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Charming, witty, and refreshingly female-centric - Lady Derring Takes a Lover is a delightful start to a unique series. Come for the romance, stay for the found family and sparkling friendships!

If you liked Lady Derring Takes a Lover, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    The Perils of Pleasure - Pennyroyal Green by Julie Anne Long
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    A witty, energetic historical romance with a side of adventure and mystery - perfect if you want a fun, unconventional romp, even if the romance itself isn’t super intense.

    "The Perils of Pleasure" by Julie Anne Long is a historical romance novel in the Pennyroyal Green series, following the story of Colin Eversea and Madeline, who are brought together under unusual circumstances. Colin, a charming yet troubled man, is rescued from the gallows by Madeleine, a mysterious mercenary with a complex past. As they navigate dangerous situations and try to unravel a mystery, they find themselves falling in love despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The plot is filled with clever twists and turns, combining elements of romance and mystery in a light-hearted yet engaging writing style that keeps readers invested in the characters' journey.

    Of all the myriad ways Colin Eversea could have met his demise—drowning in the Ouse at the age of six, for instance, or plummeting from the trellis leading up to Lady Malmsey’s bedroom window some twe...
    January 2008
    407 pages

  2. #2

    What I Did for a Duke - Pennyroyal Green by Julie Anne Long
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    A witty, emotionally rich Regency romance sparkling with heart, humor, and sizzling chemistry - especially for fans of mature, slow-burn love stories. A modern classic of the genre.

    'What I Did for a Duke' by Julie Anne Long is a historical romance set in Regency England, part of the Pennyroyal Green series. The story follows the relationship between an older, mature Duke of Falconbridge and a younger, intelligent, and independent woman, Genevieve Eversea. The book explores themes of revenge, love, forgiveness, wit, humor, and finding true love amidst societal expectations and personal growth. Readers praised the character-driven narrative, the slow-building romance between the hero and heroine, and the witty, humorous dialogues that add depth to the story.

    From a deucedly awkward crouch between a birdbath and a shrubbery in the back garden of a Sussex manor house, Ian Eversea watched the silhouette of a woman pass tantalizingly once . . . twice . . . Ha...
    February 2011
    387 pages

  3. #3

    How the Marquess Was Won - Pennyroyal Green by Julie Anne Long
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    Snappy, witty, and full of charm: a delightful Regency romance for anyone who loves smart banter and irresistible chemistry. Not flawless, but definitely a series highlight!

    '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.

    It wasn’t unusual to see a man stagger into or out of the Pig & Thistle, Pennyroyal Green’s pub. Nor was it unusual for the entrance door to fly open hard enough to bounce against the wall. After all,...
    December 2011
    388 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Pennyroyal Green )

  4. #4
    A Night to Surrender
    by: 
    Book 1 in the series:Spindle Cove

    A Night to Surrender - Spindle Cove by Tessa Dare
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    A fun, frothy Regency romp with heart and humor - great for romance fans who want escapist, feel-good fun, but might not wow those hoping for more historical depth or tension.

    'A Night to Surrender' by Tessa Dare is a historical romance set in Spindle Cove, England, where unconventional ladies find refuge from society's expectations. The story follows the leader of Spindle Cove, Susanna Finch, who is determined to keep the village free of unruly men. When Lieutenant Colonel Bramwell arrives, wounded from war and tasked with forming a local militia, sparks fly between him and Susanna. The book explores themes of personal growth, humor, passion, and the battle of the sexes in Regency England, all while delivering a heartwarming romance with witty banter and steamy scenes.

    Bram shifted his weight to his good leg, feeling the stab to his pride. He was a lieutenant colonel in the British army, and at over six feet tall, he was said to cut an imposing figure. Typically, a...
    August 2011
    423 pages

  5. #5

    I Kissed an Earl - Pennyroyal Green by Julie Anne Long
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    Not the series’ absolute best, but a rollicking, high-stakes romance with genuine character arcs and plenty of charm - great for adventurous romance readers who appreciate a heroine’s journey from naive to gutsy.

    'I Kissed an Earl' by Julie Anne Long follows the story of Violet Redmond as she embarks on a journey to find her brother Lyon and protect him from the Earl of Ardmay's pursuit for alleged piracy. The plot unfolds slowly at first but picks up momentum, leading to an exciting and captivating storyline. The characters, especially Violet, are depicted as coming from privileged backgrounds, with Violet being portrayed as somewhat spoiled and used to getting her way. The novel delves into themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice as Violet and her love interest, Flint Asher, navigate their feelings and the challenges they face.

    The writing style in 'I Kissed an Earl' is described as engaging and humorous, with readers praising the development of the romance between Violet and Flint Asher. Despite some initial reservations about the pacing of the plot, the book is commended for its ability to draw readers in with its charming and entertaining narrative.

    Miss Violet Redmond peered over the top of her fan at the newly minted Earl of Ardmay and issued this verdict to three people: the lovely blonde Hart sisters, Millicent and Amy, who breathlessly hung...
    June 2010
    384 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Pennyroyal Green )

  6. #6

    A Notorious Countess Confesses - Pennyroyal Green by Julie Anne Long
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    A warm, character-rich romance with heart, humor, and a memorable vicar-hero - despite editing niggles and some small-town stubbornness, it’s a cozy, rewarding read for historical romance lovers.

    In "A Notorious Countess Confesses" by Julie Anne Long, the story revolves around Evie Duggan, an ex-courtesan seeking acceptance in Pennyroyal Green. With the help of Reverend Adam Sylvaine, Evie attempts to integrate into the community despite her scandalous past. The book explores themes of redemption, acceptance, and the complexities of relationships, all set in a historical romance backdrop. The narrative is filled with emotional depth, character growth, and a touch of humor, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre.

    She was confident no one would ever expect to find her in a church. After all, it was too late to save her soul. It was as black, they said, as the widow’s weeds she’d shed with the same unseemly hast...
    October 2012
    384 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Pennyroyal Green )

  7. #7

    It Started With a Scandal - Pennyroyal Green by Julie Anne Long
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    A quietly dazzling, heartfelt romance that’s all about chemistry, emotional healing, and slow burn satisfaction. Recommended for fans of bittersweet longing, witty banter, and swoony-but-realistic historical love stories.

    'It Started With a Scandal' in the Pennyroyal Green series by Julie Anne Long is a captivating romance novel that follows the story of Elise Fountain, a fiercely protective mother and former teacher, who becomes the housekeeper for Lord Philippe Lavay. Despite their different stations and societal expectations, Elise and Philippe are drawn to each other, leading to a slow-burning and tender romance. The book is praised for its well-developed characters, witty banter, and skillful depiction of unrequited love and personal growth.

    “IN LIGHT OF YOUR . . . circumstances . . . Mrs. Fountain, I’m certain you’re aware that it is a bit unusual for you to be granted an interview at all. But this is an exceptional . . . situation . . ....
    March 2015
    385 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Pennyroyal Green )

  8. #8
    The Duchess Deal
    by: 
    Book 1 in the series:Girl Meets Duke

    The Duchess Deal - Girl Meets Duke by Tessa Dare
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    An irresistibly funny, warm-hearted historical romance with a swoony scarred hero, a heroine you’ll root for, and sparkling chemistry. A perfect pick-me-up if you want joy, charm, and a dash of steam!

    In "The Duchess Deal" by Tessa Dare, Emma, a seamstress in dire need of payment for a bridal gown, barges into the Duke of Ashbury's residence. The Duke, scarred and reclusive after a war injury, proposes a marriage of convenience to solve both their problems. As they navigate their unconventional relationship, they find themselves falling in love amidst witty banter and heartwarming interactions. The plot unfolds at a good pace, blending humor, romance, and light-heartedness, with side characters adding depth and entertainment to the story. The writing style is witty, engaging, and filled with delightful interactions between the characters.

    She swallowed hard. She could do this. Once, she’d walked to London alone in the bitter heart of winter. She’d refused to succumb to despair or starvation. She’d found work and made a new life for her...
    August 2017
    389 pages

  9. #9

    A Lady Awakened - Blackshear Family by Cecilia Grant
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    A Lady Awakened is a refreshingly original, slow-burn Regency romance with thoughtful character development and subtle humor. It’s not your typical bodice ripper, but if you have patience for prickly heroines and nuanced relationships, consider it your next favorite historical!

    In "A Lady Awakened," a recent widow, Martha, must urgently produce an heir to her late husband's estate to prevent it from falling into the hands of his predatory brother. To accomplish this, she enlists the help of Theo Mirkwood, a charming but irresponsible lordling, to impregnate her. As Martha and Theo navigate their unconventional arrangement, they undergo personal growth and transformation, leading to a deepening bond and unexpected romance. The book explores themes of duty, sacrifice, redemption, and the complexities of relationships against the backdrop of Regency England.

    Martha sat straighter in her chair, smoothing her black skirts. One’s conduct might owe more to principle than to sentiment at times, admittedly. But principle could be relied upon. Principle steadied...
    December 2011
    369 pages

  10. #10
    Wicked Intentions
    Book 1 in the series:Maiden Lane

    Wicked Intentions - Maiden Lane by Elizabeth Hoyt
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    A unique, gritty, and steamy start to the Maiden Lane series - packed with drama, darkness, and unconventional romance. Not your typical historical, but perfect if you love your love stories with a side of suspense and edge!

    'Wicked Intentions' by Elizabeth Hoyt is set in 18th century London and follows the story of Temperance Dew, a widow who assists her brother in running a charitable orphanage on a tight budget. When they lose their financial backing, Lord Caire, a notorious rake searching for the murderer of his mistress, strikes a deal with Temperance to introduce him to potential financial backers in exchange for his help in guiding him through London's slums. weaves together romance, mystery, and exploration of societal issues, set against a backdrop of the dark and dangerous streets of London.

    They were coming to a turn in the alley, and Temperance thought she saw light up ahead. She held her lantern high and gripped the ancient pistol in her other hand a little tighter. The weapon was heav...
    2010
    416 pages

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