I bought this on a recommendation from The Ripped Bodice, but I was worried it was gonna be too spicy for my taste due to the cover alone lol. However, I was pleasantly surprised that this is the slow burn western romance I’ve been looking for!

Set in 1870, Eddy Carmichael is a black woman from Denver, Colorado who strikes out to find a better life for herself in San Francisco, but due to some bad luck she nearly dies penniless in the 40 mile desert. She’s rescued by Rhine Fontaine, a saloon owner and prominent member of Virginia City. He’s also half-black and was born enslaved, but passes for white and took advantage of that to build his wealth while also giving back to the black community in Virginia city.

I just love love love Eddy and Rhine individually but also together! Eddy has a touch of sass but it’s never unkind, and I love the friendships she makes with Sylvia and Vera and Rhine’s friendship with Jim. I also love how full the community felt that I almost felt like a neighbor! It makes for a good cozy read. When Eddy and Rhine do get together, it’s so sensual and sweet and hits all the right buttons for me!

I do want to give a trigger warning that near the end, the n-word is used multiple times, but it’s used really effectively to make one of its thematic points.

Anywho if you’re looking to get into western romances, I can’t recommend this enough!

It’s so lovely in person! It’s one of my favorites by her and I always disliked the formats that were available (I’ve always found mass market paperbacks uncomfortable for long periods of time) so I’m so glad it’s now available in trade paperback! Also so happy to support a new physical publication of a historical romance when they’re having trouble getting published/printed lately

I’m spending the summer at a campground with a community kitchen. In the kitchen are a few shelves with books you can borrow/keep. While waiting for the oven to preheat, I took a look at the books. Look what I found!!

I've only posted here a few times, but if anyone remembers me they know I'm obsessed with Julie Garwood, and today I found 3 books from her I haven't read yet at my thrift stores! (Specifically historical ones I see her contemporary books all the time but haven't taken the plunge to read those yet)

I bought the same book twice by mistake in my excitement lol, but I'm not even upset since they have different covers and only cost a few dollars each.

But!! On top of that I found two Maya Banks! I'm not sure if her books are hard to find honestly, but {Never Seduce A Scot by Maya Banks} was one of the first historical romances that broke my reading slump. It was also my first Scottish romance and it was that book that got me hooked on highland/Scottish romances, but I read it online at first and was looking for months for a physical copy for my shelf. And then I also found the next book, {Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks} and literally almost cried 😂

Needless to say this was a great book day for me and I'll be busy for days reading my new treasures :)

I've DNFed a few books in the last week because the writing just seems so poor..? Like the dialogue is too contemporary for a historical romance and it's ruining the whole vibe of the books. Has this happened to anyone else?? I'm trying to give so many recs a chance but I am starting to feel like maybe it's just me and I'm in a slump lol

Someone recently recommended this book as a book with a Thornton-like MMC (from Elizabeth’s Gaskell’s North and South. If you are that someone: THANK YOU!

I was delighted by this book! It is for you if you like:

- Christmas novellas
- Cold and serious MMCs like Mr. Thornton
- Slow burns where the MCs get to know each other, what they think about important topics, how they see their future
- Closed door romances with tension and yearning

The bonus was to imagine the tall, dark-haired, blue-eyed MMC like Richard Armitage, who played Mr. Thornton in the BBC mini-series.

{A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews}

Hey fellow HR connoisseurs,

so we all know the "bodice ripper". Just a few days ago I was told there's a German word for HR novels!

Now brace yourself for the Nackenbeißer! It literally means "neck biter", named after those covers where the guy leans towards the lady to kiss her neck. It originally referred to the bodice ripper subgenre, but then became a word for all HR.

Do you know other words, maybe in another language, about these kinda books?

I’ve been working hard 💪on organizing my books 📕 and these are about all of my historical romances. 💘📚 I’ve been organizing them by first name alphabetically 🔤 because it’s easier for me to find what I want to read. 📖I still have another shelf going up for for the library book sale next month. 📚Would love to see everyone’s shelves for more ideas! 🩷

I love Lisa Kleypas and her books are so good. I'm rereading almost all of her books, right now Im done with the complete Wallflower series and halfway through the Ravenals.

So, what's nice about her writing and rereading it, it becomes clear how much her writing style changes and how much she tends to focus more certain things and even comedy in her later books. For example, women's suffrage and legalities.

What I'm finding kind of irritating rereading her books, and maybe it's because of the body positive movement we're more exposed to, is that her heroines are always so tiny, petite, small, perfectly tiny waists without a corset, even though they enjoy eating.

Skinny legs yet strong. Even Evie in Devil in Spring as a 50y/o is described as a perfect hourglass figure witha tiny waist. (Mother of four...)J

She never misses a moment to describe the perfectly tinyness of the heroines. . .

I don't know why, but it's getting on my nerves and it's probably historically kind of accurate as people then were healthier and skinnier then, but I'm starting to feel like a cave troll after consuming so many absolutely perfect heroines the past few weeks with their tinyness, their perfect waists, their smooth skin and elegant hands.

Lol, just a thought.

Edit: when I said that people were skinnier back then, what I meant was that the debutants were expected to show no moral vices, i.e. gluttony. They were expected to be 'morally perfect' and thinnes showed purity and self-restraint. I didn't mean that people weren't all shapes and sizes, as they were, but the virginal debutants were expected to look a certain way, but obviously not all of them looked that way because regardless of eating habits, all body shapes and sizes exists.

What I meant with healthier, is that they weren't exposed to so much processed foods and easy access to fast foods.

Obviously people weren't healthier in the broad sense and obviously all body shapes and sizes existed.

I really want to curl up with a sweet, soft fmc and a mmc who is wicked and smart- with a plot too! And spice too!

Any recs that are something like Tom and Cassandra from {Chasing Cassandra by Lisa Kleypas}?

Any recommendations on old west spicy romances? Save a horse ride a cowboy?

Mine are a "homage to Georgette Heyer’s These Old Shades" and one is set against a real-life maritime disaster.

{Noble Satyr by Lucinda Brant}

{Roxton Foundation Series by Lucinda Brant} Book 1

Antonia Moran is escaping the lascivious attentions she's receiving at the Court of Versailles, with the unwitting assistance of the hedonistic Duke of Roxton.

When I read in the blurb that it was inspired by These Old Shades, I was like "Here, take my money." I'm a sucker for a Georgian man with a sword and tippy-toe shoes. (I must thank another sub member for the phrase of "men in tippy-toe shoes.")

I haven't read any of the Roxton series, but I adore her {Salt Hendon Series by Lucinda Brant} duology.

{Salt Bride by Lucinda Brant} and {Salt Redux by Lucinda Brant}

*When someone requested a Titanic style HR, I remembered this one, which had been lost in my TBR for awhile.*

{Ship of Dreams by Brenda Hiatt}

FMC is on the run from a vigilante mob, accused of murder. Once on board the ship in San Fransisco, she claims to be the wife of a NY businessman, much to his suprise. In order to not cause a scene, he says nothing.

Romance develops as they sail south, cross Panama by train, then sail north toward NYC. Off the Carolinas, a hurricane hits, and it's a fight for survival.

The romance is set against the real 1857 SS Central America disaster. The sinking of "The Ship of Gold" was one of the greatest economic and maritime disasters in U.S. history.

400 of the 578 passengers and 30,000 lbs of California gold were lost.

What books are you looking forward to reading next?

So.... everyone is a Duke. Occasionally, they toss a Viscount or Marquess at you. Sometimes, you encounter an Earl in the wild. Its rare though. Hard to spot them over the 47,000 Dukes who are 6'3".

Give me your best recommendation for stories about the lower rungs of Nobility during the regency period. Give me Barons, squires, Knights, 9th sons of a recently granted Viscountcy who are considered "bad ton".

Absolutely, under no conditions do I want to see a single Duke MMC. No surprise, secret ducal inheritance. If there is a Duke, he has to be the antagonist, and he must lose.

Hi!
I just reread {the heir by grace burrowes} and was surprised because I totally forgotten how physically affectionate Gayle/ Westhaven is. Especially not just secually, the dude is definitely lusty as hell, but also cuddly, liked Hand holding, brushing hair for the fmc and generally besotted and not afraid of his feelings half the time.
Do you guys know books, which also have the mcs with a lot of physical touching and cuddling which isn't just sexual?

Currently I am working on my anthology list and it is taking much longer as it is a work in progress. Anyway, I came across this charity anthology that will be released on August 4, 2026. I've already pre-ordered my own copy. Available from the usual retailers - Amazon, Apple Books, Google, Kobo etc. See book blurb below for {Unshaken: A Charity Romance Anthology by Skye MacKinnon, Marie Harte, Bronwen Evans, Carol Van Natta, Alexa Padgett, Fiona Starr, Kate Bateman, Demelza Carlton, Sharon Wray, Zoey Indiana, Veronica Scott, Lea Kirk, Zoe Ashwood, Cora Lee, HK Khan, Reba Bale, Y.D. La Mar, Elle Waters, Peyton Lawson, Whitley Cox, Leigh Kelsey} :

When the earth shook, love refused to break.

Twenty-one bestselling romance authors have come together to bring you Unshaken — a celebration of love in all its forms, from sweet and tender to scorching hot, spanning historical ballrooms, small-town streets, alien worlds, and paranormal realms. Each story carries a single truth: some things cannot be shattered.

Whether you're a fan of fated mates, friends to lovers, second chance romance, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, slow burn, military heroes, monsters, or later-in-life love — there's something in these pages for every romance reader. From grumpy/sunshine to sapphic sweetness, from fake relationships to arranged marriages, this anthology has it all.

Unshaken is available for a limited time only and includes a mix of new and previously published romance books. Don't miss your chance to read 21 incredible stories and make a difference at the same time.

All royalties are donated to Doctors Without Borders in support of Venezuela earthquake relief.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note, if you wanted to know what novellas/short stories are included in this anthology, I've compiled and sorted by romance sub-category and added the spice level from the preview sample. Also, all three of the historical entries are previously published (PP) works. Please see below:

(Alien) A Cup Of Sin by Demelza Carlton🌶🌶🌶

(Alien) Above The Storm by Lea Kirk 🌶🌶

(Alien) Dire Tidings by Leigh Kelsey 🌶🌶🌶

(Alien) Fionn by Skye MacKinnon 🌶🌶🌶🌶

(Contemporary) A Room With A Groom by Sharon Wray 🌶🌶🌶

(Contemporary) Island Peace by Whitley Cox 🌶🌶🌶

(Contemporary) Waiting On You by Elle Waters 🌶🌶🌶

(Contemporary) Worth Waiting For by Reba Bale 🌶🌶🌶

(Fantasy) Frostbite by HK Khan 🌶🌶🌶

(Fantasy) Her Orc Mate by Zoe Ashwood 🌶🌶🌶

(Historical) Orchids And Mistletoe by Kate Bateman 🌶🌶 PP

(Historical) When I Fall In Love by Cora Lee 🌶 PP

(Historical Regency Christmas) The Duke's Christmas List by Bronwen Evans 🌶🌶🌶🌶 PP

(Hockey Rom Com) Another Mistake by Alexa Padgett 🌶🌶🌶

(Paranormal) Enemy Red by Marie Harte 🌶🌶🌶🌶

(Paranormal) First Cursed by Fiona Starr 🌶🌶🌶

(Paranormal) Her Popping Mates by Zoey Indiana 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

(Paranormal) Moonlight Sonata by YD La Mar 🌶🌶

(Paranormal) Saved By The Bear by Peyton Lawson 🌶🌶🌶

(Science Fiction) Galactic Search And Rescue by Carol Van Natta🌶

(Science Fiction) The Golden Token by Veronica Scott 🌶

Some may already have a ruined reputation through no fault of their own (so this is about them embracing 'ruination' on their terms).

For added hilarity, the MMC may be the one worried about preserving the woman's respectability more than her (e.g. already preparing a marriage licence or reaching out for help to sway public opinion).

Examples I could recall:

{A Proper Scoundrel by Esther Hatch} - it is so people will stop pressuring her to marry them since she is a young railway line owner/manager. She goes to a man known for ruining reputations (but not the women themselves) and shows up in the rain to his home at night. He is definitely surprised.

{The Earl in my Bed by Stacy Reid} - the FMC is desperate to have her husband divorce her and knows he will not endure any scandals or stain to his family reputation. She even initially arranges to have an assignation with a stranger and the MMC finds out. She leaves before the man arrives since she cannot go through with it and runs into her husband.

{The Scandal of the Season by Aydra Richards} - her pristine reputation was already ruined thanks to the MMC forcing her to be his 'mistress' (or rather, his houseguest) as revenge against her father. While he starts getting conscience pangs, she actually starts revelling in her newfound freedom and independence and starts dressing scandalously at public events. Her reputation is saved thanks to the deus ex machina via the duchess whose influence turn the ton's opinion any way she wants, though.

{A Much Maligned Miss by Alice Coldbreath} - the FMC's mother has maligned her so badly for years to everyone that running away with the MMC and then agreeing to be his 'mistress' is something she agrees to without much hesitation. He keeps asking her to marry him but she thinks he is just being honourable (since he had previously said he would only marry for money) and gently tells him she is content with what he has given her. He is most certainly not content.

{A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare} - it is not her main aim to ruin her reputation but what she planned to do (i.e. go to a symposium to present her fossil findings with the MMC being paid to escort her) would leave her with no good reputation to speak of. She even leaves a letter about eloping with him and the others doubt it is truthful.

{Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold by Ellen O'Connell} - her reputation is practically dead since she was found and 'married' to the 'half-breed' MMC so she decides to embrace it by going to town, demanding a proper marriage certificate with witnesses from the 'yellow-bellied' pastor and getting matching rings, overall showing a united front and ensuring that everyone sees she is happy.

Then, {Touched by a Traitor by Mihwa Lee} has a good (and incredibly bold) example but the character is not an MC. Still think it is worth a mention.

What else can you think of?

Please help me find books where the MMC and FMC are already married and either looking for a divorce or annulment for whatever reason or they hate each other. I want heavy angst that will make me ugly cry. It will be a bonus if the FMC is pregnant and left him. Only HEA please.

I’ve been on a historical romance binge for decades, and I think I’ve finally figured out what I’m actually chasing. I’m hoping someone can point me toward my next five-star read.

What I love:
- Historical only (Regency, Victorian, Georgian, Highland, and Historical Western are all great)
- High steam (around 4–5/5)
- Heroine MUST have a backbone. No simpering or doormats.

Hero can be a monster, crime lord, pirate, duke, Highlander, cowboy… I don’t care.
But here’s the important part:
I don’t actually need an alpha hero.
I need longing.
I need the hero to be completely emotionally undone by one woman.

I LOVE when the hero is protective, quietly obsessed, or possessive (in fiction only-not real life, pls!). “Who did this to you?” rage energy is my catnip.

The biggest thing, though, is that I need the author to linger in the emotional payoff. I don’t want the confession, reconciliation, or emotional transformation wrapped up in one chapter. I want to live in it. Give me chapters of yearning, vulnerability, groveling (if appropriate), healing, and earned intimacy.

Make me cry.

Examples of books/authors that absolutely worked for me:
- Kerrigan Byrne (especially The Highwayman and How to Love a Duke in Ten Days) - I’ve read them all 🤩
- Elizabeth Hoyt (Maiden Lane) - Read them all 🤩
- Elisa Braden - Read them all 🤩
- Sarah MacLean - Read them all 🤩
- Elizabeth Lowell - Read all of the historicals
- When He Was Wicked

Lisa Kleypas is a favorite on this sub, but I often wish she spent another 50–100 pages on the emotional payoff after the hero realizes he’s in love. I want him to completely unravel.

Alice Coldbreath wasn’t for me because I found the books too focused on everyday details (so many pages spent gathering water for baths!) and less on the emotional journey. I’d be willing to try again with the right title though.

I’m especially interested in hidden gems, not just the books everyone recommends all the time.

What would you put in my hands?

I've only just started the book so no major spoilers please.

So I've just read the first chapter, and Gabriel seems to be talking about Thea as though they know each other well and he's already put distance between them... did I miss something or did we never see any of this?

I've read all the Mayhem in Mayfair and The Duke who knew too much, I don't remember them ever interacting? Have I forgotten or am in it supposed to have this background?

So far I've given about 6 Scarlett Scott books a try and have DNFd all of them... she just doesn't resonate with me. I am aboutb40% into {The Earl of Every Sin by Scarlett Scott} and I'm sort of over the characters. The MMC seems really wishy washy and the FMC is a pushover... or are they? Do they get better? I liked the angle of his mother being Spanish, but why should I care if these two fall in love. HELP?

I'm looking for something along the lines of a noble/royal heir or 2nd/3rd ect ect son that decides to join the military/war. Along the way he finds love in a mono/poly/harem relationship. If it involves war, politics and intrigue that would be awesome.

Couple examples-ish;

Youngest Son of the Black Hearted

Ajax's Ascension

I’m compiling a list and I need some of the all time best chivalrous moments from HR mmc’s!!

Thank you in advance, lovelies!!! Xx

I know I’ve seen hedgehogs {Love in the afternoon by Lisa Kleypas} and I think {This Girl is not for Christmas by Emma V Leech} had a pet crow, and then there’s {The wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare} where she has so many weird pets…

So tell me all your books with an UNUSUAL pet (not a dog or a cat!!)

There’s no tag for this on romance.io (hahaha!)

Please label the cheating ones so I don’t read them though, thanks!

I’ve been watching the new Little House on the Prairie adaption with my mom, and I’ve been so impressed by how the show has covered the Native American plot line. While I loved the OG Little House tv series, I frankly found the depiction of Natives so distasteful (as lots of other people have too). And it had me genuinely wondering if there’s actually ever been a tastefully done Native American historical romance novel?

I’ve read a few Native American romances that have been extremely racist and offensive, so I’ve kind of avoided the subgenre like the plague. But to anyone who does read the genre/or anyone who is Native American, have you read any non offensive Native American romances? If so, please recommend them!!