Books Like...

The Dead Travel Fast by Deanna Raybourn is a gothic novel set in the Carpathian Mountains of Transylvania, following Theodora Lestrange as she embarks on a journey to write a novel. Encountering mysterious characters, legends of vampires and werewolves, and a murder at the castle, Theodora is torn between reality and folklore. The plot weaves a tale of romance and mystery, with a focus on the unconventional heroine's pursuit of independence and her evolving relationship with the enigmatic Count Andrei Dragulescu. The writing style is atmospheric and descriptive, immersing readers in the eerie and captivating setting while exploring themes of love, betrayal, and self-discovery.

Emme Walters, a woman with the ability to commune with spirits, is invited to Briarwood Hall by the Dowager Duchess to investigate the death of Rhys Brammel's wife. Rhys, the Duke of Briarleigh, is labeled as a murderer and skeptical of Emme's gift, but finds himself drawn to her innocence and beauty. As the mystery unfolds, Emme and Rhys navigate a mix of historical mystery, romance, and paranormal elements while unraveling dark secrets that threaten their safety.

Dark Season by Joanna Lowell is a historical romance novel set in old English times, filled with gothic, angsty writing and a slow-burn romance. The story revolves around Ella, a woman with epilepsy, and Isidore Blackwood, a man who is determined to protect those he cares about. The plot incorporates elements of mystery and psychological thriller, creating a tangled web of dark secrets and conflicts that keep the reader engaged. The author, Joanna Lowell, stays true to the time period's writing style, making the reader feel immersed in the atmospheric and eerie setting of the story.

Set in New York City during the Guilded Age of the 1870s, "The Widow of Rose House" by Diana Biller follows Alva Webster, a young widow with a scandalous reputation, as she returns to the city to restore an abandoned and haunted mansion. Alva's plans are disrupted when her construction crew abandons the job due to ghostly sightings, leading her to seek help from Professor Samuel Moore, an inventor with his own interest in the house. As Alva and Sam work together to uncover the truth behind the haunting, a slow-burning romance develops between them, despite Alva's reluctance to trust again after her abusive marriage.

The book is praised for its rich historical setting, engaging storyline that combines romance, ghostly elements, and a slow-burning romance, and well-developed characters like Alva and Sam. The plot weaves together themes of restoration, haunted houses, and trust issues, creating a charming and endearing debut novel that captures the essence of the Guilded Age in New York City.

In "Dark Desires" by Eve Silver, the story follows Darcie Finch, a young woman in Victorian London who finds herself penniless and in desperate need of help. She seeks refuge with her sister, a madam in Whitechapel, who directs her to Dr. Damien Cole, an anatomist. As Darcie becomes Dr. Cole's assistant, she discovers a world of mystery and intrigue surrounding the doctor's work, all while a killer is on the loose in Whitechapel. The book weaves together elements of gothic romance, historical fiction, and murder mystery as Darcie navigates her new role and uncovers dark secrets.

The narrative is filled with suspense, romance, and a touch of the supernatural, keeping readers engaged as they follow Darcie's journey from the alleys of Whitechapel to the manor of Dr. Cole. The writing style delves into the complexities of the characters' pasts, their evolving relationships, and the eerie atmosphere of Victorian London, creating a compelling blend of genres that will appeal to fans of historical romance with a dark twist.

"The Bride Finder" by Susan Carroll is a historical romance with paranormal elements, focusing on the marriage between Madeline Breton and Anatole St. Leger. Anatole, a man with special abilities, has been hiding from the world and seeks a bride through the Bride Finder. Despite initial misunderstandings and mysterious forces at play, Madeline and Anatole fall in love. The story weaves together themes of supernatural powers, curses, misunderstandings, and a haunting vision of murder, creating a tale of romance, mystery, and suspense set in a gothic castle in Cornwall.

In "Jane Steele" by Lyndsay Faye, readers are introduced to Jane Steele, a complex and fascinating character whose life mirrors that of Jane Eyre. However, unlike the original Jane, Jane Steele is a murderess who takes matters into her own hands to right the wrongs she encounters. Set in Victorian England, the book follows Jane as she navigates through hardships, mysterious circumstances, and dangerous situations, all while maintaining a sense of wit and humor. Faye expertly weaves elements of gothic mystery, historical background, and character development into a captivating story that pays homage to the classic novel while adding unique twists and turns.

The narrative of "Jane Steele" is a dark retelling of Jane Eyre, with a vengeful feminist twist that sets it apart from traditional adaptations. Faye's writing style combines elements of typical Victorian storytelling with modern sensibilities, creating a compelling blend of mystery, wit, culture, and suspense. Through Jane Steele's journey, the book explores themes of justice, resilience, and the complexities of female identity in a time when women faced significant challenges. The novel's engaging plot, well-developed characters, and unexpected plot twists make it a captivating read that offers a fresh perspective on a beloved classic.

"Maybe This Time" by Jennifer Crusie follows Andie Miller, a young woman who has been divorced from her ex-husband, North Archer, for ten years. When Andie meets with North to return uncashed alimony checks and inform him of her intention to remarry, she is actually seeking closure. North convinces Andie to help him evaluate two young orphans under his care, leading Andie to the family home where she encounters ghosts, falls in love with the children, and reconsiders her feelings for North. The story combines elements of romance, paranormal occurrences, and a touch of humor, with a focus on Andie's evolving relationships with North and the children.

"The Learning Curve" by Melissa Nathan is a charming and heartwarming novel that follows the story of Nicky Hobbs, a teacher at a London school, as she navigates through miscommunications and confusion in both her professional and personal life. The plot centers around Nicky's interactions with her students, particularly Oscar Samuels, whose father, Mark Samuels, becomes a significant part of her life. The book delves into themes of love, relationships, and balancing career and personal life, with a touch of humor and romance. The writing style is engaging, with relatable characters and a plot that keeps the readers entertained.

The story unfolds with Nicky trying to reform Mark as a father while dealing with her own feelings for him. As the plot progresses, the dynamics between the characters evolve, leading to a complicated yet endearing romance. Despite some initial slow pacing, the book captures the readers' attention with its believable characters, romantic tension, and moments of humor. Drawing parallels to Jane Austen's works, "The Learning Curve" offers a modern take on classic themes of love and self-discovery, making it an enjoyable and engaging read.