Books Like...

In "Untie My Heart" by Judith Ivory, the story revolves around Emma Hotchkiss, a former con artist turned sheep farmer seeking justice from the new Viscount Mount Villiars, Stuart Aysgarth. Their interactions are filled with tension, chemistry, and deception as they navigate a complex relationship. The book delves into themes of revenge, seduction, and unexpected love, all portrayed through the author's masterful command of dialogue and storytelling. With a plucky heroine and a haunted hero, the narrative is engaging and thought-provoking, pushing boundaries and experimenting with definitions of consensual sex.

The writing style of Judith Ivory is praised for its uniqueness, capturing the nuances of complex characters and their evolving dynamics. The book is set in the late Victorian period, showcasing unconventional protagonists who struggle with trust and vulnerability, yet find themselves drawn to each other in a compelling and entertaining manner. Through witty banter, clever schemes, and unexpected twists, "Untie My Heart" offers a blend of romance, intrigue, and humor that keeps readers captivated until the very end.

"Someone to Trust" by Mary Balogh is a historical romantic fiction that centers around the characters Lady Elizabeth Overfield and Lord Colin Handrich. The story unfolds at a Christmas gathering where the two characters meet and develop a deep friendship despite the significant age difference between them. As they navigate society's opinions and their own doubts, their relationship evolves into a slow-burning romance filled with trust, companionship, and mutual support. The plot delves into themes of family ties, trust, and the challenges of finding love in a society where age differences are frowned upon.

'Black Silk' by Judith Ivory follows the story of Submit Channing Downes, a widow tasked with delivering a black box to the notorious Earl of Netham, Graham Wessit. Their unexpected friendship and romance blossom amidst scandal and societal expectations. The characters, Graham and Submit, are richly flawed and complex, defying stereotypes and conventions of the genre. The plot delves into themes of identity, reputation, and self-discovery, with characters grappling with moral dilemmas and societal constraints.

Judith Ivory's writing style in 'Black Silk' is dense and detailed, painting a vivid picture of Victorian society and its complexities. The author skillfully weaves a narrative filled with intriguing characters and metatextual convolutions, challenging genre conventions and unraveling fictions within fictions. The story explores the depths of human nature, portraying characters who evolve and grow amidst personal struggles and societal expectations.

'The Proposition' by Judith Ivory is a romantic gender flip on Pygmalion, where a phonetics elocution and etiquette expert is employed to teach a Cockney rat catcher, Mick, how to be a gentleman. The story revolves around the transformation of Mick into a refined man, with the help of the expert, Edwina, as they navigate a wager, con men, and societal expectations. The plot unfolds with humor, sizzling romance, and a fairy tale-like setting, although the ending has been criticized for feeling rushed and contrived.

The relationship between Mick and Edwina is portrayed as charming and delightful, with Mick being praised as a sweet, good-looking, and lovable hero. explores themes of class divide, self-discovery, and unconventional romance, with Mick's character standing out as a refreshing change from traditional alpha males found in romance novels. Despite some criticisms regarding the plot's ending and the writing style of the sex scenes, 'The Proposition' is commended for its unique characters, engaging plot, and the author's ability to craft unusual and memorable protagonists.

'Lukas' by Carian Cole tells the story of Ivy, a 36-year-old woman who wins a tattoo session and meets Lukas, a 24-year-old tattoo artist. Their romance blossoms despite the age gap and challenges they face, including Ivy's ex-husband's betrayal and her daughter's manipulative behavior. is praised for its sweet and romantic storyline, with readers appreciating Lukas' character as a sensitive and loving partner. However, some readers express disappointment in the rushed ending and the inclusion of a secret baby storyline.

Liberating Lacey by Anne Calhoun follows the story of Lacey, a 36-year-old divorcee looking for adventure, who meets Hunter, a 28-year-old cop, in a bar. Despite their different backgrounds and lifestyles, they are drawn to each other and embark on a passionate affair filled with steamy encounters. The book explores their evolving relationship, the challenges they face due to age and social differences, and the personal growth they experience as individuals.

The narrative is praised for its well-written and believable sex scenes that are hot without being over the top. The author delves into the depth of the characters and plot, offering a mix of erotic romance with substantial character development and a captivating storyline. Despite some editing errors, readers find the book enjoyable, entertaining, and engaging, with a focus on the evolving relationship between Lacey and Hunter.

"The Scandal of It All" by Sophie Jordan follows the story of Graciela, the Duchess of Autenberry, and Colin, Lord Strickland. Graciela, a widowed duchess, decides to explore a different side of life and ends up in a compromising situation at a club. Colin, who has always harbored feelings for Graciela, comes to her rescue, leading to a forbidden romance between the two characters. The plot explores themes of age-gap romance, societal expectations, and the complexities of family relationships. Sophie Jordan's descriptive writing style brings to life the aristocratic setting, the passionate romance, and the unexpected twists in the story, making it a captivating and entertaining read.

delves into the emotional journey of Graciela and Colin as they navigate their forbidden love amidst societal norms and family dynamics. Their relationship faces obstacles and challenges, but as they slowly break down each other's walls, a beautiful connection forms between them. Readers are taken on a journey of passion, secrets, and unexpected revelations, as Graciela and Colin explore the depths of their feelings and desires. Overall, "The Scandal of It All" is a compelling historical romance that intricately weaves together themes of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery in a captivating narrative.

A Gentleman Undone is a captivating tale of emotional scars and blighted characters finding solace in each other. The story follows Will Blackshear, a Waterloo veteran burdened with guilt, who falls in love with Lydia Slaughter, a courtesan emotionally scarred by her past. The book delves into the complexities of their relationship, where Lydia's boldness and sexual aggression clash with Will's nobility and desire for emotional connection. Cecilia Grant's writing style is described as raw, earthy, and explicit, reflecting Lydia's belief in unworthiness and self-punishment through rough, impersonal sex.

The plot unfolds with Lydia's dark secrets being revealed, showcasing her vulnerability and desperate attempts to expunge her guilt over her parents' death. As Will and Lydia navigate their passionate romance filled with sizzling sexual tension, they must confront societal double standards and personal demons. The book explores themes of survival, reinvention, and acceptance, portraying Lydia and Will's journey towards healing and self-discovery amidst a backdrop of societal constraints and personal struggles.

'Family Blessings' by LaVyrle Spencer is a heartwarming love story that revolves around Lee Reston, a widow in her mid-forties, who is grieving the loss of her eldest son, Greg. The plot follows Lee as she navigates through the aftermath of her son's tragic death with the help of his flatmate and police officer, Chris Lallek. As Lee and Chris find solace in each other, a romance begins to blossom despite the challenges they face, including societal expectations and their significant age difference. The book captures the Midwest setting and mentality with a poignant portrayal of grief, love, and family dynamics.

'Waiting for a Scot Like You' by Eva Leigh is the third book in the 'Union of the Rakes' series and follows the journey of Duncan, a former military Scottish hero, and Beatrice, a widowed countess on a road trip adventure. The book explores their unlikely pairing, with Duncan being grumpy and adhering to tradition while Beatrice is a free-spirited older woman who enjoys her independence. As they embark on a journey filled with mishaps and intimate moments, the story delves into their evolving relationship and the challenges they face in reconciling their different desires for the future.