My Top Eight in Hist-Ro Contempo

My top eight contemporary historical romance novels (had to leave out Austen & Heyer…!).  These are the books you can enjoy again and again.

1. Splendid by Julia Quinn.  I love stories of masquerades gone wrong, and this one is funny, warm and wonderful.  Read an excerpt here.
2. The Gilded Web by Mary Balogh.  Mistaken identities and bed tricks…what could be juicier?  I love the Earl of Amberley and found Alexandra interesting and believable.  Read an excerpt here.
3. Pleasure for Pleasure by Eloisa James.  I love the Essex Sisters Series, and Pleasure for Pleasure is by far my favorite.  Great twists, wonderful characters and a fabulous romance.  Read an excerpt here.
4. On A Wicked Dawn by Stephanie Laurens.  Amelia shocks the delicious Viscount Calverton by proposing to him!  Read an excerpt here.
5. Rules of Surrender by Christina Dodd.  Pygmalion gender bender.  Fabulous Distinguished Academy of Governesses Series.  Read an excerpt here.
6. The Pursuit of Marriage by Victoria Alexander.  Cute plot, funny scenes, great characters.  Read an excerpt here.
7. The Duke Next Door by Celeste Bradley.  Fabulous series.
8. Until You by Judith McNaught.  A little amnesia somehow makes for great hist-ro.  Read an excerpt here.