Best Regency Romances
With Ella's simple beauty, intelligence, and fine manners, the Earl seeks to hide her away from the world and, more importantly, the Duke of Hillington himself. When he determines that Ella not attend a masquerade ball to which the whole family has been invited, Ella takes it upon herself to attend in disguise and spy on the ambitious little family for her own amusement. As the Earl of Dandridge plots the most appalling schemes to keep the Duke interested in his own daughters, Ella Winfield must do what she can to stop the man she is fast becoming attracted to from being steered in the direction of either Lady Patience or Lady Georgiana, all without being discovered by the family who have, one by one, turned their backs upon her.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"When Ella's mother remarries a brutal man with two daughters, she is cast in the role of invisible step sister. All the eligible young women are invited but Ella's stepfather forbids her from attending so his own daughters stand a better chance to impress the duke."
"Such a lovely lovely book! Loved loved loved it!!"
"I really love the fairy tale. Ella and Rufus are meant to be."
"When Bridget sent me the first couple of chapters, I told her it was the best and my favorite in the series so far and I could not wait to read the entire thing."
"Went from sadness, sympathy, to anger, shock, disbelieve, to laughing with the the characters!"
"Her step father locked her in the attic in hopes that the Duke would forget about her."
"Interesting storyline featuring a Cinderella retelling that hooks you in till the end!"
"Beautiful written amazing story, well developed characters the ones you love that saved the day and the ones who are just pure mad."
Love and Lies …. Sir Warren Leverton has many secrets. But can Warren convince Sopherina to forgive the past? There is a strong romantic appeal about that era and it is Eleanor's desire that readers will take time to come away with her through her writings and immerse oneself in that time when love was so pure and intense.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I loved this story."
"Great book I love all the second son series but this one was even better, Warren is a spy on assignment , sopherina is heartbroken in the events that happen , I read it all in one night."
"I have enjoyed each of the stories in this series."
"A good story as always, Intrigue, spy's and calamity but also love and romance."
"Is a must read."
"All of the Order of the Second Sons books are great."
"This is a book in a series, Order of the Second Sons, and I might have appreciated it better if I read the other books first."
"The careless, glaring errors in verbal syntax detracted from what might have been an enjoyable read."
Best Historical Regency Fiction
In the first novel in Winston Graham's hit series, a weary Ross Poldark returns to England from war, looking forward to a joyful homecoming with his beloved Elizabeth. "From the incomparable Winston Graham...who has everything anyone else has, then a whole lot more."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Fueled, by angst, obsession and regret, it is about as far removed from the refined country drawing rooms, witty repartee and genteel romance found in Jane Austen novels as it could be. Despite these questionable first impressions, this novel and its eponymous hero have “legs.” It has never gone out of print and continues to build a fan base, mostly generated from the 1975 – 1977 landmark television adaptation, Poldark, starring Robin Ellis. Set in Cornwall, Royal Army officer Captain Ross Poldark returns home a scarred and weary soldier from fighting in the American Revolutionary War. His father Joshua has recently died, his sweetheart Elizabeth Chynoweth is engaged to his cousin Francis Poldark and his inheritance, the family residence, farmland and tin mines lie totally derelict. The tin and copper mines owned by the landed gentry are in serious decline while nouveau riche banker George Warleggan prospers by extending credit, foreclosing and building a financial empire on the hard work of others. With the help of two of his father’s idle servants, Jud and Prudie Paynter and a street urchin turned kitchen maid Demelza Carne, Ross fights to rebuild his pride and his family fortune. The waves were shadows, snakes under a quilt, creeping in almost unseen until they emerged in milky ripple at the waters edge.” (p. 33). Surprisingly, we are immediately drawn in by author Winston Graham’s opening chapters. He may have left for the war a young ensign with a dubious reputation, but he returned two years later a seasoned captain—a mature leader of men tempered by British injustice and influenced by the ideals of liberty and equality by the American patriots. It was as hard to believe as if someone had told him he was going to die.” (p. 44) During the wedding banquet at his uncle’s estate, Trenwith, while a cock fight is underway in the dining room for the amusement of the guests, Ross seeks out an encounter with Elizabeth who attempts to explain her decision to not follow through with their youthful promises to each other. Each of these personality foibles are the backbone of this story; while there are many other characters and subplots churning throughout the novel, it all comes back to Elizabeth’s decision to marry another man and Ross’s obsession to possess her. Here we witness polite conversation and scurrilous gossip, flirtations and put-downs; meet a scheming mother with five unwed daughters, a handsome captain courting an on-the-shelf spinster and our hero Ross, scandalously dancing more than two times with a young, ambitious debutante, then fleeing the scene in anguish upon the arrival of Elizabeth and Francis. This story is about money, or the lack of it, the shifting fortunes and social standing of the ruling classes, and the emotional forces that drive men to achieve success and the women that they desire. Along the way we learn a lot about late eighteenth-century copper and tin mining in Cornwall while swash and buckling through fist fights, riots, prison breaks, duels, poaching and pillaging. Ahead lay the way to Illugan; the right fork would bring him to skirt St. Ann’s whence he could join the usual lane to Swale.” (p. 75). Before they part, he generously offers her a job as his kitchen maid."
"This book is a great depiction of the life of a country squire in 18th century England. But therein lies the charm of the book, to take ordinary life and make it a window into the soul and a mirror of the heart."
"It seems as if so many authors from Winston Graham's generation have flat characters, ridiculous dialog and avoid going anywhere close to talking about any sort of emotion their characters may be experiencing."
"Winston Graham has a superb style in re creating in writing, the poignant scenes of human endeavor, trial, error and hardship."
"Loved this story."
"The prose regarding the farm, the beach, and the sea are so expressive, I could see the scenes in my mind."
"I love the series."
"Graham shows you all levels of society, from the hereditary landowners and mine owners to the miners, fishermen and farmers who subsist on practically nothing."
Best Medieval Historical Romance
When a chance encounter throws Rema and Darmik together, they share an instantaneous connection, but any sort of relationship between them is strictly forbidden. Darmik’s brother, the Crown Prince, notices Darmik’s interest in Rema and, in a calculated, political move, blackmails her. As Rema is taken to the palace with the Crown Prince, Darmik confronts the growing rumor that a legitimate blood heir to the throne exists and is trying to overthrow Darmik’s family. 5/5 Stars. Reading Renee: "The tale is rich in descriptions....This journey for Rema is an outstanding example of the author's ability to make you venture to a far away land. It is filled with wondrous beauty and ravishing love that is pitted against depraved cruelty and dark deception....Jennifer Anne Davis is a fantastic writer who has such a captivating ability to draw you into what seems like a stunning fairy tale before unleashing the unyielding evil that tries every way possible to destroy the hope and love that begin to grow. Hold onto your seat for what feels to be the beginning of a heart wrenching and action packed tour de force that you will not want to miss out on!" "From beginning to the heart-wrenching ending moment, the reader will be enraptured by the depth of the characters Ms. Davis has crafted. Like fine jewels, each character shines brightly or glows menacingly, precisely as they should be imagined. Good and evil battle evenly for the spotlight, yet never overshadow each other - a perfect balance in plot and style! The reader will laugh, smile, cry, and scream as each page passes by, bemoaning the very last sentence .
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Given that you read the prologue, the reader knows for a fact that Rema is the secret princess almost right away… we are just waiting for everyone else to figure it out, including herself. It wasn’t really that great of a riddle to begin with, which is a major pet peeve of mine when it comes to that type of thing. Rema was headstrong and free spirited and wild, but had a fierce sense of loyalty and showed compassion. I liked how dedicated he was to his job, he was actually sentencing executions and trying to defeat the rebels, he wasn’t helping them escape or showing mercy like I expected his character to do. He is a man full of flaws and it was perfectly done… even if I didn’t agree with some of the writing choices, I did like how it tied together with his character. However, I am willing to cut the author some slack because it is the first book in the series and she was pretty busy laying down the plots foundation."
"Once you accept the fact that this is book 1 in a series and does end in a cliff hanger, (The author DOES disclose this in the description!). BUT, this is more of a YA book, so I understand why she didn't go into graphic details because it may have been too much for younger readers."
"A lot have rated this lower because of the cliffhanger, but if the series were to be published all in a book it would take about 3 years to write and edit and would be about 1200 pages long."
"Perhaps an adult version would have had more risque romantic scenes, but I did not feel that the more tame love affair affected the quality of the story in any way. The mystery of the necklace or Amer's identity was not hard to guess, but just when you think you have the storyline or a character's actions pinned down, the story would go in another direction."
Best Viking Historical Romance
A daring brotherhood, where honor among thieves reigns supreme, and crushing their enemies is a thrilling pastime. When Highland pirate prince, Shaw “Savage” MacDougall was invited to a deadly feast, he didn’t know that saving a wee lass would forever change his future. Lady Jane Lindsey, widowed at a young age, seeks refuge from her departed husband’s vengeful enemies. NOTE: This is Book One in the Lords of the Sea pirate series, written by Eliza Knight and Kathryn Le Veque.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This was an exciting book and had a lot of villains, but very easy to keep track. This book was somewhat tame in the number of times they make love, compared to some of her other novels. Also, an epilogue one year in the future which I loved and tidied everything up nicely. This author is talented and can weave a story to make you feel part of the action."
"Can’t wait to read Book 2."
"What a refreshing, wonderful thing to read a book just for the pure joy of it after reading a series of seven books that I had to think about!"
"Shaw being the honourable pirate that he is, saves Jane and falls in love with her merely the first time he laid eyes on her."
"I loved how Shaw first met and saved Jane when she was only 16 and when she needed him he came for her."
"This first book in the Pirates of Britannia collection was very entertaining."
"What brings these three together makes a great journey of intrigue, daring rescues and a love ever lasting."
"Eliza Knight has written another great story."
Best Tudor Historical Romance
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the American Revolution, and featuring a cast of legendary characters, The Hamilton Affair tells the sweeping, tumultuous, true story of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler, from passionate and tender beginnings of their romance to his fateful duel on the banks of the Hudson River. Skyhorse Publishing , as well as our Arcade, Yucca, and Good Books imprints, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in fiction--novels, novellas, political and medical thrillers, comedy, satire, historical fiction, romance, erotic and love stories, mystery, classic literature, folklore and mythology, literary classics including Shakespeare, Dumas, Wilde, Cather, and much more. " Cobbs's depiction of Hamilton will endear him in the hearts of readers and shed light on one of the most misunderstood figures in American history and the woman who shared his life." "Author and historian Elizabeth Cobbs' fictionalized spin on the life of the founding pops and his better half, Eliza Schulyer, is a juicy answer to Ron Chernow's Alexander Hamilton ..." -- Cosmopolitan. Highly recommended for both public library collections and personal or book club reading lists, The Hamilton Affair is all but impossible to put down. ". "With the expertise of an historian and the intimacy and immediacy of a gifted novelist, Elizabeth Cobbs plunges us into the cauldron of love, war, betrayal, slavery, blackmail, revolution, dueling, and banking in which our nation was brewed--and delivers us into the conflicted heart of one of its most passionate and misunderstood heroes. ". Don't despair, check out Elizabeth Cobbs' finely tuned fictional biography of one of America's most intriguing yet vastly underrated Founding Fathers. Born on the Caribbean Island of St. Croix, the illegitimate Hamilton survived impoverishment, the death of his beloved mother, and a devastating hurricane before emigrating to New York at the age of 16. Hamilton's close relationship to George Washington, his friendships and conflicts with his fellow revolutionaries, and the rise and fall of his political star are all detailed, but it is his courtship of and marriage to the beautiful, vivacious Elizabeth Schuyler, a member of one of the oldest and most distinguished colonial families, that serves as the centerpiece of Cobbs' page-turning historical novel.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"In “The Hamilton Affair”, Elizabeth Cobbs has created a novel as fascinating as Hamilton was, and one that sheds light on his unique place in history. Creating the Treasury department from the ground up, ensuring veterans were able to get back pay after the war that created our nation, and even the creation of the first private orphanage in New York – these things and many more can be attributed to these amazing individuals."
"Although I’m not a fan of historical fiction, I took a chance on The Hamilton Affair by Elizabeth Cobby through Amazon Vine as Alexander Hamilton is one of my favorite Founding Fathers. One observation, however, is that I thought The Hamilton Affair was going to be primarily about Hamilton’s affair with Maria Reynolds, which brought such tragic consequences. With the Hamilton craze happening right now because of the hit musical by the same name, The Hamilton Affair covers well-known territory."
"I was hesitant to jump on the Hamilton craze that has followed the Broadway play, for fear that it wouldn't live up to its expectations, but this book was the perfect start to my new love affair."
"I found a man who was dedicated to the new country and found a way to be part of its founding."
"I was a history major in college so reading about the life of Hamilton was interesting."
"We hear so much about the federalist papers as being the basis for many Republican positions that seem to be significantly not expressed in the life of Alexander Hamilton."
"A must read for anyone interested in America's early history."
"I enjoy history, and I know this is not pure history, but makes terrific story."
Best Victorian Historical Romance
TEXAS LONESOME - The McCutcheon Family Series, Book 8. Rio Wells, Texas 1886. Dustin McCutcheon gets the surprise of his life when he comes face-to-face with Sidney Calhoun, the spitfire offspring of his father's worst adversary. Texas Lonesome, book eight of the McCutcheon Family Saga, continues the story of the brave and passionate men and women of Y Knot, Montana, and Rio Wells, Texas, by USA TODAY Best-selling Author Caroline Fyffe. "When it come to western romance, there are only a handful of authors that I completely trust, and Caroline Fyffe is right at the top of that list...She manages to create stories that easily capture my imagination from that proverbial first page, all the way to the last."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It has the two families, the McCutcheon’s and the Calhoun’s who used to be best friends and ranchers in Rio Wells, TX for a long time until something happened to the head of the Calhoun family Jock and he blamed Winston McCutcheon. When the judge orders Dustin to be guardian to Sidney’s brother Noah and take him to the Rim Rock Ranch until he earns enough to pay off his debt, Dustin sees only trouble and problems for the family as well as the town. Caroline Fyffe is one of my most beloved and favorite authors and I have read almost all her books and loved everyone of them and couldn't put any of them down until they I finished reading the whole story."
"Ms. Fyffe brings us another exciting read filled with baiting, angry, sorrow and love. Dustin has spent many years fighting the Calhoun’s at every turn they seem to always be in his way at all cattle sales causing trouble. This is not happening when the youngest Calhoun’s gets into trouble and the judge decides he must stay at the McCutcheon ranch. Sidney is still thinking about the hunk of a cowboy that she saw earlier when she walks in the court room and sees him. He really brought this audio to life for me with his smooth deep rich voice that you could listen to all day. There was no background noise or any places where the audio was louder or lower just a very smooth wonderful listen. Snow brings so much too this audio as he puts emotions to the story and paints a picture of Texas and the areas around it. She writes stories that will stay in your mind giving you a smile why you long to be part of the towns she creates. There is no doubt when you pick up one of her books you are in for a roller-coaster ride full of emotions as they bait each other fighting to the finish line. Dustin and Sidney are sure in a pickle as they fight their love trying to stay true to their family. This is one author who gives her heart to her characters with a wonderful rich clean story that pulls you in."
"I’ll not spoil it for you but this book is one of a kind and written with heart that makes you smile and then get tense when something happens. Yes, I really loved this book."
Best Scottish Historical Romance
Her New York Times bestselling Outlander novels have earned the praise of critics and captured the hearts of millions of fans. Here is the story that started it all, introducing two remarkable characters, Claire Beauchamp Randall and Jamie Fraser, in a spellbinding novel of passion and history that combines exhilarating adventure with a love story for the ages. perfect escape reading.” — San Francisco Chronicle , on Outlander “History comes deliciously alive on the page.” —New York Daily News , on Outlander “Gabaldon is a born storyteller. Her use of historical detail and a truly adult love story confirm Gabaldon as a superior writer.” — Publishers Weekly , on Voyager “Unforgettable characters . richly embroidered with historical detail.” — The Cincinnati Post , on Drums of Autumn “A grand adventure written on a canvas that probes the heart, weighs the soul and measures the human spirit across [centuries].” —CNN , on The Fiery Cross “The large scope of the novel allows Gabaldon to do what she does best, paint in exquisite detail the lives of her characters.” — Booklist , on A Breath of Snow and Ashes “Features all the passion and swashbuckling that fans of this historical fantasy series have come to expect.” — People , on Written in My Own Heart’s Blood. From the Hardcover edition. In Outlander , a 600-page time-travel romance, strong-willed and sensual Claire Randall leads a double life with a husband in one century, and a lover in another. While on her second honeymoon in the British Isles, Claire touches a boulder that hurls her back in time to the forbidden Castle Leoch with the MacKenzie clan. Not understanding the forces that brought her there, she becomes ensnared in life-threatening situations with a Scots warrior named James Fraser.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Not only did she write this long novel (plus seven more, plus some related novellas and such), and keep it endlessly entertaining with vivid characters and fresh plot twists galore. They are the kind of verbal jewels that make any author gasp and say "I wish I wrote that." The odds are slim that anyone will encounter this five-star review in the vast ocean of existing appreciation for this delightful book and its author. If, perchance, a live person actually reads this review, please let me know with a "helpful" vote."
"With the the portability and ease of reading electronically I am reliving the stories of Clare and Jamie and Brianna and Roger et al again. Diana delivers the emotion, sights, sounds, smells, triumphs and failures with her words. She always finds alliterative and clever phrasing to bring everything alive - whether it is a trip across the sea or a dangerous encounter or mundane every tasks or Clare and Jamie enjoying the delights of each other intimately."
"I am reading again so I can be up to date (in my wee brain) on what will be happening in the TV series on Starz."
"Claire and Jamie are fun to read about, and spending time in 18th century France and Scotland is a blast."
"The book starts with the heroine in Scotland just after WWII and she accidentally goes back 200 years in time. I can see a wide range of complaints from too much romance, violence, torture, sex, intrigue, too many characters, too much discussion about medicine, the scenery and the weather."
"This is my second time reading this series."
"While I truly relish D. Gabaldon's writing, I feel that the tale is greatly enhanced by Davina Porter's as narrator. Suffice it to say that this is the continuation of the story of the lives of Claire Beauchamp and Jamie Fraser after they're forced to marry. When I'm feeling industrious I intend to look this up and check the facts against the plot line."
Best 20th Century Historical Romance
With the Gestapo closing in, Angelo hides Eva within the walls of a convent, where Eva discovers she is just one of many Jews being sheltered by the Catholic Church. I marvel at her ability to weave together a story that grips hold of my heart and my imagination.” —Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author. A Panzer tank through your heart, leaving dirt and rubble through which poppies bloom.” —Suanne Laqueur, author of An Exaltation of Larks. Amy Harmon is a New York Times , Wall Street Journal , and USA Today bestselling author of ten novels, including the Whitney Award–winning The Law of Moses . Her historical novels, inspirational romances, and young adult books are now being published in twelve countries around the globe.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"But the mark of a great Amy Harmon book is her expertly crafted story that builds so very slowly - she builds you up and up and before you know it you’ve fallen for her characters and then it happens - the downfall that completely shatters you. The common theme within all of her books is that love and faith conquers all, and how hope and resilience can help you rise above even the most difficult of situations. I really hope that people give this book a chance. And strangely enough, I find myself convinced that God loves his children – all his children – that he loves me, and that he provides moments of light and transcendence amid the constant trial.”. “Many will seek to tell me what God’s will is. He is quiet, and my anguish is so intense, so incredibly loud, that right now I can only do my will and hope that somehow, it aligns with his.”. "Our immortality comes through our children and their children."
"Amy Harmon brings together the best and the worst of humanity on these pages, paving this journey with violence and bravery, horror and love. It's a ruthless barrage of emotions, this story, a relentless war between life and death, between good and evil, illustrated exquisitely by an author whose writing prowess knows no bounds. I've read many books of the true accounts of holocaust survivors, seen the movies and documentaries, taken classes concentrating on this area of study. To feel as though you know their strength, to get to know their life up until the moment it is stolen away, to know their helplessness in the face of something so unjust and so terrifying, it changes the way you look at the world, to see such atrocities through their eyes. This may be a fictionalized account inspired by true events, but you won't convince my heart Eva and Angelo aren't real. This story weaves it's way under your skin and into your soul so you feel every step of their journey, of their fight, of this miracle. Our world would be such a beautiful, peaceful, harmonious one if we sought to understand each other instead of judging each other for the ways we are different, for the God we pray to, for where each of our trees first took root. From Sand and Ash is a rich work of art, a stunning masterpiece that has moved me, altered me, captivated me. These characters, this fictionalized truth swathed in Harmon's unparalleled storytelling and her breathtaking writing style make for an epic story of bravery, love, resilience and loss that is both haunting and heartwarming all at once."
Best Ancient World Historical Romance
Traitor to his clan of immortal highlanders, he lives alone in a remote cottage. But when he visits her grave at the center of the sacred grove, he encounters the unbelievable. I'm a sucker for the whole anti-hero deal." - Oscar, Kindle Reviewer. "Evander has his faults, but he is a good man at heart, and when he finally finds Rachel we actually get to see his heart of hearts. "When the paths of these two lost souls cross, something magical happens. I appreciated the pace of the story, as well as the interesting twists and turns.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I'm sorry I haven't yet left a review, lazy sack that I can be, I don't mean to be unappreciative - so, in a nutshell?"
"However, Hazel Hunter yet again manages to weave an interesting plot line with engaging characters and great sex scenes."
"I am amazed at the scope of your all of your books, each one make you laugh, cry and just make you feel good."
"Love the way the author ties 2 pieces of history in the story."
"I am delighted to find a new author to love is a Hunter is terrific and the series is hard to put down and getting ready to start book 4 I love the Strong women that dominate the series."
"Evander, an immortal...renegade, traitor, expelled,convicted and sentenced to death by his clan...and yet...there is indeed a good man far beneath....will it ever be shown or recognised by another...or will he always stay...an unfeeling savage.."
"loved the characters, and their interactions."
"Evander certaunlky wasn't a favorite character to begin with, but he started to grow on me."