Books Like...

Lady Callista Taillefaire, a quirky and clever heroine, finds herself reunited with her first love, Trevelyn Davis d'Augustin, Duc de Monceaux, in Laura Kinsale's 'Lessons in French'. Set in the early 1800s, the novel follows Callie and Trev as they navigate obstacles in their romance, including Trev's shadowy past and Callie's three failed engagements. With witty banter, spot-on historical references, and charming characters, the book brings adventure, intrigue, and romance to a quiet English village.

'Lessons in French' is a light-hearted historical romance that captures the reader's attention with delightful characters, engaging dialogue, and a plot filled with unexpected twists and turns. Laura Kinsale masterfully weaves a story of love, second chances, and the complexities of relationships, set against the backdrop of post-Napoleonic England and the charming village life of Shelford.

'The Prince of Midnight' by Laura Kinsale is a historical romance set in the Georgian era, where two tortured souls, S.T. Maitland and Lady Leigh Strachan, intertwine in a complex tale of love and revenge. The book follows their journey as they navigate their past traumas and emotional walls to find solace and connection with each other. The plot involves a unique role reversal where Leigh is portrayed as cold and bent on revenge, while S.T. is depicted as a romantic and sensitive character, creating a compelling dynamic between the protagonists.

The author, Laura Kinsale, expertly weaves a story filled with layers of emotions, deep character development, and intricate relationships. Through her writing style, Kinsale creates multi-dimensional characters that resonate with readers, evoking empathy and understanding for their struggles and desires. The book explores themes of loneliness, love, and healing, all set against a backdrop of historical romance and adventure.

'The Wild Child' in the series 'The Bride' by Mary Jo Putney follows the story of Meriel Grahame, a young woman who has been through a traumatic past in India and is now considered 'mad'. The plot unfolds as Dominic Renbourne, Kyle's twin brother, is tasked with wooing Meriel on Kyle's behalf. As Dominic gets to know Meriel, he discovers her unique personality and the challenges she faces due to her past. delves into themes of mental health, societal expectations, and the power of love in overcoming obstacles. The writing style is described as engaging, with a lushly romantic tone that captures the complexities of the characters and their relationships.

Satan's Angel by Candace Camp is a captivating Western romance that intertwines two love stories. The first story follows Amy and Brody, where Brody, a wanted man, captivates Amy's heart despite being on the wrong side of the law. The second story involves Slater, a Texas Ranger, and Victoria, who team up to rescue Amy and navigate through rugged terrain while facing threats and challenges. The book is filled with drama, adventure, steamy scenes, and a blend of outlaws, lawmen, and strong women who tame them.

'The Hidden Heart' by Laura Kinsale is a tale of complex characters, Tess and Gryf, whose intertwined destinies take them on an adventure spanning the globe. Tess, the daughter of a passionate naturalist, and Gryf, a man haunted by a tragic past, find themselves on a clipper ship journey from the Pacific to England. The book intricately weaves together themes of love, loss, and redemption, set against the backdrop of exotic locations and tumultuous emotions. Kinsale's writing style is described as lyrical and immersive, drawing readers into a world filled with compelling characters and compelling plots, leaving a lasting impact even after the book is finished.

'Seize the Fire' by Laura Kinsale is an epic historical romance novel filled with action, betrayal, and complex characters. The story follows Sheridan, a troubled nobleman with PTSD, and Olympia, an orphaned princess seeking to reclaim her throne. Despite their differences, they embark on a dangerous journey together, facing assassins, shipwrecks, pirates, and more. The plot is fast-paced and intense, with a focus on the characters' emotional struggles and growth throughout their adventures.

The Dream Hunter by Laura Kinsale is a non-typical romance that follows the story of Lord Winter, an aristocrat who embarks on a journey to find a rare Arabic horse in North Africa. Along the way, he meets Selim and Zenia, the illegitimate daughter of an English lord, and a powerful Englishwoman who has lived in the North African desert all her life. The plot is filled with adventures and dangers, with a unique twist on the typical romance genre by having a realistic and underdog heroine. The book is praised for its vivid and atmospheric settings, from the hot desert sun to the cool greenness of England, making readers feel like they are part of the journey.

A Lady's Formula for Love by Elizabeth Everett follows Lady Violet Hughes, a brilliant chemist and widow who secretly leads a club for female scientists in London during the 1840s. As she works on developing an antidote for a toxic gas, she faces danger from an unknown adversary who threatens her research. Enter Arthur Kneland, her bodyguard, who is drawn to Violet's intelligence and bravery. The book intertwines romance, mystery, and historical context, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of women pursuing science and independence in a society that restricts their ambitions.

'Elements of Chemistry: Attraction' by Penny Reid follows the story of Kaitlyn, a quirky and intelligent college student who finds herself entangled in a romance with Martin Sandeke, a wealthy and confident young man. As their relationship develops, Kaitlyn is pushed out of her comfort zone and forced to confront her own fears and insecurities. is filled with humor, banter, and steamy moments, all while exploring themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the complexities of young love.

The writing style in 'Elements of Chemistry: Attraction' is described as addicting, witty, and engaging, with a mix of humor, introspection, and steamy connections. The characters, especially Kaitlyn and Martin, are portrayed as complex and flawed individuals who undergo a journey of self-realization and emotional growth throughout the book. The story is a blend of romance, coming-of-age, and humor, with a strong focus on the dynamics between the characters and the development of their relationship.

The Shadow and the Star by Laura Kinsale is a historical romance novel that follows the story of Samuel and Leda as they navigate a complex relationship filled with trials and tribulations. Samuel, a martial arts trained hero with a troubled past, and Leda, a proper English woman facing adversity, find themselves entangled in a passionate yet hesitant romance. The book delves into themes of love, duty, trauma, and self-discovery, all set against a backdrop of Victorian society. Laura Kinsale's writing style is described as deep, intense, and thought-provoking, with complex characters and a compelling storyline that keeps readers engaged throughout the book.