Reddit mentions: The best historical romance books

(A continuation of https://www.reddit.com/r/JustTzimisceThings/comments/bgijt2/how_many_tzimisce_are_in_season_one_of_la_by_night/)

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Zero! A great show with a great lack of Tzimisce! The Sabbat is discussed at length by the characters without ever mentioning the clan! There is a character called Sycorax who is confirmed to be a Gangrel biker chick? Outrageous Mockery! (and why would you be referencing The Tempest when the three witch sisters from The Scottish Play were already incorporated as a nod to a season one Tremere joke? Pick a subtextual lane! Next up: "This is... Simba Mufasa... from The Hamlet... of the hobo anarchs!".).

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I had to wonder if the name of the clan was the issue, beyond the Sabbat v5 books not being written yet:

>They keep on dancing around mentioning the Tzimisce, and pointedly not explaining the '13 great clans' to Annabelle, where such information could mean the difference between life and death. A storyteller may not want to overload the 'noob audience surrogate' with too much information at once, or create a 'Chekhov's Gun' violation, but Sabbat politics are already in play... with even the Salubri being referenced this episode! If the official pronunciation of the Tzimisce is under contention then just calling them 'The Fiends' would probably be an acceptable compromise, and perhaps could become a permanent v5 name change like The Ministry since anyone in the WoD community knows who "The Fiends" actually refers to.

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All this aside, I did greatly enjoy watching this season on Youtube at 1.25 speed (perhaps at this point from Stockholm syndrome or the mere-exposure effect as I wait for the Tzimisce to appear finally in season 9?). The campaign has grown better and more complex over time, and even addressed all of the issues I had in the first thread with Season One in the first episode of Season Two, and later this one and this one, which is very impressive follow-through and intelligent storytelling.

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I, as with other commenters, have appreciated the improvement in thumbnails for the series, since apparently clickthrough is now incredibly important to Youtube.

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The actors and storyteller and worldbuilding have been amazing. Even the incidental lighting changes and camera framing have been well executed. The costuming has been better than the contentious portrayals in the V5 book (though the 'Victor'-ish Ventrue has always been the best-fitting of the bunch, as even the rather toxic Wesp5 forum agrees). Posts about the L.A. by Night campaign have kept the WhiteWolfRPG subreddit fresh during the doldrums of college finals season and a lack of substantive news about the upcoming V5 books or new videogames before E3 (beyond the same, usual clans being announced for VTMB2 that are usually prominent in VTM videogames). The creators and actors have taken a great deal of care with this series wanting the execution to be perfect, and I admire and appreciate this dedication. Once the WoD community is revitalized with further products coming out I think that more viewers will find their way to the show, and that it will continue to serve as a useful example-campaign as long as the WoD IP continues to exist, even decades into the future.

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I feel privileged, thanks to the existence of this campaign, to have the ability to offer some praise and critiques of this game's second season in the spoiler-discussion that follows.

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I was amused at the appropriate use of >!the Getty Center as the Elysium, which I suggested was outwardly ugly in this thread https://www.reddit.com/r/JustTzimisceThings/comments/b0ndsq/does\_los\_angeles\_have\_terrible\_monuments\_to\_shape/ !<

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>!I am impressed with the way that VTMB characters have been weaved into the narrative in believable ways. The long-standing Barons seem blind to some of the larger problems with their home domains https://www.reddit.com/r/JustTzimisceThings/comments/bkge3e/humanity\_is\_extinct/emgjub4?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web2x, but then again, so is almost all of humanity. !<

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>!The Toreador clan was also notably "Sycoraxed" with a Toreador named Suzanne, but not https://gamelore.fandom.com/wiki/Suzanne\_Kadim. Instead maybe based on https://www.amazon.com/Marie-Antoinettes-lady-waiting-Suzanne/dp/1542907756? I am not aware of such a historical figure existing https://www.mariegossip.com/search/label/Femme%20of%20the%20Week, nor such a figure appearing in the WoD previously to my rather Toreador-negligent memory, but the actress was wife to the actor who played Vannevar, and was quite effective in her role. Does her character relate to "Anastasie de la Tour d'Auvergne" or the special air-bar air from the Paris Parc de Bagatelle from the VTMB2 announcement event?!<

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>!I noted in previous comments about the show in a different thread: Some in the audience are probably a bit frustrated that the party is not putting two and two together faster in some moments, like Nelli G sitting in the car stroking her sister's hair when she could run in with celerity to grab the unconscious ranger or grab the unearthed corpse to bury in sanctified ground, or not having the Temple of Boom lit up FULLY with fail-safe lighting to prevent Lasombra incursion (as in the episode 'Soft Light' from the X-files https://www.vidio.com/watch/259544-the-x-files-season-2-episode-23) but do remember that the coterie is working under stressful, paranoid conditions of a potential kindred war breaking out, so perhaps there is more resemblance to reality in their exhausted and distracted efforts.!<

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>!Likewise, destroying The Herald when the Prince has threatened Victor's children BY NAME while having not secured the fealty of the Nosferatu yet presents a huge risk to the twins' lives and safety, but Victor usually is not one to forget such details in looking at the bigger picture (though Marcus has not played a major part in the story yet anyway).!<

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>!I think the most complained-about issue I've read from other comments has been Annabelle's character development. Annabelle, as I've mentioned previously, serves as a stand-in for the non-WoD audience, and also seems to serve a role in showing how a storyteller can handle a certain type of impassioned player who is more oriented toward the immediate emotions of the moment than the retention or later use of learned information. Her rapport with X in her Season One bio episode was fantastic, but more importantly, the last scene of Season 2 would seem to suggest that the "training wheels" are coming off to allow the character a greater degree of autonomy and independent agency and consequence, whereas before Annabelle has been quite passive in obeying or following others, has not had a moment of clever, self-directed problem-solving not handed to her by a babysitter, and has not been bothered to make a difficult ethical decision on her own to face the consequences (one of her significant others might be ghouled or embraced at this point, but if so, only because of being begged and cajoled into doing so, and not done fully of her own volition). !<

Oookay, I totally didn't forget, I had a lot of work, followed by surprise drive-in date and then motorcycle adventures. Anyways!

I love my anthologies, but which have the most beta heroes? The Mammoth Book of Ghost Romance wins in that category. I particularly enjoyed "Old Salt," "Hat-Trick" and "Seventeen Coppers." If you want a free read on the ghosty-beta-hero front, enjoy the short Haunted, not to be confused with the god-awful YA romance of the same name.

If you want to go more historical, A Midsummer's Magic has a charmingly oblivious sorceress at its center and the poor bugger who is head over heels for her. This was free when I picked it up...it was okay, my main nitpick is the the book takes a lot of time to establish how much the heroine doesn't want to have children/go through childbirth and yet the book still end in babies. Eeeh.

Since, like, everything is shifters, I have read a couple. I like Before Midnight because it was a good idea for a retelling of Cinderella with werewolves. The execution is a little poor, but hey, it's free. If you want something a lot more raunchy, I also like Wilder's Mate, though I don't know if it'd qualify for your quest. It's steampunk, Wild West werewolves. With ex-prostitute mad scientist ladies.

I actually have a whole bunch of new ones queued up, so I was thinking about maybe posting up a regular list on /r/getfeminine to help with content.

Very, very soon. Readers won't wait around these days - they are so impatient, to the detriment of a lot of good plots and books, frankly - and the Amazon LookInside will slay you if your first paragraph doesn't grab them by the (lady)balls.

However, there are some "cheats" available:

• start your book with a preview of a sexy scene, eg in Italics, acting as your front matter. Just as many books have in their inside covers, but put at underneath Chapter 1 (I did this with Tempting Her Teacher)
  
• have the book start with the heroine fantasising about a sexy guy (who may merely look like the hero when she meets him, or it may be that's she's seen the hero from a distance and is fantasising about a future encounter - DON'T have fantasy man blond and hero dark. There needs to be a link - romance readers adore the idea of predestination or "fate")
  
• if you're doing a "reunion romance" - never my cup of tea, but some readers (regretful divorcées?) adore them, you can start with a memory or dream of the relationship before it originally soured, or of their very first memory back then
  
• actual flashback. It works a little differently to the "preview" section as it's more integrated into the chapter and book flow, and you won't be repeating it verbatim later on
  

I don't read much historical fantasy, but I have read some and some more alternate history if you are in to that. I haven't read the one you spoke of in your post, so not sure exactly what balance of history and fantasy (or time period) you are looking for. However, I will list here for you many that I have read:

The Shadow of Albion - Andre Norton and Rosemary Edghill Alternate England

Black Ships - Jo Graham This one is about Troy. some romance

His Majesty's Dragon - Naomi Novik Napoleonic War with dragons.

Daughter of the Forest - Juliet Marillier The author says it isn't historical, but it is based somewhat on history/legend. Ireland as it is being exposed to Christianity. Based on The Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale "The Wild Swans" Definitely a good bit of romance in this one.

The Wild Swans - Peg Kerr Another based on the Anderson Fairy Tale. 2 stories in one. One set in the 1800 about a curse, and the other set in the 1980s about AIDS. Not my favorite, but an interesting parallel.

Bright Sword of Ireland - Juliene Osborne-McKnight This one is more mythic and definitely has "romance". It's about Mebd's daughter. Not my personal favorite, but the ending definitely stuck with me. Also deals with interactions with Christianity

Newton's Cannon - Gregory Keyes Okay, haven't read this one yet, but I've been meaning to get around to it.

Young Adult

Sorcery and Cecilia OR The Enchanted Chocolate Pot - Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer

A Matter of Magic - Patricia C. Wrede

A Great and Terrible Beauty - Libba Bray

These above are set in London/England in 1700-1900?. They are all relatively light reading.

The Fetch - Laura Whitcomb This one is set during the Russian Revolution. Teen love.

A Certain Slant of Light - Laura Whitcomb This one is set in the present day, but one of the main characters is a ghost from the late 1800s.

There're also quite a few novels in historical fantasy romance. But most of them are definitely more on the romance side.

*edited for formatting

My new book has just gone live it’s a steamy royal romance novella :)

((Ps the reviewer had the unsnagged copy, so don’t worry, edits have indeed been done!)

They are young, hot and royal, but choosing whom to marry isn’t an option. When romance strikes between forbidden lovers, they will have to fight to be together, or risk losing everything.

She wants to follow her heart.

Bound by duty and tradition, Princess Alessandra will marry a fellow royal and secure the best alliance for her kingdom. A chance encounter with a mysterious stranger throws her future into turmoil as he turns out not to be the man she first thought.

He wants to save his kingdom.

Lord Rayan needs to make peace between their nations after years of war, slipping into court under a false name was the perfect plan, until he fell for the heir to the throne. Alessandra captures his heart from their very first touch; but can he choose between saving his kingdom and finding love with his forbidden princess?

Heart of the Enemy is a steamy, medieval, fantasy standalone romance novella.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VGZ361D?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420

These are all from Pamela Clare, she used to be an investigative journalist before writing novels so her research is pretty darn thorough. The first I'd recommend is Ride the Fire, it's technically the third book of a trilogy but beyond backstory for side characters, the first two stories aren't necessary to read this one at all. I read Ride the Fire first actually, then went back to the other two.

The second historical recommendation for her is another series about a fictitious group called MacKinnon's Rangers, based on the real Roger's ranging company that was basically the colonies'/US's first special forces, and the main heroes are a trio of brothers. The first is Surrender, then Untamed, then Defiant. I don't think you'd have to read these in order technically, but I'd suggest it, since the characters are brothers and there are references to past events in subsequent books as well as character development of a certain antagonistic side character that spans the series. There's also a novella that takes place after them all that I enjoyed, Upon a Winter's Night, it's less historical and more just fun with the characters I love.

She also has a modern romance/suspense series called the I-Team series about investigative journalists tackling things like environmental issues, mistreatment of Native cultures, Mexican cartels, that kind of thing, which I also really enjoyed. They're based on investigations she's done herself so they're also very detailed in their facts.

Vinyl first because you have to have music on to do your make up. Lana Del Rey has vinyl records! You said you like Amy Winehouse and Bastille, so I think you will like this too! It is $17.99.

Books, ok we are going be here all day! I'm not really sure what you like in terms of music, so I would say any one of the following

Viridis and Devil on a Sparrow's Wing by Calista Taylor. Steampunk action romance. I looooove this series, and even Mr Jess liked it to, after telling me that I was reading smut. Book 1 and Book 2 and they are also just $2.99

The Legends of Regia by Tenaya Jayne and book two for $2.99 for the both, since one is free!

Makeup because now that we are entertained, we need to be fabulous. We have $74.03 left for make up

EYES

Pixie Epoxy

Because Cats eyeshadow

Rapunzel Had Extensions eye shadow

Space Kitty eyeshadow

The Seven Kingdoms sample sized collection

Cheeks
10K blush

Lips

I would make 2 custom lipglosses using 1-up and Potion using customgloss and the opaque option.

Done! Now, I've got to Get busy living, because I sat here for an hour. :)

If you like romantic suspense, read the LOST Series by Cynthia Eden (really anything by Cynthia Eden).

If you like vampires, Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward.

Contemporary two of my favorites were The Boy I Hate and Hooked On You .

I’m not much of a paranormal romance person, but the Bad Things Series is AMAZING, by Cynthia Eden. Sooooo good.

Historical Romance, I adore Julie Garwood’s The Bride .

And if you want something drama-filled and totally chaotic but still somehow satisfying (eventually), checkout Lovers and Gamblers by Jackie Collins. This book made me very mad but it ended up worth it, lol.

Hi, everyone! I've got a new historical romance out, currently available on Amazon for $3.99 (or free for Kindle Unlimited readers). The length is approximately 100,000 words. If historical romance is your jam, I hope you will give me a shot!

His Favorite Mistake

Summary: James Bradford, Duke of Rushton, is a man obsessed with revenge. When his sister’s lover, the Earl of Westwood, refuses to wed her to save her from disgrace and give her child a name, he latches onto a nefarious scheme of his own: an eye for an eye. Or, more appropriately, a sister’s dishonor for a sister’s dishonor.

Lady Jillian Kittridge has been crossed in love before, with absolutely no inclination to set herself up for disaster yet again. At twenty-two, she is very nearly on the shelf and is simply awaiting the day that the funds set aside for her dowry will fall under her control. But when the handsome Duke of Rushton begins to court her, she finds herself unwillingly tempted.

The fact that James finds himself actually liking Jillian is an unwelcome complication. As his scheme draws ever closer to fruition, he wonders: Can he truly destroy the life of an innocent woman, a woman he admires and respects? Or has he been caught in his own trap?

It comes with a preview of my third novel, His Reluctant Lady, due out in January 2020!

Seems like it's photoshopped by that Twitter user. However, they took the image from this book: Wit Knits - Lively and original hand knitting designs, which is just as good.

Edit: You may also enjoy Knitability and Novelty Knits: 35 fun & fabulous jumpers.

I know it seems like that is a minor surgery, but dont underestimate the recovery time. A month is really short, some people can barely walk at three weeks.

Testosterone is also going to be an issue. My sex drive was almost gone for a couple months. That doesn't mean that sex is off the table, just that it might be up to you for a month or two, to get things started. It just wont occur to him.

Finally, he is also adapting to girl sex drive. He is used to just looking at something sexy and, bang, being horny. Girls dont respond that way. It can take some adjusting.

Assuming he is recovered enough to not injure himself, try getting him a romance novel. I can recommend this one. It is more fantasy with a sex scene. http://www.amazon.com/Before-Midnight-Bells-Romance-ebook/dp/B005QBH3KS/

Also, therapists, especially ones that specialize in gender, are good at helping people sort out their emotions.

Hi Everyone!

TS Florence here.

I have just released the second edition of my viking series, "The Northmen series".

Both books are available either for purchase or borrow through your Kindle Unlimited account.

The first of the series can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Stolen-Viking-Northmen-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07Z23NGN5/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1573111586&refinements=p_27%3ATS+Florence&s=digital-text&sr=1-2&text=TS+Florence

The second of the series can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0813Y368X/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1573111586&refinements=p_27%3ATS+Florence&s=digital-text&sr=1-1&text=TS+Florence

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I've had pretty great reviews so far, and am super excited to get feedback on what people think of my work.

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Thanks :)

I have a historical romance book

Tangled Up In Love

After the death of her father, Ellen Gray is on her own. In her mind she doesn’t need anyone. When a childhood friend tries to force her to marry him, she must rely on the one person she doesn’t trust.
James Hardy came to town for one reason. To capture the gang of outlaws that killed his fiancé. He will do whatever it takes to bring them to justice. Even if that means he has to court a woman. The lovely Ellen Gray isn’t just any woman and he soon finds himself unable to resist her charms. But his attraction could cost him his life.

You can find it for sale here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YRFH37N

I just self published a book I began writing when I was a teenager. The main characters are based on myself and my friends at that point in my life and I have been told repeatedly that the bonds between the characters are very enjoyable and immersive. Not an 80s theme but the same type of strong connections in play:) I second the suggestion for Ready Player One as well. I adore that book.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076WVHB3H

Bertrice Small wrote the Skye O'malley series several years ago and it was pretty fun to read. Her books are not high brow lit by any stretch, but the sex scenes were really fun. She has a habit of over describing food that always made me chuckle. A lot of the books in the series follow the same plot line ala Nora Roberts and that is disappointing, but you do know what you will be getting. This series was my first introduction into bodice rippers and nothing in that genre I ever read after that was nearly as good. Eventually I moved away from historical romance as I grew older, but I do have a few copies of her books that I hung on to.

Welcome.

The best free romance books I know of are https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MQ0PJ9E/ and https://www.amazon.com/Deal-Off-Campus-Book-1-ebook/dp/B00TG1CZFC/

I just finished Diaspora: Return to Africa, which is a novel about a Kenyan woman coming home, dealing with her identity, and taking a turn into magical realism. I liked it pretty well, and I'm interested in seeing how the author develops in the future.

At the moment I'm in the middle of a collection of steampunk Southeast Asian stories, which I'm enjoying; I know it's a good collection when I get mad at at least one story because I want it to be a whole book XD

My to-read list is frankly terrifying, but I just read a good review of this Alyssa Cole novella, so I might try it next.

Perhaps a good (if dated) beginning:

https://www.sacred-texts.com/afr/mlb/index.htm

If you can find a copy - this book is awesome:

https://www.amazon.com/Myths-legends-Southern-Africa-Miller/dp/0949956163

Also interesting (as a mix of fantasy and fiction, in the form of a long history/novel) is Credo Mutwa's Indaba my Children and Africa is my witness

This book is quite anthropological with lots of info about customs, rites,etc:

https://www.amazon.com/Magic-World-Xhosa-Aubrey-Elliott/dp/0684132583

All the above material contains a lot of myths, legends, beliefs and practices, if not much in the way of individual symbols.

You are unlikely to find nice step-by-step instruction for rituals...

How does a woman divorce her husband in 1897 when only men could grant divorces?

That is only one of Anna Tattersall’s dilemmas. Her husband has cheated on her. And she has fallen in love with another man. A Native American! And she has to face the scrutiny of Boston’s high society who scorn multi-cultural relationships. Follow Anna and Ausable as they grapple with the complications of the law and family, always finding time to make love along the way! Louisburg Square is the second book of the Adirondack Saga by A. Dudley Johnson, Jr.

If you like historical romance, family drama, women’s empowerment, not to mention sizzling sex scenes, this book is for you!