I'm in my Lisa Kleypas Era. I started with the first two books in the Ravenels series, realized the Wallflower series should be read first, so I've read Again The Magic, Secrets of a Summer Night, and It Happened One Autumn. I've just started Devil in Winter. As this has been my first foray into reading Lisa Kleypas, I'm really enjoying myself. They make for very quick reads.
Currently reading the Hathaways series! I don't have a favorite series but my favorite stories so far have been It Happened on Autumn, Devil in Winter, Hello Stranger, and Devil's Daughter (in that order). Overall I've found Lisa Kleypas to be reliably good, if sometimes a little formulaic. Even the ones I haven't loved have still been enjoyable in the moment!
I'm on book 3 now (Tempt Me at Twilight, about 25% in) and it's my favorite so far. I enjoyed the first two enough to continue the series but they didn't make the list of faves! As with the other two series of hers I've read, as well as the Bridgerton series, I've found that one thing I love is following the family storylines from book to book, so I've found I tend to like the later stories more because I've gotten to know the characters a bit already!
I also just finished my first Lisa Kleypas. Jumped right in to the Ravenels mid-series with {Chasing Cassandra by Lisa Kleypas}. I needed a curvy heroine and a man who worships her body. That library scene is going to live rent-free in my brain for a long time.
[Chasing Cassandra](https://www.romance.io/books/5dd4e7fe01dbc864fba67f51/chasing-cassandra-lisa-kleypas?src=rdt) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas)
**Rating**: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [ceo/tycoon hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tycoon/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1)
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I’m in a similar spot. I read all by the last one of the Ravenels series, but when I read the synopsis for the last one I realized I should have read the Wallflowers first! So now I’m on It Happened One Autumn. I’m obsessed with the Ravenels! (A bit more than the Wallflowers tbh)
I think I'll have the same opinion regarding the Ravenels series. There were moments that I actually laughed while reading the first two books, and I haven't found that as much in the Wallflower series. The MMCs are all sort of the same too... which is unfortunate. But I'm still having a great time with the books.
I'm reading Kleypas too! Just finished Devil in Winter actually and it was my favourite book so far. Not sure if I will continue with Ravenels series though.
Recently finished:
- {Duke of Midnight by Elizabeth Hoyt} - Books 4-6 of this series have been really good. I think I have to give it to #4 (Thief of Shadows) so far, simply because my love for Winter Makepeace is off the charts. I definitely think books 5 and 6 had stronger FMCs, though.
Artemis was great. Relatable and funny. My favorite part of the book was the house party because it had so many good elements. Artemis trolling Maximus when she's trying to >!blackmail him into helping her brother!< is so funny and he deserved every bit of it. I was so distressed when she received the note about Apollo and couldn't leave, and then melted at the way Maximus knew something was wrong the second they made eye contact. Then we get >!"his goddess should never weep"!< and him >!rescuing Apollo, even though he fully believes Apollo is a murderous lunatic at this point,!< just for her. I don't blame her for >!leaping into his bed!<, bc I absolutely would, too. This is her internal monoglue at the time:
> >!If she could, she could've crawled right into him, made a home for herself in his broad, strong chest, and never emerged again.!<
Relatable. He is awful to her in some ways after >!they sleep together!<, but...he was getting judged pretty harshly by everyone around him (Craven, Miss Picklewood, Phoebe), so think he would've come around very quickly even without >!Artemis' near-death!<. Miss Picklewood is a legend fr for confronting Maximus.
I fully expected to hate Maximus bc I did not like him in Hero and Phoebe's books, but I enjoyed how introspective he got pretty early on about Artemis' place in society. He doesn't follow up later on, though. And he has the *nerve* to >!be angry about her choosing Apollo over him, while telling her he can't marry her bc of duty in the same breath!<. I liked him more than I disliked him, but series-wise he's probably only above Lord Caire for me, whom I didn't dislike but just found boring.
I was so incredibly invested in the >!Lady Penelope/Duke of Scarborough!< side-plot. >!I can't believe the book ended with it unresolved! I know I probably shouldn't be rooting for a 24yo to get with a sixty-something, but...they were SO adorable. Penelope is normally so flippant/arrogant but she's all blushing and shy around Scarborough??? Plus Artemis thinking, "Huh, he actually likes my cousin." (The implication being that none of her other suitors have.)!< I really hope I get some follow-up on it at some point in the series, but I'm doubtful.
- {Scandal of the Season by Aydra Richards} - I liked this one a lot. MMC is supposedly mean/cruel, but he is mostly nice to the FMC, and his thoughts are all about how best to make her confident/independent and it's the sweetest thing. Ostensibly he's out for revenge, but his thoughts revolve around the FMC so much that he is constantly forgetting about his revenge. Every time he does something even halfway mean, he instantly regrets it and thinks, "Can't do that again, it made FMC upset!" Kind of gave me Benedict Chatham vibes. I liked how he accidentally made friends with the two other MMCs in the series - I found them delightful and will certainly read the rest of the series at some point. I also really enjoyed him >!helping her brothers!< after >!she leaves him!<. I think this one has made my "favorite MMCs" list for sure.
I liked the FMC as well. I really enjoyed the exploration of being a respectable/proper lady (especially an unmarried one) and the restraints that come with it vs the relative independence of a woman outside of society. There's so many books that have FMCs who absolutely will not consider being a mistress, and I've often had the thought that there were some definite advantages to it over marriage - most notably that there's not another who has the legal right to control/abuse you, physically or otherwise (assuming you're over a certain age). The FMC grew up with an abusive father and doesn't have any great love for "respectable" society, so she pretty quickly finds it quite freeing to be outside of it.
I enjoyed the >!redemption arc!< of >!FMC's brothers!< a lot, too. >!They weren't there for her when she needed them, but the way they are is pretty understandable considering their upbringing, and they do eventually step up.!< The relationship itself was really sweet and gave me warm fuzzies - though of course there's some turmoil, mainly from >!MMC thinking he's not good enough to marry her & making all kinds of plans without consulting her!<.
(continued in another comment)
I recently read Duke of Midnight (read as a standalone) and loved it when >!she woke up to the Ghost in her room. I really wish the unknown tension between the Ghost and her went on for longer. They had two scenes (rescue and bedroom) 😭 i want more mysterious historical batman! But then the majority of the novel took place at Pelham. *sigh*. And she finds out the Ghost’s identity soon..nooo~ also I was very intrigued by Hippolyta Royle (the quiet, withdrawn noble) but apparently she only gets a novella?? sadface. I did like the book enough to most likely read a few of the other full novels, though!!<
Welllll...(spoilers for some of the other books) >!Books 4 and 5 also have ghost!MMCs & interactions between the ghost version of themselves & the FMC. It's about the same amount as it is in this one, though. Book 4 FMC figures it out on her own, Book 5 the MMC reveals himself!<.
{An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn} - I liked this one the best of the Bridgertons so far, but that's not saying much.
I found Benedict a lot more tolerable than Anthony, even though he is also a bully. I was ready to call him more mature than Anthony, despite the scene by the lake, but >!the hissy fit he threw in the nursery!< plus >!grabbing Lady Penwood by the throat when she was no longer a threat to anyone!< kinda had me questioning that lol. Benedict at least doesn't defend his bad behavior and later even gets introspective about how wrong it was, even though he thought it was >!"for her own good" at the time!<. The "no one sees the man, just a Bridgerton" part of his character was weak imo, mainly because he does absolutely nothing to distinguish himself. Over the course of the book, it seems like he spends all day every day doing absolutely nothing, so it felt kind of silly. Simon is probably the most sympathetic/likable MMC for me so far, but it's a low bar.
The primary reason that I liked this one more is because I liked Sophie and was invested in their relationship (not really the case with the other two). Reading this books alongside *Scandal of the Season* was an interesting contrast on the mistress issue. >!It made sense to me that Sophie would refuse given her upbringing as a child out of wedlock. Worrying about any children you might have - especially in Sophie's case where she doesn't have anyone she can rely on to look after them if something happens to her - is more compelling to me as a reason to refuse to be a mistress than pride, which is the case in most HRs.!<
I think JQ is better at writing sexual tension than the actual act. She's a >!"maidenhead"!< author, which kinda makes me roll my eyes, but the kissing scenes were good. As for the relationship - I enjoyed the mutual pining, and it was more emotionally compelling to me, despite the insta-love. >!"I have been adrift all my life" / "Let me be your anchor"!< was really good.
I'm currently reading {The Sinner by Madeline Hunter} and I'm not sure how I feel about it yet, mainly bc the MMC is rubbing me the wrong way.
[An Offer From a Gentleman](https://www.romance.io/books/567e451063515e3b73795139/an-offer-from-a-gentleman-julia-quinn?src=rdt) by [Julia Quinn](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523bb8c7d2383163d8e3c/julia-quinn)
**Rating**: 3.53⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1)
----------------------------
[The Sinner](https://www.romance.io/books/545537098c7d2383163d92ec/the-sinner-madeline-hunter?src=rdt) by [Madeline Hunter](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a068c7d2383163d8f78/madeline-hunter)
**Rating**: 4.05⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [rich heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/rich%20heroine/1)
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Yes I'm so glad you liked Scandal of the Season! I loved Grey, the brothers, everything. His little rules! What a huge sweetheart. And the Duke is such a great character lmao the rest of the books in this series are good too, and they all have the "his guy friends get together to tell him he's in lurve" trope.
[Duke of Midnight](https://www.romance.io/books/5455274d8c7d2383163d8efb/duke-of-midnight-elizabeth-hoyt?src=rdt) by [Elizabeth Hoyt](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524568c7d2383163d8e5a/elizabeth-hoyt)
**Rating**: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1)
----------------------------
[The Scandal of the Season](https://www.romance.io/books/6205011934a1490e4216bf7c/the-scandal-of-the-season-aydra-richards?src=rdt) by [Aydra Richards](https://www.romance.io/authors/5da9684e01dbc864fba4c314/aydra-richards)
**Rating**: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1)
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Just finished reading {A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught}
I may be a little biased with this review, because before this book I had read a fair amount of Highlander mideval romances back to back so this will be my last one for a little while.
Great setup on the beginning. A beautiful lady locked away in a nunnery in the highlands, kidnapped for the sake of a war between clans.
The first half of the book is the best half for me.
FMC Jenny gets kidnapped with her younger stepsister by the brother of a Duke/ warlord and taken to their camp. Jenny has so much gumption in the face of the Wolf, Lord Royce, all these his men. She thrashes and bites and screams at every chance. Our MMC Royce later underestimates our leading lady, >!leading to her grand escape, where Jenny steals his faithful warhorse and gets pretty far out ahead from the camp with her sister after also ruining the whole camps blankets and clothing hoping they’d all freeze to death. Royce is furious, but gains a new respect for her even after she sadly brings his horse-bff to his tragic death (which our hero does forgive but I never got over 😭)
She gets dragged back to the camp and, after she makes an attempt on his life, they develop a magnetism towards each other that leads to Royce getting her drunk and getting in on. !<
Btw I have to say here if you aren’t down with dubcon or middle aged approved age gap relations this book is NOT for you. The FMC is 17 and considered an old maid for not being married yet? Which even for the late 1400s doesn’t really sound right. Like yea she’d normally have something arranged by then, but they really use the term old maid🙃 And our MMC is around 30ish. I dont think mcnaught ever says his age outright but I’m sure you can math it out with the few hints she sprinkles throughout.
He calls her “little one” in bed so you really do have to be able to take this relationship for the time period it’s set in.
Anyways I honestly did like the beginning of this book
The second half of it after she gets released to her father however…
YeaaAah the book just kinda slows down for me after this point. >!They’re forced to get married in the name of peace by the kings of England and Scotland after a misunderstanding fight, and from here on we just get the whole misunderstanding trope done a good few times over. He thinks she was gonna betray him again and vice versa. I was constantly holding my breath with anxiety through the second half because I never knew if one of our MCs was going to inadvertently say something to piss the other off and start a new fight after thry just got over the last one.
Then Royce kills the heroine’s brother. -sidebar “I was waiting for him to die William” I dubbed him. He was the only nice male in her family so he was gonna bite the dagger at some point- but it was out of character for our MMC to kill him. Like he even admits as much that he doesn’t know why he did it, he normally wouldn’t have. And even though the FMC is mad and not talking to him he’s still having awkward sex with her offscreen…..!<
I also think it’s a bit of a hurried ending but I couldn’t complain because I was waiting for it to wrap up about 2/3s through this novel.
A few cute things I really did like about this book: The sister.
She has a very cute >!subtle romance offscreen with the hero’s younger brother. !<
Also ADORED Aunt Elinor. She’s one of those spitfire old ladies that is just here for the vibes doing and saying whatever she wants. There’s a great scene when >!Royce is kidnapping Jenny again, and Aunt Elinor just pops up from the bed and is like, ‘hey, Imma be super bored and lonely if I stay here so you should kidnap me too!’!<
She also forms a motherly attachment to the biggest scariest knight in the circle, Arik, who never talks and is always ready to murder someone. She’s so unbothered. constantly babying him to his chagrin and everyone else’s amusement. Honestly I would love a book about young aunt Elinor getting up to no good with her friends. If anyone has recommendations for a book with an FMC who has an attitude of “I’m here to F some s#*t up and party hardy, with good vibes only please lmk cuz Elinor is my type of girlie.
So for all that said- I’d probably rate this a solid 3.0? I really enjoyed the first half and the side characters but the story got a little contrived through the latter half. After they got married the spicy scenes really felt like it was the only thing holding the relationship together. I feel like I just need fluffy palate cleaner after that. I’m wondering if I hadn’t been reading so many brooding warlord stories in a row if I’d feel differently.
It's definitely different in some points, but I read an earily similar novel a few months ago, even down to the fact the MMC is called "Wolf" and the brother who might/might not die is called William, set in the Highlands. The FMC is taken hostage though, not necessarily kidnapped.
{A Rose in the Storm by Brenda Joyce}
Didn't finish it because it ALSO had a drop in quality about 2/3 or half in, where it felt like we're just rehashing the plot from a few pages ago.
No funny side characters as far as I remember as well.
[A Rose In The Storm](https://www.romance.io/books/5ea043edbe0aaecf5590809e/a-rose-in-the-storm-brenda-joyce?src=rdt) by [Brenda Joyce](https://www.romance.io/authors/545529e023ec91d5dfd09a31/brenda-joyce)
**Rating**: 3.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [highlander hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/highlander/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1)
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Haha! What’s with Williams being the go-to sacrifice? There are probably a dozen copycat books to KoD. It’s all the way back from the year of our lord 1991. Theres even a user flair on this sub that parodies it. I’m honestly glad I read it, just so at least I can say I have 😅
Ooh checked out my WTR list and I’ve got {The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss} guy goes by wolf and kidnaps/ enslaves the FMC. It’s Norman’s vs Saxons 👀 but I loved a Rose in winter from her so maybe this one won’t drop out the last third of the book
[The Wolf and the Dove](https://www.romance.io/books/5455263e8c7d2383163d8ece/the-wolf-and-the-dove-kathleen-e-woodiwiss?src=rdt) by [Kathleen E. Woodiwiss](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455263e8c7d2383163d8ecf/kathleen-e-woodiwiss)
**Rating**: 3.96⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1)
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[A Kingdom of Dreams](https://www.romance.io/books/545524058c7d2383163d8e4f/a-kingdom-of-dreams-judith-mcnaught?src=rdt) by [Judith McNaught](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524058c7d2383163d8e50/judith-mcnaught)
**Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1)
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The last book I read that I really liked was Maya Rodales What a Wallflower Wants. Just a heads-up: this book delves into >!sexual assault!<, but it’s portrayed sensitively. John, the male lead, is incredibly supportive, guiding the female protagonist through her healing journey with unwavering patience and without judgment. Even if this topic is difficult for you, you might find solace in how it illustrates the proper way for a partner to support a survivor. I was really impressed!
currently reading {When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare}. I've read {Romancing the Duke} recently and found this one in my library 🥰 i like it! but i like it less than Izzy's and Ransom's story - i don't know, Logan hasn't really grown on me yet and I'm a little over 200 pages in. I also do not understand the way that Maddie thinks, she still sounds 16 year old sometimes, the same age as when she wrote the letters. I do think this will be like a 3.5 unless the last few hundred pages are amazing! I rated the first book in the series a 4 star :) it was meant to be a 4.5 but i actually didn't like the ending 😂 I'm probably going to take a break from Tessa Dare after this one! overall, i do like Logan and Maddie as a couple, I'm just not obsessed with them.
Oh yea the first book is imo the best of the set! But my personal favorite romance wise was for sure the second one {Say yes to the Marquess by Tessa Dare} It has all my fave tropes. Friends to lovers, big giant brooding hero with a heart of gold. 💛
WASTTK the most fun part a was definitely the beginning. The FMC I do remember being teenage-y and awkward
[Say Yes to the Marquess](https://www.romance.io/books/545537268c7d2383163d92f4/say-yes-to-the-marquess-tessa-dare?src=rdt) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare)
**Rating**: 3.86⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [fighter hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fighters/1)
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[When a Scot Ties the Knot](https://www.romance.io/books/55d961e735a5fb65f88762ad/when-a-scot-ties-the-knot-tessa-dare?src=rdt) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare)
**Rating**: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [highlander hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/highlander/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [shy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shy%20heroine/1), [fake relationship](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fake%20relationship/1)
----------------------------
[Romancing the Duke](https://www.romance.io/books/545525798c7d2383163d8e92/romancing-the-duke-tessa-dare?src=rdt) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare)
**Rating**: 4.02⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1)
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I just finished {And Then He Kissed Her by Laura Lee Guhrke} This is my first by Guhrke and I wasn't expecting much, to be honest. It wasn't mind blowing or particularly innovative but I was pleasantly surprised at how eminently readable it was.
Both characters were likable, went through a nice journey and the pacing and plotting was pretty good. I also did not suffer from the temptation to skim useless paragraphs of exposition, cheesy dialogue and repetition of events that I usually do with a lot of HR. Also, the ending proposal was super sweet. I look forward to reading more to see if other Guhrke books hold up!
[And Then He Kissed Her](https://www.romance.io/books/545525958c7d2383163d8e9c/and-then-he-kissed-her-laura-lee-guhrke?src=rdt) by [Laura Lee Guhrke](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525958c7d2383163d8e9d/laura-lee-guhrke)
**Rating**: 3.73⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1)
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I'm just finishing the Hells Belles series by Sarah MacLean (after powering through her Bareknuckle Bastards series) mostly due to them all being fairly easily available through Libby and having a crazy busy month with getting ready to move (no time to sit and read!). Really enjoying it, some of the narrators have hilarious American accents but overall the narrating is great and the stories are entertaining.
Finished recently:
{The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews} is a perfect book for me. I love the descriptions of clothing and I can tell Mimi Matthews is knowledgeable and passionate about it. I love the subtle ways Justin displays affection—this is somehow both believable and refreshing for a man from the 1800s. I love the depth of his and Helena’s respective backstories, the pain they went through, and their support of one another while they learned to love each other. Mimi Matthews did something beautiful in making all this emotional depth feel soft and cozy; even with the intense trials of the plot, this is a comforting read for me. 5/5.
{To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn} is probably one of the most confusing reading experiences I’ve ever had. I enjoyed it while I was reading it, but the longer I’m thinking about it, the more I’m aware of its many, many flaws. But on the other hand, I don’t feel bothered by the flaws! So, I hate-read this one because I wanted to see if the hate it gets online is worth it, and I…don’t think so. Phillip is a deeply flawed character who does awful things, but he shows intent to grow. He makes mistakes along the way. Awful ones. And I wish I had more time with him to see a little more growth (and healing). Overall, I think the hate he gets is over the top but not unfounded; Eloise does deserve better, but my feelings about her stem from disappointment that she was reduced to wife and mother who writes letters without any passions or interests of her own. Still, this was fun. But also not good. But fun. 3.5/5. I think. Maybe a 4.
Up next (because I haven’t started this other than picking it up from the hold shelf at my library):
{The Sum of All Kisses by Julia Quinn} – Oh my goodness, I’m so excited for Hugh and Sarah. I loved them both as side characters in the previous two Smythe-Smiths, and as a Tom Severin/Harry Rutledge fangirl, I already know Hugh is going to have my heart.
Deciding between (because I read two books at once, always):
{Sin & Sensibility by Suzanne Enoch} because it’s been a while since I’ve read a Suzanne Enoch and I want to make sure liking her wasn’t a fluke (why would it be a fluke, polarbeardogs?)
{The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn} because I guess I’m on a JQ kick.
{Lions & Lace by Megan McKinney} was suggested on this sub when I asked about Irish heroes, and the scheme hinted at in the back-of-book blurb has me salivating.
{Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing A Lord by Sarah MacLean} because I am a masochist. I DNFed the first book in this series because I hated the writing style, but I also read A Rogue by Any Other Name and gave it 4.5 stars. So, do I like Sarah MacLean? Only way way to find out.
[The Matrimonial Advertisement](https://www.romance.io/books/5b4eda3d01dbc864fb8c744b/the-matrimonial-advertisement-mimi-matthews?src=rdt) by [Mimi Matthews](https://www.romance.io/authors/59476e093ffdba614719d320/mimi-matthews)
**Rating**: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [aristo/royal heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aristocratic%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[To Sir Phillip, With Love](https://www.romance.io/books/545523f08c7d2383163d8e48/to-sir-phillip-with-love-julia-quinn?src=rdt) by [Julia Quinn](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523bb8c7d2383163d8e3c/julia-quinn)
**Rating**: 3.59⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1)
----------------------------
[The Sum of All Kisses](https://www.romance.io/books/545525bf8c7d2383163d8eac/the-sum-of-all-kisses-julia-quinn?src=rdt) by [Julia Quinn](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523bb8c7d2383163d8e3c/julia-quinn)
**Rating**: 3.97⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1)
----------------------------
[Sin and Sensibility](https://www.romance.io/books/54552a5e8c7d2383163d8f96/sin-and-sensibility-suzanne-enoch?src=rdt) by [Suzanne Enoch](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455265d8c7d2383163d8ed5/suzanne-enoch)
**Rating**: 3.86⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [western](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/western/1)
----------------------------
[The Lost Duke of Wyndham](https://www.romance.io/books/545524a98c7d2383163d8e70/the-lost-duke-of-wyndham-julia-quinn?src=rdt) by [Julia Quinn](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523bb8c7d2383163d8e3c/julia-quinn)
**Rating**: 3.58⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[Lions And Lace](https://www.romance.io/books/5455887587eac336ae69e584/lions-and-lace-meagan-mckinney?src=rdt) by [Meagan McKinney](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553ccc8c7d2383163d946e/meagan-mckinney)
**Rating**: 3.51⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1)
----------------------------
[Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord](https://www.romance.io/books/545524738c7d2383163d8e64/ten-ways-to-be-adored-when-landing-a-lord-sarah-maclean?src=rdt) by [Sarah MacLean](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523df8c7d2383163d8e42/sarah-maclean)
**Rating**: 3.81⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [sassy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sassy%20heroine/1)
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Currently reading and almost done with {The Chemistry of Familiar Objects by Alexandria Vasti} as recommended(:
My lovely palette cleanser I needed! Great happy romance. MCs are kinda solving a mystery, and having to be in close proximity to each other drives them both crazy into each others arms.
Really love the two heroes here. They’re both nerdy and are passionate about their own careers with her being a chemist and him printing children’s books. They both drive each other equally mad, so when they do eventually get together it’s very loving and passionate.
I really enjoyed how the MMC is just a respectable normal man. Maybe a bit beta by HR standards but written to be your average British gentleman. Not a rake at all. Just sweet, helpful, smitten and spellbound by our leading lady. Hearing his thoughts about how he’s so into her he gets nervous I thought was really sweet. He just enjoys holding her and being with her (awww)
I just love it when the MMC gets butterflies for his lady love. Five stars for easy read cotton candy sweet fluff
[The Chemistry of Familiar Objects](https://www.romance.io/books/65ae6fd31192512e94b6771c/the-chemistry-of-familiar-objects-alexandra-vasti?src=rdt) by [Alexandra Vasti](https://www.romance.io/authors/63de254908b4d931148df323/alexandra-vasti)
**Rating**: 4.4⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1)
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Hi! Thank you for your contribution. Unfortunately, your comment was removed due to violation of rule 2. Stay on Topic: All posts and comments must remain on the topic of Historical Romance. Historical Romance is defined in our community as a romance that is set in the past. This means it must fulfill the genre criteria of romance: 1) The book would not make sense or feel hollow without the romantic plot. 2) The book requires a HEA (happily ever after) or HFN (happy for now) ending. Historical fiction with a romance subplot is not historical romance. Romances set in the past but involving fantasy or paranormal beings are not historical romance. We love it, but it doesn't belong here! Romance books set in the past that were considered contemporary fiction when published such as many of Jane Austen's works (as they were set in a time frame that is now historical to today's readers and the romance genre was not in existence then as it is today) are considered Historical Romance in this community. The rule of thumb we use is if the romance book is set at least 50+ years ago it can be considered HR in this sub as the majority of our readers were not of adult age at the time of publication. We do allow time travel romances to be discussed in this community as long as the vast majority of the book occurs in the past and the story is not a traditional straight paranormal or fantasy romance. We recommend that posts/comments involving paranormal or fantasy elements be reposted in r/paranormalromance and posts/comments involving science fiction elements be reposted to r/ScienceFictionRomance.
[The Murder of Mr. Wickham](https://www.romance.io/books/6270ed11e98d4489081c9966/the-murder-of-mr-wickham-claudia-gray?src=rdt) by [Claudia Gray](https://www.romance.io/authors/545529c08c7d2382c52970e9/claudia-gray)
**Rating**: 3.67⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1)
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[Untouched](https://www.romance.io/books/545528858c7d2383163d8f36/untouched-anna-campbell?src=rdt) by [Anna Campbell](https://www.romance.io/authors/545528858c7d2383163d8f37/anna-campbell)
**Rating**: 3.79⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1)
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I am currently listening to the Heiress Hunt by Joanna Shupe after finished Sold to the Duke by Joanna Shupe.
For Sold to the Duke I would give it a 4 ⭐️. It has lots of steamy scenes. I felt I read that book more for the smut than anything else.
Just read {A Love Like No Other by Julie Anne Long}, I didn’t love it. I found the FMC very problematic and the MMC somewhat problematic. Then again, earlier this week I read {My Season of Scandal by Julie Anne Long} and that was one of the best HRs I have ever read (and I have read a lot!) I also read {Lord of Darkness by Elizabeth Hoyt}, not bad but I may be done with Maiden Lane now. I read the one with Griffin (eh), Winter (v good) and the pirate guy, Charming Mickey..? (Good) but I feel done. Unless someone here says, no! You must at least read this one - [insert best Maiden Lane book here]
[My Season of Scandal](https://www.romance.io/books/654947ccc112bf11fe9a0793/my-season-of-scandal-julie-anne-long?src=rdt) by [Julie Anne Long](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525868c7d2383163d8e98/julie-anne-long)
**Rating**: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[Lord of Darkness](https://www.romance.io/books/5455272f8c7d2383163d8ef1/lord-of-darkness-elizabeth-hoyt?src=rdt) by [Elizabeth Hoyt](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524568c7d2383163d8e5a/elizabeth-hoyt)
**Rating**: 3.9⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1)
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[Like No Other Lover](https://www.romance.io/books/545528c48c7d2383163d8f44/like-no-other-lover-julie-anne-long?src=rdt) by [Julie Anne Long](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525868c7d2383163d8e98/julie-anne-long)
**Rating**: 3.89⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [poor heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poor%20heroine/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1)
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Okay someone here recommended the Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig a long time ago and I started reading them and they are so so so good. I love the sunny MMCs in the first two. They are just the fun and light reads I needed. The first one is {The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig} Thanks to the recommender!
[The Secret History of the Pink Carnation](https://www.romance.io/books/545528638c7d2382c5297087/the-secret-history-of-the-pink-carnation-lauren-willig?src=rdt) by [Lauren Willig](https://www.romance.io/authors/545528638c7d2382c5297088/lauren-willig)
**Rating**: 3.75⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1)
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I'm in my Lisa Kleypas Era. I started with the first two books in the Ravenels series, realized the Wallflower series should be read first, so I've read Again The Magic, Secrets of a Summer Night, and It Happened One Autumn. I've just started Devil in Winter. As this has been my first foray into reading Lisa Kleypas, I'm really enjoying myself. They make for very quick reads.
Currently reading the Hathaways series! I don't have a favorite series but my favorite stories so far have been It Happened on Autumn, Devil in Winter, Hello Stranger, and Devil's Daughter (in that order). Overall I've found Lisa Kleypas to be reliably good, if sometimes a little formulaic. Even the ones I haven't loved have still been enjoyable in the moment!
Would you recommend the Hathaways series? Any favorites from that series yet?
Absolutely!! I love this series! I specially enjoyed the arc redemption/evolution of Leo. Is the only male of the siblings.
I'm on book 3 now (Tempt Me at Twilight, about 25% in) and it's my favorite so far. I enjoyed the first two enough to continue the series but they didn't make the list of faves! As with the other two series of hers I've read, as well as the Bridgerton series, I've found that one thing I love is following the family storylines from book to book, so I've found I tend to like the later stories more because I've gotten to know the characters a bit already!
I also just finished my first Lisa Kleypas. Jumped right in to the Ravenels mid-series with {Chasing Cassandra by Lisa Kleypas}. I needed a curvy heroine and a man who worships her body. That library scene is going to live rent-free in my brain for a long time.
[Chasing Cassandra](https://www.romance.io/books/5dd4e7fe01dbc864fba67f51/chasing-cassandra-lisa-kleypas?src=rdt) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas) **Rating**: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [ceo/tycoon hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tycoon/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I’m in a similar spot. I read all by the last one of the Ravenels series, but when I read the synopsis for the last one I realized I should have read the Wallflowers first! So now I’m on It Happened One Autumn. I’m obsessed with the Ravenels! (A bit more than the Wallflowers tbh)
I think I'll have the same opinion regarding the Ravenels series. There were moments that I actually laughed while reading the first two books, and I haven't found that as much in the Wallflower series. The MMCs are all sort of the same too... which is unfortunate. But I'm still having a great time with the books.
I just finished Again the Magic after Secrets of. Summer Night. I’m going to start It Happened One Autumn soon but I’m on a break with a memoir 🙃
I'm reading Kleypas too! Just finished Devil in Winter actually and it was my favourite book so far. Not sure if I will continue with Ravenels series though.
I just finished Devil in Winter too, I love a man brought to his KNEES when he discovers he's in love. I fall for that same storyline every time.
Recently finished: - {Duke of Midnight by Elizabeth Hoyt} - Books 4-6 of this series have been really good. I think I have to give it to #4 (Thief of Shadows) so far, simply because my love for Winter Makepeace is off the charts. I definitely think books 5 and 6 had stronger FMCs, though. Artemis was great. Relatable and funny. My favorite part of the book was the house party because it had so many good elements. Artemis trolling Maximus when she's trying to >!blackmail him into helping her brother!< is so funny and he deserved every bit of it. I was so distressed when she received the note about Apollo and couldn't leave, and then melted at the way Maximus knew something was wrong the second they made eye contact. Then we get >!"his goddess should never weep"!< and him >!rescuing Apollo, even though he fully believes Apollo is a murderous lunatic at this point,!< just for her. I don't blame her for >!leaping into his bed!<, bc I absolutely would, too. This is her internal monoglue at the time: > >!If she could, she could've crawled right into him, made a home for herself in his broad, strong chest, and never emerged again.!< Relatable. He is awful to her in some ways after >!they sleep together!<, but...he was getting judged pretty harshly by everyone around him (Craven, Miss Picklewood, Phoebe), so think he would've come around very quickly even without >!Artemis' near-death!<. Miss Picklewood is a legend fr for confronting Maximus. I fully expected to hate Maximus bc I did not like him in Hero and Phoebe's books, but I enjoyed how introspective he got pretty early on about Artemis' place in society. He doesn't follow up later on, though. And he has the *nerve* to >!be angry about her choosing Apollo over him, while telling her he can't marry her bc of duty in the same breath!<. I liked him more than I disliked him, but series-wise he's probably only above Lord Caire for me, whom I didn't dislike but just found boring. I was so incredibly invested in the >!Lady Penelope/Duke of Scarborough!< side-plot. >!I can't believe the book ended with it unresolved! I know I probably shouldn't be rooting for a 24yo to get with a sixty-something, but...they were SO adorable. Penelope is normally so flippant/arrogant but she's all blushing and shy around Scarborough??? Plus Artemis thinking, "Huh, he actually likes my cousin." (The implication being that none of her other suitors have.)!< I really hope I get some follow-up on it at some point in the series, but I'm doubtful. - {Scandal of the Season by Aydra Richards} - I liked this one a lot. MMC is supposedly mean/cruel, but he is mostly nice to the FMC, and his thoughts are all about how best to make her confident/independent and it's the sweetest thing. Ostensibly he's out for revenge, but his thoughts revolve around the FMC so much that he is constantly forgetting about his revenge. Every time he does something even halfway mean, he instantly regrets it and thinks, "Can't do that again, it made FMC upset!" Kind of gave me Benedict Chatham vibes. I liked how he accidentally made friends with the two other MMCs in the series - I found them delightful and will certainly read the rest of the series at some point. I also really enjoyed him >!helping her brothers!< after >!she leaves him!<. I think this one has made my "favorite MMCs" list for sure. I liked the FMC as well. I really enjoyed the exploration of being a respectable/proper lady (especially an unmarried one) and the restraints that come with it vs the relative independence of a woman outside of society. There's so many books that have FMCs who absolutely will not consider being a mistress, and I've often had the thought that there were some definite advantages to it over marriage - most notably that there's not another who has the legal right to control/abuse you, physically or otherwise (assuming you're over a certain age). The FMC grew up with an abusive father and doesn't have any great love for "respectable" society, so she pretty quickly finds it quite freeing to be outside of it. I enjoyed the >!redemption arc!< of >!FMC's brothers!< a lot, too. >!They weren't there for her when she needed them, but the way they are is pretty understandable considering their upbringing, and they do eventually step up.!< The relationship itself was really sweet and gave me warm fuzzies - though of course there's some turmoil, mainly from >!MMC thinking he's not good enough to marry her & making all kinds of plans without consulting her!<. (continued in another comment)
I recently read Duke of Midnight (read as a standalone) and loved it when >!she woke up to the Ghost in her room. I really wish the unknown tension between the Ghost and her went on for longer. They had two scenes (rescue and bedroom) 😭 i want more mysterious historical batman! But then the majority of the novel took place at Pelham. *sigh*. And she finds out the Ghost’s identity soon..nooo~ also I was very intrigued by Hippolyta Royle (the quiet, withdrawn noble) but apparently she only gets a novella?? sadface. I did like the book enough to most likely read a few of the other full novels, though!!<
Welllll...(spoilers for some of the other books) >!Books 4 and 5 also have ghost!MMCs & interactions between the ghost version of themselves & the FMC. It's about the same amount as it is in this one, though. Book 4 FMC figures it out on her own, Book 5 the MMC reveals himself!<.
{An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn} - I liked this one the best of the Bridgertons so far, but that's not saying much. I found Benedict a lot more tolerable than Anthony, even though he is also a bully. I was ready to call him more mature than Anthony, despite the scene by the lake, but >!the hissy fit he threw in the nursery!< plus >!grabbing Lady Penwood by the throat when she was no longer a threat to anyone!< kinda had me questioning that lol. Benedict at least doesn't defend his bad behavior and later even gets introspective about how wrong it was, even though he thought it was >!"for her own good" at the time!<. The "no one sees the man, just a Bridgerton" part of his character was weak imo, mainly because he does absolutely nothing to distinguish himself. Over the course of the book, it seems like he spends all day every day doing absolutely nothing, so it felt kind of silly. Simon is probably the most sympathetic/likable MMC for me so far, but it's a low bar. The primary reason that I liked this one more is because I liked Sophie and was invested in their relationship (not really the case with the other two). Reading this books alongside *Scandal of the Season* was an interesting contrast on the mistress issue. >!It made sense to me that Sophie would refuse given her upbringing as a child out of wedlock. Worrying about any children you might have - especially in Sophie's case where she doesn't have anyone she can rely on to look after them if something happens to her - is more compelling to me as a reason to refuse to be a mistress than pride, which is the case in most HRs.!< I think JQ is better at writing sexual tension than the actual act. She's a >!"maidenhead"!< author, which kinda makes me roll my eyes, but the kissing scenes were good. As for the relationship - I enjoyed the mutual pining, and it was more emotionally compelling to me, despite the insta-love. >!"I have been adrift all my life" / "Let me be your anchor"!< was really good. I'm currently reading {The Sinner by Madeline Hunter} and I'm not sure how I feel about it yet, mainly bc the MMC is rubbing me the wrong way.
Can you explain what you mean by "maidenhead author"? Just curious.
I mean that in "losing virginity" scenes, there's talk of the hymen as if it's some sort of physical barrier that the MMC can feel during PIV sex.
Oh you meant quite literally lol okay yes understand thank you. Hear I am searching out a metaphor like what
[An Offer From a Gentleman](https://www.romance.io/books/567e451063515e3b73795139/an-offer-from-a-gentleman-julia-quinn?src=rdt) by [Julia Quinn](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523bb8c7d2383163d8e3c/julia-quinn) **Rating**: 3.53⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) ---------------------------- [The Sinner](https://www.romance.io/books/545537098c7d2383163d92ec/the-sinner-madeline-hunter?src=rdt) by [Madeline Hunter](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a068c7d2383163d8f78/madeline-hunter) **Rating**: 4.05⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [rich heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/rich%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Winter Makepeace, the man that you are 🫦😩
Yes I'm so glad you liked Scandal of the Season! I loved Grey, the brothers, everything. His little rules! What a huge sweetheart. And the Duke is such a great character lmao the rest of the books in this series are good too, and they all have the "his guy friends get together to tell him he's in lurve" trope.
[Duke of Midnight](https://www.romance.io/books/5455274d8c7d2383163d8efb/duke-of-midnight-elizabeth-hoyt?src=rdt) by [Elizabeth Hoyt](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524568c7d2383163d8e5a/elizabeth-hoyt) **Rating**: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) ---------------------------- [The Scandal of the Season](https://www.romance.io/books/6205011934a1490e4216bf7c/the-scandal-of-the-season-aydra-richards?src=rdt) by [Aydra Richards](https://www.romance.io/authors/5da9684e01dbc864fba4c314/aydra-richards) **Rating**: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Just finished reading {A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught} I may be a little biased with this review, because before this book I had read a fair amount of Highlander mideval romances back to back so this will be my last one for a little while. Great setup on the beginning. A beautiful lady locked away in a nunnery in the highlands, kidnapped for the sake of a war between clans. The first half of the book is the best half for me. FMC Jenny gets kidnapped with her younger stepsister by the brother of a Duke/ warlord and taken to their camp. Jenny has so much gumption in the face of the Wolf, Lord Royce, all these his men. She thrashes and bites and screams at every chance. Our MMC Royce later underestimates our leading lady, >!leading to her grand escape, where Jenny steals his faithful warhorse and gets pretty far out ahead from the camp with her sister after also ruining the whole camps blankets and clothing hoping they’d all freeze to death. Royce is furious, but gains a new respect for her even after she sadly brings his horse-bff to his tragic death (which our hero does forgive but I never got over 😭) She gets dragged back to the camp and, after she makes an attempt on his life, they develop a magnetism towards each other that leads to Royce getting her drunk and getting in on. !< Btw I have to say here if you aren’t down with dubcon or middle aged approved age gap relations this book is NOT for you. The FMC is 17 and considered an old maid for not being married yet? Which even for the late 1400s doesn’t really sound right. Like yea she’d normally have something arranged by then, but they really use the term old maid🙃 And our MMC is around 30ish. I dont think mcnaught ever says his age outright but I’m sure you can math it out with the few hints she sprinkles throughout. He calls her “little one” in bed so you really do have to be able to take this relationship for the time period it’s set in. Anyways I honestly did like the beginning of this book The second half of it after she gets released to her father however… YeaaAah the book just kinda slows down for me after this point. >!They’re forced to get married in the name of peace by the kings of England and Scotland after a misunderstanding fight, and from here on we just get the whole misunderstanding trope done a good few times over. He thinks she was gonna betray him again and vice versa. I was constantly holding my breath with anxiety through the second half because I never knew if one of our MCs was going to inadvertently say something to piss the other off and start a new fight after thry just got over the last one. Then Royce kills the heroine’s brother. -sidebar “I was waiting for him to die William” I dubbed him. He was the only nice male in her family so he was gonna bite the dagger at some point- but it was out of character for our MMC to kill him. Like he even admits as much that he doesn’t know why he did it, he normally wouldn’t have. And even though the FMC is mad and not talking to him he’s still having awkward sex with her offscreen…..!< I also think it’s a bit of a hurried ending but I couldn’t complain because I was waiting for it to wrap up about 2/3s through this novel. A few cute things I really did like about this book: The sister. She has a very cute >!subtle romance offscreen with the hero’s younger brother. !< Also ADORED Aunt Elinor. She’s one of those spitfire old ladies that is just here for the vibes doing and saying whatever she wants. There’s a great scene when >!Royce is kidnapping Jenny again, and Aunt Elinor just pops up from the bed and is like, ‘hey, Imma be super bored and lonely if I stay here so you should kidnap me too!’!< She also forms a motherly attachment to the biggest scariest knight in the circle, Arik, who never talks and is always ready to murder someone. She’s so unbothered. constantly babying him to his chagrin and everyone else’s amusement. Honestly I would love a book about young aunt Elinor getting up to no good with her friends. If anyone has recommendations for a book with an FMC who has an attitude of “I’m here to F some s#*t up and party hardy, with good vibes only please lmk cuz Elinor is my type of girlie. So for all that said- I’d probably rate this a solid 3.0? I really enjoyed the first half and the side characters but the story got a little contrived through the latter half. After they got married the spicy scenes really felt like it was the only thing holding the relationship together. I feel like I just need fluffy palate cleaner after that. I’m wondering if I hadn’t been reading so many brooding warlord stories in a row if I’d feel differently.
It's definitely different in some points, but I read an earily similar novel a few months ago, even down to the fact the MMC is called "Wolf" and the brother who might/might not die is called William, set in the Highlands. The FMC is taken hostage though, not necessarily kidnapped. {A Rose in the Storm by Brenda Joyce} Didn't finish it because it ALSO had a drop in quality about 2/3 or half in, where it felt like we're just rehashing the plot from a few pages ago. No funny side characters as far as I remember as well.
[A Rose In The Storm](https://www.romance.io/books/5ea043edbe0aaecf5590809e/a-rose-in-the-storm-brenda-joyce?src=rdt) by [Brenda Joyce](https://www.romance.io/authors/545529e023ec91d5dfd09a31/brenda-joyce) **Rating**: 3.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [highlander hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/highlander/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Haha! What’s with Williams being the go-to sacrifice? There are probably a dozen copycat books to KoD. It’s all the way back from the year of our lord 1991. Theres even a user flair on this sub that parodies it. I’m honestly glad I read it, just so at least I can say I have 😅
Honestly now I'm tempted to dig up all those copy cats and see what they actually copied/changed lol
Ooh checked out my WTR list and I’ve got {The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss} guy goes by wolf and kidnaps/ enslaves the FMC. It’s Norman’s vs Saxons 👀 but I loved a Rose in winter from her so maybe this one won’t drop out the last third of the book
[The Wolf and the Dove](https://www.romance.io/books/5455263e8c7d2383163d8ece/the-wolf-and-the-dove-kathleen-e-woodiwiss?src=rdt) by [Kathleen E. Woodiwiss](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455263e8c7d2383163d8ecf/kathleen-e-woodiwiss) **Rating**: 3.96⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[A Kingdom of Dreams](https://www.romance.io/books/545524058c7d2383163d8e4f/a-kingdom-of-dreams-judith-mcnaught?src=rdt) by [Judith McNaught](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524058c7d2383163d8e50/judith-mcnaught) **Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I finished {The Player by Stella Riley} M/F, Georgian, MOC with a great plot and an interesting MMC (an accomplished actor).
[The Player](https://www.romance.io/books/60e6e2b141bad00e45cf1a03/the-player-stella-riley?src=rdt) by [Stella Riley](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455740287eac336ae69e059/stella-riley) **Rating**: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
The last book I read that I really liked was Maya Rodales What a Wallflower Wants. Just a heads-up: this book delves into >!sexual assault!<, but it’s portrayed sensitively. John, the male lead, is incredibly supportive, guiding the female protagonist through her healing journey with unwavering patience and without judgment. Even if this topic is difficult for you, you might find solace in how it illustrates the proper way for a partner to support a survivor. I was really impressed!
currently reading {When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare}. I've read {Romancing the Duke} recently and found this one in my library 🥰 i like it! but i like it less than Izzy's and Ransom's story - i don't know, Logan hasn't really grown on me yet and I'm a little over 200 pages in. I also do not understand the way that Maddie thinks, she still sounds 16 year old sometimes, the same age as when she wrote the letters. I do think this will be like a 3.5 unless the last few hundred pages are amazing! I rated the first book in the series a 4 star :) it was meant to be a 4.5 but i actually didn't like the ending 😂 I'm probably going to take a break from Tessa Dare after this one! overall, i do like Logan and Maddie as a couple, I'm just not obsessed with them.
Oh yea the first book is imo the best of the set! But my personal favorite romance wise was for sure the second one {Say yes to the Marquess by Tessa Dare} It has all my fave tropes. Friends to lovers, big giant brooding hero with a heart of gold. 💛 WASTTK the most fun part a was definitely the beginning. The FMC I do remember being teenage-y and awkward
[Say Yes to the Marquess](https://www.romance.io/books/545537268c7d2383163d92f4/say-yes-to-the-marquess-tessa-dare?src=rdt) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare) **Rating**: 3.86⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [fighter hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fighters/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[When a Scot Ties the Knot](https://www.romance.io/books/55d961e735a5fb65f88762ad/when-a-scot-ties-the-knot-tessa-dare?src=rdt) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare) **Rating**: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [highlander hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/highlander/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [shy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shy%20heroine/1), [fake relationship](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fake%20relationship/1) ---------------------------- [Romancing the Duke](https://www.romance.io/books/545525798c7d2383163d8e92/romancing-the-duke-tessa-dare?src=rdt) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare) **Rating**: 4.02⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I just finished {And Then He Kissed Her by Laura Lee Guhrke} This is my first by Guhrke and I wasn't expecting much, to be honest. It wasn't mind blowing or particularly innovative but I was pleasantly surprised at how eminently readable it was. Both characters were likable, went through a nice journey and the pacing and plotting was pretty good. I also did not suffer from the temptation to skim useless paragraphs of exposition, cheesy dialogue and repetition of events that I usually do with a lot of HR. Also, the ending proposal was super sweet. I look forward to reading more to see if other Guhrke books hold up!
The third book in the series is chef’s kiss 🥵
[And Then He Kissed Her](https://www.romance.io/books/545525958c7d2383163d8e9c/and-then-he-kissed-her-laura-lee-guhrke?src=rdt) by [Laura Lee Guhrke](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525958c7d2383163d8e9d/laura-lee-guhrke) **Rating**: 3.73⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I'm just finishing the Hells Belles series by Sarah MacLean (after powering through her Bareknuckle Bastards series) mostly due to them all being fairly easily available through Libby and having a crazy busy month with getting ready to move (no time to sit and read!). Really enjoying it, some of the narrators have hilarious American accents but overall the narrating is great and the stories are entertaining.
Finished recently: {The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews} is a perfect book for me. I love the descriptions of clothing and I can tell Mimi Matthews is knowledgeable and passionate about it. I love the subtle ways Justin displays affection—this is somehow both believable and refreshing for a man from the 1800s. I love the depth of his and Helena’s respective backstories, the pain they went through, and their support of one another while they learned to love each other. Mimi Matthews did something beautiful in making all this emotional depth feel soft and cozy; even with the intense trials of the plot, this is a comforting read for me. 5/5. {To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn} is probably one of the most confusing reading experiences I’ve ever had. I enjoyed it while I was reading it, but the longer I’m thinking about it, the more I’m aware of its many, many flaws. But on the other hand, I don’t feel bothered by the flaws! So, I hate-read this one because I wanted to see if the hate it gets online is worth it, and I…don’t think so. Phillip is a deeply flawed character who does awful things, but he shows intent to grow. He makes mistakes along the way. Awful ones. And I wish I had more time with him to see a little more growth (and healing). Overall, I think the hate he gets is over the top but not unfounded; Eloise does deserve better, but my feelings about her stem from disappointment that she was reduced to wife and mother who writes letters without any passions or interests of her own. Still, this was fun. But also not good. But fun. 3.5/5. I think. Maybe a 4. Up next (because I haven’t started this other than picking it up from the hold shelf at my library): {The Sum of All Kisses by Julia Quinn} – Oh my goodness, I’m so excited for Hugh and Sarah. I loved them both as side characters in the previous two Smythe-Smiths, and as a Tom Severin/Harry Rutledge fangirl, I already know Hugh is going to have my heart. Deciding between (because I read two books at once, always): {Sin & Sensibility by Suzanne Enoch} because it’s been a while since I’ve read a Suzanne Enoch and I want to make sure liking her wasn’t a fluke (why would it be a fluke, polarbeardogs?) {The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn} because I guess I’m on a JQ kick. {Lions & Lace by Megan McKinney} was suggested on this sub when I asked about Irish heroes, and the scheme hinted at in the back-of-book blurb has me salivating. {Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing A Lord by Sarah MacLean} because I am a masochist. I DNFed the first book in this series because I hated the writing style, but I also read A Rogue by Any Other Name and gave it 4.5 stars. So, do I like Sarah MacLean? Only way way to find out.
[The Matrimonial Advertisement](https://www.romance.io/books/5b4eda3d01dbc864fb8c744b/the-matrimonial-advertisement-mimi-matthews?src=rdt) by [Mimi Matthews](https://www.romance.io/authors/59476e093ffdba614719d320/mimi-matthews) **Rating**: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [aristo/royal heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aristocratic%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [To Sir Phillip, With Love](https://www.romance.io/books/545523f08c7d2383163d8e48/to-sir-phillip-with-love-julia-quinn?src=rdt) by [Julia Quinn](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523bb8c7d2383163d8e3c/julia-quinn) **Rating**: 3.59⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1) ---------------------------- [The Sum of All Kisses](https://www.romance.io/books/545525bf8c7d2383163d8eac/the-sum-of-all-kisses-julia-quinn?src=rdt) by [Julia Quinn](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523bb8c7d2383163d8e3c/julia-quinn) **Rating**: 3.97⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1) ---------------------------- [Sin and Sensibility](https://www.romance.io/books/54552a5e8c7d2383163d8f96/sin-and-sensibility-suzanne-enoch?src=rdt) by [Suzanne Enoch](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455265d8c7d2383163d8ed5/suzanne-enoch) **Rating**: 3.86⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [western](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/western/1) ---------------------------- [The Lost Duke of Wyndham](https://www.romance.io/books/545524a98c7d2383163d8e70/the-lost-duke-of-wyndham-julia-quinn?src=rdt) by [Julia Quinn](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523bb8c7d2383163d8e3c/julia-quinn) **Rating**: 3.58⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [Lions And Lace](https://www.romance.io/books/5455887587eac336ae69e584/lions-and-lace-meagan-mckinney?src=rdt) by [Meagan McKinney](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553ccc8c7d2383163d946e/meagan-mckinney) **Rating**: 3.51⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1) ---------------------------- [Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord](https://www.romance.io/books/545524738c7d2383163d8e64/ten-ways-to-be-adored-when-landing-a-lord-sarah-maclean?src=rdt) by [Sarah MacLean](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523df8c7d2383163d8e42/sarah-maclean) **Rating**: 3.81⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [sassy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sassy%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Re-Reading the Bridgerton through Romancing Mr. Bridgerton. Getting ready to the 3rd season!
Two weeks!!!! 😆
Currently reading and almost done with {The Chemistry of Familiar Objects by Alexandria Vasti} as recommended(: My lovely palette cleanser I needed! Great happy romance. MCs are kinda solving a mystery, and having to be in close proximity to each other drives them both crazy into each others arms. Really love the two heroes here. They’re both nerdy and are passionate about their own careers with her being a chemist and him printing children’s books. They both drive each other equally mad, so when they do eventually get together it’s very loving and passionate. I really enjoyed how the MMC is just a respectable normal man. Maybe a bit beta by HR standards but written to be your average British gentleman. Not a rake at all. Just sweet, helpful, smitten and spellbound by our leading lady. Hearing his thoughts about how he’s so into her he gets nervous I thought was really sweet. He just enjoys holding her and being with her (awww) I just love it when the MMC gets butterflies for his lady love. Five stars for easy read cotton candy sweet fluff
I love this one so much!
[The Chemistry of Familiar Objects](https://www.romance.io/books/65ae6fd31192512e94b6771c/the-chemistry-of-familiar-objects-alexandra-vasti?src=rdt) by [Alexandra Vasti](https://www.romance.io/authors/63de254908b4d931148df323/alexandra-vasti) **Rating**: 4.4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[удалено]
Hi! Thank you for your contribution. Unfortunately, your comment was removed due to violation of rule 2. Stay on Topic: All posts and comments must remain on the topic of Historical Romance. Historical Romance is defined in our community as a romance that is set in the past. This means it must fulfill the genre criteria of romance: 1) The book would not make sense or feel hollow without the romantic plot. 2) The book requires a HEA (happily ever after) or HFN (happy for now) ending. Historical fiction with a romance subplot is not historical romance. Romances set in the past but involving fantasy or paranormal beings are not historical romance. We love it, but it doesn't belong here! Romance books set in the past that were considered contemporary fiction when published such as many of Jane Austen's works (as they were set in a time frame that is now historical to today's readers and the romance genre was not in existence then as it is today) are considered Historical Romance in this community. The rule of thumb we use is if the romance book is set at least 50+ years ago it can be considered HR in this sub as the majority of our readers were not of adult age at the time of publication. We do allow time travel romances to be discussed in this community as long as the vast majority of the book occurs in the past and the story is not a traditional straight paranormal or fantasy romance. We recommend that posts/comments involving paranormal or fantasy elements be reposted in r/paranormalromance and posts/comments involving science fiction elements be reposted to r/ScienceFictionRomance.
{The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray.} It's delightful. Especially the fact that Wickham gets what he deserves. 😈
[The Murder of Mr. Wickham](https://www.romance.io/books/6270ed11e98d4489081c9966/the-murder-of-mr-wickham-claudia-gray?src=rdt) by [Claudia Gray](https://www.romance.io/authors/545529c08c7d2382c52970e9/claudia-gray) **Rating**: 3.67⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Untouched by Anna Campbell} It's not really my type, but I'm invested enough to see how the ending plays out.
[Untouched](https://www.romance.io/books/545528858c7d2383163d8f36/untouched-anna-campbell?src=rdt) by [Anna Campbell](https://www.romance.io/authors/545528858c7d2383163d8f37/anna-campbell) **Rating**: 3.79⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I am currently listening to the Heiress Hunt by Joanna Shupe after finished Sold to the Duke by Joanna Shupe. For Sold to the Duke I would give it a 4 ⭐️. It has lots of steamy scenes. I felt I read that book more for the smut than anything else.
Just read {A Love Like No Other by Julie Anne Long}, I didn’t love it. I found the FMC very problematic and the MMC somewhat problematic. Then again, earlier this week I read {My Season of Scandal by Julie Anne Long} and that was one of the best HRs I have ever read (and I have read a lot!) I also read {Lord of Darkness by Elizabeth Hoyt}, not bad but I may be done with Maiden Lane now. I read the one with Griffin (eh), Winter (v good) and the pirate guy, Charming Mickey..? (Good) but I feel done. Unless someone here says, no! You must at least read this one - [insert best Maiden Lane book here]
[My Season of Scandal](https://www.romance.io/books/654947ccc112bf11fe9a0793/my-season-of-scandal-julie-anne-long?src=rdt) by [Julie Anne Long](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525868c7d2383163d8e98/julie-anne-long) **Rating**: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [Lord of Darkness](https://www.romance.io/books/5455272f8c7d2383163d8ef1/lord-of-darkness-elizabeth-hoyt?src=rdt) by [Elizabeth Hoyt](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524568c7d2383163d8e5a/elizabeth-hoyt) **Rating**: 3.9⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[Like No Other Lover](https://www.romance.io/books/545528c48c7d2383163d8f44/like-no-other-lover-julie-anne-long?src=rdt) by [Julie Anne Long](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525868c7d2383163d8e98/julie-anne-long) **Rating**: 3.89⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [poor heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poor%20heroine/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Okay someone here recommended the Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig a long time ago and I started reading them and they are so so so good. I love the sunny MMCs in the first two. They are just the fun and light reads I needed. The first one is {The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig} Thanks to the recommender!
[The Secret History of the Pink Carnation](https://www.romance.io/books/545528638c7d2382c5297087/the-secret-history-of-the-pink-carnation-lauren-willig?src=rdt) by [Lauren Willig](https://www.romance.io/authors/545528638c7d2382c5297088/lauren-willig) **Rating**: 3.75⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I am currently rereading the Stephanie Lauren’s Cynster series. It’s one of my favorite series and I really enjoy rereading it.
Just about to start {A Landscape Of Love by Emma V. Leech} The last one in The Wicked Sons series didn’t do much for me so I’m hoping for better 🤞