• Best Historical Romance Books

    How to Live Happily Ever After by Bree Wolf

    A handsome earl, and an old spinster make for an enticingly happily-ever-after.

    Miss Agnes Bottombrook accepted long ago that she would never marry. Not even when she was still young did gentlemen see anything in her that would appeal to them. Now, at nine-and-twenty years of age, all hope is lost and Agnes is on the shelf for good.

    Out of nowhere, the rakishly handsome—and young, mind you!—Lord Wentford asks Agnes for a dance, shocking not only Agnes but all of London society, most of all, his own mother. Certain that his intentions are far from honorable, Agnes tries her utmost to rebuff the young lord and reveal him as a scoundrel, only seeking her attention to win a bet or wager of some kind.

    Unfortunately, Lord Wentford cannot be rebuffed, no matter how hard Agnes tries, forcing her to contemplate the possibility—remote as it might be—that he might truly…care for her. Without her consent, Agnes finds herself swept off her feet by her most unexpected suitor, doubting her own sanity when desires she thought she had long since abandoned resurface. But will she dare believe him?

    The author’s writing inspiration:

    “Inspiration is another tricky thing, at least tricky to put into words. It’s usually small things, a picture, a song or even a seemingly meaningless sound, a glimpse out the window, a line in a magazine that sets off a flood of ideas invading my mind, screaming at me to pay attention. Most of the time I am intrigued by these thoughts while sometimes I feel like a conquered country unable to keep hostile invaders from…well, invading.”

    Bree Wolf

  • Best Historical Romance Books

    A Highwayman’s Mail Order Bride by Blythe Carver

    The last thing a mail order bride needs is a highwayman’s intervention in the form of a stagecoach robbery.

    When Melissa married John Carter because her family couldn’t afford to feed her, she had no idea of the cruelty of the man. John Carter beats her mercilessly and makes her life a living hell. After seeing an ad in the paper for paid passage westward, she answers the ad in the hopes to use the ticket to escape John Carter, not just for herself, but for the baby she’s carrying. Time is of the essence if she is to marry in time to convince her new husband that the baby she’ll give birth to is his.

    When robbers learn her husband is a wealthy rancher, she’s taken hostage, costing her precious time in a plan that hinges on timeliness. She hates the leader of the highwaymen with a passion and is beyond angry that the time is ticking while he negotiates her ransom.

    Jed Cunningham’s a highwayman, certainly, but one with honor. And a heart, it seems. He can’t stand the idea of sending the stunning feisty Melissa Carter to marry a rich rancher. She’s precisely the kind of woman who needs to be loved.
    But she doesn’t seem to see that.

    A review of the novel:

    “This book was intriguing from the get-go, with seamless writing and detailed descriptions that kept me turning page after page. I really enjoyed this! It definitely won’t be my last from this author.”

    Sydney Winward

  • Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    Like a Winter Snow by Lindsay Harrel

    Cozy up with this charming romance all about unexpected love, true friendship, and family loyalty.

    Women’s counselor Joy Beckman has always been a friend and helper to all. That’s why she’s given up everything to be with her parents as her mother suffers through Alzheimer’s. She may not have a thriving career or a love life at the moment, but she’s doing what she does best—taking care of others. And even though it’s difficult, she knows it’s where she is supposed to be.

    But life throws a curveball when she has to leave her parents temporarily to travel to England for the December wedding of her best friend. While there, Joy helps Sophia tackle her last-minute to-do list, and in the process, finally meets a man who turns her head—and her heart. The only problem? He lives in snowy London, and her life is with her parents back in sunny Florida. She tries to resist Oliver Lincoln’s charms, but it’s harder than it should be. With her heart torn in two, Joy is forced to choose between a life she knows she’s meant for and the one she didn’t see coming.

    A review of the novella:

    “This novella has just the right amount of sparkle, humor, and poignancy for the season, and a sweet friendship-to-romance.”

    Courtney C. 

  • Best Contemporary Romance Novels

    On a Night Like This by Barbara Freethy

    Sara had always been untouchable, his sister’s best friend, and the girl next door…

    Smokejumper Aiden Callaway never questioned his job until a fire took the life of his friend, Kyle, and left Aiden with injuries and fractured memories. The truth may clear Aiden of blame but destroy Kyle’s reputation and hurt the people he left behind.

    Sara has never forgiven or forgotten the way Aiden brought their teenage relationship crashing down. But the sparks between Aiden and Sara have been smoldering for a very long time. Sara is afraid to take another chance on the man who broke her heart, and Aiden knows better than anyone how dangerous an intense fire can be. As teenagers they weren’t ready for each other. Are they ready now? Or will secrets derail their second chance at love? 

    The author on her writing style:

    “On Night Like This will be my 34th published novel. My books are always complicated. I love big plots and deep emotional moments. I tend to write books that blend the romance genre with suspense and also with women’s fiction. I enjoy writing about ordinary people caught up in extraordinary adventures. And, I like to surprise my readers, which is always a challenge!”

    Barbara Freethy 

  • Best Inspirational Romance Books

    Lady Fallows’ Secrets by Suzanne G. Rogers

    Can Sybil manage to save her brother without losing her heart to a man she cannot marry?

    After a riding accident leaves Sybil’s brother, Ash, physically and emotionally devastated, she breaks off a courtship to devote herself to his care. Unfortunately, the one girl who could save Ash from his increasing melancholy has been whisked off to London by her ironfisted guardian. When a handsome stranger offers Sybil his help, she dives headlong into a clandestine scheme fraught with danger. As a daring rescue unfolds, deceit and mysteries are brought to light, the bonds of friendship are tested…and passion is unleashed. 

    A 5 star review from Goodreads:

    “Funny, passionate (without vulgarity), witty, often surprising, & kept my attention from beginning to end. I thoroughly enjoyed how the author gave detailed descriptions without becoming boring. Simply an excellent read!”

    Goodreads 

  • Best Historical Romance Books

    My Fair Guardian by Suzanne G. Rogers

    Can the guardian succeed in his efforts or will Bethany manage to distract him from his goal—by hook or by crook?

    When Bethany is saddled with an unwanted, unrefined, and decidedly common guardian, she must polish him up before he’s fit for good society. As for Willoughby Winter, all that stands between him and his inheritance is to marry Bethany off. Can he succeed in his efforts before his past becomes known or will she manage to distract him from his goal—by hook or by crook?

    A 5 star review from Goodreads:

    “Her writing evokes a kinder, gentler era where female characters shine. But in this particular novel the male lead, Willoughby Winter, shines just as brightly as he steps into a role similar to that of Eliza Doolittle from My Fair Lady.”

    Chris Pavesic, Goodreads

  • Best Historical Romance Books

    The Mannequin by Suzanne G. Rogers

    Can a beastly duke and a beautiful mannequin find a fairy-tale ending?

    When she was a poor country girl in a hand-me-down dress, Rosamund saved the Duke of Swanhaven from the brink of despair…only to fall in love with him. Now a celebrated mannequin for an exclusive London dressmaker, her glamorous life is empty without the man to whom she gave her heart. Can these two people from different worlds have a happily ever after?

    A review from the Historical Novel Society:

    “Nicely written and well executed, with high publishing quality, this novel sits seamlessly beside more well-known writers of romance and I enjoyed reading it as much as I have any offering from a New York Times best-selling author.”

    Nicky Galliers, Historical Novel Society

  • Best Historical Romance Books

    Ruse & Romance by Suzanne G. Rogers

    It started as a ruse…

    Unjustly labeled a flirt, Kitty Beaucroft is in need of a fiancé. Lord Philip Butler’s father wants him to settle down before he can become a landowner. With no intention of following through, Kitty and Philip enter into a temporary engagement as a means to an end. Unfortunately, someone knows the truth and is determined to expose them. Will the ruse turn into a romance before it’s too late?

    The author on why she switched genres from fantasy to historical romance:

    “There’s an old axiom that says,Watch what the successful people do, and do that.’ So I did. I switched genres and wrote a Victorian romance entitled TheIce Captain’s Daughter. That book was almost an instant bestseller for me, andI never looked back. There are people who write fantasy and do very, very well financially. My head is off to them. For me, I couldn’t make my fantasy books sell.Readers enjoy my historical romance, and so I’ve made a career out of that instead. In the end, I would rather write books that get read then ones that don’t.”

    Suzanne G. Rogers

  • Best Christian Romance Books,  Christmas Cheer

    The Mechanics of Mistletoe by Liz Isaacson

    He can be a teddy or a grizzly. She’s a genius with a wrench. Can the pretty mechanic tame this cowboy’s wild side, or will they both be left broken-hearted this Christmas?

    Bear Glover always thought he’d be just fine working his generational family ranch and going back to the homestead alone. But he’s had a crush on Samantha Benton for a while now, and he’s decided it’s time to do something about it. But his first date with Sammy is a spectacular disaster. But when three tornadoes hit Three Rivers, his first thought is of the beautiful woman he’d really like a second chance with.

    Sammy feels like she has to be the strong one in her family. Ever since her sister and her husband died, Sammy’s taken care of Lincoln, her sister’s son, and her aging parents. And three tornadoes? They’ve only added the weight of the world to Sammy’s shoulders. School’s been canceled, and she has nowhere for her eight-year-old to go.

    Bear knows exactly what to do with an eight-year-old boy on a ranch, and he offers to take Lincoln up to Shiloh Ridge Ranch with him every day. Bear has an answer for everything—which only makes Sammy feel weak. And she hates nothing more than feeling weak. Can Sammy realize that the Lord may have given her Bear so she doesn’t have to be strong all the time? Or will she sabotage their relationship this holiday season?

    A five star review of the book:

    “They’re both so strong and more than a bit stubborn. She especially thinks that accepting help shows weakness; she can’t quite bring herself to understand that supporting one another is not a weakness but is a strength that buoys both… The hero, Bear, is an especially complex character, having to be so strong for his family for so long and being so tough on the outside, but he has a tender heart and a way with the heroine’s adopted son that was so heartwarming… Such strong characters who deserve love and the person that matches their good hearts. You just wanted them to each get it together on a personal level and then just get together as a couple. A wonderful romantic read, whether you read it at Christmas or any other time.”

    Jamie Jack on Goodreads

  • Best Christian Romance Books,  Best Historical Romance Books

    Marrying Miss Marshal: Wild Wyoming Hearts by Lacy Williams

    She’s no lady… And he’s on a quest for revenge.

    Danna Carpenter is town marshal. And a darn good one. Even if she has to handle saloon brawls and rustlers alone. Who needs deputies anyway? All right, she’d welcome the help if any of the men in town would offer it. When a bank robbery goes bad, she has no choice but to accept the help of a city slicker…

    Chas O’Grady came West in search of cattle rustlers and found himself on the trail of a killer–one who took everything from him. Crossing paths with the pretty marshal was happenstance, but he can’t leave her deputy-less when she’s facing such grave danger.

    Everything changes when Chas and Danna are stranded together in a snowstorm. The town council forces a marriage. And attraction turns to something more… Will Chas give up his quest for revenge? Or will he lose the woman he loves forever?

    The author on the struggles of women in her novel:

    “Marrying Miss Marshall is about a woman town marshal in the Wild West. It is loosely based on to real life stories of women in law enforcement in the 1920s. One was a town marshal and one was a County Sheriff. As you can imagine these women faced a lot of obstacles in their careers. They had a really tough time doing the things that they needed to do because they were women, and that was
    something that I wanted readers to be able to experience in my story. My heroine faces a lot of challenges, including prejudice from the people that she’s trying to protect, and really the only person who will help her and come alongside her is the hero who is a tenderfoot from the big city.”

    Lacy Williams