The best books on the applause for romantic escapism in my humble opinion
By Emma Wildes
Who am I?
Once upon a time Emma Wildes picked up a romance novel (she was much too young to have read it, but did anyway) and has been hooked ever since. She not only is a devoted fan of the genre but is a bestselling romance author and still an avid reader. Give her a sexy hero and an independent woman to challenge him, and she is all about it. Besides the book in her hand, picture a nice fire in the hearth and a glass of wine nearby, and that is her perfect evening.
I wrote...
An Indecent Proposition
By
Emma Wildes
What is my book about?
London’s two most notorious rakes—the Earl of Manderville and the Duke of Rothay—placed a very public wager on which of them is the superior lover. Now it’s too late to retract the foolish bet, but what woman of beauty, intelligence, and discernment, would consent to bed both men and declare which is more skilled in satisfying her deepest desires? Lady Carolyn Wynn is the last woman anyone would expect to step forward. She’s a respectable young widow with an icy reputation, which has kept her firmly off the marriage market.
If the men will keep her identity a secret, she’ll decide who has the most finesse between the sheets. But to everyone’s surprise, what begins as an indelicate proposition turns into a most astonishing lesson in everlasting love.
When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.
The Books I Picked & Why
Crown of Dreams
By
Kimberly Cates
Why this book?
First and foremost, this author is so witty and her characters so engaging, you will be entertained from the first page. No wait, first sentence. The historical setting is perfect as love and war collide in a time when England upended the monarchy. Miles is the idealistic (and rash) hero, and Devlin, despite her independent spirit, finds herself swept along as he fights for what he believes in. Rich in history, adventure, and intensely romantic, I loved this book.
When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.
Sinful
By
Susan Johnson
Why this book?
If you wish to travel far afield, have a taste for erotic in your romance (done tastefully), and unconventional heroes and heroines, this is a great story. Sinjin is wounded and wary, and Chelsea is an unconventional young woman with a great deal of determination and resilience. Their reckless passion for each other is ill-advised and they both know it, yet neither one can resist. The exotic settings and careful attention to historical detail make this a very memorable read. Don’t forget also some really hot sex scenes.
When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.
Slightly Dangerous
By
Mary Balogh
Why this book?
The Slightly series has one only slightly likable hero. It is done so well. Of course, Wulfric Bedwyn, the unreachable and aloof Duke of Bewcastle, is the one I waited for anyway. I really was curious how Ms. Balogh would create any kind of romance out of such a fascinating but distant character yet she pulls it off. Enter a vibrant and unpredictable heroine that throws him at every turn, but is just so likable you are in her corner all the way, and somehow she makes him likable as well because she reveals his vulnerable side that he so carefully guards. Their romance is something she craves and he needs. My favorite of the series and well worth a read.
When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.
Louisianna Dawn
By
Jennifer Blake
Why this book?
Set in a time when New Orleans was still very French, Rene is a unique hero because he serves a foreign régime and has a different mindset when it comes to the governing of a territory that is now a quintessential part of America. Blake does such a good job of putting you in the setting, and the heroine is absolutely resolute, independent, and courageous. Their love affair is so unlikely, yet made believable and there is a tantalizing mystery and plenty of action due to the unsettled and volatile time of this story.
When you buy a book we may earn a small commission.
The Ivy Tree
By
Mary Stewart
Why this book?
Not a historical but one of the best books I’ve ever read. A masterful blend of deception and suspense set in Northumberland in England. A contemporary setting if you consider mid-century 1900’s contemporary. The pacing is done perfectly and the way the story is set up makes the reader step back and realize they have been cleverly enticed into one scenario when there is another possibility. The romance is secondary but necessary to the plot, so it is a true romantic suspense. Masterfully written and executed, it keeps you hanging on every single word. The ending ties into the beginning so well I was left amazed by Ms. Stewart’s compelling voice and her brilliant plot twists.
