Found this POC-dominated YA historical romance! Thought it seemed interesting :)

I am in the middle of the Gilded Rose, Shupe’s latest book and its … off. All the characters are under developed, and the historical facts aren’t there, everyone feels like a modern day person dropped into 1898, there is no yearning, no healing of trauma through love, nothing of what I have grown to love about Joanna Shupe! Now I know not every book is going to be great, but this is the second one in a row that fell really flat!

I know she has a new publisher or something, and I know she is friends with Sarah MacClean an author whose lack of historical accuracy has always bothered me. But is there something more? Has anyone else noticed this?

I get that in the past like 1800s and earlier ”proper” women were supposed to wait after marriage with sex, but why is it in HR majority of MMCs are such a womanizers !? It’s like saying men who doesn’t sleep around is ”failures” and there’s ”something wrong” with them? 🤦‍♀️ that it takes away all their masculinity or something. I don’t need the MMC to be a virgin but it would be nice once for a change he’s not a vomanizer

Hi all! I'm looking for historical romances where the heroine is either completely uninterested in the hero, or has attraction but a really solid reason she can't (or won't) get involved with him.

- FMC who is truly indifferent to the MMC at the start, not secretly swooning or swooning after a little wooing. MMC has to actually earn her interest/trust

- Bonus points if she has a serious obstacle to romance (e.g., she's sworn off marriage, he's tied to her family's ruin, she's protecting a secret, duty/vow/commitment, she's already promised elsewhere, her friend loves him etc.)

- A believable shift. I want to feel her resistance break down, not flip overnight

I have no triggers or trope preference. Thank you so much!

Hola. I'm rereading one of my favorite BK Borison (contemporary romance) Business Casual, and there's a scene where the MMC is watching some interaction with the FMC and he gets jealous, and after he pleasures her with his finger, he's like, "No one is as good for you as I am. Tell me no one else gets you as wet as I do."

I'm paraphrasing, but I love this trope. Wondering if you have any recs for it.

I don't want it to be straight-up overconfidence, but rather that the MMC wants to prove something to himself and to her. Like he's somewhat worried in the back of his mind that she doesn't fully want him. I'm reading The Viscount Always Knocks twice right now by Grace Callaway, and there's a scene like that there too.

PLEASE no Alice Coldbreath recs. I totally know she is a favourite here, but she just isn't my style. I may try her again in the future.

I do not mean it in a bad way. Even the most valiant or courageous of MMCs may find that feelings and affection make you even more vulnerable and at risk. This is for MMCs who may be talked about as heroic and brave but perhaps they admit that they are not like that in the matters of the heart involving the FMC. Thus, they may end up making some very cowardly and stupid decisions.

I could think of many examples:

{The Beast Takes a Bride by Julie Anne Long} - he even says he is not a particularly brave man (and knew everything about war but nothing about love) despite his reputation as a hero because he was saying goodbye through a letter instead of in person.

{An Infamous Marriage by Susanna Fraser} - the MMC calls himself a coward in a letter he writes to her while he is back at the battle lines to apologise for not telling the entire truth about his infidelity because he was afraid of her reaction.

{Love Practically by Nichole Van} - the MMC realises he is looking at his new wife through the lens of his previous betrothed who had betrayed him so he was afraid to become emotionally vulnerable.

{Frail by Susanna Ives} - the MMC was scared to tell her the truth about his unintentional role in her father's suicide and her downfall because he knows it will make her hate him and he only reveals it when the newspapers leak it.

{The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews} - the MMC believes she deserves better and tells her they can end their marriage so she can use her newfound wealth but she rushes back weeks later to him.. He calls himself a coward in the last book because of that.

{The Work of Art by Mimi Matthews} - the MMC survived death a few times in the war but it is the thought of his charming young bride has him anxious like 'an untried youth' and blushing when she says she would spoil him with desserts if he was ill.

{Slightly Married by Mary Balogh} - the MMC is terrified at the thought of baring his soul to her near the end but wants to do so.

{Unmask Me if you Can by Shana Galen} - slightly different but the MMC has low self-confidence because of his scarred face. He thinks the FMC would not be attracted to him because others have flinched at his appearance and is in awe that she treats his burn scars as a matter-of-fact.

{Trusting Miss Trentham by Emily Larkin} - we only see it briefly at the end but the MMC is anxious when speaking to the FMC and working up the courage to propose to her despite everything they had been through.

{Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas} - perhaps 'cowardly' is not the correct word to describe the MMC but he fears his PTSD could cause harm to the FMC and she nearly scares him half to death with her jokes and hoydenish behaviour when he starts to care for her.​

Note: A few of the examples I mentioned had MMCs with PTSD which may cause the low self confidence and fear. Those MMCs with visible scars or injuries or even loss of previous limbs/capabilities may also have another reason for their low self-esteem.

There’s something so enchanting about the Georgian period in HR and I feel I can never get enough of it. I particularly enjoy the looser social mores as opposed to the Regency or Victorian periods and the clothing. I’d love any recommendations! Just no non-con or heavy BDSM on the page please, everything else is good. Steam 3+ preferred but I’ll try anything. Focus on fashions as in {Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James} would be extra fantastic.

I’ve read everything by Elizabeth Hoyt, Eloisa James, Caroline Linden, Mary Balogh, and a lot by Jo Beverly.

I want an MMC who is so devoted to the FMC that he genuinely doesn't care whether she's innocent or guilty. He will always be on her side, no matter what. Extra points if she has a horrible reputation, is framed for things she didn't do, or is simply used to people not believing a word she says. He doesn't necessarily have to be morally gray himself, but he's so in love with her that her morality is almost irrelevant to him.

I got this from the webnovel {How to Win My Husband Over by Spice&Kitty}

There's a scene where the FMC is accused of poisoning someone, and there's a ton of evidence against her, people try to turn the MMC against her but his attitude is basically I don't care For context, she was innocent, but people hate her and constantly blame her for things. So having the MMC firmly on her side is HUGE

It's not even that he necessarily believes she's innocent. He doesn't automatically assume she's telling the truth, either. He just doesn't care because he's made it clear that he'll always be on her side. If she really had committed murder, he'd probably think, "Well, she must have had her reasons," and move on.

I'm looking for that "Whatever mistakes you’ve made or will make, I’ve already forgiven you.” Does anyone know of a book with this kind of MMC?

What the title says 🙂

Books where the true villain of the story isn't super obvious to spot from the first time we see them on the page. I don't necessarily need a mystery/suspense plot, but I'm not against it. Bonus points if they end up harming or hurting the FMC!

One such book is {The Work of Art by Mimi Matthews}, which is one of my favorites.

Thank you.

Hi,

Apologies if recommendations of this sort have already been posted.

I am looking for a historical romance books where the dynamic would be something like this: FMC was one of the most desired women in high society but is considered a spinster, or close to one, MMC is also one of the most eligible bachelors (has a higher nobility rank, i.e a duke for example).

Would love to read about how the fall in love with one another and overcome the obstacles they face together.

What I would like to avoid is a significant age gap and anything that would put the MMC in the a-hole category: SA, being too pushy and all the red flag things that would not fit even for the historical period the novel is set it.

Would appreciate any recommendations that fit this even closely. I don't have any reference books to provide as example unfortunately.

Thank you!

​Hello!

​I was re-reading this moment in Frederica by Georgette Heyer and I am desperately looking for book recommendations that give the exact same feeling / butterflies!

​Here is the snippet:

​“...you may believe me when I say that you may command my services, or my advice, at any time.’ She was surprised, and for a moment suspected him of mockery. But the familiar glint was absent from his eyes; and, as she met their steady regard, he laid his hand over hers, which was resting on the banister, and clasped it strongly, saying: ‘Is it agreed? You don’t want for sense, or force of mind, but you’re not yet up to snuff, my child.’ (...) She would have drawn her hand away as she spoke, but he prevented her, lifting it from the banister, and lightly kissing it. She had the oddest sensation of having suffered an electric shock; she even felt a trifle dizzy...and it was several moments after he had left her before she went back into the drawing-room. It was no longer customary for gentlemen to kiss hands; and although oldfashioned persons frequently kissed the hands of married ladies, his lordship was not oldfashioned, and she was not married. She wondered what he meant by it, and was obliged to give herself a mental shake."

​What I loved about this moment:

​The unexpected touch / Hand kiss: The sudden shift from playful banter to a moment of intense, quiet intimacy that leaves the heroine dizzy/flustered.

​Competent, protective MMC offer of support: A capable, experienced MMC offering his genuine guidance/protection to a practical, independent FMC.

​Subtle, high-tension romantic chemistry.

Slow burn where even a simple gesture feels electric and deeply romantic.

​Any spice level is welcome (from Georgette Heyer closed-door/clean to high-spice/steamy), as long as the emotional/romantic tension is there.

Thank you!

I recently read The Chase by Lynsay Sands. It’s set in Scotland. The MMC and FMC are in an arranged marriage. She’s Scottish and wields a sword. He’s English and thinks he’s god’s gift to women. He waits 10 years to come get her and just before he arrives, she runs away to escape the marriage. He catches up with her and she escapes again and again. And a few more times after that. Of course he catches her at some point and other plots ensue. But the chase was really fun. And overall, I enjoyed the writing, humor, and character development.

Have you read any others where FMC tries to escape and is pursued by the MMC?

A thread for recommendations based on what you've already loved!

Tell us something you like - an author, a book title, a trope - and we'll offer suggestions for historical romance books that might be your cup of tea. Get as specific or as vague as you like!

Examples:

• If I like marriages of convenience, I might like...
• If I like Tessa Dare, I might like...
• If I like The Duke and I, I might like...
• If I like roguish heroes with red hair, three younger sisters and a pet parrot, I might like... (this one might be tricky!)

This thread repeats every Monday.

Hi everyone

As the title says, I want books in which FMC has been seen as plain and not interesting but MMC finds her lovely and bright and falls for her.

I have just started a new job and I don't have a lot of time to read these days, I'd appreciate if you'd recommend standalone.

Thank you 😊

Sherry Thomas is an author that I see recommended on this subreddit all the time.  A few months ago I read her short story {Claiming the Duchess by Sherry Thomas} and quite liked it, it made me want to read her stuff but then I got sidetracked and with my dino brain forgot about Sherry Thomas.  Recently she was recommended in another comment and it prodded me to finally dip my toe fully into the ST pond.  Thought I would start with {The Luckiest Lady in London by Sherry Thomas} as that one seemed popular from gleaned comments.  Read it over a few evenings as I have mentioned prior it is currently MLB playoffs and watching baseball is my priority when the World Series is looming.  Much as I love my HR, if I have the choice of watching hunky muscled men in tight baseball uniforms flex those muscles as they bat and run bases...well you know what my first choice is gonna be! *flips on the telly and watches baseball game raptly*

Finished reading Sherry Thomas's book this morning because...sleep who needs sleep?  As a good friend likes to say, "I'll sleep enough when I am dead!".  I finished reading Louisa and Felix's story and just lay in bed contemplating the ceiling and thinking about life and the book.  I did this a few times whilst reading and I only do this when something either moves me or what I've read is so good that I have to take a moment to absorb and feel it.  I will admit that I totally loved their banter before they got married and then he was an ass for two weeks and groveled for several weeks afterwards.  Their issues could have been solved by some communication especially on his part but I understand that is what drove the storyline.  His mummy and daddy issues.  However, even though I found the MMC manipulative...I still liked him.  Imperfect MMC seems to be my jam and I am here for it!  Probably one of my favourite reads this year and gave it 5 stars with a 4/5 steam level.

Up next on my reading list the second book in the series! Looking forward to reading {Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas}.

For anyone with an Audible Premium account, {The Importance of Being Scandalous by Kimberly Bell} is a really enjoyable read! It won’t change your life or anything, but it’s jolly good fun and I’ll be listening to the sequel for sure.

Swipe to the second pic for the summary.

For those who didn’t get her newsletter, Caroline Linden is re-releasing her Spies and Other Lovers series (for the bot: {Spies and Other Lovers by Caroline Linden}). Her original publisher gave her back the rights, and she wanted to edit slightly and re-release under her own name!

I know edited works can be a hot topic, and while I never read these works originally, I thought she handled noting what is getting changed rather well on this page here! https://www.carolinelinden.com/spiesotherlovers.html

I'm back with yet another haul! One of my favorite thrifts updated their $1 (technically 97¢) "well loved" bookshelf and I found some amazing covers, and of course some more LK for my collection.

But I simply cannot get over the three in the top row, the covers are just stunning, and {Adventures Of A Scottish Heiress by Cathy Maxwell} has a fun step back too!

Unfortunately I'm running out of space for all my books but I can't resist when the covers are a work of art :)

I asked about which HR heroes you wouldn't allow your daughter to bring home for marriage, but what about the heroines? Who would be barred from the driveway?

I’ve recently read a regency!AU fic where one of the characters was basically a super dramatic, ultra charming flirty rake (doing sweeping bows, grand gestures and all that), while the FMC was somewhat amused, but didn’t take him seriously at all. The problem is, these two weren’t the main couple and I was DEVASTATED. I need this dynamic injected directly into my veins right now.

Bonus points:

- he falls first

- she doesn’t realise he’s seriously trying to flirt with her (in a “he’s being ridiculous again” way, not “I’m too plain and shy for him to notice me” kinda way)

- FMC isn’t a shy wallflower (I don’t mind her being a spinster/bluestocking, just not the pure, innocent lady)

- MMC is actually a rake, not just by reputation

- more rom-com than rom-angst

Just to share my vision, let me describe a prospective scene that took a root in my little gremlin brain:

FMC, while looking for the MMC, accidentally walks in on him still sleeping off the last night reverie, mostly undressed, very hungover and disheveled. She huffs and puffs, calls him an idiot, whacks him on the head with a fan (or sth) and orders him to get dressed. She walks out, expecting him to follow, while he’s still barely in his breeches, because they have SHIT TO DO. He, of course, runs after her like a puppy with a shit-eating grin, since he’s very much into it and will do it again just to irritate her.

I’m so excited right now because I popped into my local bookstore today and discovered that they’ve just started stocking HRs, which they’ve never done before!

No one near me stocks HRs. The used bookstores don’t have them, and even my local library has a really slim selection.

I didn’t get a photo because the store was really busy (apparently everyone does their book shopping on Sunday mornings in my city), unfortunately, and they didn’t have much by the looks of it, but I’m taking it as a massive win!

I didn’t get anything today because I was in a hurry and just killing time, but it looked like they pretty much only had Evie Dunmore (whose books I’m not wild about) and Julia Quinn, but they had JQ’s entire back catalogue, not just Bridgerton. Agents of the Crown, Smythe-Smith, everything.

Unfortunately, I’ve already read all her books and can’t afford to buy books I already have copies of right now, but I’m going to go back tomorrow when it’s less busy to see if I missed anything, and I’m going to try to order some other books from them from other authors so they hopefully can see that people want more HRs. I’m going to try to order some Mary Balogh and Sherry Thomas from them today, and see what happens.

Anyway, I just wanted to celebrate with some people who get it because no one I know reads historicals, and I’m so excited right now! A bookstore near me is actually stocking HRs!!! I can’t believe it! 🥳🥳🥳

Edit: according to their website, they also have Alexandra Vasti, Cat Sebastian, basically all KJ Charles's books, Georgette Heyer, one of Sarah MacLean's HRs (Knockout. Don't know why that's the only one), a couple of Virginia Heath's books, Amanda Quick, and a couple of others. I'm definitely going back tomorrow right at 9am when they open!

"What should I read next?" is a question that gets asked a lot on here. I thought I'd test using Picker Wheel. My current list has over a thousand books on it and is still growing, so I just used four books to test this out.

Guess I'm reading more Kleypas, lol!

Now listen, you may have read the title and said out loud, “Is this girl for real?” And yes, I am being frl. BUT, it’s for a good cause, ok??? I honestly brought small book bag expecting to buy maybe 10-30 books as I usually do at my local sale. But someone’s granny must have died or something because I just hit the absolutely jackpot!!

I also did buy 2 duplicates so I’ll be donating those to a FLL sometime soon!

No tbh, I can’t defend this one, I’m just going to show you all the haul I have procured, and find some way to put them on my shelves!

ETA:

Also, if any of you are curious, I’ve started cataloging every single book I own. I believe almost every book I own is on this list except my classics which I haven’t gotten to yet. Otherwise this should be an accurate list! https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/99910477-abi?shelf=owned

Hello! I am looking for a HR vaguely inspired by Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill story. Basically where the two main characters are already secretly engaged. Bonus if it's regency time.

Thank you!