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Proper English - England World by K.J. Charles
Proper English
Book 1 in the series:England World
A cozy blend of Edwardian lesbian romance and country house murder mystery - warm, witty, and a bit soft around the edges. A must-read for fans of queer historicals and cozy mysteries, just don’t expect edge-of-your-seat suspense.

If you liked Proper English, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    A Little Light Mischief - The Turners by Cat Sebastian
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    A charming, fast-paced FF historical romance with lovable leads, a touch of adventure, and a happy ending - ideal if you want your heart warmed in just a few sittings.

    A Little Light Mischief by Cat Sebastian is an F F novella in the Turner Series, focusing on the characters Molly Wilkins and Alice Stapleton. Molly, a former thief turned lady's maid, and Alice, a disowned gentlewoman working as a companion, find themselves plotting to fix past wrongs and secure a future for themselves. The novella explores their character development, blossoming relationship, and the empowerment they gain from each other's company, culminating in a sweet and satisfying ending.

    Most lady’s maids Alice had met were either French or at least pretended to be French; failing that, they were Englishwomen of the austere, rail-thin variety. Molly Wilkins was neither, and Alice didn...
    September 2019
    144 pages

  2. #2

    The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics - Feminine Pursuits by Olivia Waite
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    A tender, thoughtful sapphic historical romance that’s as much about women’s ambitions and creative passions as it is about falling in love. Quietly revolutionary, a great pick for fans of feminist fiction and slow-build romances.

    In 'The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics' by Olivia Waite, readers are taken on a journey through Regency England where a young astronomer, Lucy, falls for the wealthy widowed countess, Catherine. Together, they learn to trust each other, pursue science, and advocate for women's rights. The book delves into themes of love, friendship, feminism, and the struggles faced by women in male-dominated fields, all while exploring a tender and genuine romance between the two main characters.

    Miss Priscilla Carmichael made a lovely bride. Her dress of champagne satin caught all the light and haloed her, making her blond curls gleam and her eyes look as blue as a summer sky. The Honorable H...
    June 2019
    360 pages

  3. #3

    Mrs. Martin’s Incomparable Adventure - The Worth Saga by Courtney Milan
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    A delightfully fun, empowering, and unconventional historical romance that celebrates love, revenge, and late-in-life adventure - perfect for those seeking something refreshingly different and joyously queer.

    Opening in 1895, "Mrs. Martin's Incomparable Adventure" tells the story of two women, Miss Violetta Beauchamps and Mrs. Bertrice Martin, who team up to exact revenge on Mrs. Martin's Terrible Nephew, Mr. Cappish. Despite their differences in wealth and personality, the two women find companionship, kindness, and love in each other as they embark on a series of outlandish schemes to teach the Terrible Nephew a lesson. The novella explores themes of sexism, ageism, and the power dynamics of class and gender in the Victorian era, all while delivering a witty and heartwarming romance.

    Courtney Milan's writing in "Mrs. Martin's Incomparable Adventure" is described as provocative, daring, and rich in social history. The novella features well-developed characters, particularly the two older heroines, who are praised for their complexity, wit, and empowerment. Milan's storytelling skill shines through in the book's exploration of revenge, love, and societal norms, all wrapped in a humorous and joyous narrative that captivates readers from start to finish.

    Miss Violetta Beauchamps had made a terrible mistake. It wasn’t the taxing journey from London. Nor was it the coin she’d spent—money she could ill afford—on hiring a cart to come to this large countr...
    June 2019
    154 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Worth Saga )

  4. #4

    The Perks of Loving a Wallflower - The Wild Wynchesters by Erica Ridley
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    A delightfully inclusive, feel-good Regency romance that celebrates love, found family, and being unapologetically yourself. Great for readers seeking joyful, diverse historical romance - maybe less so for anyone after a more traditional or high-stakes period drama.

    The Perks of Loving a Wallflower by Erica Ridley is a regency romance novel that focuses on the characters Tommy and Philippa from the Wild Wynchesters series. The book delves into the complexities of their relationship, showcasing their communication, respect, and the challenges they face together. The story is filled with romance, mysteries to be solved, and moments of adventure and intrigue, all set against a backdrop of familial love and acceptance within the Wynchester family. The writing style blends romance with elements of disguise-based antics, delivering an engaging and enjoyable read that keeps readers enthralled from beginning to end.

    Tommy Wynchester strolled off one of the many boats docked at Billingsgate and melted into the marketplace. The smell of the water permeated the crisp air, as did the cacophony of voices, punctuated b...
    October 2021
    375 pages

  5. #5

    Think of England - Think of England by K.J. Charles
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    A witty, high-stakes Edwardian spy thriller-meets-romance with compelling main characters and sparkling dialogue - perfect if you like your love stories with action and period-accurate grit.

    In 'Think of England' by K.J. Charles, readers are taken on a thrilling journey set in Edwardian England where two men, Curtis and Da Silva, are sent on separate missions to an estate. They inadvertently join forces to uncover evidence against their host, leading to a partnership that evolves amidst espionage, danger, and palpable sexual tension. The story is a mix of adventure and romance, with a strong focus on character development and period accuracy, creating a fast-paced and intense narrative that keeps readers engaged until the end.

    There was a car waiting at the station, the latest model Austin. The uniformed chauffeur stood by it with military bearing, but leapt to help as Curtis approached and hovered while he got himself into...
    2014
    236 pages

  6. #6

    The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows - Feminine Pursuits by Olivia Waite
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    A tender, slow-burn love story with older heroines, lots of bees, and political edge - perfect for readers who savor character-driven historical romance with heart and brains.

    In the second installment of the Feminine Pursuits series by Olivia Waite, "The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows," readers are introduced to Agatha Griffin, a respectable widow running a print shop, and Penelope Flood, a potentially widowed whaler's wife, in the early 1800s. The book delves into their blossoming romance, friendship, and shared passion for beekeeping, set against a backdrop of historical references and the vibrant town of Melliton. As the two women navigate societal expectations and their own personal struggles, a slow burn romance unfolds, intertwined with themes of queerness, rebellion, and the complexities of relationships in the 19th century.

    She chewed the end of her graver while she frowned down at the wax, only half-covered with lines carved by the sharp steel point. It wasn’t that her son Sydney’s notes about the event weren’t detailed...
    July 2020
    416 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Feminine Pursuits )

  7. #7
    A Lady's Desire
    Book 6 in the series:The Townsends

    A Lady's Desire - The Townsends by Lily Maxton
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    A Lady's Desire by Lily Maxton is a novella set in the Regency era that follows the story of Lady Sarah Lark and Win Wakefield, who used to be best friends. The book beautifully navigates their journey from childhood friends to lovers, as they are reluctantly brought back together after Win's husband passes away. Despite societal pressures and their own fears, the two women find themselves falling in love deeply as they explore a second chance at happiness. The story is told through well-crafted flashbacks of their past friendship and the present, showcasing a tender and intimate friends-to-lovers romance.

    2018
    87 pages

  8. #8
    Backwards to Oregon
    by: 
    Jae 
    Book 1 in the series:The Oregon Series

    Backwards to Oregon - The Oregon Series by Jae
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    A deeply satisfying, well-researched lesbian romance with heart, grit, and a sense of adventure – perfect if you want to get swept up in life on the Oregon Trail. Slow-paced but rewarding!

    'Backwards to Oregon' by Jae is a historical romance novel set on the Oregon Trail, following the journey of two women, Luke and Nora, along with a child named Amy. The book explores themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience as the characters face challenges and secrets on their way to Oregon. The writing style is captivating, with vivid descriptions that immerse the reader in the rugged and emotional journey of the protagonists.

    INWARDLY CURSING THE smoke-filled, dimly lit room and the tinny clanking of the piano, Tess had strained to keep a watchful eye and ear on her girls and their customers lounging in secluded alcoves, o...
    2007
    503 pages

  9. #9

    An Island Princess Starts a Scandal - Las Léonas by Adriana Herrera
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    A gorgeously detailed, joyous sapphic historical romp that celebrates queer love and female agency in a rich, atmospheric setting. Steamy, swoony, and just plain fun - definitely worth picking up if you're in the mood for something bold and romantic!

    An Island Princess Starts a Scandal by Adriana Herrera is a historical sapphic romance set in Paris in 1889, featuring two strong heroines, Manuela and Cora. The story follows Manuela, a Dominican Venezuelan woman painter, who meets Cora, a duchess with vast wealth and business ambition, at a lesbian sex club. They form a unique bond as they navigate through the scandalous nightlife of Paris's lesbian community while dealing with their attraction and the business deal between them. The novel is praised for its lush and unique setting, vibrant characters, and sensual writing style that brings to life a vibrant historical period.

    An absolute, unequivocal, dismal failure. It was the only title one could use for a person who, after three weeks in a city known the world over for its endless supply of debauchery, remained thorough...
    May 2023
    372 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Las Léonas )

  10. #10
    Any Old Diamonds
    Book 1 in the series:Lilywhite Boys

    Any Old Diamonds - Lilywhite Boys by K.J. Charles
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    A deliciously sharp, sexy, and twist-filled historical heist with heart. If you want your romance smart and your plot unpredictable, don't miss it!

    In "Any Old Diamonds" by K.J. Charles, Alec Pyne approaches professional jewel thieves Jerry Crozier and Tempelton Lane to steal his family's jewels as part of a scheme to seek revenge on his father and stepmother. As Alec and Jerry navigate a complex web of deceit and emotions, a friendship and romance blossom between them, leading to unexpected twists and turns in their relationship. The story is filled with suspense, betrayal, emotional depth, and a touch of Victorian-era charm, all expertly woven together by K.J. Charles's engaging writing style.

    Alec woke up with the question in his mind and couldn’t let it go. He couldn’t answer it either, no matter that his options were exceedingly limited. A lounge suit would presumably be best, for inform...
    January 2019
    265 pages

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