Books Like...
On the verge of a stilted life as an aristocrat's wife, Poppy Hammond does the only sensible thing she flees the chapel in her wedding gown. Assisted by the handsome curate who calls himself Sebastian Cantrip, she spirits away to her estranged father's quiet country village, pursued by the family she left in uproar. But when the dust of her broken engagement settles and Sebastian disappears under mysterious circumstances, Poppy discovers there is more to her hero than it seems. With only her feisty lady's maid for company, Poppy secures employment and travels incognita east across the seas, chasing a hunch and the whisper of clues. Danger abounds beneath the canopies of the silken city, and Poppy finds herself in the perilous sights of those who will stop at nothing to recover a fabled ancient treasure. Torn between allegiance to her kindly employer and a dashing, shadowy figure, Poppy will risk it all as she attempts to unravel a much larger plan one that stretches to the very heart of the British government, and one that could endanger everything, and everyone, that she holds dear.
If you liked Night of a Thousand Stars, here are the top 9 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Sarah Parrish is on a holiday in Kashmir when she gets entangled in a web of mystery and espionage after the deaths of fellow hotel patrons. Uncovering a sinister plot, Sarah navigates through a suspenseful narrative set against the backdrop of late 1940s India, capturing a significant cultural shift as the country nears independence from British rule. M.M. Kaye's detailed descriptions of Kashmir and witty dialogue bring the story to life, reminiscent of Agatha Christie's mysteries.
Afterwards, Sarah could never be quite sure whether it was the moonlight or that soft, furtive sound that had awakened her. The room that except for the dim and comforting flicker of a dying fire had ... - #2
Save:'My Brother Michael' by Mary Stewart is a suspenseful novel set in Greece in the 1950s. The story follows Camilla Haven, a young Englishwoman who becomes entangled in a mysterious search for answers surrounding the death of Simon's brother, Michael, during WWII. As Camilla and Simon delve into the past, they uncover secrets, danger, and a cache of treasure, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Greece. The writing style is described as vivid and evocative, with attention to detail in capturing the landscape, food, and characters of the story.
As I breathed the smoke in I looked about me. It occurred to me, thinking of that last depressed sentence in my letter to Elizabeth, that enough was happening at the moment to satisfy all but the most... - #3
Save:In Zoe Archer's "Warrior," the first book in The Blades of the Rose series, readers are taken on an exotic adventure to Mongolia where Captain Gabriel Huntley finds himself embroiled in a journey filled with cryptic messages, secret societies, and a quest for a magical Source. Alongside the unconventional Thalia Burgess, Gabriel evolves from a man at loose ends to a hero who embraces a purpose beyond his initial expectations. The story is a blend of fantasy, romance, and action set in a unique historical backdrop, with a focus on the intricacies of the magic system and the blossoming partnership between the two protagonists.
The narrative unfolds with a strong emphasis on the character development of Thalia and Gabriel, who are portrayed as equal partners in their quest, each bringing their unique strengths to the table. The romance between them is portrayed as a passionate and evolving partnership that transcends initial obstacles, set against a backdrop of suspenseful storyline, rich imagery, and engaging secondary characters. Zoe Archer's writing style shines through in her vivid descriptions of Mongolia and its people, as well as in her ability to weave magic, adventure, and love into a seamless tale of heroism and discovery.
Huntley ducked as a fist sailed toward his head, then landed his own punches on his attacker in quick succession. As his would-be assailant crumpled, unconscious, to the ground, Huntley swung around t... - #4
Save:In "Heart of Fire" by Linda Howard, archeologist Jillian Sherwood is determined to restore her father's reputation by locating the lost Stone City of the Anzar in the Amazon jungle. Teaming up with river guide Ben Lewis, the two clash wills and navigate through danger as they work together to uncover the truth about the legendary Amazon warriors. The book is an action-packed romance with a strong-willed heroine, detailed descriptions of the journey, and a captivating plot that keeps the tension high.
Jillian's quest to clear her father's name leads her on an expedition filled with mystery, humor, and romance. Ben, the rugged guide, is drawn to Jillian's immunity to his charms and makes her protection his priority. The characters evolve as they face challenges in the jungle, with a slow-burning romance that culminates in trust and love. The book offers a mix of adventure, suspense, and steamy romance, making it a compelling read with engaging characters and a well-drawn relationship between the hero and heroine.
Jillian Sherwood was tight-lipped with anger as she let herself into her condo. It was less than two years old, and she usually felt a surge of pleasure and achievement on stepping over the threshold,... - #5
Save:'Spotless' by Camilla Monk is an action romance novel that follows the story of Island, an IT engineer, who gets entangled in a globe-trotting adventure with March, an OCD hitman searching for a stolen diamond believed to be in Island's possession. As the plot unfolds, Island discovers shocking truths about her past while navigating dangerous situations with March, a quirky and dangerous professional with his own code of honor. The story is filled with witty dialogue, inventive twists, and a blend of humor and action that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
The writing style of 'Spotless' is described as smart, funny, sarcastic, and romantic, with nuanced characters, exotic locales, and flawed main characters that add depth to the fast-paced romantic suspense story. The book cleverly parodies romance novel tropes at the beginning of each chapter, adding a unique and creative twist to the narrative that sets it apart from traditional romance novels.
It wasn’t long before I entered our old building on West Eighty-First Street. I liked that place: the paint in the hallway was chipping something awful, but I’ve always had a thing for early prewar, a... - #6
Save:In 'Captain Vorpatril's Alliance,' readers are finally given an in-depth look at Ivan Vorpatril, Miles's cousin, as he navigates through unexpected adventures and romances. The book delves into Ivan's character, showcasing his charm, humor, and growth as he finds himself entangled in a series of comical and chaotic situations. Set in the Vorkosigan universe, the plot involves Ivan getting married temporarily, dealing with family drama, and facing unforeseen challenges that test his wit and resourcefulness. The writing style is described as witty, humorous, and light-hearted, with a focus on character relationships and engaging dialogue that keeps readers entertained throughout the story.
Ivan’s door buzzer sounded at close to Komarran midnight, just when he was unwinding enough from lingering jump lag, his screwed-up diurnal rhythm, and the day’s labors to consider sleep. He growled u...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Vorkosigan Saga ) - #7
Save:'A Civil Campaign' in the 'Vorkosigan Saga' series by Lois McMaster Bujold is a comedy of manners set on Barrayar, focusing on the romantic pursuits and political entanglements of the protagonist Miles Vorkosigan. The plot intricately weaves together various storylines involving power struggles in the Council of Counts, romantic entanglements, malicious rumors, and Emperor Gregor's upcoming wedding. The writing style is characterized by humor, social commentary, and well-developed character interactions that provide moments of hilarity, tension, and introspection.
The big groundcar jerked to a stop centimeters fromthe vehicle ahead of it, and Armsman Pym, driving, swore under his breath. Miles settled back again in his seat beside him, wincing at a vision of th...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Vorkosigan Saga ) - #8
Save:'Mr. Impossible' by Loretta Chase is an adventurous romance set in Egypt during the early 19th century. The story follows Lady Daphne Pembroke, a brilliant scholar posing as her brother to pursue her passion for ancient Egyptian writing. When her brother is kidnapped, she enlists the help of Rupert Carsington, a reckless and charming adventurer, to rescue him. Together, they embark on a thrilling journey filled with danger, intrigue, and romance. The book combines elements of humor, excitement, and historical mystery, creating a swashbuckling tale reminiscent of classic adventure films like 'The Mummy'.
Outskirts of Cairo, Egypt, 2 April 1821 THANKS TO HIS MOTHER, RUPERT CARSINGTON had hair and eyes as dark as any Egyptian’s. This did not mean he blended in with the crowd on the bridge. In the first ... - #9
Save:As You Desire by Connie Brockway is a Victorian historical romance set in Cairo, Egypt, in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Desdemona, a child prodigy with a gift for languages, and Harry Braxton, an amateur Egyptologist with dyslexia. They are best friends who have feelings for each other but struggle to express them due to misunderstandings and past rejections. The book beautifully captures their banter, adventures, and the social scene of Cairo, with a backdrop of ancient Egyptian history and art. The writing style is described as funny, sweet, sensual, and unexpectedly smart, delving into the characters' inner conflicts and desires.
Squatting sullenly at the base of a sand dune, the slave traders’ encampment was peopled by such fugitives. It was a small compound: a string of camels, a half-dozen tents set around a fire, a score o...
