and his ancient mythology series, but wished they had a more mature and romantic tone, look no further than The Song of Achilles. The characters in this one are passable at best, but I do love the backdrop. India, 1857: Englishwoman Emmaline Martin is falling in love with Julian Sinclair, the future Duke of Auburn. (Case in point: the elevator scene.) This unforgettable tale is as heartbreaking as it is thrilling; prepare yourself for a rollercoaster ride of emotions. They dont just hand out the Nobel Prize for Literature to anyone, so its safe to say were in good hands with Gabriel Garcia Mrquez. Living a quiet life and working in her familys seafood restaurant in late 19th century England, Nan King is happy just the way she is that is until Kitty Butler, a male impersonator and performer, whirls into her line of sight. Hmph. When she comes across Ryam, a jaded blue-eyed warrior, she hires him to help her get back to her family and warn them of the impending danger. Yeah, that wasnt part of the plan. Her (very) distant cousin Iain, Lord Randal could not be more different: hes a sophisticated, urbane Englishman who treats Scotland as basically just a hunting box, although his ancestry stems from there too. But then she catches the eye of the Duke of Cabria cruel, spiteful, and utterly obsessed with her and becomes his mistress. The universe appears to have conspired to keep these childhood sweethearts apart: with meddling families, possessive fiancs, and World War II thrown into the mix, will they ever find their way back together? This is a slightly odd book, but undeniably wonderful. Her father is the sort of criminally wicked rake we love reading about in other books, and it was great to see the kind of children a man like that would raise (think Lisa KlepyassDevils Daughter, where we got to see Sebastian as a dad). This sweeping panorama of life in a rural sheep station from 1915 to 1969 is an Aussie cultural mainstay its the best-selling book in Australian history! Red, White & Royal Blue is high concept fun and ruined my weekend plans to work. Keep an eye on your inbox. A kaleidoscope of popular influences, dripping in internet lingo, Ariana Grande references, and memes aplenty, Red, White & Royal Blue is the book we were screaming for. Riley also has other unusual historical romances in this period. After a long career in other forms of writing including but not limited to journalism, TV writing, nonfiction book authoring, I began writing contemporary romance novels two years ago and I haven't gotten off the couch or closed my laptop since then. A pair of English women hire Najja, an African assassin, to protect them. as one of their favorite books, and they share Yes, they existed! Discover the perfect romance book for you. Read More Romance Sarah MacLean Agree bloody fab book! This is how diplomacy should always work! It takes a special author to cook these stale ingredients into an exciting new dish, and many dont succeed. Niall, Lord Trevallyan is an Anglo-Irish aristocrat in Ireland during the time of the Protestant Ascendancy. as one of their favorite books, and they share This witty, sophisticated tale of societal intrigue and domestic dramas has a lot to offer Austen fans, and Heyers pacy comedy-of-manners is served with a generous helping of heart-stopping romance. An astonishing exploration of devotion and reunions, and the unrealistic expectations we place on those we love, Love in the Time of Cholera doesnt just ask whether the hero will get the girl it asks whether he should. But hes not going to prison not if his cousin Stella has anything to say about it. You know the fantasy about the gorgeous soccer star who picks you from a crowded room and leaves you with an epic kiss? Topics are things like World War 1, dinosaurs, grief, or jazz. When Anna runs away with the handsome Count Vronsky, excitement gives way to paranoia, isolation, and regret, as we witness the unravelling of their relationship, and of Anna herself. Lily was 12 years old when the Sharpe gang murdered her parents and adopted her. But a chance luggage mix-up at the airport brings them crashing back together. author picked Would you take a second chance at first love? Sybil Davison has a genius IQ and has been laid by at least six different guys. Ari is guarded, angry, and struggling to feel like he belongs. Adrian is a very interesting character: hes tormented by lust, but also by an extreme religiosity, which is woven into the fabric of his personality. A recent release thats already considered vintage Allende, A Long Petal of the Sea is suffused with a vibrant sense of time and place as it traces its story through forty years of authoritarian rule in Spain. 28 Steamy Billionaire Romance Books - BOOK RIOT women in mathematics. No wishy-washy illogical and frustrating nonsensical helpless damsels in distress here! Nor is he above taking advantage of a fortuitous bout of amnesia on her part. When Niks boyfriend asks her to spend the rest of her life with him, saying no isnt the hard part (the guy cant even spell her name right!) From my experience, it does a good job of capturing that kind of smart driven personality (Worth noting that Emily Foster is a pen name for Emily Nagoski, Ph.D, bestselling author of "Come as You Are" and "Burnout," so her knowledge of academia makes sense). One of the most unusual historical romances out there! If youre looking for a best-selling romance novel thats got it all passion, intrigue, danger, and time travel Outlander is your one! Sally Thornes writing is witty, charming, and sexy too. You must have a goodreads account to vote. But despite her good intentions, she can't seem to stay away from By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Cookie Notice The race to the moon is on, and engineer Eugene Parsons has two enemies: danger and distraction. In the previous life, Chu Qiao had been obeying her father at home and her husband after she was married. Louisa Cantwell is a mercenary. BUY INDIE The Opposite of You (Opposites Attract Series) (Volume 1) By Rachel Higginson Contemporary. Jeremy Maubrey, tenth Duke of Ainsley, wakes up one morning feeling curiously itchydown there. With a publication date of 1958, this is the second-oldest book on my list and one of the absolute best. Go to jail or marry the mystery man her father has set her up with headstrong Daisy Devreaux chooses the latter. There's only one problem: Alex has a beef with the actual prince, Henry, across the pond. I need more recs I know Ive left a ton of options off this list! In this romantic retelling of a perennial Classics favorite, Homers Iliad, Madeline Miller casts Patroclus as the awkward but lovable ancient Grecian nerd to Achilles jock. show more. Too bad the only thing shell ever love is Scotland. Its 1987 and a hot summers day in El Paso, Texas, when Ari and Dante meet at a swimming pool. author picked Alisha Rai and Sonali Dev have expanded the genre with love stories that feature Indian and Indian-American protagonists. as one of their favorite books, and they share Guillory kicks off with a man on one knee; its not the usual way to start a love story, but this proposal isnt followed by happily ever after. Developed a taste for fiery love stories? Theres no way he can risk everything hes built up for Eddy, a young black woman he saves from death in the desert. This list was created and voted on by Goodreads members. 5. Home of the magic search button and endless book recommendations as well as discussions about tropes and characters, Author AMAs, book clubs, and more. Witty dialogue and steamy sex scenes ensue, but how long can the fun last before they want more than just mind-blowing passion? College Romance Books So Good They Score an A+ She was lying on the operating table when she had difficult labor. So, If youre scouring this list for brilliant LGBT books, look no further! Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a tender and lyrical reminder that love in all its many forms should be open, deep, and without shame. After being selected to compete for the heart of a Prince, America is forced to leave behind her home and the boy she secretly loves but cannot be with. and Chief among the suspects is Randall, an amiable, elegant snake. This story of recovery even shows up in comedies. We think you will like why you should read it. Miss Delilah Bard, pickpocket, would-be pirate, and street fighter extraordinaire, is not one of them. When Sophia Stanton-Lacy is dropped on her aunts doorstep by her diplomat father, shes not quite what any of her extended family were expecting. Luckily, handsome doctor Carlos is there to sweep her away from the frenzy and into an epic rebound of food, fun, and fantastic sex. In six weeks, can she turn a poor working man into one who passes for a viscount? Arriving in Chile, they immediately embroil themselves in a tangled web of characters connected by love and tragedy. Lists are re-scored approximately every 5 minutes. This book doesnt try to gloss over some of the realities of 11th century life; both Ceidre and Rolfe are in marriages of convenience to other people, and he has many illegitimate sons he cheerfully abandons in Normandy. Set during the infamous Tang Dynasty of China, this book features a sweet romance against a backdrop of intrigue and plotting royalty. Genre Romance - Novel Updates A wager presents itself. Merlin Lambourne is an eccentric genius and possibly the only hope England has of defeating Napoleon. Id also like to draw your attention to Joyces novelThe Game, featuring a romance between an Elizabethan pirate and an Irish loyalist noblewoman. Beautiful Player by Christina Lauren. In It Had To Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, winner of 1994 Best Romance Award, the first chapter is set at the funeral of the heroine's father, a ruthless businessman and owner of the Chicago Stars NFL team. He wont rest until he finds the culprit who turns out to be a delightful young woman named Prudence Haversham, who actually meant to tattoo the previous duke as revenge. | Popular Shelves: romance, kindle-unlimited, sports, contemporary-romance, sports-romance | Search "Rocket Science by Emily Mayer", 88342 books suggested | Bug? The heroine of this Western is very similar to Morganna (first book in this list). On more than one occasion she proves herself willing to murder those she loves, and its a long while before she comes to terms with the atrocities which were done to her. Caitlin Randal is a passionate Scotswoman, dedicated to the Highlands she was raised in. Two writers, two beach huts, and plenty of whipcrack banter lets hope Henry is an author with a soft spot for happily-ever-after. Thats what happens to Lara Jean, a sixteen-year-old girl whose life is turned upside down when letters shes written to all the boys shes ever loved letters that the recipients were never supposed to see are sent. Any romance novel recs with a genius hacker heroine? Plus, did I mention this is set in 14th century Scotland? If you start with book one (a sensible choice) youll meet Ross Poldark as he returns from war in America. A great addition to the world of unusual historical romances! DM me! Lord of Scoundrels may be the third in its series, but we cant resist including it on this list. YOU GUYS, THIS BOOK IS INCREDIBLE. Where the Crawdads Sing, The setting of Victorian England is nothing special, but the characters are wonderful. Fans of dystopian novels (think The Hunger Games) will find a lot to love in The Selection, the first in Kiera Cass Selection series. Enchanted by her performances, Nan finally manages to meet Kitty and ends up becoming her dresser. show more. Readying herself to compete for the prestigious Rosewood Prize for Mathematics, she is suddenly asked to take on another responsibilitymanaging Athenas Retreat, a secret haven for Englands women scientists. But those who persevere with this colossus of a novel are richly rewarded. So whether youre searching for a how-to guide or cautionary tale (and there are plenty of those), youre hungry to read the next rom-com blockbuster before it hits Netflix, or you just want to lose yourself in timeless romance tropes, weve got you covered! Medical researchers, nerdy humor, mistaken cues, and missed romantic opportunitiessign me up! Red, White & Royal Blue The sexual tension is heavy but the emotional baggage is, too. But they can never be together, because the year is 1811, and an entire continent plus her loyalty to her father lie between them. The quintessential love story that has spawned countless retellings and inspired who knows how many writers, Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet the story of two star-crossed lovers from rival houses wrote many of the rules of tragic romance.