Now that it's officially Fall, (Hello, sweater weather!) it's the perfect time to get cozy with a good book and a pumpkin latte on the porch. I rounded up a variety of must-haves that need to be on your radar for the month of September, because there's no better genre for comfort reads than historical romance.
If you're looking for an inclusive read try
HER NIGHT WITH THE DUKE by DIANA QUINCY
Trope: Forbidden Love
Series: Clandestine Affairs #1
Publication date: September 29, 2020
Publisher: Avon
ISBN: 9780062986795
SYNOPSIS
When Lady Delilah Chambers finds herself stranded at a country inn on a rain-swept evening, she’s forced to fend off a group of ruffians with the help of a handsome gentleman. Irresistibly drawn to each other, Leela and the stranger spend one reckless night in each others’ arms—and then go their separate ways. But the very next day Leela receives the shock of her life when she meets the duke who is set on wedding her beloved stepdaughter.
When it finds two destined hearts...
One night isn’t enough with a woman as fierce, fiery, and brilliant as Leela. Elliot Townsend, Duke of Huntington, cannot believe his good fortune when their chance encounter leads to an unforgettable evening of passion. Yet Hunt’s luck runs out when he is introduced to his prospective mother-in-law. Dowagers aren’t supposed to look like this...
Leela and Hunt are determined to keep each other at arm’s length, which should be easy enough for two intelligent adults with reputations to uphold. The problem is all logic is lost when it comes to a passion that refuses to be ignored.
Read an excerpt here
Praise for Diana Quincy:
"Quincy cleverly incorporates much-loved genre tropes into the daringly sensual plot of her print romance debut, and this combined with the refreshingly original, boldly adventurous heroine, who fully embraces her Middle Eastern family origins, makes this marvelously entertaining love story the literary equivalent of catnip for historical romance fans."
-Booklist (starred review)
"Her Night with the Duke is an original story that will grab you from the first page and not let go. The angst level is deliciously high and I had no idea how Leela and Hunt were going to work this out... This is a book not to be missed!"
-Joanna Shupe, award-winning author of The Devil of Downtown
"...it’s Quincy’s extraordinary ability to convey complex emotions that sets the book apart. Quincy’s own background as a first-generation Arab-American also allows her to bring indispensable detail to the story, which is enriched by details of Leela’s journey to learn about, and come to appreciate, her “Levantine” heritage—a welcome addition..."
-Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Quincy (“Rebellious Brides” series) delivers a steamy Regency fraught with family discord as well as societal and racial prejudices. This gripping series starter ultimately triumphs with an honorable hero and a spirited Anglo-Arab heroine who fights for acceptance and love on her own terms."
-Library Journal (starred review)
"Vivid, bold, witty, and seductive! Diana Quincy is your new historical romance obsession."
-Lenora Bell, USA Today bestselling author of Love is a Rogue
“Lovers of historical fiction could hardly do better than Diana Quincy…”
-Fresh Fiction
Praise for Diana Quincy: "Sweet, steamy and thoroughly enjoyable...”
-Grace Burrowes, New York Times bestselling author
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bestselling author Diana Quincy is an award-winning television journalist who decided to make up her own stories where a happy ending is always guaranteed.
Her books have been included on "Best of" lists in Library Journal and The Washington Post.
As a U.S. Foreign Service brat, Diana grew up all over the world, but is now happily settled in Virginia with her husband and two boys. When not bent over her laptop, Diana spends time with her family, reads, practices yoga, and plots her next travel adventure.
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If you're looking for a class disparity read try
BEAUTY TEMPS THE BEAST by LORRAINE HEATH
Trope: Opposites Attract
Lorraine Heath ends her bestselling Sins for All Seasons series with the hero readers have been waiting for!
Series: Sins for All Seasons #6
Publication date: September 29, 2020
Publisher: Avon
ISBN: 9780062951939
SYNOPSIS
Althea Stanwick was a perfect lady destined to marry a wealthy lord, until betrayal left her family penniless. Though she’s lost friends, fortune, and respectability, Althea has gained a scandalous plan. If she can learn to seduce, she can obtain power over men and return to Society on her terms. She even has the perfect teacher in mind, a man whose sense of honor and dark good looks belie his nickname: Beast.
But desire like this can’t be taught
Benedict Trewlove may not know his parentage but he knows where he belongs—on the dark side of London, offering protection wherever it’s needed. Yet no woman has ever made such an outrageous request as this mysterious beauty. Althea is out of place amongst vice and sin, even if she offers a wicked temptation he can’t resist. But as the truth of his origin emerges at last, it will take a fierce, wild love to overcome their pasts.
Read an excerpt here
Purchase your copy now:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lorraine Heath has always had a soft spot for emotional love stories. No doubt because growing up, watching movies with her mom, she was taught that the best movies "won't half make you cry."
She is the daughter of a British beauty (her mom won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero, (the Joker on the original Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan, and she enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” She began her career writing training manuals and computer code for the IRS, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since.
Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA TODAY and the New York Times.
The author of more than 60 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers.
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If you're looking for a bluestocking heroine/broody hero pairing try
MY KIND OF EARL by VIVIENNE LORRET
Trope: Opposites Attract, Rags to Riches, Secret Identity
USA Today bestselling author Vivienne Lorret continues her charming new trilogy with a bluestocking whose search for information on the mating habits of scoundrels has her stumbling upon the missing heir to an earldom... in the London underworld.
Series: The Mating Habits of Scoundrels #2
Publication date: September 29, 2020
Publisher: Avon
ISBN: 9780062976604
SYNOPSIS
Jane Pickerington never intended to start a brawl in a brothel. She only wanted to research her book. Yet when her simple study of scoundrels goes awry, she finds herself coming to the rescue of a dark, enigmatic stranger… who turns out to be far more than an average rake out for a night of pleasure. He’s positively wild!
Only the most feral and cunning could have survived foundling homes and work houses. Orphaned as an infant, Raven never had another name. At least… not until he meets her. Now he’s face-to-face with the one person who recognizes the strange birthmark on his arm and can reinstate him to his blue-blooded birthright.
All at once, Raven’s life takes a turn. His knowledge of dark alleys and gaming hells never prepared him for gilded ballrooms. So Jane becomes his tutor. Yet, the more lessons in decorum she offers, the more this untamed scoundrel wants to teach her all the ways to be wicked.
Read an excerpt here
Praise for My Kind of Earl:
"splendidly witty and superbly sexy... an exceptionally entertaining romance." (Booklist)
“a sexy page-turner... you can’t help but root for these two stubborn, persistent characters to fall for each other... the novel draws you in and leaves a satisfied smile on your face.” (Entertainment Weekly for How to Forget a Duke)
"Asher and Winn are endearingly complex characters with wit and chemistry to spare. Romance readers will be delighted." (Publishers Weekly)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
USA Today bestselling author VIVIENNE LORRET transforms copious amounts of tea into words. She is an Avon author of series including the Wallflower Weddings, the Rakes of Fallow Hal, the Season’s Original, the Misadventures in Matchmaking, and the MATING HABITS OF SCOUNDRELS.
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If you're looking for a Wallflower read try
MISLEADING A DUKE by A.S. FENICHEL
Trope: Arranged Marriage, Secret Identity
Fans of Mary Jo Putney and Sabrina Jeffries will fall for this delightful story of a high-spirited lady determined to marry for love—but betrothed to a tempting spy whose work has put them both their hearts…and their lives…on the line.
Series: The Wallflowers of West Lane #2
Publication date: September 29, 2020
Publisher: Kensington/Lyrical Press
ISBN: 9781516110520
SYNOPSIS
Betrothed to a man she has barely met, Lady Faith Landon calls upon her three best friends—the self-proclaimed Wallflowers of West Lane—to help uncover the secrets of her mysterious fiancé. Her suspicions are aroused when she learns that he has recently returned from France. Is he a traitor to his country? The truth is quite the opposite. Nicholas Ellsworth, Duke of Breckenridge, is a secret agent for the English Crown who has just completed a risky mission to infiltrate Napoleon’s spy network.
After his adventures, Nicholas craves the peace and quiet of the country and settling into domestic bliss with his bride. Until he discovers Faith’s deceptive investigation. How can he wed a woman who doesn’t trust him? But a powerful spark has ignited between Nicholas and Faith that could bring about a change of heart. Faith seizes her second chance to prove to Nicholas that they are a true love match but his past catches up with them when three French spies come to exact revenge. Surviving rather than wooing has become the order of the day.
Praise for Misleading a Duke:
“Fenichel juxtaposes the mannered world of Regency aristocracy with the gritty, life-or-death situation of Nick and Faith’s captivity to excellent effect. This immersive, fast-paced novel will have readers on the edges of their seat.”
—Publishers Weekly
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A.S. Fenichel (Andie) gave up a successful IT career in New York City to pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She's never looked back.
Andrea adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.
She is currently writing Regency romance for Kensington Publishing and you can learn more about Andrea's books at http://asfenichel.com or visit her on her Facebook page, where she spends entirely too much time. https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel.
Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in Missouri with her real life hero, her wonderful husband and a fussy cat . When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden.
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If you're looking for a dark, angst-filled read try
ALL SCOT AND BOTHERED by KERRIGAN BYRNE
Trope: Enemies to Lovers, Age Gap
They are a dangerous duke, a fierce lord, and an infamous earl—dark, bold, brave men who know exactly what they want. And there is only one woman who can bring them to their knees...
Series: Devil You Know #2
Publication date: September 29, 2020
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 9781250318862
SYNOPSIS
He is first and foremost—at everything. A man who's made his own way in the world through ruthless cunning and sheer force of will. A strong and imposing Scot who can turn on the charm but does not suffer fools. His title: Lord Chief Justice of the High Court. His name: Cassius Gerard Ramsay. His mission: To investigate the goings-on at London's most notorious gaming hell, owned and operated by one of the most intriguing and desirable women he's ever met.
IN THIS GAME OF LOVE, THE RULES DO NOT APPLY
Cecelia Teague was an orphan facing a rather dire future—until a secret benefactor from her mother's scandalous past swept into her life. Sent to prestigious boarding school and later to university, Cecelia believed high society was at her fingertips...Then, from out of nowhere, she became the inheritor of a gambling establishment. Now Cecelia must live two lives: one as a proper lady who finds herself undeniably drawn to Lord Ramsay and the other as a savvy gaming hell owner trying to save her business from the very same man. He has no idea she is both women...and Cecelia would like to keep it that way. But what happens when consuming passion and escalating danger threaten to reveal the truth?
Read an excerpt here
Praise for All Scot and Bothered:
"Hot romance and tantalizing intrigue...Readers will be delighted." - Publishers Weekly starred review on All Scot and Bothered
"Will ensnare readers with its soul-searing, richly sensual love story, expertly spiced with just the right dash of dry wit and generous measure of thrilling danger." - Booklist starred review on All Scot and Bothered
"Byrne crafts a smoldering romance that combines an enticing, well-matched couple with an original storyline about the underbelly of Victorian society that keeps the readers guessing." - Library Journal
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
If you're anything like me, the best night is one spent with a brawny highlander, a mysterious werewolf, a conflicted vampire, or a hot-headed Irishman. My stories span the spectrum of romantic fiction from historical, to paranormal, to romantic suspense. But I can always promise my readers one thing: memorable and sexy Celtic heroes who are guaranteed to heat your blood before they steal your heart. Lose yourself in the enchanted Celtic Isles, you never know who, or what, will find you...
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