The best books on the applause for romantic escapism in my humble opinion

Why am I passionate about this?

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,

Book cover of An Indecent Proposition

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.

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Crown of Dreams

Emma Wildes Why did I love 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.

By Kimberly Cates,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Crown of Dreams as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A bright future… With Devlin Chastain's wedding to the Honorable Braden Tracey a mere two weeks away, she has everything to look forward to. That is until her scapegrace childhood nemesis, Lord Myles Farringdon, returns home to announce that he has joined Bonnie Prince Charlie’s cause. Devlin will do anything to get him to leave—especially after the blackguard kisses her—even if it means helping him escape as the dragoons arrive to arrest him.A dark lord… Myles Farringdon hadn’t intended on branding Devlin a traitor, but in her haste to be rid of him, she was seen by the king’s soldiers.…


Book cover of Sinful

Emma Wildes Why did I love 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.

By Susan Johnson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sinful as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Determined to nullify her engagement to a man she does not love, Chelsea Ferguson asks Sinjun St. John, Duke of Seth, to take her to bed and ruin her reputation, never suspecting that she would find love in the process.


Book cover of Slightly Dangerous

Emma Wildes Why did I love 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.

By Mary Balogh,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Slightly Dangerous as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

All of London is abuzz over the imminent arrival of Wulfric Bedwyn, the reclusive, cold-as-ice Duke of Bewcastle, at the most glittering social event of the season. Some whisper of a tragic love affair. Others say he is so aloof and passionless that not even the greatest beauty could capture his attention. But on this dazzling afternoon, one woman does catch the duke's eye - and she is the only female in the room who isn't even trying. Christine Derrick is intrigued by the handsome duke...all the more so when he invites her to become his mistress.

But Christine has…


Book cover of Louisianna Dawn

Emma Wildes Why did I love 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.

By Jennifer Blake,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Louisianna Dawn as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Cyrene Nolte's two brothers were fiercely protective of her. Because she was a virgin, no man was allowed near her. But when she rescued Rene Lemonnier from certain death and nursed him back to health in her stark little chamber, he aroused more than her interest. Once in his arms, Cyrene knew that the wickedness the brothers had sought to protect her from was a passion too exquisite to deny....

From the Paperback edition.


Book cover of The Ivy Tree

Emma Wildes Why did I love 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. 

By Mary Stewart,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Ivy Tree as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Mary Stewart, one of the great British storytellers of the 20th century, transports her readers to rural Northumberland for this tale of romance, ambition, and deceit - a perfect fit for fans of Agatha Christie and Barbara Pym.

'There are few to equal Mary Stewart' Daily Telegraph

'Mary Stewart is magic.' New York Times

Whitescar is a beautiful old house and farm situated in Roman Wall country. It will make a rich inheritance for its heirs, but in order to secure it, they enlist the help of a young woman named Mary who bears remarkable resemblance to missing Whitescar heiress,…


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Snow on Magnolias

By Betty Bolte,

Book cover of Snow on Magnolias

Betty Bolte Author Of Notes of Love and War

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Author Editor Traveler Crocheter Reader

Betty's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

Magnolia Merryweather, a horse breeder, is eager to celebrate Christmas for the first time after the Civil War ended even as she grows her business. She envisions a calm, prosperous life ahead after the terror of the past four years. Only, all of her plans are thrown into disarray when her secret lover returns and starts asking questions she can’t answer without disaster following.

Bryce Day comes home to Alabama after he’s discharged from the First Alabama Cavalry USA with guilt weighing on his heart. His neighbors won’t cotton to his Unionist bent, and the woman of his heart likely…

Snow on Magnolias

By Betty Bolte,

What is this book about?

One terrible lie, a desperate measure to save her past, just might destroy her future…

Award-winning author of historical fiction presents a new novel of love and lies, secrets and sensuality, and the hands of fate weaving it all together.

The American Civil War is finally over and Christmas beckons. Magnolia Merryweather, backyard horse breeder, is eager to celebrate for the first time since the war began even as she continues to grow her business. She envisions a calm, prosperous life ahead after all the terror of the past four years. She’s preparing to follow in her mother’s matriarchal footsteps,…


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