Books matching: unconventional heroine
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- #1
A light, fun, and spirited romance on the high seas with a spunky heroine - great for fans of Meg Cabot’s humor, though probably not for purists of historical fiction or those wanting deep realism.
'An Improper Proposal' by Meg Cabot follows the story of Payton Dixon, a young woman raised on ships by her three older brothers, who is infatuated with Captain Connor Drake, her brothers' friend and ship captain. The plot revolves around Payton's unconventional upbringing and her unrequited love for Drake, who is set to marry another woman. As the story unfolds, readers witness Payton's struggle to navigate societal expectations and her own desires, leading to a series of dramatic and humorous events. The writing style is described as witty, fast-paced, and entertaining, with a focus on the unconventional gender roles and the charm of a strong, capable heroine.
“Bleeding turn.” Hudson, holding his chin up, had to look down the slopes of his high cheekbones to see his little sister as she worked on his necktie, and then he only saw the top of her head. “Wait...November 1999•344 pages - #2
An emotional, unforgettable tale of survival and love, best suited for readers who crave a deeply tortured hero and don’t shy away from heavy topics. It’s moving, unique, and beautifully written - bring tissues!
'Broken Wing' by Judith James is a historical romance novel set during the French Revolution, following the story of Gabriel St. Croix, a broken man raised in a brothel, and Sarah Munroe, a widow with a free spirit. The plot revolves around their unconventional love story, Gabriel's dark past, and his journey towards redemption, all while facing dangers such as privateering, wars, and emotional turmoil.
The writing style of 'Broken Wing' is described as beautifully written, emotionally gripping, and heartwarming. delves into themes of love, redemption, and overcoming past traumas, while also incorporating elements of action, adventure, and historical fiction. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is fast-paced, making it a compelling and captivating read for fans of historical romances.
Whatever notice Davey took of Ross's warnings, it didn't stop him from the lucrative free trading that kept his ship at the ready and his crew content. Gabriel had been out to sea several times now....November 2008•440 pages - #3
A cute, quirky fairy tale romp perfect for younger readers or anyone looking for a light, magical adventure - just don't expect deep characters or complex plots!
'The Frog Princess' in the series 'The Tales of the Frog Princess' by E.D. Baker follows the story of Princess Emma, an awkward and rebellious princess who meets a talking frog claiming to be Prince Eadric. After a mishap during a kiss, both Emma and the frog prince turn into frogs themselves. The story revolves around their journey to reverse the spell and transform back into humans, encountering various adventures and challenges along the way. is described as a cute and creative twist on the traditional frog prince fairy tale, with a focus on humor, magic, and light-hearted storytelling that appeals to both children and adults.
Even as a little girl, I had thought that the swamp was a magical place where new lives began and old ones ended, where enemies and heroes weren't always what one expected, and where anything could ha...2002•228 pages - #4
A fun, emotional, and drama-filled Regency romance with a stand-out heroine and a hero who eventually earns his stripes. Not flawless, but if you like passionate opposites attracting (and clashing!) in historical settings, it's well worth a read.
In "Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart," Juliana Fiori, a bold and unconventional Italian woman, faces constant scandal and gossip in London society due to her heritage and behavior. Simon Pearson, the Duke of Leighton, is known for his aloof and arrogant demeanor until Juliana challenges him to a wager of passion, leading to unexpected emotions and interactions between the two. As they navigate their tumultuous relationship, family dynamics, and societal expectations, the story unfolds with emotional depth and engaging interactions, set against the backdrop of Regency romance.
The plot involves a clash of personalities, emotional charged interactions, and a journey towards love and acceptance for both Juliana and Simon. With supporting characters from previous books in the series making appearances, the book offers a mix of drama, tension, and romantic chemistry that keeps readers engaged and invested in the characters' journey towards their happy ever after.
It didn’t matter that he had pulled her close and breathed his hot, whiskey-laden breath upon her, or that his cold, moist lips had clumsily found their way to the high arch of one cheek, or that he s...April 2011•384 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Love By Numbers ) - #5
A lively, romantic escapade perfect for light reading - come for the chemistry and humor, stay if you don't mind a few stumbles on historical details.
In "The Other Guy's Bride" by Connie Brockway, the story is set in Egypt and follows the adventures of Ginny, a feisty and accident-prone British heroine who poses as a proper English lady in need of an escort through the desert. She is accompanied by Jim Owens, a half-English, half-American mercenary with a mysterious past. As they journey across the desert, their attraction grows stronger despite both keeping secrets about their true identities. The plot is filled with adventure, humor, and misunderstandings that test their courage and passion, set against the backdrop of Egypt in the early 20th century.
The book is praised for its engaging characters, witty dialogue, and vivid descriptions of Egypt and its pyramids. Readers commend the chemistry between Ginny and Jim, the humor in their banter, and the intensity of their attraction. The story is a blend of romance, adventure, and humor, with a strong focus on the development of the relationship between the protagonists amidst a treacherous journey across the desert.
“People don’t die of seasickness, Miss Whimpelhall,” Ginesse Braxton said. She wasn’t absolutely certain of this, but she had long held the belief that a thing only counted as a lie if you knew it to... - #6
'Love me, If you Dare' in the 'Wagers and Wallflowers' series by Alyssa Clarke revolves around the unconventional widow, Theo, who runs an exclusive ladies club where women can be themselves away from society's judgment. When Sebastian's sister runs away to avoid marriage, he blames Theo and demands her help to locate his sister, leading to a merry chase across England. The relationship between Sebastian and Theo is riveting, with a forceful attraction between them setting the stage for a discovery of romance, love, and self-doubt amidst the constraints of Regency England.
The writing style of Alyssa Clarke in 'Love me, If you Dare' is described as witty, with great character development and a focus on the strong and fierce lead characters. explores themes of breaking societal norms, female empowerment, and the journey towards self-discovery and love, all wrapped in an engaging and quick-paced narrative that keeps readers immersed in the story.
T he afternoon sun receded as bloated gray clouds scuttled across the sky. The scent of wild earth permeated the air, and a cool gust of wind flapped the golden drapes by the open windows. It was unus...February 2021•256 pages - #7
Bold, spicy, and full of heart, this book is a perfect finale for fans of the Beautiful Barringtons and a delightful choice for anyone craving a historical romance with grit, humor, and plenty of sparks.
The Taming of a Scandal by Kathleen Ayers is the last book in the Beautiful Barringtons series. It tells the story of Lady Phaedra, the youngest and most rebellious daughter of the Duke of Averell. Unlike her artistic sisters, she is fascinated with weapons and finds strength in boxing and gambling. Her adventurous spirit leads her to meet Morgan Stewart, a rugged American with a dark past. Their relationship blossoms as Morgan protects Phaedra from the dangers around her while embracing her uniqueness.
Ayers' writing style brings the characters to life, making their emotions and struggles feel real. Readers experience Phaedra's battle for acceptance within her family and the passionate connection she builds with Morgan. The dialogue is witty, and the story flows effortlessly, keeping readers engaged. This book is full of romance, humor, and heartfelt moments, making it a must-read for fans of the series.
March 2024•293 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Beautiful Barringtons ) - #8
A fun, sassy Victorian romance with quirky leads and clever banter - come for the laughs, stay for the butterflies and sparks. Perfect for readers who enjoy enemies-to-lovers done with a lively twist.
Sinfully Tempted by Kathleen Ayers follows the unconventional and outspoken Tamsin Sinclair as she finds herself in a tumultuous pretend courtship with the eccentric Duke of Ware, Hayden Redford, an entomologist who is more comfortable with moths than socializing. Their relationship evolves from a contentious love-hate dynamic filled with sharp banter to an unexpectedly passionate romance. The writing is filled with wit, humor, and complex characters, keeping readers engaged with an enjoyable and lighthearted plot filled with drama, jealousy, and sensual moments.
Lady Tamsin Sinclair pushed her body flush against the wall of Lady Curchon’s drawing room, willing herself to disappear into the walnut paneling. Escape from this affair was impossible; she felt much...August 2023•236 pages - #9
Spicy, romantic, and delightfully twisty - The Detective Duke is perfect for fans of mystery-romance blends, especially if you like your love stories sizzling and your heroines a little bit brilliant.
The Detective Duke in the series Unexpected Lords by Scarlett Scott is a fast-paced mystery romance mix that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The plot follows Hudson Stone, a successful Detective Chief Inspector at Scotland Yard who unexpectedly inherits a dukedom, turning his world upside down. Alongside Lady Elysande Collingwood, the two protagonists navigate a marriage of convenience, a complex mystery involving criminals infiltrating Scotland Yard, and a growing romance filled with passion and intrigue. The story is filled with heated romance, intriguing characters, and a captivating blend of mystery and love.
Chief Inspector Hudson Stone had hunted down murderers and thieves. He had ensnared criminals with carefully laid plans. He had interrogated monsters masquerading as men. He had nearly lost his life w...November 2021•323 pages - #10
A daring, boundary-pushing historical romance with memorable, complex characters and a lot of heat - perfect for readers who are tired of formulaic love stories and want something different.
Set in the Bellamy series, 'Hyacinth' follows the unconventional Hyacinth Bellamy, a neurodivergent young woman who masquerades as a man to escape Society's strictures and support her family. When Hyacinth catches the attention of the Duke of Chatham while playing cards, a cat and mouse game ensues, leading to seduction and love. The book is praised for its unconventional heroine, explicit sex scenes, and unique plot that delves into themes of societal expectations, individuality, and atypical relationships.
No, what was unusual was that Sylvester hadn’t simply got up and left hours ago—when he’d first begun to get bored. He blamed his inertia on the weather rather than laziness, but he knew that was a li...February 2023
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Bellamy Sisters )










