Books Like...

The Wedding Journey by Carla Kelly is a historical romance set during the Napoleonic Wars, following the journey of Captain Jesse Randall and Nell Mason as they escape through Spain after being abandoned during a military retreat. The plot centers around their marriage of convenience to avoid Nell being traded to an abusive army officer, their struggles to survive in a war-torn country, and the development of their relationship amidst the perils of the battlefield. Kelly's writing style captures the harsh realities of war, the sacrifices made by the characters, and the slow-burning romance between Jesse and Nell.

In "Marrying The Captain" by Carla Kelly, Captain Oliver Worthy is tasked with spying on Nana Massie, the daughter of his superior, Lord Ratliffe, while staying at the Mulberry Inn in Plymouth. Nana, the illegitimate daughter of a lieutenant turned lord, has resigned herself to a life of struggle and poverty, but finds herself dreaming of a future with Oliver. The book explores their romance amidst the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, touching on themes of trust, deception, and societal expectations.

"Only Beloved" in the series "The Survivors' Club" by Mary Balogh is a historical romance novel that focuses on the character development and married life of Dora and George. Set in Britain during the Regency period, the story delves into the lives of two mature individuals who find love and companionship later in life. The plot revolves around secrets, healing, and the importance of love and understanding in building a life together. reunites characters from previous novels in the series and provides closure to the overarching storyline.

Polly, a young woman on her way to visit her sister in Portugal, finds herself in a dangerous situation with Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Junot, a bored but not boring Royal Marine. The story unfolds with adventure, danger, humor, and romance as they navigate the horrors of war and captivity by the French. The book portrays a realistic view of the struggles faced by young women during wartime, with a focus on survival, love, and the human spirit.

In "The Work of Art" by Mimi Matthews, the story revolves around Phyllida Satterthwaite, a young woman facing an unwanted marriage arrangement with the sinister Duke of Moreland. Her circumstances take a turn when she confides in Captain Arthur Heywood, a war hero suffering from physical and emotional scars. As Phylly and Arthur form a bond of friendship that evolves into a heartwarming romance, they navigate through family betrayals, villainous characters, and a mysterious threat to Phylly's safety. The writing style of the book beautifully captures the Regency era with well-developed characters and a plot filled with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged till the end.

Love Practically is a beautifully written historical romance that delves into the complexities of adult relationships without over-explaining. The story is set in Scotland and follows the character Leah Penn Leith, a nurturing and strong-willed woman, as she navigates through themes of regret, loss, addiction, trust, and love. The book is praised for its realistic portrayal of characters, the gorgeous Scottish setting, and the emotional depth that the author, Nichole Van, brings to the story.

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.

'The Captain's Midwinter Bride' by Liana De la Rosa is a heartwarming story about two people, Captain Philip Dalton and his wife Annalise, who have been married for over two decades but barely know each other. As Captain Dalton retires from the Navy and they prepare for their daughter's marriage, they find themselves rekindling their relationship and rediscovering each other. The book beautifully portrays their journey of reinventing themselves to give their marriage a second life, overcoming past struggles and doubts, and navigating the challenges of parenthood and marriage.

The author, Liana De la Rosa, delivers a charming and delightful read filled with historical romance vibes and mature characters who are less prone to fits of temper. The story captures the essence of second chances, love, and magic in a long-standing marriage, as the Daltons face the ups and downs of their relationship while preparing for a new chapter in their lives.

Carla Kelly's 'Her Hesitant Heart' follows the journey of Susanna, a divorcee starting over at a frontier army post, and Joe, a widower army doctor, as they navigate their past sorrows and find solace in each other's company. Set against the backdrop of 1865 Ft. Laramie, Wyoming, the story unfolds with themes of resilience, compassion, and the challenges faced by individuals during a time of war on the plains. The narrative skillfully portrays the characters' emotional growth, progressing from tentative friendship to earnest commitment, all while dealing with realistic challenges and hardships.

The book offers a slower-paced, yet engaging storyline that intricately weaves together the lives of Susanna and Joe, providing glimpses into the daily life of an army fort during the historical period. With a focus on character development and a gentle, slow-building romance, Kelly's writing style brings to life the setting of the American Western frontier, offering a blend of realism, historical detail, and emotional depth that captivates readers till the end.

'Listen to the Moon' by Rose Lerner is a historical romance novel that delves into the lives of the servant class, focusing on the characters of Sukey Grimes, a poor maid, and John Toogood, a polished man of the world. The book portrays a marriage of convenience between the two characters, exploring their emotional baggage, relationship dynamics, and struggles with age gap and past traumas. The writing style is described as realistic, with meticulous research and attention to detail in historical settings, providing a refreshing change from typical aristocratic romances.