Why Historical Romances?

Well, I know why I like reading them, but I thought I’d ask other readers.

·         Transported to unfamiliar surroundings.

·         Men are mannerly, at least the heroes are

·         There’s a romantic dance as opposed to modern novels where they jump in bed together.

·         Rules govern society and romantic interludes. A woman could flirt with a fan. A gentleman who held a lady’s hand too long could be pledging his affection.

·         Heroines can be unique, quirky, and gutsy when they don’t follow the rules.

·         The stakes are higher. Women expected to marry, but love was an unexpected bonus. Marriage is for life as opposed to a couple years.

·         The heroines can be tough, intelligent, but less jaded than contemporary heroines can.

·         Stakes are also higher if a woman behaves in an inappropriate manner such as trying to catch her brother’s killer or winning back the family estate.

·         The historical aspect. The reader learns about the period.

·         It’s almost like a club. Regency fans can talk to each other about Regency novels using terms that only make sense to them.

·         Surprisingly, historical novels can be hot in the traditional way, but also in a restrained manner. Consider Pride and Prejudice (British Version) Elizabeth and Darcy are reminiscing about their love and she’s sitting at his feet and runs her hand up his bare leg.

·         The clothes are fun. Women don’t wear c-string bikinis, so even a kiss between the glove and dress cuff is racy.

·         The hero woos the heroine. Her affections are the goal as opposed to hanging out or hooking up.

·         The reader has the opportunity to live through the heroine. Who wouldn’t enjoy carriage rides, moonlight trysts, midnight suppers, and handwritten love letters?

·         It feels like a simpler time. The hero actually converses with the woman, instead of checking his cell phone.

·         It is pure escapism.

·         Happy Ending is a requirement. Can’t say the same of real life.

Kitty Hamilton is unsure how her life got so out of control. The unexpected deaths of her parents earned her a berth at her embittered aunt’s home. Her latest beau abandoned her, which made the prospect of leaving town appealing. 

Her version of leaving didn’t include fleeing town dressed like a man, but circumstances dictate otherwise. Kitty becomes Kit to throw the law off her trail. As the pretend brother to her best friend Harriet, she accompanies her friend out west to her contracted bridegroom.

They encounter Nick Kennedy, flamboyant gambler, who takes an interest in the odd couple. Kitty enjoys the freedom her disguise allows, but she abandons any hope of attracting the handsome Nick Kennedy. Revealing her gender, might snag her a chance at the elusive gambler, but could also land her in prison. She keeps telling herself he isn’t worth it, but she’s not entirely convinced.

Emily Sewell couldn’t remember when she fell in love with her neighbor, Gray Masterson. He unfortunately didn’t really notice her as a woman until the eve of his leaving to fight in the Civil War. A magical evening ensued with him asking her to wait for him. News that he’s been killed on the battlefield propels her into action. She knows he is alive she just has to find him. The only thing between her and her true love is miles of swamp land, a major war, and her own doubts. Emily wrestles with Gray’s possible death, imprisonment, or that he’s unwilling to return to her. Can a sheltered Southern Belle navigate the horrors of war to retrieve her fiancé? Emily is willing to try.

Eileen Sewell sparks plenty of gossip by spiteful matrons and their horse-faced daughters that she’d find herself alone due to her picky ways. Of course, she didn’t believe them. Then again, she also didn’t expect to be a mail order bride either. It wasn’t easy snagging a husband who hadn’t heard about her willful nature. Eileen finally gave up hope of finding love, and decided to settle for whatever she’d find out west. If that wasn’t lowering enough, she’d just witnessed the first train robbery. Unfortunately, the outlaws saw her too. Enter Marshal Colt Sheppard, who excels at extracting information from reticent witnesses. His crooked smile and broad shoulders won’t charm her. She’d played this game before, only she never had a worthy adversary. Talk about bad timing.

Townsend Sewell as heir to the biggest planation in Beufort County was also the biggest marital prize. Life was good at least it was before the war. After the Civil War devalued Confederate money, and stripped their plantation, Townsend became a not so great catch. The only person who stands by him is Yvette, a mulatto companion to his sisters. She jokes she stayed only to watch over him, which she does, quite well. He can’t remember a time the beautiful servant hasn’t taken care of him, almost like a wife. He’s lucky to have Yvette, but someday some man would steal her away. The thought enrages him. He’s unwilling to live without her by his side. Does she feel the same way? If she does, how will they manage when the law declares their love taboo?