Books Like...

Set during the American Civil War, "An Extraordinary Union" follows the story of Elle Burns, a former slave turned Union spy, who goes undercover in the household of a Confederate Senator. There, she meets Malcolm McCall, a soldier who is also a Union spy. As they navigate their dangerous mission, their relationship develops amidst the tension and conflict of the war. The book explores themes of espionage, interracial relationships, and the complexities of identity during a tumultuous period in American history. The writing style blends romance and historical fiction, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of the characters as they navigate their roles in a divided nation.

'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.

'Forbidden' by Beverly Jenkins is a historical romance set in the Old West, following the story of Eddy Carmichael, a strong black woman on a journey to fulfill her dream of opening a restaurant in San Francisco. Along the way, she encounters Rhine Fontaine, a wealthy man passing as white, who saves her after a series of misfortunes. The plot delves into themes of identity, race, and the challenges faced by interracial relationships in the post-Civil War era. The writing style is described as engaging, with a slow burn romance that gradually builds, allowing for a deeper connection to the characters and their community.

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.

'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.

Rebel by Beverly Jenkins is a historical romance set in post-Civil War New Orleans, focusing on a schoolteacher, Valinda, who faces challenges as she tries to educate freed slaves. The book delves into themes of racism, sexism, and violence, while also exploring the romantic relationship between Valinda and Drake LeVeq, a member of a wealthy family who aids her in rebuilding her school. Readers appreciate the historical and cultural details woven into the story, as well as the strong and appealing characters who navigate the complexities of the time period.

In the final installment of The Old West series, we follow Regan, an independent and adventurous woman who becomes a mail order bride for Dr. Colton Lee in Wyoming. Their initial meeting involves a bullet instead of a kiss, setting the stage for a marriage of convenience that evolves into a real union of body and soul. As Regan's strong-willed nature clashes with Colton's reserved personality, their relationship deepens amidst drama, humor, and historical context.

'A Chance at Love' by Beverly Jenkins follows the story of Loreli Winters, a strong and independent woman who unexpectedly becomes a mail-order bride for the sake of two young girls who want her as their mother. Loreli's journey intertwines with Jake Reed, the uncle of the girls, who initially resists the idea of Loreli becoming a part of their lives. As their relationship develops, both Loreli and Jake navigate through challenges, love, and self-discovery, creating a pure and heartwarming romance. portrays Loreli as a determined and kind-hearted character, while Jake's struggle with his feelings for her adds depth to the story, making it a captivating read.

The Pursuit Of... by Courtney Milan is a novella set during the Revolutionary War, following the story of John, a former slave, and Henry, the second son of a British aristocrat. The book explores themes of privilege, freedom, and equality through the unique relationship between the two main characters. Milan's writing style is described as engaging, with memorable and charming characters that leave a lasting impact on the reader.

'The Gaucho's Lady' by Genevieve Turner is a historical romance set in early 1900s Argentina and California. The story follows the journey of Eliana, a rich heiress from Argentina, who escapes an arranged marriage by pretending to be in a fake relationship with Juan, a Mexican American gaucho. As they travel from Argentina to California, Eliana learns about suffrage, women's rights, and worker's rights, while staying at radical women's communes along the way. explores themes of freedom, love, and empowerment as Eliana transitions from a sheltered heiress to a woman who takes control of her own destiny.