Books Like...

In "I'm Only Wicked with You," author Julie Anne Long tells the story of Hugh Cassidy, an American searching for a missing woman in London, who instead finds Lillias Vaughn, a lady who defies conventional behavior. Set at the Grand Palace boardinghouse, the book follows the interactions between Hugh and Lillias, who initially clash but end up in a compromising situation leading to a hasty engagement. The plot unfolds with emotional depth between the main characters, showcasing their journey to understanding and caring for each other, ultimately leading to a satisfying happily ever after. Long's writing style is praised for its dry wit, original plots, rich character development, and swoony romantic moments.

Lady August wants to avoid marriage and continue to manage her family's business. But after her parents drag her from New York to London to find a husband, she's forced into a pretend engagement with Evan, the Duke of Rothschild. Evan, destitute and burdened by his unexpected title, seeks to salvage his situation by pursuing a wealthy bride like August. The story unfolds as August and Evan navigate a complex dance of courtship, misunderstandings, and societal expectations, ultimately challenging each other at every turn.

The book delves into themes of marriage of convenience, enemies to lovers, and gender expectations during the Gilded Age. It portrays a strong-willed heroine resisting societal norms, and a determined hero grappling with his newfound responsibilities. The writing style combines immersive settings with detailed character development, creating a story that oscillates between tender moments and confrontational interactions.

When the Marquess Met His Match follows the story of Nicholas, the Marquess of Trubridge, who is in a battle of wills with his father over marriage. To anger his father, Nicholas seeks the help of Belinda, a matchmaker, to find a rich American wife. However, as they spend time together, they find themselves attracted to each other, leading to a series of events that challenge their initial perceptions of each other. The book portrays their journey from animosity to romance, set against the backdrop of Victorian London, with well-developed characters and a refreshing honesty in their relationship.

In "Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart," Juliana Fiori, a bold and unconventional Italian woman, faces constant scandal and gossip in London society due to her heritage and behavior. Simon Pearson, the Duke of Leighton, is known for his aloof and arrogant demeanor until Juliana challenges him to a wager of passion, leading to unexpected emotions and interactions between the two. As they navigate their tumultuous relationship, family dynamics, and societal expectations, the story unfolds with emotional depth and engaging interactions, set against the backdrop of Regency romance.

The plot involves a clash of personalities, emotional charged interactions, and a journey towards love and acceptance for both Juliana and Simon. With supporting characters from previous books in the series making appearances, the book offers a mix of drama, tension, and romantic chemistry that keeps readers engaged and invested in the characters' journey towards their happy ever after.

'The Shuttle' by Frances Hodgson Burnett follows the story of American heiress Rosalie Vanderpoel, who marries the manipulative and abusive Sir Nigel Anstruthers and moves to England. Rosalie's younger sister, Betty, sets out to rescue her sister from the clutches of Sir Nigel after realizing the dire situation she is in. The novel explores themes of abusive relationships, societal expectations, and the clash between American modern sensibilities and the Old World feudal ways in England. Burnett's writing style is described as mature, deep, and full of gorgeous descriptions, with a focus on depicting the beauty of the English countryside and the characters' struggles.

Splendid, the first book in 'The Splendid Trilogy' by Julia Quinn, follows the story of American heiress Emma Dunster who arrives in London for a season with no intentions of marriage, wanting to return to America to run her father's business. Masquerading as a kitchen maid, Emma saves the nephew of Alexander Ridgely, the Duke of Ashbourne, leading to a series of events where neither Emma nor Alexander want marriage but find themselves unable to resist each other. The book is described as a light, frothy historical romance with humorous dialogue, entertaining subplots, and three-dimensional characters.

Laura Lee Guhrke's 'Secret Desires of a Gentleman' in the 'Girl Bachelors' series revolves around the love story between Maria, a working-class baker, and Phillip, a Marquess. The plot includes elements of childhood friends reuniting, a second chance romance, and the struggles of a man battling societal expectations to follow his heart. The writing style is praised for its romantic scenes, Victorian era setting, and the exploration of class differences between the hero and heroine.

"Notorious Pleasures" by Elizabeth Hoyt is the second installment in the Maiden Lane series and follows the story of Lady Hero Batten and Griffin Remmington. Lady Hero, a respectable woman engaged to Griffin's brother, finds herself drawn to the scandalous Griffin, leading to a forbidden romance filled with passion and challenges. The plot is set in 18th century London, exploring themes of duty, love, and societal expectations. The writing style is described as engaging, with a mix of steamy romance, historical details, and witty dialogues that keep readers entertained and invested in the characters' journey.

'A Kiss at Midnight' by Eloisa James is a delightful Regency fairytale retelling of Cinderella. The story follows Kate Daltry, who is caught in a role between a family member and a servant due to her wicked stepmother. When her sister Victoria needs to win the approval of her fiancé's cousin, who happens to be a prince, Kate steps in to make things right. The novel is praised for its captivating storytelling, interesting characters like Kate, Gabriel, and Wick, and the charming dialogue that moves the plot with wit and humor. Despite being a predictable Cinderella retelling, the book is commended for its engaging narrative that keeps readers invested in the characters' journey towards their heart's desires.

Only Enchanting by Mary Balogh is a historical romance novel set in the series 'The Survivors' Club'. The story follows Flavian Arnott, Viscount Ponsonby, who suffered a traumatic brain injury during the war and returns with stuttering and memory problems. When his former fiancee becomes widowed, his family and hers attempt to match them up again. Agnes Keeping, a widow haunted by her mother's actions, is determined to live a life devoid of passion until she meets Flavian and falls in love with him. The book delicately explores the emotional scars of the hero and heroine, showcasing their struggles and growth as they navigate their past traumas and find solace in each other.