Books Like...
The Rakess by Scarlett Peckham is a historical romance novel that follows the story of the strong and sensual heroine, Seraphina, and the architect, Adam. The novel explores their complicated and steamy relationship, touching on sensitive topics such as grief, loss, addiction, and empowerment. Despite the ups and downs in their journey, the book delves into the complexities of their characters and the challenges they face, leading to a resolution that may not address all concerns but focuses on making the relationship work.
If you liked The Rakess, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
The Lord I Left is a slow burn romance that follows the journey of Alice and Henry as they navigate their differences and familial expectations. Alice, a bold and talented woman, and Henry, a kind but repressed man, form a deep connection on a road trip filled with challenges and self-discovery. Scarlett Peckham's writing style beautifully portrays the evolving relationship between the characters, exploring themes of faith, desires, and love amidst societal constraints.
The London morning smelled of smoke and had the look of a sketch crudely rendered in blunt charcoal. Icy sludge dripped from sodden eaves into the rivulets of muck that passed for streets, sloshing He...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Secrets of Charlotte Street ) - #2
'The Duke I Tempted' by Scarlett Peckham is a historical romance set in the mid-eighteenth century, focusing on the relationship between Archer, a duke, and Poppy, an independent botanist nursery owner. The story revolves around secrets Archer is keeping about his past and his sexuality, as well as Poppy's desire for independence and success in her business. As they navigate their desires for themselves and each other, the tale unfolds with compelling interactions and interesting secondary characters.
The book explores themes of independence, desire, secrets, and the complexities of relationships in a historical setting. The writing style is described as emotional, engaging, and well-paced, with a twist on the typical regency romance tropes, making it a slow but steady literary romance that delves into themes of kink and character exploration.
“Bloody codding hell,” Archer Stonewell, the Duke of Westmead, murmured to the midnight darkness of his deserted counting-house. Beside him a lone wax candle flickered and went out, as if in sympathy.... - #3
The Suffragette Scandal by Courtney Milan is a historical romance novel set in 1877, focusing on the characters of Free Marshall and Edward. Free is a suffragette and a newspaper owner, fighting for women's rights and social justice. Edward, a reluctant hero with a dark past, joins forces with Free to protect her from her adversary James Delacey. As they work together, Edward's secrets unravel, revealing his tortured past and the complexities of his character. The book explores themes of loyalty, love, and resilience against societal norms, with a backdrop of suffragette movements and personal struggles.
The story of The Suffragette Scandal is a blend of romance, historical context, and character development. Courtney Milan intricately weaves a tale of two individuals navigating a world that challenges their beliefs and identities. Through witty banter, steamy encounters, and unexpected revelations, Free and Edward's journey unfolds against a backdrop of societal expectations and personal growth, culminating in a poignant exploration of love and self-discovery.
It was one thing to do a man a favor. It was another entirely to take it this far—for Edward to shoulder his way through the shouting crowd on the banks of the river, jostling with other men for posit...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Brothers Sinister ) - #4
Set in New York City's Gilded Age, "The Prince of Broadway" by Joanna Shupe follows the forbidden love story between an uptown girl, Florence Greene, and a downtown boy, Clayton Madden. Florence, a risk-taker and gambler, defies societal norms by aspiring to open a casino for women. Seeking mentorship, she approaches Clayton, the owner of a successful gambling house, unaware of his hidden revenge plans against her father. As their attraction grows, Clayton must choose between his thirst for revenge and his feelings for Florence, leading to a complex and passionate relationship. The book is described as a historical romance with sensual scenes, intriguing side characters, and a unique take on the traditional happy ending.
Clayton Madden stood in a back room inside his casino, scowling at the man kneeling on the carpet. Tears and snot leaked all over the man’s face, his pleas for mercy echoing off the bare plaster walls...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Uptown Girls ) - #5
'Unclaimed' by Courtney Milan follows the unconventional romance between Jessica Farleigh, a courtesan seeking to leave her past behind, and Sir Mark, England's famous virgin. The story features a role reversal where Jessica is the one pursuing Mark for a cash reward, but unexpectedly finds herself falling for him. The plot delves into themes of societal expectations, gender roles, and personal growth, all wrapped in Courtney Milan's signature witty and engaging writing style. Readers are taken on a journey filled with political rivalries, unexpected romance, and thought-provoking dialogues on femininity and sexuality.
The uneven glass of the taproom window obscured the tableau unfolding across the street. Not that she would have been able to see anything, even had she been standing in the muck of the road. After a...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Turner ) - #6
'Bombshell' by Sarah MacLean is part of the 'Hell's Belles' series and follows the story of Sesily and Caleb, who are part of a group of women working together to bring down society's worst men. The book is filled with intrigue, strong female characters, witty dialogue, and steamy love scenes. The plot revolves around the Hell's Belles, a Victorian girl gang that can solve problems for a price, and the relationships that develop between them and the men who hire them.
Lady Sesily Talbot stood behind the refreshment table at the Duchess of Trevescan’s autumn ball, contemplating the teeming mass of aristocrats and happily commentating for her friend and hostess. Inde... - #7
A Gentleman Undone is a captivating tale of emotional scars and blighted characters finding solace in each other. The story follows Will Blackshear, a Waterloo veteran burdened with guilt, who falls in love with Lydia Slaughter, a courtesan emotionally scarred by her past. The book delves into the complexities of their relationship, where Lydia's boldness and sexual aggression clash with Will's nobility and desire for emotional connection. Cecilia Grant's writing style is described as raw, earthy, and explicit, reflecting Lydia's belief in unworthiness and self-punishment through rough, impersonal sex.
The plot unfolds with Lydia's dark secrets being revealed, showcasing her vulnerability and desperate attempts to expunge her guilt over her parents' death. As Will and Lydia navigate their passionate romance filled with sizzling sexual tension, they must confront societal double standards and personal demons. The book explores themes of survival, reinvention, and acceptance, portraying Lydia and Will's journey towards healing and self-discovery amidst a backdrop of societal constraints and personal struggles.
Will leaned on one elbow and rested his cheek on his palm, a careless posture that suggested supreme confidence in his play while also allowing him to peer round the fellow opposite and get a better v...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Blackshear Family ) - #8
'The Duke Gets Even' in the series 'The Fifth Avenue Rebels' by author Joanna Shupe follows the story of Nellie Young, a strong, independent woman who defies societal norms and vows never to marry. After a passionate encounter with a mysterious man who turns out to be the Duke of Lockwood, Nellie finds herself unable to resist the intense chemistry between them. The book delves into their affair filled with steamy moments, banter, and a deep emotional connection that challenges both characters' beliefs and desires. The writing style captures the high-spirited romp of the Gilded Age elite, showcasing a different perspective on romance and relationships during that time period.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Fifth Avenue Rebels ) - #9
In "The Earl I Ruined," Lady Constance Stonewell ruins the reputation of the Earl of Apthorp, Julian Haywood, by exposing his secret at a crucial time. To rectify the situation, Constance proposes a fake engagement, not realizing Julian has been secretly in love with her for years. Their interactions are filled with misunderstandings, unrequited love, and a complex web of lies, leading them to discover their true feelings for each other amidst societal expectations and personal struggles. Scarlett Peckham's writing style is described as rich, lyrical, and absorbing, capturing the essence of unrequited love and the challenges of misconstrued intentions.
She flopped back against her vertiginous mound of feather pillows, annoyed to be wide-awake before her customary hour of high noon. A piece of paper came dislodged from the sleep-tangled mass of her h...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Secrets of Charlotte Street ) - #10
'Gilded Cage' by K.J. Charles is a historical mystery romance that follows the story of Susan and Templeton, childhood sweethearts who reunite after 17 years apart to clear Templeton of false criminal charges. The plot is filled with history, miscommunication, and unsaid feelings between the characters, leading them from friends to lovers and eventually enemies to lovers. The writing style is praised for its concise yet engaging narrative, well-drawn characters, and a gripping plot that keeps the readers hooked till the end.