56 books like Pride and Pleasure

By Sylvia Day,

Here are 56 books that Pride and Pleasure fans have personally recommended if you like Pride and Pleasure. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Mastering the Marquess

Alyson Chase Author Of Disciplined by the Duke

From my list on naughty historical romance to heat up your nights.

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up reading nothing but mystery novels, which is why when I discovered romance, I found the ones I liked the best had a bit of intrigue to them. As Alyson Chase, I write Regency romances I like to read: full of adventure and mystery, deep emotional connections, and, yes, quite a bit naughty. Character is the most important thing to me, whether as a writer or reader, and the books on this list are full of characters you can’t help but fall in love with.

Alyson's book list on naughty historical romance to heat up your nights

Alyson Chase Why did Alyson love this book?

Lavinia Kent takes the reader on a beautiful journey of exploration in this book. I loved the hero and heroine straight from the start; you can’t help but root for them. Louisa desperately wants to save her dead husband’s reputation, so goes to a madam for assistance in ridding herself of her virginity before she remarries. Swanston is the man given the task. The scene when these two anonymously come together is sexy and moving.

A month later, Swanston finds himself needing a wife, and little does he know, but the woman he marries was the woman he had bedded. I liked how this book wasn’t too angsty, as many in the genre are, and how Kent dove into the reasons Swanston has for his need for control. 

By Lavinia Kent,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

One night of fierce passion and unbound pleasure leaves two strangers craving much more in Lavinia Kent’s sumptuous novel.
 
The time has come for the widow Louisa, Lady Brookingston, to move on, but she refuses to remarry at the cost of shaming her late husband’s memory. Their six years together were wedded bliss—even if a war injury prevented him from fulfilling his marital duties. Only one woman can help Louisa: Madame Rouge, the discreet proprietress of a club where London’s elite explore their wildest fantasies.
 
Geoffrey, the Marquess of Swanston, has no intention of agreeing to deflower an anonymous virgin.…


Book cover of Sutton's Spinster

Alyson Chase Author Of Disciplined by the Duke

From my list on naughty historical romance to heat up your nights.

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up reading nothing but mystery novels, which is why when I discovered romance, I found the ones I liked the best had a bit of intrigue to them. As Alyson Chase, I write Regency romances I like to read: full of adventure and mystery, deep emotional connections, and, yes, quite a bit naughty. Character is the most important thing to me, whether as a writer or reader, and the books on this list are full of characters you can’t help but fall in love with.

Alyson's book list on naughty historical romance to heat up your nights

Alyson Chase Why did Alyson love this book?

One of the tropes I always one-click is the well-bred lady with an earthy, pull-himself-up-by-the-bootstraps kind of guy. Sutton’s Spinster gives you all that and more. Jasper has built his wealth by running a successful gaming hell. When two young daughters land on his doorstep, he finds himself in need of a wife. Octavia dreams of creating a gossip journal, but needs a partner to provide the start-up funds. The heat between these two lights up the pages. I love how Jasper reacts to suddenly becoming a father, and how he transforms from a hard and cutthroat businessman to something softer because of Octavia. Scarlett Scott delivered with this one.

By Scarlett Scott,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sutton's Spinster as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From USA Today bestselling author Scarlett Scott comes a deliciously wicked new Regency series...

Jasper Sutton, London’s most dedicated scoundrel, needs a wife. He needs one quickly. He needs one yesterday, in fact. His requirements are precise. She has to be capable of mothering the wild twin daughters who have unexpectedly appeared in his life. She must also possess the patience of a saint and the understanding of an angel. Better still if she is plain and has no expectation of a true marriage. He is not about to reform his ways. But how is he to find such a…


Book cover of A Season for Treason

Alyson Chase Author Of Disciplined by the Duke

From my list on naughty historical romance to heat up your nights.

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up reading nothing but mystery novels, which is why when I discovered romance, I found the ones I liked the best had a bit of intrigue to them. As Alyson Chase, I write Regency romances I like to read: full of adventure and mystery, deep emotional connections, and, yes, quite a bit naughty. Character is the most important thing to me, whether as a writer or reader, and the books on this list are full of characters you can’t help but fall in love with.

Alyson's book list on naughty historical romance to heat up your nights

Alyson Chase Why did Alyson love this book?

This book has everything. Spies and intrigue. Friendship and family. And some spanking, sexy good times. There is a lightness to the book, a sweetness along with the steam that had me immediately buying the rest in the series. I loved how even though Mary tried her hardest to go unnoticed, Rex saw through her façade to the complex woman underneath. And I had to laugh when Rex rushes to Mary’s rescue only to find she and one of her friends have already taken down the bad guy. His disbelief was priceless. A thoroughly charming and spicy read.

By Golden Angel,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Season for Treason as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A traitor. A courtship. A scandalous Season.
In the race against time, will this pair reach the altar or the traitor first?

In the service of England's spymaster (well, his niece, but surely he'll appreciate the help), Miss Mary Wilson is on a mission to uncover a treasonous plot. Though her only clue leads to the debaucherous secret society of the Marquess of Hartford, a lifetime of being overlooked should ensure her access to all of the gossip her assignment will require. There's just one problem: Mary is due to find a husband this Season and her Aunt Elizabeth, the…


Book cover of The Raven Prince

Alyson Chase Author Of Disciplined by the Duke

From my list on naughty historical romance to heat up your nights.

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up reading nothing but mystery novels, which is why when I discovered romance, I found the ones I liked the best had a bit of intrigue to them. As Alyson Chase, I write Regency romances I like to read: full of adventure and mystery, deep emotional connections, and, yes, quite a bit naughty. Character is the most important thing to me, whether as a writer or reader, and the books on this list are full of characters you can’t help but fall in love with.

Alyson's book list on naughty historical romance to heat up your nights

Alyson Chase Why did Alyson love this book?

Elizabeth Hoyt was the first historical romance writer I read, and she hooked me on the genre. The Raven Prince is probably my favorite of hers. I love how the meet-cute is actually more of a meet-hate, and how Anna pursues her own happiness with guts and determination, even when Edward has his head firmly planted where the sun don’t shine. This book is also notable for the fact the hero has noticeable scars that to the casual eye might make him unattractive. There is a realism to the couple that you don’t find in a lot of historical romances. Definitely a top pick.

By Elizabeth Hoyt,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

There comes a time in a woman's life when she must do the unthinkable - and find employment. For the widowed Anna Wren, that means taking a job as female secretary for the Earl of Swartingham. Secretaries are always male - never female - as Anna well knows but the real downfall of her career is the realisation that she is falling in love with Edward de Raaf - the Earl. But when she realises that he is going to visit a brothel in London to take care of his 'manly' desires, Anna sees red - and decides to take…


Book cover of The Dark One

Emmanuelle de Maupassant Author Of The Lady's Guide to Tempting a Transylvanian Count

From my list on gothic historical romance for Halloween.

Why am I passionate about this?

From staying up late to watch old 'Hammer Horror' classics (only occasionally hiding behind the sofa) to reading the chilling romances of Victoria Holt and Mary Stewart, Emmanuelle knew early in life that Gothic Romance was her jam. Slightly sinister anti-heroes hiding a dark secret still make her swoon, and now she gets to create her own. Mind how you flee!

Emmanuelle's book list on gothic historical romance for Halloween

Emmanuelle de Maupassant Why did Emmanuelle love this book?

A trio of tall, dark, broodingly handsome werewolves await, in this action-packed, high-passion, angsty trilogy indulging the fantasy of ‘the beast within’. A terrifying transformation befalls the men of the Wulf dynasty, and the curse can only be avoided by never falling in love. The perfect premise for romance!

By Ronda Thompson,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Born into the cursed Wulf family, Armond Wulf holds little hope of happiness or of love. But when temptation approaches in the form of Lady Rosalind Rutherford, he becomes less sure that he will be able to save her or himself from the darkness within.


Book cover of Devil's Bride

S.T. Holmes Author Of Creole Moon: Book of Roots

From my list on love gone wrong.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was educated in a catholic school surrounded by family built on lasting love. My father and mother were married for 50 years. I longed for that type of forever love, but didn’t find it. So, I started thinking, what could prevent people from finding that one true love. Then it came to me, fate, spells, or gods and goddesses acting behind the scenes to create love gone wrong. Taking Latin in high school introduced me to Greek and Roman mythology. I became fascinated with that ideology. Since I grew up in New Orleans, I thought the swamp, as a backdrop, would add a bit of realism and mysticism to my storyline. Voila! Creole Moon was born.

S.T.'s book list on love gone wrong

S.T. Holmes Why did S.T. love this book?

I love all of Stephanie Laurens’ books about historical London and high society during the Regency period or “the ton”, as it was called. The Bar Cynster series doesn’t disappoint. These books are fun to read and in keeping with the true romance books of boy meets girl themes and girl tames the cagy, self-proclaimed bachelor. Each book deals with a different brother or cousin in the Cynster dynasty and a specific event around their daily lives. The reader gets a sense of current events and the lifestyle of the rich during this period and how money and power can evade or remove any adverse effects on the family. 

There are six books in this series and I highly recommend reading all six. They are fun, light-hearted, and easy to read. I even like their nicknames of “scandal”, “rake”, and “devil”. It makes them seem like the bad boys of…

By Stephanie Laurens,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Devil's Bride as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When Devil, the most infamous member of the Cynster family, is caught in a compromising position with plucky governess Honoria Wetherby, he astonishes the entire town by offering his hand in marriage. No one dreamed this scandalous rake would ever take a bride. And as society mamas swooned at the loss of England′s most eligible bachelor, Devil′s infamous Cynster cousins began to place wagers on the wedding date.

But Honoria wasn′t about to bend society′s demands and marry a man "just" because they′d been found together virtually unchaperoned. No, she craved adventure, and while solving the murder of a young…


Book cover of Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover

Lorraine Heath Author Of The Return of the Duke

From my list on historical romances with adventurous women.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the bestselling author of more than 46 romance novels. I love history, enjoy research, and am always looking for little-known facts to make my stories more authentic. Some of those facts have revealed that women in the 19th century often took on occupations, hobbies, or causes that challenged them and sometimes placed them in danger. Although seldom acknowledged as such, women in the 19th century were a force to be reckoned with, although their contributions were often overlooked. But through reading personal accounts, letters of the time, biographies, and nonfiction accounts about various women’s roles, I have gained a greater appreciation for how daring women have been throughout history.

Lorraine's book list on historical romances with adventurous women

Lorraine Heath Why did Lorraine love this book?

Little is more adventurous than a woman who owns a gambling hell, who has forged a path to success, and dares Society to judge her. I love Sarah’s depth of characterization and how she infuses her characters with a background and motivations that make their actions, even the questionable ones, understandable and believable. I find she always takes an insurmountable conflict and uses it to drive the characters toward change. I so admire Sarah’s ability to carry me on a journey that always ends with a sigh of satisfaction, and often a few tears.

By Sarah MacLean,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Fabulous' Eloisa James
'Smart, sexy, and always romantic' Julia Quinn
'For a smart, witty and passionate historical romance, I recommend anything by Sarah MacLean' Lisa Kleypas

RITA Award winning author, Sarah MacLean, reveals the identity of The Fallen Angel's final scoundrel in the spectacular conclusion to her Rules of Scoundrels series . . .

By day, she is Lady Georgiana, sister to a duke, ruined before her first season in the worst kind of scandal. But the truth is far more shocking-in London's darkest corners, she is Chase, the mysterious, unknown founder of the city's most legendary gaming hell. For…


Book cover of Slightly Dangerous

Kara O'Neal Author Of The Inventor's Heart

From my list on romances with loveable, quirky families.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love my family. I can’t do without them. I have three siblings, and I’m the oldest. My father is a hard-working Texas man who I like to compare to Gus from Lonesome Dove. My mother is a lady. Like Jackie. She’s a classic. This made for interesting suppers. We were expected to behave like royalty while our father wanted us to “pull his finger”. I can’t tell you the mischief that went on in my house. And the fanciness. Oh, my heavens, the fanciness. My mother has so many teapots. My family is the reason I can tell stories, and I applaud any author who makes family come alive.

Kara's book list on romances with loveable, quirky families

Kara O'Neal Why did Kara love this book?

Slightly Dangerous is a Regency romance, and it’s book 6 in the Slightly series. Wulfric Bedwyn is the hero, and I would compare him to Fitzwilliam Darcy. To understand Wulfric, to see him as he truly deserves, you should read the first 5 books in the series, as well. You will discover a family of six stubborn, risk-taking, highly intelligent siblings, headed by Wulfric. And Wulfric is, without a doubt, the most misunderstood. And the most brilliant. My heart pounds every time he speaks. I can’t tell you how much I longed for his family to learn how much he cares. And he cares deeply. The Bedwyns are a rowdy bunch. You’ll adore them!

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 The Bedding Proposal

Alina K. Field Author Of Fated Hearts

From my list on intricacies and perils of divorce in Regency-era.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a writer of Regency Romance fiction with a perfectionist’s zeal to get the details right. Most Regency Romances are tales of aristocrats falling in love and marrying—or marrying and then falling in love! But in real life, romantic love was often not an essential aspect of courtship in this era. Aristocratic families might ensure that a couple was “suited”, but they arranged unions for bloodlines and wealth, and the ties were almost impossible to break. Enjoy these true tales of marriage and divorce, and the two novels of heartbreak, divorce, and happy-ever-after.

Alina's book list on intricacies and perils of divorce in Regency-era

Alina K. Field Why did Alina love this book?

Yes, that says “bedding” and not “wedding”! In this Regency Romance novel, the heroine is a scandalous divorcee who’s sworn off romance. She has some income of her own and isn’t penniless. Dipping a toe into society again, she’s wooed by a determined young rake who wants only to bed her. But when he falls in love and proposes, she has to say no. [Spoiler alert] Her abusive former husband paid a man to perjure her as an adulteress so he could divorce her. The story shows the vindictiveness a spurned husband might employ in this era: the divorce decree leaves her forbidden to remarry. Read this book for a different take on the perils of divorce by another skilled romance writer.

By Tracy Anne Warren,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Lord Leo Byron is bored with the aristocratic company he keeps; he needs a distraction, preferably in the form of a beautiful new female companion. So when he sets eyes on fascinating and scandalous divorcée Lady Thalia Lennox, he's determined to make her intimate acquaintance. But the spirited woman seems to have no intention of accepting his advances no matter how much he chases - or how hard he falls....

Once a darling of society, Thalia Lennox now lives on its fringes. The cruel lies that gave her a notoriously wild reputation have also left her with a broken heart…


Book cover of Secrets and Suitors

Rebecca Lange Author Of Healing the Orphaned Heart

From my list on swoon-worthy Christian historical romance.

Why am I passionate about this?

Ever since I can remember I had a special love for western romance books. My mom has written several books set in 1800s America and that probably stirred me in that direction as well since I love her books (they're in German, which is why I couldn’t recommend them). Regency has become my second historical fiction genre, which is probably why I write and read both time periods. I'm a German-born US-Indie author and total romance fanatic. I write Christian Romance set mostly in the above time periods. I'm a massive Harry Potter fan, have been married to my husband for nearly 18 years and we have two teenage sons. 

Rebecca's book list on swoon-worthy Christian historical romance

Rebecca Lange Why did Rebecca love this book?

A swoon-worthy love story. A handsome young man who gives you all the feels. A young woman standing her ground. A passionate kiss that is so worth the wait. 

What can I say, I am totally in love with this story. Secrets and Suitors was one of the books that made me fall in love with the regency period. It has everything I want in a good story, without the steam and inappropriate scenes. The shy main character has to learn to fight for her rights and the man she loves and not let her father dictate her life. I love a strong female lead, willing to deal with the consequences by going for what they want.

By Joanna Barker,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Reluctantly returning to London for yet another Season, shy Nora Hamilton has nearly given up hope that she will ever find the love match she longs for. After all, the one man she does harbor feelings for—her closest friend, James—has made it perfectly clear he views her as just that: a friend. With James traveling half a world away and Nora’s father pressuring her to marry for wealth and status, Nora is forced to set aside her desire for love and accept the future she has always dreaded. Until James returns unexpectedly and Nora’s feelings once again rush unbearably close…


Book cover of Mastering the Marquess
Book cover of Sutton's Spinster
Book cover of A Season for Treason

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