Books Like...

In "Ruthless" by Anne Stuart, the story revolves around the intense relationship between the dark and debauched Viscount Rohan and the strong-willed Elinor Harriman. Set in a dark and disturbing 18th-century Parisian society, the book delves into the collision of two contrasting worlds - one of poverty and the other of opulence. As Elinor confronts Rohan at a scandalous event, their lives intertwine amidst murders, arson, and seduction, revealing the complexities of their past traumas and the emotional tension between them. The writing style captures the decadence and seediness of the setting, while the plot unfolds with suspense and dark romantic elements, keeping the readers engaged till the explosive conclusion.

To Love a Dark Lord by Anne Stuart is a historical romance novel that follows the story of Emma, a spunky and likable heroine, who finds herself under the watchful eye of her sadistic cousin Miriam. Lord Killoran, the quintessential dark and seductive hero, befriends Emma and uses her to gain revenge on his long-time enemy. The book is filled with witty and sarcastic dialogue, passionate and intense scenes, and a secondary love story that adds depth to the plot. The writing style is described as unique, raw, and dark, with a touch of humor and suspense that keeps readers engaged.

'Reckless' by Anne Stuart is the second book in 'The House of Rohan' series, focusing on the fiery love affair between Adrian, the son of Francis and Elinor, and Charlotte, a 30-year-old spinster. The book delves into Adrian's rebellious nature and his pursuit of love despite his debauched reputation. The writing style is described as smooth, with banter between characters and sarcastic wit that adds depth to the story. The secondary romance between Evangelina and Reverend Simon Pagett adds a layer of intrigue and depth to the narrative.

'A Rose at Midnight' by Anne Stuart is a historical romance novel that delves into the lives of the tortured and complex characters, Ghislaine de Lorgny and Nicholas Blackthorne. The book explores themes of revenge, forgiveness, and redemption as Ghislaine seeks retribution against Nicholas for perceived wrongdoings, leading to a tumultuous love-hate relationship between the two. Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution and filled with dark elements, the story weaves together past traumas, passionate emotions, and intricate plot twists that keep readers engaged throughout.

The narrative of 'A Rose at Midnight' is characterized by intense emotions, intricate character development, and a gripping storyline that seamlessly transitions between past and present events. Anne Stuart's writing style expertly balances the dark and gritty aspects of the plot with moments of lightness and hope, creating a compelling and multi-layered historical romance that explores the depths of human emotions and the complexities of love and forgiveness.

In "The Wolf and the Dove" by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, the story is set during the Norman Conquest and follows the capture of Aislinn of Darkenwald by the Norman invaders. Torn between loyalty to her Saxon people and her growing feelings for Wulfgar, the Iron Wolf of Normandy, Aislinn must navigate the complexities of love amidst a backdrop of war and betrayal. The writing style of the book combines vivid descriptions of medieval times with moments of intense passion, creating a tale that transports readers to a world of knights, castles, and forbidden romance.

Despite the controversial themes and challenging character dynamics, the novel is praised for its attempt to realistically portray the values and mores of the time period within the romance genre. The book delves into complex relationships, turbulent emotions, and the clash of cultures, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical romances that explore the darker aspects of love and desire.

The Devil's Waltz by Anne Stuart is a historical romance novel set in London and its countryside, following the story of Annelise Kempton, an impoverished lady who must thwart the plans of Christian Montcalm, a playboy viscount desperate for money. As Annelise navigates her responsibilities towards her charge and her growing attraction to Christian, a tale of heat, passion, and love unfolds. The book is known for its well-drawn characters, intricate plot twists, and sensuous writing style that captures the intense emotions between the protagonists.

'The Demon Count' by Anne Stuart is a gothic tale set in Venice during the year 1840. The story follows Charlotte Morrow, a young woman who travels to Italy to meet her absent guardian, Count Luc del Zaglia. As Charlotte delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding Luc, who is rumored to be a vampire, she finds herself in danger and unsure of who to trust. The narrative is written in the first person, leaving readers in the dark about the characters' true motivations, creating an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue. Despite some outdated elements, the book's compelling prose and engaging storyline make it a captivating read for fans of gothic romance.

The sequel, 'The Demon Count's Daughter,' follows Lucinda de Zaglia, the daughter of the characters from the first book, as she navigates political unrest in Venice and becomes involved in espionage. The story intertwines romance, political intrigue, and dark overtones, providing readers with a mix of suspense and thrills. While the sequel may not be as complex as its predecessor, it still offers an entertaining narrative that revisits familiar characters and continues the gothic theme established in the first book.

Lady Fortune by Anne Stuart is a historical romance novel that follows the story of Lady Julianna of Montcrieff, a young widow who is disillusioned with marriage after a disappointing first experience. When King Henry's court jester, Nicholas Strangefellow, is sent to entertain Julianna's family as a wedding present, little do they know that he is actually on a mission to steal a family heirloom. As Nicholas and Julianna's paths intertwine, a complex web of deceit, romance, and unexpected emotions unfolds, leading to a captivating and engaging plot. The writing style of the book is described as intriguing, with richly developed characters, unexpected twists, and a touch of humor that keeps the readers entertained throughout.

In 'Untamed' by Elizabeth Lowell, readers are taken on a medieval journey filled with unusual plots, romantic allure, and witty dialogue. The story revolves around Dominic Le Sabre, a Norman conqueror with a goal of begetting heirs, and Lady Margaret, a Glendruid healer cursed to only have daughters unless she experiences true love. The writing style evokes the medieval period's romanticized prose and mystical elements, while skillfully bringing the characters to life, whether they are good or evil.

'The Absolutely Positively Worst Man in England, Scotland and Wales' by Anne Stuart follows the story of Bryony, who finds herself in a compromising situation with Kit, a notorious man known for his bad reputation. Despite their initial misunderstandings, Bryony and Kit embark on a journey filled with humor, romance, and unexpected adventures. The plot unfolds with kidnappings, passionate encounters, and amusing side romances, all set against a Regency backdrop. The writing style blends elements of romance, humor, and sensuality, creating a captivating and entertaining read that keeps the readers engaged till the end.