revolves around the murder of a goldsmith who made King John's privy seal, leading to a story filled with intrigue, treason, passion, and betrayal that could potentially change the history of England.

Roberta Gellis skillfully combines suspense, romance, violence, and historical detail in 'Masques of Gold'. The book is praised for its ability to draw readers in from the first word, offering a wonderful trip to the Medieval era while presenting characters whose actions and thoughts are true to their time period. The novel is described as a fast-paced story of mystery and romance, set against the events leading to the signing of the Magna Carta by King John.

In "Knight of Desire" by Margaret Mallory, the story follows Lady Catherine Rayburn, a young widow who spied for the crown and provided information that led to her abusive husband's execution. On the same day, the king gives her castle and property to Sir William FitzAlan, a knight tasked with deciding Catherine's fate. William agrees to marry Catherine to save her from possible death, leading to a journey of learning to trust and love each other amidst deception, war, fear, and uncertainty. The book is set in medieval England and explores themes of trust, love, and overcoming past traumas.

In a bid to halt the fighting between border neighbor Lords Draven and Hugh, King Henry Plantagenet orders Hugh to hand over his most precious possession into Draven's care - his youngest daughter Emily. Emily, a pragmatic young woman, sees this as an opportunity to secure her freedom away from her overprotective father. As Emily resides under Draven's roof for a year as the king's ward, she is determined to entice the solemn and scarred Draven into marrying her, despite his vow to never wed. Draven, a warrior with a dark past, struggles to keep his distance from Emily, as he fights against his own nature that longs to claim her for his own.

The book "Master of Desire" by Kinley MacGregor is a historical romance novel that delves into the complex dynamics between the brooding hero Draven and the determined heroine Emily. Set in medieval times, the story follows their journey as they navigate a forced living arrangement under the king's orders, leading to an unexpected attraction and emotional turmoil as they both confront their past traumas and desires.

A Bed of Spices by Barbara Samuel is a historical romance set in 14th century Germany during The Black Death, focusing on the forbidden love story between Rica, a Catholic nobleman's daughter, and Solomon, a Jewish merchant's son aspiring to be a physician. The book delves into the societal constraints of the era, the impact of the plague, and the mistreatment of the Jewish population, all while exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the struggles faced by the characters in pursuing their desires against all odds.

"Keeper of the Dream" by Penelope Williamson is a medieval romance set in the early 12th century during a time of warfare between England and Wales. It follows the story of Raine, the illegitimate son of a Norman earl, and Arianna, a Welsh noblewoman, who are forced to marry for political reasons. The plot revolves around their tumultuous relationship, filled with clashes, misunderstandings, betrayals, and magical interventions. The author, Penelope Williamson, skillfully weaves together Welsh mysticism and lore with a real, believable love story, creating a captivating tale of destiny, love, and political intrigue.

The writing style in "Keeper of the Dream" is described as well-paced, engaging, and hard to put down once started. Readers praise the author for her ability to bring the characters to life, create a vivid historical setting, and deliver a captivating romance filled with passion, love, and complex relationships. The plot unfolds with numerous developments, misunderstandings, happy and tragic events, and a mix of mean and good characters, providing a rich and immersive reading experience for fans of historical romance.

"Come the Morning" by Shannon Drake is a historical romance novel set in the backdrop of Scottish Vikings. The story revolves around a strong-willed hero and heroine who are forced into a marriage by the king, despite their affections for others. As they navigate their complicated relationship, filled with conflict and rising sexual tension, they gradually learn to trust and love each other amidst political treachery, battles, and historical intrigue. The plot unfolds with rich, lively characters and factual ties to history, keeping readers engaged and immersed in the story.

"Uncommon Vows" by Mary Jo Putney is a medieval romance set in 1143 during the war between King Stephen and Matilda. The story follows Lady Meriel de Vere, a spirited young woman who gets lost in the royal forest and is taken prisoner by Adrian de Lancey, Baron Warfield. Adrian, seeking vengeance for his family's death, holds Meriel captive, eventually proposing marriage to her. explores themes of love, redemption, and religious beliefs, with a mix of historical background, romance, and intrigue.

Sin, the tortured hero of 'Born in Sin' by Kinley MacGregor, is a man haunted by his dark past and unworthy of love, until he is forced to marry a Scottish woman named Callie. The story unfolds as their relationship evolves from initial animosity to a deep and passionate love, set against the backdrop of political intrigue and personal redemption. The writing style is described as engaging, with a mix of heartbreak and love that captivates readers and keeps them invested in the characters' journey.

'For My Lady's Heart' by Laura Kinsale is a compelling medieval romance that follows the adventures of Melanthe and Ruck. The story is set in medieval England and France, with vivid descriptions of the time period. Melanthe, the female protagonist, is portrayed as a complex character with a dark past, making her behavior tough to like but understandable. The use of Middle English in the dialogue adds depth to the story, although some readers found it challenging to follow. The plot revolves around the evolving relationship between Melanthe and Ruck, exploring themes of survival, loyalty, and transformation.