Brothers of the Vine
Forever Evermore
Women of W.A.R.
My Lady Jane, an adaptation of the book of the same name, landed on Amazon Prime earlier this month and suffice to say, I am OBSESSED. It’s a Tudor romance/adventure TV show with a strident ‘I don’t play by the rules’ heroine, a tousled handsome hero in leather pants, a historical setting with arranged marriage AND enemies to lovers and a touch of fantasy – could it have any more of my favourite tropes?!
If, like me, you’ve already binged this excellent TV show (twice) here are some reads you might enjoy inspired by the best elements of the show…
If you want more Tudor settings
The Locksmith’s Daughter by Karen Brooks
A powerful and dramatic story of spies, secrets and one man’s quest to save Elizabethan England.
What if the key to your heart lies in your enemy’s hands?
In a world where no one can be trusted and secrets are currency, one woman stands without fear.
Mallory Bright is the only daughter of London’s master locksmith. For her there is no lock too elaborate, no secret too well kept. Sir Francis Walsingham, spymaster and protector of Queen Elizabeth – the last of the Tudor monarchs – and her realm, is quick to realise Mallory’s talent and draws her into his world of intrigue, danger and deception. With her by his side, no scheme in England or abroad is safe from discovery; no plot secure.
But Mallory’s loyalty wavers when she witnesses the execution of three Jesuit priests, a punishment that doesn’t fit their crime. When Mallory discovers the identity of a Catholic spy and a conspiracy that threatens the kingdom, she has to make a choice – between her country and her heart.
Mallory, however, carries her own dark secrets and is about to learn those being kept from her – secrets that could destroy those she loves.
Once Sir Francis’s greatest asset, Mallory is fast becoming his worst threat … and everyone knows there’s only one way Sir Francis deals with those.
Taming The Tempestuous Tudor by Juliet Landon
Passion and peril in the court of Elizabeth I…
Henrietta Raemon, illegitimate daughter of Henry VIII, longs to go to court to be closer to her half sister, the queen.
The last thing on fiercely independent Etta’s mind is marriage–until newly ennobled merchant Baron Somerville leaves her no choice!
But the attractions of court turn perilous when Etta’s resemblance to Elizabeth makes her some powerful enemies.
Her husband is there to protect her, if only Etta can conquer her pride…and surrender.
The Tudor Rose Trilogy Collection by Susan Wiggs
Travel back to the glittering Tudor court with No.1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs in her beloved Tudor Rose Trilogy.
At The King’s Command
Frustrated by his own failures at matrimony, King Henry VIII punishes insolent nobleman Stephen de Lacey by commanding him to marry the vagabond woman caught stealing his horse. But what begins as a mockery of a marriage ultimately blossoms into deepest love.
The Maiden’s Hand
When roguishly handsome Oliver de Lacey enters the life of Protestant rebel Mistress Lark, their fates become inextricably bound together in a struggle against royal persecution. As they fight for justice, both Oliver and Lark discover a love worth saving…even dying for.
At The Queen’s Summons
Feisty orphan Pippa de Lacey lives by wit and skill as a London street performer. But when her sharp tongue gets her into serious trouble, she throws herself upon the mercy of Irish chieftain Aidan O’Donoghue, and their unlikely alliance reverberates with desire.
If you want more flirty meet cutes
The Devil In Blue Jeans by Stacey Kennedy
A sharp, emotional novel about a tough-minded bar owner who makes a deal with a devil of a cowboy — and might just get burned…
Moving to Montana to buy a dive bar with her two best friends sounds like a can’t-miss idea to Charly Henwood. The scenery is breathtaking, and the cowboys even more so. Not that Charly’s interested. Her heart is as unmovable as the surrounding mountains, thanks to her cheating ex.
Making her bar, The Naked Moose, a success is Charly’s only priority. But it turns out the regulars don’t take kindly to outsiders swapping their craft beer for an extensive cocktail menu. One regular in particular is not happy — The Naked Moose’s previous owner, Jaxon Reed. The last thing Charly needs is a cocky cowboy telling her how to run her bar, or her life. But maybe she can use Jaxon to her advantage. If he’ll agree to be the prize in a charity auction, Charly will make the bar a little more cowboy-friendly.
When that plan backfires, Charly finds herself doing battle with the biggest temptation in Timber Falls. A man who has made it his mission to win her, using every infernal means at his disposal. And if her resolve goes up in flames, her heart is sure to follow.
If you want more of the arranged marriage trope
Duty To The Crown by Natalie Anderson, Kelly Hunter, Yvonne Lindsay
Convenient Bride For The King – Kelly Hunter
She refused his royal proposal…but will she let him unlock the passion within?
King Theodosius must find a queen to keep his throne, but his less-than-romantic proposal letter leaves sheltered Princess Moriana cold. So, Theo decides to make Moriana an offer she can’t refuse — if she’ll consider becoming his bride, he’ll heat things up by initiating his innocent queen in the pleasures of the marriage bed…
Shy Queen In The Royal Spotlight – Natalie Anderson
She didn’t see her own beauty…then he unmasked it!
Royal assistant Hester knows playboy Prince Alek is totally out of her league. Shockingly, out of the blue, he proposes a marriage of convenience! In return, she’ll have millions to help disadvantaged women. Warily, Hester agrees…
To retain the throne he’s sacrificed everything for, Alek must choose a bride. It’s Hester’s quiet discretion that catches his attention…until their unstoppable chemistry reveals her startling beauty and inner fire. Alek sees the queen that Hester could truly become — but the real question is, can she?
Arranged Marriage, Bedroom Secrets – Yvonne Lindsay
An arranged marriage means she’s his bride. Her secrets make her much more…
Princess Mila will safeguard her kingdom by marrying a neighbouring royal she barely knows. But she refuses to let Prince Thierry perfect his romantic arts with another woman. Disguised as his hired courtesan, the virgin princess plans to seduce her fiancé before their wedding night!
The mind-blowing chemistry they discover can’t be taught — or forgotten. Yet Mila’s lie is unforgivable to a man who prizes honour above all. Public scandal threatens all Mila’s dreams and her country’s future…unless this prince can let passion, and his heart, reign supreme.
If you want a touch of magic
The Witch is Back by Sophie H. Morgan
Love is a hex of a thing.
There’s nothing wrong with being a wallflower. Not to Emmaline Bluewater, anyway. Emma may have been born into witch society, but her days of trying to fit in where she doesn’t belong are over — they ended seven years ago, when the man she’d hoped to marry left town without a word. She’s much happier now, living a delightfully mundane human life in Chicago and running her bar, Toil and Trouble.
Until Bastian Truenote walks through the door and announces that he wants her back.
Bastian had his reasons for leaving — even if he can’t tell Emma what they are. Now, to win Emma’s heart, he’s got to face down an adorably goofy dog familiar, a best friend who’s all too eager to hit him with a carefully aimed hex, and a woman who’s far from the meek witch he remembers.
Magical contracts aren’t easily broken, but as far as Emma’s concerned, not even a marriage of convenience will have her falling under Bastian’s spell again…
If you want a bookish heroine
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
Have you ever found yourself lost in a good book … literally?
Eileen Merriweather loves a good love story. The fictional kind, anyway. After all, imaginary men don’t break your heart.
That’s why she’s so excited for her annual book club retreat – instead, when her car breaks down en route, Eileen finds herself in Eloraton. A town where every meet is cute, the rain always comes in the afternoon, and the bookshop is always curated with impeccable taste.
It feels too good to be true … because Eloraton is the setting of her favourite romance series. And Eileen is sure she must be here to bring the town its storybook ending.
But there’s one character she can’t place. The grumpy bookshop owner with mint-green eyes, and an irritatingly sexy mouth. He does not want Eileen to finish this story, but how else can she find her happily-ever-after?
If you love an enemies to lovers romance
The Bookbinder’s Guide To Love by Katherine Garbera
A witchy, witty, wickedly sexy tale about love, books, friendship and the unexpected connections that bind us together…
Bookbinding (verb): the art of creating something magical out of fabric, leather and paper.
As a lonely foster kid, Serafina Conte sought refuge in handmaking journals — and writing her wishes within their pages. Now, in the quirky new age store she shares with her two best friends, Sera’s intentions have paid off. Her journals are in the spotlight — and rumoured to manifest great things. Whether it’s witchy skills, real magic or not, Sera’s finally ready to be the leading lady of her life story…
Until her plot hits a twist.
After the death of her mentor, Ford Sitwell, all the loneliness and insecurity of her past returns. The only balm is the box of antique books he left to her. But Ford’s suspicious brooding grandson, Wes, is ready to think the worst of her — and get his grandfather’s books back! The first part doesn’t bother her. The second? Forget it. Sera won’t give Wes the books so easily. But it’s clear he’s seeking something more, an emotional connection no book can replace. So she offers a deal — work in her store for six weeks, and in return, she’ll help him get closure by sharing memories of his late grandfather.
Yes, Wes seems grumpy, but actually he’s hot…and maybe kind? Deep down? And when desire and vulnerability work their charms, Sera begins to wonder if the best stories aren’t the ones you intend, but the ones that take you where you least expected…
Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley
Ready or Scot…
Globe-trotter Addie Macrae always follows her wanderlust. As a travel consultant, she jet sets around the world — anywhere but Scotland. But when she’s sent on assignment to help a struggling family-run tour company in the Highlands — and save her own job — Addie packs away her emotional baggage and turns on the professional charm.
Logan Sutherland’s as rugged as the land he loves and his greatest joy is sharing the beauty of Scotland’s hidden gems…even if it means a wee bit of red ink on the company’s bottom line. The last thing Logan wants is some American ‘expert’ pushing tourist traps and perpetuating myths about the Loch Ness Monster — especially when Addie never leaves her desk to experience the country for herself.
As they wage an office war, Logan discovers Addie’s secret connection to Scotland: a handful of faded Polaroids of her late mother. Hoping for a truce, he creates a private tour to the places in the pictures to help Addie find closure and appreciate the enchantment in less-traveled destinations, never expecting the off-limits attraction sparking between them. But Addie’s contract is almost up, and magic won’t pay the bills. They can’t afford distractions, but how can Addie do her job if she hasn’t explored all Scotland — and Logan — has to offer?
If you love an English setting
I See London by Chanel Cleeton
For the first time in print! New York Times sensation Chanel Cleeton’s international, angst-fuelled romance is perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover and Lucy Score.
Maggie Carpenter is a small-town Southern girl who’s never been kissed. She’s ready for a change – and to leave her ordinary life and a failed attempt to get into Harvard behind. She accepts a scholarship to the International School in London, where she’s suddenly mingling with the privileged offspring of diplomats and world leaders.
When Maggie meets Hugh, a twentysomething British guy, she finds herself living the life she has always wanted. Suddenly she’s riding around the city in a Ferrari, wearing borrowed designer clothes and going to the hottest clubs. The only problem? There’s someone else, someone she can’t seem to keep her hands off of.
Half French, half Lebanese and impossibly rich, Samir Khouri has made it clear to Maggie that despite their intense attraction, he doesn’t do relationships. He’s the opposite of everything she thought she wanted – a player with no interest in commitments – but she just can’t keep away. Torn between her dream guy and the one haunting her thoughts, Maggie must fight for her own happy ending. But in a city like London, you never know where you stand, and everything can change in the blink of an eye.
One Night in Hartswood by Emma Denny
When his sister’s betrothed vanishes the night before her politically arranged marriage, Raff Barden must track and return the elusive groom to restore his family’s honour.
William de Foucart — known to his friends as Penn — had no choice but to abandon his intended, and with it his own earldom, when he fled the night before his enforced marriage. But ill-equipped to survive on the run he must trust the kindness of a stranger, Raff, to help him escape.
Unaware their fates are already entwined, the men journey north. But amidst the snow-capped forests an unexpected bond deepens into a far more precious relationship, one that will test all that they hold dear. And when secrets are finally revealed, both men must decide what they will risk for the one they love…
If you love tempestuous banter
Fool Me Once by Ashley Winstead
In this fierce and funny battle of the exes, Ashley Winstead’s Fool Me Once explores the chaos of wanting something you used to have.
Lee Stone is a twenty-first-century woman: she kicks butt at her job as a communications director at a women-run electric car company (that’s better than Tesla, thank you), and after work she is ‘Stoner,’ drinking guys under the table and never letting any of them get too comfortable in her bed…
That’s because Lee’s learned one big lesson: never trust love. Four major heartbreaks set her straight, from her father cheating on her mom all the way to Ben Laderman in grad school — who wasn’t actually cheating, but she could have sworn he was, so she reciprocated in kind.
Then Ben shows up five years later, working as a policy expert for the most liberal governor in Texas history, just as Lee is trying to get a clean energy bill rolling. Things get complicated — and competitive — as Lee and Ben are forced to work together. Tension builds just as old sparks reignite, fanning the flames for a romantic dustup the size of Texas.
Hapy reading!