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A dramatic, beautifully written start to a series, packed with emotion, mystery, steamy romance, and unforgettable characters - though the dark themes and explicit content won’t be for everyone.

If you liked How to Love a Duke in Ten Days, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    The Governess Affair - Brothers Sinister by Courtney Milan
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    A heartfelt, cleverly written novella with memorable characters and truly touching moments - perfect for romance fans seeking both substance and swoon in a short package. If you want a taste of Courtney Milan at her best, this is a great place to start.

    'The Governess Affair' by Courtney Milan is a historical romance novella that follows the story of Serena Barton, a governess seeking justice after being wronged by a duke. The novella introduces Hugo Marshall, the duke's henchman, who is tasked with dealing with Serena but finds himself sympathetic to her cause. As the two characters spar with words and emotions, a unique and intriguing relationship develops, leading to unexpected twists and a satisfying resolution. The writing style is praised for its depth, character development, and the clever portrayal of a sweet yet complex romance.

    Despite that dramatic production, Hugo Marshall did not look up from the books. Instead he waited silently, listening to boots marking a path upon the carpet. He wasn’t a servant; he refused to be tre...
    2012
    139 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Brothers Sinister )

  2. #2

    The Highwayman - Victorian Rebels by Kerrigan Byrne
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    A sweeping, emotional, and steamy Victorian romance with lots of drama, darkness, and heartache - perfect for fans of tortured heroes, but may be too heavy for those looking for a light, feel-good love story.

    The Highwayman by Kerrigan Byrne is a gripping historical romance novel set in England, featuring the characters Farah Mackenzie and Dorian Blackwell. The story delves into the past of the protagonists, exploring their childhood connection in an orphanage and how it shapes their present lives. As Farah, a widow working at Scotland Yard, encounters the notorious criminal Dorian Blackwell, a complex relationship unfolds, filled with dark secrets, kidnapping, and a marriage of convenience. The writing style of the book is described as intense, touching on psychological themes of trauma, redemption, and the power of love to heal wounds.

    Blood ran down Dougan Mackenzie’s forearms as he crouched against the ancient stone wall separating the grounds of Applecross Orphanage from the wild mountains beyond. None of the other children ventu...
    September 2015
    383 pages

  3. #3
    Sweetest Scoundrel
    Book 9 in the series:Maiden Lane

    Sweetest Scoundrel - Maiden Lane by Elizabeth Hoyt
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    A spicy, heartfelt romance featuring two refreshingly real characters - perfect for fans of character-driven historicals, but may not be for those who like their heroes polished and their plots streamlined.

    Asa Makepeace, the owner of Harte's Folly, a theater and pleasure garden, strikes a deal with the Duke of Montgomery which leads to his half-sister, Eve Dinwoody, overseeing his investment. Eve, reserved and traumatized by a childhood incident, is intrigued by the loud and brash Asa. As they navigate their relationship, Asa helps Eve overcome her fears and they both find themselves drawn to each other despite their differences. The plot involves the suspense of someone trying to stop the reopening of Harte's Folly, threatening the lives of Asa and Eve.

    For five years her life had been quiet. She had a nice house in an unfashionable but respectable part of town. She had her three servants—Jean-Marie Pépin, her bodyguard; his pretty, plump wife, Tess,...
    2015
    340 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Maiden Lane )

  4. #4

    A Dark and Stormy Knight - Goode Girls by Kerrigan Byrne
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    Satisfyingly steamy and a long-awaited romantic arc for a fan-favorite character, but not without quirky plot choices - best for Kerrigan Byrne fans who want more emotion and less procedure. A solid addition for series lovers, but maybe not the place to start if you’re new to her work.

    In "A Dark and Stormy Knight" by Kerrigan Byrne, readers are taken on a thrilling historical romance journey following Chief Inspector Sir Carlton Morley and Prudence "Pru" Goode. The story revolves around a chance encounter that leads to a passionate night between the two characters, setting off a chain of events that intertwine their lives amidst mystery, murder, and unexpected twists. Kerrigan Byrne's writing style intricately weaves together complex characters, emotional depth, and a gripping plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

    2019
    276 pages

  5. #5

    The Highlander - Victorian Rebels by Kerrigan Byrne
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    A lush, moody, and emotional historical romance that's perfect for those who like their heroes tortured and their heroines triumphant over darkness. Be ready for heavy themes, but the payoff is a beautifully written, deeply felt love story.

    'The Highlander' by Kerrigan Byrne is a historical romance set in the highlands of Scotland, featuring dark and dangerous characters with deadly secrets. The plot revolves around a rough and deadly laird seeking peace and a titled lady running from her husband, who find more than they thought possible in each other's company. The story is filled with complexity of human nature, suffering, and hidden pasts, captivating readers with twists and turns, strong secondary characters, and a backdrop of the Scottish Highlands.

    Take off your clothes. It wasn’t the first time Lady Philomena St. Vincent, Viscountess Benchley, had heard the command. She was the wife of a violent libertine, after all. But as she stared in wide-e...
    August 2016
    368 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Victorian Rebels )

  6. #6

    The Beast of Beswick - Everleigh Sisters by Amalie Howard
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    A fun, emotionally juicy, and steamy Beauty and the Beast retelling - come for the banter and bold heroine, stay for the swoony, slow-burn romance. Perfect if you love character-driven, modern-feeling historicals!

    In 'The Beast of Beswick' by Amalie Howard, Lady Astrid Everleigh approaches Lord Nathaniel, known as the Beast of Beswick, in a desperate attempt to save her sister from a forced marriage. The story follows the development of trust and relationship between the main characters as they navigate through societal expectations and personal struggles. The writing style is described as engaging, with a blend of historical fiction and modern elements like feminism, creating a unique twist on the Beauty and the Beast story.

    Her pulse drumming at a fierce clip, Lady Astrid Everleigh burst through the front doors of her uncle’s country estate in Southend. The flashy coach in the drive was as unmistakable as its owner—the a...
    November 2019
    370 pages

  7. #7

    Highlander Most Wanted - The Montgomerys and Armstrongs by Maya Banks
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    A moving, deeply emotional Highlander romance featuring an unforgettable survivor heroine and the patient, protective warrior who helps her heal. Heavy at times, but filled with hope, love, and heart.

    Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks is a historical romance set in the Highlands featuring the characters Genevieve and Bowen. Genevieve, a survivor of captivity and abuse, finds hope for freedom when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare. Their romance unfolds against the backdrop of Genevieve's emotional trauma and Bowen's determination to protect her. The writing style captures the emotional depth of the characters, with tender and caring love scenes that highlight the resilience and strength of the heroine.

    The summer sun was high and showed no signs of lowering in the sky, and yet she could sense darkness. Knew it was coming. The Montgomerys would not allow the injustice done to one of their own, and no...
    March 2013
    370 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Montgomerys and Armstrongs )

  8. #8

    The Matrimonial Advertisement - Parish Orphans of Devon by Mimi Matthews
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    A beautifully written, atmospheric historical romance with memorable characters and a heartfelt, slow-build love story. If you like your romances sweet, thoughtful, and rooted in real historical issues, this is a must-try.

    The Matrimonial Advertisement follows the story of Helena, a woman escaping her uncle's attempts to steal her inheritance, who answers an advertisement for a wife in a remote section of Devon. She meets Justin, an ex-army captain with his own secrets, and they both find solace and protection in each other. The book delves into the characters' past traumas, slowly developing their relationship from caution to friendship, trust, and eventually love. The plot unfolds with a Beauty and the Beast feel, highlighting themes of redemption, protection, and facing fears head-on, set against a Victorian Gothic romance backdrop.

    Helena Reynolds crossed the floor of the crowded taproom, her carpetbag clutched in her trembling hands. The King’s Arms was only a small coaching inn on the North Devon coast road, but it seemed to h...
    September 2018
    389 pages

  9. #9

    The Belle of Belgrave Square - Belles of London by Mimi Matthews
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    A beautifully written, emotionally rich, closed-door Victorian romance with gothic flair and a wonderfully bookish heroine - a comfort read for historical romance lovers!

    The Belle of Belgrave Square by Mimi Matthews is the second book in the 'Belles of London' series, following the story of the shy and anxious Julia Wychwood and the infamous Captain Jasper Blunt. Set in Victorian society, the book explores the constraints placed upon women, common practices of the time, and popular beliefs. As Julia and Jasper navigate their marriage of convenience, readers are taken on a journey of romance, mystery, and character growth, set against a backdrop of historical accuracy and nods to Victorian literature.

    It was often the case at this time of morning—those early moments after break of dawn, when the air was misty cool and the rising sun was shining brightly to burn away the fog. Some ladies and gentlem...
    October 2022
    449 pages

  10. #10

    Twisted Emotions - The Camorra Chronicles by Cora Reilly
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    A beautifully written, deeply emotional arranged marriage mafia romance with excellent character development - but be prepared for some truly dark themes. If you like your antiheroes gentle with their heroines and stories of healing, this will likely be your next favorite read.

    "Twisted Emotions" in the series "The Camorra Chronicles" by Cora Reilly follows the story of Kiara and Nino, two characters with tragic pasts who find solace and healing in each other's presence. Kiara, a victim of sexual assault, is forced into an arranged marriage with Nino, a complex and emotionally detached character. As their relationship unfolds, they navigate through trauma, emotional growth, and the intricacies of mafia life, creating a bond that transcends their pasts and expectations.

    The plot delves into themes of trauma, healing, and love, portraying the struggles and vulnerabilities of the characters amidst a backdrop of mafia intrigue and family dynamics. The writing style captures the emotional depth of the characters, their journey towards self-discovery, and the evolving dynamics of their relationship, offering a blend of dark romance, character development, and intricate storytelling.

    “You do remember what I told Luca last time I saw him? I doubt he’ll have any kind of interest in working with us after that,” Fabiano muttered, pacing the room. “He will kill me the moment I set foot...
    January 2019
    342 pages

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