Even though paranormals seem to be the genre of choice among romance readers, the historical market is flourishing.
Here are three of my favorite historical releases this month:
The Duke Is Mine This is just a fun book, it's larger than life and with an atypical heroine. She isn't a retiring, wisp of a girl, and that's what I loved about her!
For Olivia Lytton, betrothal to the Duke of Canterwick—hardly a Prince Charming—feels more like a curse than a happily-ever-after. At least his noble status will help her sister, Georgiana, secure an engagement with the brooding, handsome Tarquin, Duke of Sconce, a perfect match for her in every way . . . every way but one. Tarquin has fallen in love with Olivia.
Quin never puts passion before reason. And reason says that Georgiana is his ideal bride. But the sensual, fiery, strong-willed Olivia ignites an unknown longing in him— a desire they are both powerless to resist. When a scandalous affair begins, they risk losing everything—Olivia’s engagement, her sister’s friendship, and their own fragile love. Only one thing can save them—and it awaits in the bedroom, where a magnificent mattress holds life-changing answers to the greatest romantic riddle of all.
GAh! The system deleted the rest of my message!
Here were my other can't miss historical picks:
Trouble at the Wedding (Abandoned at the Altar Series #3)
which is the third in a series from Laura Lee Guhrke after Wedding of the Season (Abandoned at the Altar Series #1) and Scandal of the Year (Abandoned at the Altar Series #2)
The heroine is American!
Annabel is about to marry the perfect man . . .
The last thing Miss Annabel Wheaton desires is true love. She learned the hard way that love makes a woman foolish and leads only to heartache. That’s why she agreed to marry an earl who needs her money. He’s got a pedigree and a country estate, and he won’t ever break her heart. There’s only one problem . . .
Christian isn’t about to let her marry that pompous prig . . .
Christian Du Quesne, Duke of Scarborough, thinks the stubborn heiress is about to make the biggest mistake of her life, and he’s determined to stop her. Tempting beautiful women is Christian’s forte, after all. When her family offers him a nice sum of money to stop the wedding, he’s happy to accept.
Falling in love with Annabel was never supposed to be part of the bargain . . .
Teresa Medeiros is in league with Lisa Kleypas and Kristan Higgins for me in that I love everything they write. And this latest, thick, delicious, romantic story is just the thing if you're looking for an exotic locale and an adventure story.
Legendary adventurer Ashton Burke has roamed the globe for ten years trying to forget the spirited woman he left behind in England. His devil-may-care pursuits are interrupted, though, when he reluctantly agrees to retrieve his brother's kidnapped fiancée from a sultan's harem. Too late, he discovers his quarry is none other than Clarinda Cardew, the very same girl who made off with his jaded heart.
The last thing Clarinda wants is to be trapped in a palace of sensual delights with the man whose irresistible kisses still haunt her sleepless nights. She quickly realizes that allowing Ashton to rescue her may put her yearning heart in even greater peril. In a journey both tantalizing and treacherous, Ashton and Clarinda resume the impetuous steps of their dangerous dance only to discover the most seductive pleasure of all may be love itself.
Melanie_Murray wrote:
Teresa Medeiros is in league with Lisa Kleypas and Kristan Higgins for me in that I love everything they write. And this latest, thick, delicious, romantic story is just the thing if you're looking for an exotic locale and an adventure story.
Some pleasures are worth any price...
Legendary adventurer Ashton Burke has roamed the globe for ten years trying to forget the spirited woman he left behind in England. His devil-may-care pursuits are interrupted, though, when he reluctantly agrees to retrieve his brother's kidnapped fiancée from a sultan's harem. Too late, he discovers his quarry is none other than Clarinda Cardew, the very same girl who made off with his jaded heart.
The last thing Clarinda wants is to be trapped in a palace of sensual delights with the man whose irresistible kisses still haunt her sleepless nights. She quickly realizes that allowing Ashton to rescue her may put her yearning heart in even greater peril. In a journey both tantalizing and treacherous, Ashton and Clarinda resume the impetuous steps of their dangerous dance only to discover the most seductive pleasure of all may be love itself.
I got this the other day! I'm still working my way through Courtney Milan's great new series, but this is up next for me.
reader_824 wrote:
I guess I'm the odd woman out. I don't care for either paranormal nor historical, so maybe my recommendations won't mean much to the other readers here.
However, I have enjoyed both of these titles, out Jan. 3
You aren't the odd one out at all! Don't most people here love contemporary stories? And these are both great January reads, so thank you for posting them!
Who says I can't keep a resolution?
I read 
Copper Beach (Dark Legacy Series #1) and loved it!! Check out my thoughts at H2H today.
And it to the January 2012 pile of gold!
Who has read this one? I picked it up a day or two ago, intending to skim it and ended up reading the whole thing. I should have known - nobody writes a dark, twisty hero like Feehan and undercover agent Stefan Prakenskii is to die for. (the book jacket describes him as lethal. 'nuff said.)
I know there were many Drake Sisters fans here, and this is the second in a new series that is set in the same Sea Haven location. The first book of series two was
Water Bound (Sea Haven which I have on my shelf and will now pick up.
Melanie_Murray wrote:
Who has read this one? I picked it up a day or two ago, intending to skim it and ended up reading the whole thing. I should have known - nobody writes a dark, twisty hero like Feehan and undercover agent Stefan Prakenskii is to die for. (the book jacket describes him as lethal. 'nuff said.)
I know there were many Drake Sisters fans here, and this is the second in a new series that is set in the same Sea Haven location. The first book of series two was
Really good!
Melanie - I loved the Drake Sisters books and I'm glad that they are continuing with the Sea Haven series. As a matter of fact, I love all her books - they are must reads for me (as well as keepers).
Anne
1AnneB wrote:
Melanie_Murray wrote:
Who has read this one? I picked it up a day or two ago, intending to skim it and ended up reading the whole thing. I should have known - nobody writes a dark, twisty hero like Feehan and undercover agent Stefan Prakenskii is to die for. (the book jacket describes him as lethal. 'nuff said.)
I know there were many Drake Sisters fans here, and this is the second in a new series that is set in the same Sea Haven location. The first book of series two was
Really good!
Melanie - I loved the Drake Sisters books and I'm glad that they are continuing with the Sea Haven series. As a matter of fact, I love all her books - they are must reads for me (as well as keepers).
Anne
She's fairly can't-miss. You'll love this new book, Anne. It has all her hallmarks. And there have been a lot of Feehan reissues lately and coming up, if you're looking to reread old favorites:
