B+ Reviews / Recommended ReadsHenry-VIII / Historical fiction / non-romance / Thomas Cromwell / Tudors8 Comments
Dear Ms. Mantel: I sometimes feel like I’ve been reading or watching historical fiction based on the reign of Henry VIII since childhood. Probably my first memories of any knowledge of this period in English history were school lessons where I somehow gleaned that Henry had eight wives and cut ... more >
B+ Reviewsanimals / Historical fiction / horses7 Comments
Dear Ms. Tarr, You’ve long been a favorite fantasy writer of mine. Your attention to historical detail, combined with your love of complex female characters and interesting relationships have made them must-reads for this sff-romance lover. A Wind in Cairo uses those things to its strength with a jewel of ... more >
A- Reviews / Recommended ReadsGay / Historical fiction / Mexico / multicultural / revolutionary war5 Comments
Dear Michael Nava: I’m a huge fan of the Henry Rios mysteries, and when I saw that the same author had an upcoming historical novel set in early 20thC Mexico, I knew I wanted to read it. Despite my eagerness, though, I started and set aside the book at least ... more >
A Reviews / Recommended Readsclassic gay romance / coming-of-age / Historical fiction14 Comments
Set in the elegant Edwardian world of Cambridge undergraduate life, this story by a master novelist introduces us to Maurice Hall when he is fourteen. We follow him through public school and Cambridge, and into his father’s firm. In a highly structured society, Maurice is a conventional young man in ... more >
B- ReviewsHistorical fiction / non-romance / succubus / Venice12 Comments
Dear Ms. Chance, Once upon a time, in the early (well, early-ish) days of my romance reading, I came across your historical romance The Portrait. This was a romance that was different from any other that I’d thus read – the hero is bi-polar. I really loved the book, even ... more >
B+ ReviewsEngland / Historical fiction / nobleman in disguise / prince and pauper / Regency7 Comments
Dear Ms. Noble, An egotistical hero doesn’t usually spark my interest. I didn’t need another narcissistic Prince Charming. Seen it all a million times, and my immediate reaction is: Meh. However, the success of an overused archetype is due to an author’s treatment of it. The way you painted Ned ... more >