Historical Fiction Books Romance Novels & Stories

We don't want to be here after the sun goes down. I had completely forgotten that it was already late afternoon. Even when I was alone, I couldn't stop myself from buzzing. I poured myself a glass of wine and went to the library to find a historical romance novel to read. I was completely absorbed in the story of a Duke who was falling in love with a peasant girl.

But I didn't get a chance to call it out when she continued . “I stumbled upon this book the other day. By mistake, obviously. I thought it was a theological study on ‘Fellowship,’ but it was actually this incredibly sappy romance story about two childhood best friends who fall in love after they made a promise to marry each other if they were still single by thirty.” She let out what sounded like a nervous, high-pitched giggle. “They were very scandalous scenes in the book, Leon,” Rose murmured in a low voice. “Their…sexual escapades were so vividly described I couldn't stop blushing, but I couldn't stop reading either.” She laughed again.

Most of them were what I expected—books on strategy, history, a few on Italian mafia politics. And then, tucked on the bottom shelf, almost hidden— "You weren't kidding about these?" I pulled one out, raising an eyebrow. "Really?" "Put that back." "The Duke's Dangerous Desire," I read aloud, grinning. "A Rake's Redemption. The Highlander's Captive Bride—" "Jameson." Her voice was sharp, but I could hear the embarrassment underneath. "Put them back." "I'm not judging," I said, turning to face her. "I'm just surprised. You kill people for a living, but you read romance novels?"

The mirror reflects a stranger—calm, poised, dangerous. That’s it, my wolf whispers. He believes it. I pull open the drawer where I’ve keep the books Camille has given me to read and hand hand the ones I’ve finished back to him. “When you have time, I’d really love some new history books,” I say demurely. “Your finished with them already?” He looks through the stack of books. “Are you sure you don’t want more romances?” “I prefer history. There is nothing more fascinating then the past.”

It’s a romance novel entitledBuilt from Stoneabout a girl who goes hiking and gets caught in a storm, only to be rescued by a rough mountain man who takes her home to his cabin where…thingshappen. Clarisse gets me books like this occasionally. I think she knows they’re more educational than enjoyable to me. Having never had a boyfriend, I’m completely ignorant of how to please a man. These books at least give me somewhat of an idea. I used to be able to picture the heroes in my mind, but ever since I met Rhett, all I see is his face.

Maybe it was just a desperate attempt to feel useful. When I finished, I drIfted to the bookshelf near the fireplace. I scanned the tItles slowly, looking for somethIng light. Anything without mates, romance, or fated connections. The irony wasn’t lost on me, I was trapped in a twisted version of one of those stories. Only in mine, there was no love. No happy ending. Just guilt, betrayal, and aching confusion. I chose a hIstorical novel and curled up by the window. The cardIgan and fuzzy socks I wore kept the cold at bay, at least physically. But my thoughts wouldn’t quiet.

Anything else. That’s when I remember the library book I should’ve returned weeks ago. The librarian’s probably going to bite my head off—but honestly? I don’t care. I’ve read that book so many times, I could quote it in my sleep. The romance between the Prince of England and the American president’s son… what started as hate turned into something powerful, something unstoppable. A love so intense, not even the gods could break them apart. I dream of a love like that. But in my messy little life, it feels impossible.

In this case, he could only hold himself back and give her time to accept him slowly. They laid down on the bed, and he asked, "Do you girls like to read domineering CEO related novels?" "They're alright. I prefer reading ancient romance novels," Wrenna said. "Some of those domineering CEO romance novel titles are related to spoiling the girl, but in fact, they turn out to be heart-tormenting. I don't like to read those types of stories." Charles thought to himself, "Ancient romance novels? What the hell is that?"

Then she remembered- while she was exploring her room, she had seen one of the cupboards that had books in it, and she went in search of one. She found a few titles and decided to stick to some historical romance she found, about the Comanche warriors and blood moons, Texans, war and the Prairie. It was just as she sat down that she heard Charity's familiar knocking pattern. Pulling open the door, she saw her friends and ushered them in.

25 March 1820 Rome, Italy Jacob was lounging on a chair and Mrs. Valentina Lombardi, the most sought after courtesan in Rome was sprawled on his lap, her lush body pressed to his as she tried to coax a reaction out of him. He knew all the other men watching him envied him. But for the life of him, he couldn't muster any enthusiasm for the act. Instead of finding her perfume enticing, he found it cloying. The smoke from the cigars made him feel suffocated.