Books Like...

'The Bachelor's Valet' in the series 'Flos Magicae' by author Arden Powell is a charming historical romance set in an alternate 1920s era London with a touch of magic. The narrative follows Alphonse, a gentle and naive character who is content with his bachelorhood until his overbearing mother arranges a marriage for him. As Alphonse navigates his future and realizes his true feelings for his valet, Jacobi, readers are taken on a heartwarming journey filled with friendship, love, and self-discovery. The writing style is described as funny, charming, and queer, with a focus on character development and a nostalgic yet imaginative world.

The Botanist's Apprentice by Arden Powell is a whimsical novella set in a world where magic and magical studies coexist. The story follows the journey of Eli Katz, a young enthusiast with a passion for researching deadly plants, who forms a partnership with Mr. Robert Lord Harding, a lonely botanist with a well-known greenhouse. As their relationship develops, they navigate through a world filled with unexpected moments, chills, and a touch of romance, all intertwined with the vivid and colorful descriptions of magical flora.

Powell's writing style beautifully incorporates magic into the storyline, showcasing a unique blend of real and imagined magical fauna. The characters, especially Eli Katz, are portrayed with intense passion and grounded in their beliefs, making them relatable and engaging for readers. The novella offers a cozy and sweet narrative that leaves readers wanting more of the enchanting world created by the author.

The Butterfly by Victoria Vale is a heart-wrenching tale of love, resilience, and overcoming adversity. The story follows the journey of Olivia and Niall, childhood sweethearts separated by social barriers and reunited through tragedy. Through well-placed flashbacks, readers witness their love story unfold amidst obstacles, trauma, and eventual triumph. The writing style weaves past and present seamlessly, creating a captivating narrative that explores themes of love, support, and the strength to overcome even the darkest of circumstances.

Olivia's transformation from a broken woman to a strong character, with the unwavering love and patience of Niall, forms the core of the book. The plot delves into Olivia's harrowing experiences, including rape, imprisonment, and addiction, highlighting her journey towards reclaiming her life. The Butterfly is a poignant and engaging story that showcases the power of love, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of unimaginable challenges.

His Valet by S.M. LaViolette is an erotic historical romance set in 19th century England. The story revolves around Stephen Chatham, a man who is attracted to his valet, Jo Leather, who has been raised as a boy. Jo secretly harbors feelings for Stephen and disguises herself as Josephine, a prostitute, to get closer to him. As their erotic encounters deepen, Stephen grapples with his growing feelings for Jo while navigating issues of identity and deception.

LaViolette’s writing style is bold and provocative, pushing boundaries within the historical romance genre. The narrative incorporates themes of gender identity, with Jo embodying a genderqueer character swimming against the societal norms of her time. The plot is enriched with steamy scenes that explore BDSM and voyeurism, making it an engaging read for fans of erotic romance. The characters are well developed, and their intricate relationships create a captivating story that blends desire and emotional complexity.

In "The Last Kiss" by Sally Malcolm, readers are transported to post-World War I Britain where Captain Ash Dalton and his batman, Harry West, navigate the aftermath of the war and the strict class constraints that keep them apart. The story beautifully intertwines historical accuracy with a poignant romance that blossoms amidst the brutality of war and societal expectations. The writing style is described as lush and lyrical, evoking deep emotions and painting a vivid picture of the era, making readers feel like they are living in the pages of the book.

Set in the Regency era, "Band Sinister" by K.J. Charles follows siblings Guy and Amanda Frisby as they navigate their secluded country life due to past family scandals. When Amanda breaks her leg on the property of the scandalous neighbor, Sir Philip Rookwood, both siblings find themselves entangled in unexpected romances. The story primarily focuses on Guy and Philip's relationship, while also exploring themes of consent, personal boundaries, and societal condemnation. The writing style is described as charming, funny, and trope-filled, with a strong emphasis on explicit consent and creating safe spaces with loved ones.

'Listen to the Moon' by Rose Lerner is a historical romance novel that delves into the lives of the servant class, focusing on the characters of Sukey Grimes, a poor maid, and John Toogood, a polished man of the world. The book portrays a marriage of convenience between the two characters, exploring their emotional baggage, relationship dynamics, and struggles with age gap and past traumas. The writing style is described as realistic, with meticulous research and attention to detail in historical settings, providing a refreshing change from typical aristocratic romances.

'The Henchmen of Zenda' by K.J. Charles is a thrilling adventure with romantic elements that follows the cunning narrator, Jasper Detchard, as he navigates a world of plots and schemes to help his friend and mistress, Toni. Set in the quest to dethrone a king, the story is full of action, loyalty, and moral ambiguity, all told through Jasper's sharp and cynical perspective. The book cleverly weaves together elements of heroism, double-crossing, and swashbuckling action, creating a captivating and eventful narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

When Daniel returns from exile after shooting and maiming Hugh in a duel, he meets Anne Wynter, the governess for his nieces. Anne too is fleeing her past when she was seduced and scarred a gentleman while protecting herself. As both protagonists are drawn to each other, danger also follows him, but each one isn't sure whose past is coming back on them or if both will survive the revenge. A Night Like This explores their growing relationship as circumstances, and madmen, try to keep them apart. The book delves into the forbidden, cross-class romance between Daniel and Anne, filled with excitement, entertainment, and suspense, as they navigate their feelings amidst danger lurking around them.