Books Like...

'The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes' in the series 'The Queer Principles of Kit Webb' by Cat Sebastian follows the captivating tale of Marian, a straight-laced and scarred heroine, and Rob, a chaos bisexual with a heart of gold. The story delves into their unconventional romance that blossoms from blackmail to genuine connection through letters, leading to a real and tender relationship. With poignant social commentary, crackling wit, and a touch of scheming and thievery, the book offers a refreshing and immersive historical fiction escape.

The author skillfully weaves together themes of trauma, consent, and love, creating a charming and witty narrative that explores the complexities of relationships and personal growth. The dialogue between Marian and Rob is filled with banter, humor, and deep discussions, adding depth to their characters and enhancing the reader's connection to their story.

In "An Unnatural Vice," K.J. Charles continues the "Sins of the Cities" series with a gripping tale of mystery and romance set in Victorian London. The book follows the complex relationship between Nathaniel Roy, a gay investigative journalist, and Justin Lazarus, a fraudulent medium with a haunting past. As Nathaniel tries to expose Justin's deceitful practices, their lives become intertwined in a dangerous game of deception and desire. The writing style expertly weaves together elements of romance, mystery, and historical detail, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The story delves into themes of trust, deception, and redemption as Nathaniel and Justin navigate a treacherous world of secrets and lies. The plot unfolds with a perfect blend of suspense and romance, drawing readers into a web of intrigue that culminates in a thrilling climax. With well-developed characters and a richly detailed Victorian setting, "An Unnatural Vice" immerses readers in a world where passion and danger collide, leaving them eager for the next installment in the series.

The Rakess by Scarlett Peckham is a historical romance novel that follows the story of the strong and sensual heroine, Seraphina, and the architect, Adam. The novel explores their complicated and steamy relationship, touching on sensitive topics such as grief, loss, addiction, and empowerment. Despite the ups and downs in their journey, the book delves into the complexities of their characters and the challenges they face, leading to a resolution that may not address all concerns but focuses on making the relationship work.

In At His Lady's Command, readers are taken on a journey through a steamy regency novella where a bodyguard, Captain Randall Denham, protects Lady Portia Butler, leading to a deep romance filled with passion and sacrifice. The book delves into themes of independence, societal expectations, and the complexities of relationships set against the backdrop of the Regency era. Through witty banter, scorching romance, and poignant moments, Nicola Davidson weaves a tale of love, loyalty, and overcoming societal constraints.

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.

Proper English by K.J. Charles is a historical romance novel set in the England World series, focusing on the characters Pat and Fen as they navigate a shooting party that turns into a larger house party with unexpected guests. The plot intertwines romance, mystery, and character development, with Pat and Fen forming a strong and believable connection amidst the backdrop of a murder investigation. The writing style is engaging and detailed, capturing the essence of the English spoken during the Victorian to Edwardian Era.

'Wild Rain' by Beverly Jenkins is a historical romance novel set in the American West in the mid-nineteenth century. The story follows the independent and strong-willed heroine, Spring Lee, who rescues Garrett McCray during a blizzard. Their initial encounter leads to a complex relationship filled with challenges stemming from their different backgrounds and outlooks on life. Through well-developed characters and authentic historical details, the book explores themes of love, independence, and personal growth, all set against the backdrop of the Wyoming Territory.

The Duke Who Didn't is a heartwarming romance set in the village of Wedgeford Downs, focusing on the blossoming relationship between Chloe Fong, an ambitious and independent woman with a passion for creating sauces, and Jeremy Wentworth, the Duke of Lansing who has been hiding his true identity. The book explores themes of second chances, friendship, and love, as Chloe and Jeremy navigate their feelings for each other amidst secrets and societal expectations. Courtney Milan's writing style is described as gentle, humorous, and engaging, with a focus on unique characters and a diverse community.

'A Seditious Affair' by K.J. Charles is a historical romance novel set in the Regency period, delving into the political unrest and social issues of the time. The book explores the relationship between two protagonists, Silas and Dominic, who come from different social backgrounds and political beliefs but find a deep connection and passion between them. The writing style is described as sharp, engaging, and immersive, providing a detailed backdrop of the historical period while intertwining a passionate love story.

The novella 'Her Every Wish' in the series 'The Worth Saga' by Courtney Milan follows the story of Daisy Whitlaw, a working-class woman striving for more in 19th-century England. With the help of a racially mixed young man named Crash, Daisy learns to believe in herself and pursue her dreams despite societal limitations and personal struggles. The book touches on themes of feminism, racial segregation, and personal growth, portraying a relationship that faces challenges due to their different upbringings and misunderstandings.

Milan's writing style is praised for its literate prose, complex character development, and attention to historical detail. The novella is described as a well-polished, standalone story that showcases Milan's ability to deliver a unique perspective in historical romance, focusing on the personal journey of the heroine rather than solely on the romance aspect.