Books matching: 1920s prohibition
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- #1
Save:A spicy, ghostly romance with irresistible characters and a richly immersive Prohibition-era setting - ideal for those who want their historical fiction liberally sprinkled with paranormal and lots of heat.
In the book "Bitter Spirits" by Jenn Bennett, set in the Roaring Twenties, Winter, a bootlegger plagued by ghosts, seeks help from Aida Palmer, a spirit medium. As they work together to unravel the mystery behind Winter's curse, their mutual attraction grows amidst a backdrop of prohibition-era San Francisco. The story weaves elements of romance, paranormal intrigue, and historical fiction, capturing the reader's attention with its unique setting and sizzling chemistry between the main characters.
With a focus on the characters' emotional connection and the suspenseful plot involving past traumas and a disturbed villain, "Bitter Spirits" offers a blend of passionate romance, engaging characters, and cleverly interwoven paranormal elements. The book expertly immerses readers in the atmospheric setting of 1920s San Francisco and Chinatown, while delivering a fast-paced tale of restless spirits, dark magic, and bootlegging, making it a must-read for fans of historical paranormal romance.
AIDA PALMER’S TENSE FINGERS GRIPPED THE GOLD LOCKET around her neck as the streetcar came to a stop near Gris-Gris. It was almost midnight, and Velma had summoned her to the North Beach speakeasy on h...January 2014•327 pages - #2
Save:Sexy, suspenseful, and absolutely addictive - come for the flappers, stay for the feels. “Speak Easy” is a rollicking ride through 1920s Detroit that will keep you up way past your bedtime.
'Speak Easy' by Melanie Harlow is a thrilling New Adult Historical fiction set during the prohibition era. The story follows Tiny O'Mara, a strong-willed young woman who is involved in bootlegging whiskey to support her family. When her father gets kidnapped by a mobster, Tiny finds herself caught in a dangerous web of crime, love, and betrayal. As she navigates through steamy love triangles and risky situations, Tiny's character shines as a brave and determined flapper who will do anything to save her family and follow her dreams of becoming a nurse. The book is praised for its originality, vivid writing style, and the perfect blend of adventure, suspense, drama, and romance.
I nodded. If she’d answered waffles, or even pancakes, I’d have directed her to the east wall of the store, where tin cans of actual maple syrup were stacked three high on a shelf. But since she knew...July 2013•328 pages - #3
Save:A clever, sexy, and twisty mix of historical intrigue and queer romance - equal parts thrilling and swoony, with characters you’ll want to slap and hug in equal measure. Perfect start to a high-stakes trilogy!
'Slippery Creatures' by K.J. Charles is a historical fiction novel set in the 1920s London and countryside, blending elements of romance, mystery, and espionage. The story follows Will Darling, a WWI veteran who inherits a bookshop from his uncle and gets entangled in a web of conspiracy, spycraft, and a complex relationship with the intriguing Kim Secretan. The book is praised for its fast-paced plot filled with secret societies, kidnappings, betrayals, and a slow-burn romance between two damaged men. The writing style is described as witty, snarky, and steamy, reminiscent of Golden Age crime fiction, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the mysteries surrounding the characters.
It hadn’t always felt this way. When he’d first visited his uncle at Darling’s Used & Antiquarian, he’d simply thought, That’s a lot of books, and when he’d started helping here, they were just work....April 2020•262 pages - #4
Save:A gorgeously written, emotional, time-bending romance set in Ireland, best for readers who love historical detail, poignant love stories, and don't mind a little magical realism - just be ready for a slow burn and keep the tissues close by!
"What the Wind Knows" by Amy Harmon is a captivating blend of historical fiction and fantasy, following the journey of Anne Gallagher as she travels back in time to 1921 Ireland. The story unfolds as Anne fulfills her grandfather's wish to spread his ashes in his homeland, leading her to a remarkable encounter with key figures of Irish history during the tumultuous period of the Easter Rising. Harmon's writing style intricately weaves together elements of romance, history, time travel, and poetry, creating a mesmerizing narrative that immerses readers in the vivid landscapes of both past and present.
“Yes, I know,” I teased, as if the locked drawer had been something I’d been trying to break into. I’d actually had no idea. I hadn’t lived in Eoin’s Brooklyn brownstone for a long time and hadn’t cal...March 2019•417 pages - #5
Save:Sultry, daring, and lushly evocative, "It Stings So Sweet" is perfect if you crave historical romance with serious heat and heart.
'It Stings So Sweet' by Stephanie Draven is an anthology of interconnected novellas set in the 1920s during the Roaring Twenties, featuring characters exploring erotic liberation and sensuality. The book delves into the lives of various heroines and heroes, each with their unique dark and forbidden desires, set against the backdrop of a glittery jazz age, flappers, and prohibition. The stories are intertwined, pushing the boundaries of passion and exploring themes of BDSM, voyeurism, domination, and intimate connections.
The first novella follows a young socialite woman defying societal norms to convince her husband to stay, while the second story revolves around an actress struggling with guilt and emotional barriers, finding unexpected love. The final novella focuses on a shop girl and a hotel heir embarking on a decadent adventure to fulfill fantasies, intertwining their lives in unexpected ways. Stephanie Draven's writing style is described as sensual, expertly crafted, and evocative, painting a vivid picture of characters discovering their sexuality and raw emotions in a lush 1920s world.
The band is playing “A Good Man Is Hard to Find,” and tonight, its lyrics about heartbreak cut entirely too close to the bone. As the singer growls through the soulful song, Jonathan’s cool blue eyes...February 2013•352 pages - #6
Save:A gorgeously written gangster coming-of-age story that blends history, violence, and poetry - perfect for literary fiction lovers craving atmosphere and depth, but not ideal for those seeking a fast, simple mob thriller.
Billy Bathgate is a coming of age novel set in 1935, following the journey of a young boy named Billy who gets involved with the infamous Dutch Schultz gang in New York City. The book delves into Billy's experiences within the gang, his relationships with its members, and his growth from a neglected Bronx teenager to a trusted member of the criminal underworld. The narrative style is described as captivating, with a focus on historical fiction elements and a strong sense of setting that immerses the reader in the world of organized crime during the Great Depression era.
He had to have planned it because when we drove onto the dock the boat was there and the engine was running and you could see the water churning up phosphorescence in the river, which was the only lig...January 1989•378 pages - #7
Save:Steamy, dramatic, and refreshingly set in Gilded Age New York - Magnate will keep historical romance fans turning pages and rooting for its ambitious, stubborn leads.
In "Magnate" by Joanna Shupe, readers are transported to the Gilded era of New York in the late 19th century, where self-made men clash with old world money. The story follows Emmett, a self-made magnate, and Elizabeth, a strong-willed woman who defies societal norms to run her own investment firm. As Emmett challenges Elizabeth to prove herself in the male-dominated world of finance, a slow-burn romance filled with teasing attraction and banter ensues. Despite their mutual respect and admiration, insecurities and scandals add layers of drama to their relationship, culminating in a forced marriage that tests their boundaries and feelings.
The book is praised for its detailed portrayal of the time and place, rich secondary characters from various social classes, and the historical conventions and limitations that shape the characters' actions. The author's writing style is commended for its sizzling romantic scenes that build tension and desire, as well as the depth of character development that allows readers to empathize with the protagonists' struggles and motivations.
If given the choice between bears and bulls, Lizzie vastly preferred the bull. Bears were tentative and sluggish, whereas bulls charged forward and caused things to happen. She had finally decided to...April 2016•349 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Knickerbocker Club ) - #8
Save:The Hot Kid is jazzy, character-driven, and drenched in Prohibition-era Americana - a fun ride if you love Elmore Leonard's wit and world-building, though the sprawling cast and loose plot may leave some readers dry-mouthed.
The Hot Kid by Elmore Leonard is a novel set in the 1920s and 1930s during the Prohibition era, focusing on the life of U.S. Marshal Carl Webster. The book follows Webster's encounters with notorious outlaws, particularly Jack Belmont, as they navigate a world filled with gangsters, gun molls, and wild west-style gunfights. Leonard's writing style is characterized by vivid characterization, engaging dialogue, and a reimagining of historical events with a focus on nuanced characters and intricate plotlines.
He told Bud Maddox, the Okmulgee chief of police, he had driven a load of cows up to the yard at Tulsa and by the time he got back it was dark. He said he left the truck and stock trailer across the s...May 2005•398 pages - #9
Save:A delightfully bonkers mash-up of mobsters, monsters, and madcap romance. Not flawless, but fast, funny, and full of heart - perfect for anyone looking for something wildly original and slightly ridiculous.
Love vs The Ooze Monster! by Cassandra Gannon is a quirky paranormal romance set in the 1920s. The story revolves around a charming mob boss, Boyd, and his skilled bookkeeper, Mabel. From the first chapter, Boyd's obsession with Mabel is evident, leading to a humorous and playful dynamic between them. As they contend with a giant ooze monster threatening their town, their relationship grows amid quirky challenges and witty banter.
2023•287 pages - #10
Save:'Speak Low' by Melanie Harlow continues the story of Tiny O'Mara and Joey Lupo, delving deeper into their complex relationship amidst the backdrop of 1920s prohibition and organized crime. Readers are immersed in a tale of love, lust, danger, and difficult choices as Tiny navigates between her feelings for Enzo DiFiore and the newfound passion she shares with Joey. The novel skillfully weaves together elements of mystery, romance, and historical fiction, captivating readers with its vivid descriptions of the era and engaging writing style that brings the characters to life.
The narrative unfolds with Tiny's journey towards independence and self-discovery, as she grapples with loyalty to her family, her desires, and the conflicting offers from Enzo and Joey. As the tension rises and unexpected events unfold, readers are taken on a thrilling ride filled with twists, betrayals, and steamy encounters. Harlow's storytelling shines as she explores themes of bravery, independence, and the complexities of relationships, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the gripping conclusion of the novel.
I brought my trembling fingers to my mouth and closed my eyes. I could still see the barely-suppressed fury on Joey’s face as he put everything together—my uncharacteristic nervousness, the thousands...
