Books Like...

"His Forsaken Bride" in the Vawdrey Brothers series by Alice Coldbreath follows the story of Fenella, a simple country lady who is cruelly divorced by her husband and then rescued by Oswald, the spymaster and chief advisor to the king. Despite their unconventional match, as their relationship progresses, it becomes evident that they are indeed the perfect match, each complementing the other's flaws. The plot unfolds with intricate court intrigues, manipulations, and a slow-burn romance that challenges both characters to grow and face their pasts. The writing style of the book is described as having some issues with grammar and pacing, but the story itself is engaging and worth the read, with well-developed characters and a medieval setting in a fictional land.

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.

'Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake' by Sarah MacLean follows the story of Lady Calpurnia Hartwell, a wallflower who decides to break free from societal expectations and embarks on a journey to experience scandalous adventures. She enlists the help of Gabriel St. John, the Marquess of Ralston, and as they break the rules together, they find themselves falling in love. The plot revolves around Calpurnia's quest for self-discovery and empowerment, intertwined with a budding romance with Gabriel. The writing style is described as light, charming, and humorous, with engaging characters and witty banter that keeps readers entertained. is praised for its well-rounded characters, carefully crafted storyline, and the delightful escapism it offers to readers.

'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.

'How the Marquess Was Won' in the Pennyroyal Green series by Julie Anne Long is a historical romance novel that follows the story of Phoebe Vale, a schoolteacher, and Julian, Marquess Dryden. Phoebe finds herself entangled in a love triangle when she disrupts the plans of Lisbeth Redmond to win the love of Lord Julian Spencer. The book is praised for its witty banter, engaging characters, and a plot filled with humor, scandal, and passion. The writing style is described as breezy, romantic, and filled with delightful verbal acrobatics.

Elizabeth Hoyt's 'Lord of Darkness' in the 'Maiden Lane' series follows the journey of Margaret Megs Reading and Godric St. John, two characters who have faced significant personal losses and were forced into marriage years ago. The plot revolves around their attempts to connect and build a happy life together amidst past tragedies and dangers. The story is filled with complexity, danger, lies, and a mix of characters from previous books in the series, creating a rich and engaging narrative.

The book delves into themes of grief, love, and redemption as Megs and Godric navigate their past traumas and strive to find happiness and love with each other. The writing style is praised for its unconventional and flawed characters, compelling chemistry, multiple interconnected plotlines, spicy romance scenes, and detailed world-building set in Georgian England.

'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.

Helena was married off to Nicholas Morgan, Marquess of Harteford, since the marriage contract paid off her father's debts. But Helena is fascinated with Nicholas, who grew up in the slums, completely unaware of his true father. He escapes from his life as a climbing boy with the help of his mentor, Jeremiah Fines a shipping merchant. Nicholas begins a new life far from the horrors of his childhood. Now the head of the company, Nicholas also finds himself a peer upon the death of his father. He sees in Helena all that is good not just her looks but her good heart, and falls in love. But Nicholas because of the shame of his past, feels unworthy of his wife, especially after a disastrous wedding night. Determined to release her from the marriage, he tries to distance himself. Just as determined to win his affection, Helena follows her husband to a bawdy house and disguised as a doxy, seduces Nicholas. Now he has guilt added to the shame of his childhood and the things he did to survive. But there are thefts from the warehouse and he engages a detective, Ambrose Kent, to look into the matter. Dubbed the 'Merchant Marquess', Nicholas has learned to ignore the insults of society but Helena does not and defends Nicholas to both society and her father. Added there is an attack on Nicholas a ghost from the past and both he and Helena learn there can be no secrets if they want to build a life as partners they must share all. Nicholas, with Helena's faith in his goodness and love, realizes he will never again be a prisoner of the past.

Her Baseborn Bridegroom by Alice Coldbreath is a medieval historical romance that follows the story of Linnet, who was promised to marry the brother of the male main character, Mason. However, Mason ends up marrying her instead after being sent to break off the engagement. The book explores a marriage of convenience that develops into a heartfelt love story as Mason's feelings for Linnet grow. The writing style is described as sweet and wholesome, with a mix of gruff and caring characters, set in a medieval-esque fictional country.

'First Comes Marriage' in the 'Huxtable Quintet' series by Mary Balogh follows the story of Vanessa, a plain-looking but warm-hearted sister, who proposes to Elliott, a viscount, in order to protect her eldest sister's true love. Despite the initial motives not being based on love, Vanessa and Elliott develop great sexual chemistry that evolves into true love. highlights the family dynamics, the growth of the characters, and the journey of finding happiness and joy in the little things each day. The plot unfolds around Vanessa and Elliott navigating their marriage, dealing with misunderstandings, and discovering the beauty in each other.