Books Like...

Wonderful by Jill Barnett is a historical romance set in medieval times, following the story of Clio, a spirited young woman betrothed to Merrick, the Earl of Glamorgan. The book explores their initial clashes, the development of their relationship, and the challenges they face in the Welsh Marches. The writing style combines humor, romance, and historical elements, creating a light and entertaining escape for readers.

Dirty Deeds by Stella Rhys is a second chance romance between main characters who were rivals when they were young. Emmett and Aly, who have a long history of love-hate relationship since their childhood, are thrown back together after years apart. The book explores their past, the competition between them, and the tension that builds as they spend more time together, leading to a rekindling of their relationship.

The writing style of Stella Rhys in Dirty Deeds is described as engaging and full of feels, with a focus on childhood friends turning into rivals and then lovers. The plot unfolds with interesting revelations about the characters' pasts, their connections, and the strength they find in each other as they navigate through their issues and emotions.

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.

In "The Prize" by Julie Garwood, the story unfolds during William the Conqueror's reign, where the Saxon captive Nicholaa is forced to choose a husband from the Norman nobles, ultimately selecting the fierce yet chivalrous warrior, Royce. The book delves into their relationship as Nicholaa vows to bend Royce to her will, showcasing a mix of resourcefulness, rebellion, and naivety in her character. The plot is filled with humor, palace intrigue, and passionate love scenes, capturing the essence of medieval England amidst the clash between Saxons and Normans.

In "The King's Man," Ranulf, the infamous King's assassin haunted by his past, flees to the Welsh wilderness where he meets Gwenllian, a healer and warrior. Despite their initial animosity, they find themselves on a slow-burn journey of forgiveness, love, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of English vs Welsh politics. The book delves into themes of identity, love, betrayal, and redemption, portraying a romance that builds subtly and intensely between two unlikely allies who must navigate their conflicting loyalties amidst a turbulent historical setting.

Gwenllian, a plain yet strong-willed woman, and Ranulf, a complex and tormented hero, form a compelling bond that evolves from discord to mutual respect and admiration. The narrative weaves together elements of medieval history, intricate character development, intense emotional moments, and a richly detailed setting in Wales. The story unfolds with layers of depth and complexity, exploring themes of inner strength, redemption, and the transformative power of love amid a backdrop of political intrigue and personal turmoil.

'Sinner' by Sierra Simone is a steamy romance novel that follows the story of Zenny and Sean Bell. Zenny, a postulant about to become a nun, reconnects with Sean, who is Tyler Bell's brother and her best friend's older brother. As they spend time together, Sean agrees to teach Zenny about sex and explore their desires. The book delves into themes of religion, acceptance, and sexual exploration, all told from Sean's perspective. The writing style is described as intense, emotional, and beautifully detailed, with scenes that are scorching and deeply connected to the characters' journey.

As You Desire by Connie Brockway is a Victorian historical romance set in Cairo, Egypt, in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Desdemona, a child prodigy with a gift for languages, and Harry Braxton, an amateur Egyptologist with dyslexia. They are best friends who have feelings for each other but struggle to express them due to misunderstandings and past rejections. The book beautifully captures their banter, adventures, and the social scene of Cairo, with a backdrop of ancient Egyptian history and art. The writing style is described as funny, sweet, sensual, and unexpectedly smart, delving into the characters' inner conflicts and desires.

'The Duke and I' by Julia Quinn is a historical romance novel that follows the story of Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. The book explores themes of manipulation, misunderstandings, and the complexities of relationships in early 19th-century England. The plot revolves around Daphne's desire for love and Simon's reluctance to marry due to his past trauma, leading to a fake engagement that turns into a genuine love story. The writing style of the book is described as witty, humorous, and engaging, with well-developed characters and entertaining dialogues that bring the story to life.