Books Like...

'To Winter at Wildsyde' in the 'Girls Who Dare' series by Emma V. Leech follows the story of Ruth Stone, a wealthy heiress who agrees to a daring proposal in order to secure a title through marriage. Set in the Highlands in 1814, Ruth navigates the challenges of marrying a rugged, grumpy Scot named Gordon, who initially views their union as a marriage of convenience. The book delves into Ruth's resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit as she faces obstacles from both her husband and the staff at Wildsyde, ultimately leading to a hard-won happily ever after. Emma V. Leech's writing style is praised for its era-appropriate details, humor, Gaelic flavor, and steamy attraction between the main characters.

An Island Princess Starts a Scandal by Adriana Herrera is a historical sapphic romance set in Paris in 1889, featuring two strong heroines, Manuela and Cora. The story follows Manuela, a Dominican Venezuelan woman painter, who meets Cora, a duchess with vast wealth and business ambition, at a lesbian sex club. They form a unique bond as they navigate through the scandalous nightlife of Paris's lesbian community while dealing with their attraction and the business deal between them. The novel is praised for its lush and unique setting, vibrant characters, and sensual writing style that brings to life a vibrant historical period.

Ana Maria and the Fox by Liana De la Rosa is a historical romance debut set against the backdrop of Napoleon's occupation of Mexico and the Civil War in the US. The story follows Ana Maria, a Mexican heiress sent to live in London along with her sisters after the fall of Mexico to the French. As the eldest sister, Ana Maria is used to striving to be the perfect daughter and this trip to London will be the first time she's been able to able to get out of her father's controlling grip. The plot unfolds with Ana Maria and Gideon, a member of British parliament, navigating their growing attraction amidst political issues, societal expectations, and personal sacrifices. The writing style is described as beautiful, discussing heavy topics while making readers fall head over heels for the couple and other characters.

In "London's Perfect Scoundrel" by Suzanne Enoch, the story follows Evelyn, who volunteers at an orphanage run by the Marquis of St. Aubyn, known as London's perfect scoundrel. Despite their initial misunderstandings, Evelyn is determined to teach St. Aubyn compassion and lessons in love. As their relationship unfolds, they both undergo personal growth, redemption, and ultimately find love based on understanding each other's characters. The plot is filled with cat and mouse antics, surprising twists, and a passionate romance that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

The writing style in the book is praised for its witty dialogue, sizzling romance, and well-developed characters. The interactions between Evelyn and St. Aubyn are highlighted as warm and sweet, creating a perfect balance of sensuality and emotional depth. Suzanne Enoch's storytelling captivates readers with its originality, fun plot, and engaging narrative that explores themes of repentance, redemption, and the transformative power of love.

'Man of My Dreams' by Johanna Lindsey follows the story of Megan, a charming and headstrong young woman, and Devlin, a self-assured and arrogant duke who hides his true identity while working on Megan's father's estate. Their relationship is filled with constant squabbling and insults, leading to unexpected twists and turns as they navigate through misunderstandings, conflicts, and a scandalous pregnancy. The writing style is described as fun and entertaining, with elements of sparring banter and verbal matches between the main characters.

Asa Makepeace, the owner of Harte's Folly, a theater and pleasure garden, strikes a deal with the Duke of Montgomery which leads to his half-sister, Eve Dinwoody, overseeing his investment. Eve, reserved and traumatized by a childhood incident, is intrigued by the loud and brash Asa. As they navigate their relationship, Asa helps Eve overcome her fears and they both find themselves drawn to each other despite their differences. The plot involves the suspense of someone trying to stop the reopening of Harte's Folly, threatening the lives of Asa and Eve.

A Caribbean Heiress in Paris is a unique historical romance that takes readers on a journey through different locations such as Paris and Scotland. The book introduces diverse and fleshed out characters, including a strong and independent heroine from the Caribbean and a charming hero from Scotland. The plot revolves around a marriage of convenience between the main characters, Luz Alana and Evan, as they navigate challenges related to their businesses and personal lives. The writing style is described as lush, authentic, and creative, with the author skillfully addressing themes like misogyny, racism, and slavery in a historical setting.

'A Dangerous Kind of Lady' in the 'Longhope Abbey' series by Mia Vincy tells the story of Arabella Larke and Guy Larke, who were betrothed by their parents when they were young. However, as they grow older, Guy refuses to honor the betrothal, leading to Arabella's father arranging her engagement to Lord Sculthorpe. Arabella, a strong and determined woman, enlists Guy's help in a fake betrothal to escape the unwanted engagement. The book explores themes of family dynamics, pride, stubbornness, and the journey towards a happy ending for the characters.

The writing style of Mia Vincy in this book is praised for its eloquence and evocative romantic moments. The plot unfolds with a mix of romantic, funny, sexy, serious, and dramatic moments, keeping the readers engaged. The characters, despite their flaws and frustrating traits, are interesting and relatable, making the story poignant and emotionally complicated.

'The Lotus Palace' by Jeannie Lin is a historical romance mystery set in Tang dynasty China, featuring complex and nuanced characters. The story revolves around Yue ying, a former child sex worker, who is determined to save her sister from being wrongly convicted of a crime. The book weaves together a captivating murder mystery with a slow-building romance between Yue ying and nobleman Bai Huang, set against a backdrop of richly detailed historical setting peopled with diverse characters. The writing style immerses the reader in a forgotten time, bringing to life the world of courtesans and scholars in Tang Dynasty China with vivid descriptions of the era's cultural details.

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.