Books Like...

'The Lotus Palace' by Jeannie Lin is a historical romance mystery set in Tang dynasty China, featuring complex and nuanced characters. The story revolves around Yue ying, a former child sex worker, who is determined to save her sister from being wrongly convicted of a crime. The book weaves together a captivating murder mystery with a slow-building romance between Yue ying and nobleman Bai Huang, set against a backdrop of richly detailed historical setting peopled with diverse characters. The writing style immerses the reader in a forgotten time, bringing to life the world of courtesans and scholars in Tang Dynasty China with vivid descriptions of the era's cultural details.

The Jade Temptress is a historical romance set in Tang Dynasty China, focusing on the complex relationship between the famous courtesan Mingyu and the constable Wu Kaifeng. The book intricately weaves together elements of romance, mystery, and societal constraints, showcasing the struggles and growth of the main characters as they navigate their careers and feelings for each other. The story is set in the historical pleasure district of Pingkang Li, where Mingyu's job involves hosting and entertaining, while Kaifeng is determined to solve a murder investigation involving Mingyu. The writing style is described as elegant and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the characters and their world.

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.

'Under Heaven' by Guy Gavriel Kay is a historical fantasy novel set in a fictionalized version of Medieval China, specifically the Tang Dynasty. The story follows Shen Tai, a man who buries the bones of soldiers from both sides of a battle, leading to a gift of 250 prized horses that sets off a chain of events involving court intrigue, politics, and personal dilemmas. The writing style is described as beautiful, with intricate world-building, complex characters, and a focus on themes of duty, honor, and the consequences of one's actions.

Readers rave about 'The Hidden Moon' in 'The Pingkang Li Mysteries' series by Jeannie Lin for its captivating blend of murder, mystery, and forbidden love set in Tang dynasty China. The author, Jeannie Lin, skillfully weaves historical facts with romance, creating a compelling mystery with beautifully evoked history and a skillfully woven romance. The book follows the story of Wei Wei, a fierce and loyal scholar from a wealthy family, who falls for Gao, a street thug with survival skills. Their relationship blossoms amidst a murder mystery that unfolds in a vividly described setting of palaces, mountains, and poetry.

A Caribbean Heiress in Paris is a unique historical romance that takes readers on a journey through different locations such as Paris and Scotland. The book introduces diverse and fleshed out characters, including a strong and independent heroine from the Caribbean and a charming hero from Scotland. The plot revolves around a marriage of convenience between the main characters, Luz Alana and Evan, as they navigate challenges related to their businesses and personal lives. The writing style is described as lush, authentic, and creative, with the author skillfully addressing themes like misogyny, racism, and slavery in a historical setting.

Set during the American Civil War, "An Extraordinary Union" follows the story of Elle Burns, a former slave turned Union spy, who goes undercover in the household of a Confederate Senator. There, she meets Malcolm McCall, a soldier who is also a Union spy. As they navigate their dangerous mission, their relationship develops amidst the tension and conflict of the war. The book explores themes of espionage, interracial relationships, and the complexities of identity during a tumultuous period in American history. The writing style blends romance and historical fiction, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of the characters as they navigate their roles in a divided nation.

The Hidden Blade by Sherry Thomas is a YA historical adventure novel that follows the parallel stories of two young protagonists, Ying Ying and Leighton Atwood, set in 19th-century England and China. Ying Ying, a half-breed Chinese girl, is taken under the wing of her martial arts master Amah after her mother's death, while Leighton, a British boy, escapes the cruelty of his uncle to seek out his father's friend Herb. The book weaves together themes of love, heroism, martial arts training, and coming of age, creating a captivating narrative with elements of romance and adventure. The writing style is praised for its beautiful prose, intricate character development, and engaging storytelling, making it a memorable read that sets the stage for the follow-up book, My Beautiful Enemy.

My Beautiful Enemy by Sherry Thomas is a historical romance novel that follows the fated connection between Catherine Blade and Leighton Atwood. The story spans continents and time, delving into their pasts, misunderstandings, and eventual reunion in England. The book weaves together themes of love, loss, destiny, and political intrigue, set against the backdrop of 1880's and 1890's China and England.

'The Gaucho's Lady' by Genevieve Turner is a historical romance set in early 1900s Argentina and California. The story follows the journey of Eliana, a rich heiress from Argentina, who escapes an arranged marriage by pretending to be in a fake relationship with Juan, a Mexican American gaucho. As they travel from Argentina to California, Eliana learns about suffrage, women's rights, and worker's rights, while staying at radical women's communes along the way. explores themes of freedom, love, and empowerment as Eliana transitions from a sheltered heiress to a woman who takes control of her own destiny.