Grace Ingram’s RED ADAM’S LADY – Medieval Romance with a Likeable Hero and a Strong Heroine

Set in the 12^th century, during the reign of Henry II when “the young king” was aspiring to usurp his father’s throne, this is the story of Lady Julitta, a young lady without dower and seemingly without prospects until she encounters Red Adam, lord of Brentborough. Red Adam, so called for his red hair, in a drunken state, takes her for a tavern wench and decides to take her back to his bed chamber and show her a good time. He doesn’t seem to understand she is a virtuous lady who will not be trifled with. So she bangs him over the head with a wooden stool, keeping her virginity. But since he has “ruined” her in the eyes of all, he does the right thing and marries her.

 

Red Adam, a likeable guy, is loyal to the king and won’t hear of plots to take him down, thus drawing the ire and vengeance of his enemies. And once he weds the smart and savvy Julietta, he becomes the perfect gentleman.

 

The introduction by Elizabeth Chadwick might suggest this is historical fiction. It’s not, nor is it comparable to Chadwick’s work. This is romance, albeit good historical romance. It’s a story of civil war in England, of border raids by villainous Scots, scheming plans of aristocrats and daring escapes across the moors. There is a lot of blood and guts; it’s not for the squeamish. And sometimes I had to read a sentence twice to get what she was trying to convey. Still, it’s a fast paced tale based on considerable research for historical details. I enjoyed it.

 

Tina St. John’s LADY OF VALOR – 1st in her Warrior trilogy, a Moving Medieval Story, Rich in Historical Detail

This was my second medieval by St. John (Lord of Vengeance was the first), and I thought it an amazing read. She has a great medieval voice and has meticulously recreated life in 13^th century England while drawing the reader in to a compelling story of a tortured hero and a lady trying to maintain her independence in a world that leaves women few choices.

 

Sir Cabal, known as “Blackheart,” the fiercest of King Richard’s warrior knights, is commanded to return to England from the Crusade to hold Fallonmour castle until the king can name a new lord and find a husband for the young widow, Lady Emmalyn. Cabal cares nothing for the assignment, but he is a dutiful knight so he goes. He is not prepared for the beauty that greets him. Lady Emmalyn is not sorry her cruel husband is dead. In the three years he’s been away the keep has thrived under her care. Now she dreads what this new guardian will mean for her people—and for herself.

 

The characters are richly drawn, the story convincing, the emotion real. Cabal is a hardened soldier with an ignoble past who lives with regret for his brutal life of killing though it is all he has ever known. He falls in love with the beautiful, tenderhearted Emmalyn, but knows he can never have her. She returns his love and tries desperately to convince him he is a worthy hero—just the kind of heroine we love—but to no avail.

 

The dowager Queen Eleanor is a character as well as her son, Richard the Lionheart, adding realism to the story.

 

I wholeheartedly recommend this one.

 

The Warrior trilogy:

 

Lady of Valor

White Lions Lady

Black Lion’s Bride

Susan King’s LAIRD OF THE WIND – Worthy Hawk-Themed Medieval Romance

 

This was my first by Susan King and I really enjoyed it. She paints rich visual images of the times and the places and the characters are well described and memorable.

Set in Scotland in the early 14th century, this is the story of Isobel of Aberlady who has a gift of visions that describe events to come. Her father and the family priest guard her gift and take notes when she has the visions as she remembers nothing afterwards. Believing he will protect her, her father betroths her to a strong knight, Ralph Leslie, but Ralph is not a man she would choose. One of her visions is of a man she calls the Laird of the Wind...a hawk of the forest...who will betray William Wallace.

James (Jamie) Lindsay, who was once a Scottish knight and laird, is now living as an outlaw and has lost his lands because he was accused of betraying Wallace. It seems Isobel's vision, which has become widely known, had something to do with that. He has become known as "the Border Hawk" who with a few of his men lives in the forest and raids the English. When Isobel's castle is besieged by the English because the King wants Isobel for her visions, the Border Hawk comes to her rescue, but he does so only because he wants to exchange her for his cousin Margaret who is being held captive.

It is in the forest where Isobel and Jamie recognize each other as soulmates. Ah love....

The story is "hawk themed" in many ways, not only the hero and villain both being described as hawks, but there are two hawks prominently featured, a red tailed hawk kept by Jamie's aunt and the goshawk that Jamie trains with Isobel while they are living in the forest.

The story held my interest and the characters were both likeable and believable (some quite delightful). The love between Jamie and Isobel develops naturally.

Jennifer Blake’s BY HIS MAJESTY’S GRACE – Worthy Medieval Read from Tudor England

By His Majesty’s Grace is set in 1486 when Henry Tudor was king of England. Lady Isabel Milton is commanded to wed Sir Randall of Braesford, as reward for his loyalty to his king. Isabel would be wed by now but it seems all the suitors for her and her two sisters have been dying off. Isabel, wanting to allow them to stay single, perpetuates the myth of the Graydon curse, that only a man who loves them can claim them without mishap. All potential suitors are put off and the girls stay free until Sir Randall who doesn’t believe in the curse.

 

Rand is under a shadow, accused of murdering the child of the king’s French mistress. There is much court intrigue and politics and various agendas working as Isabel helps to sort out the real facts while Rand is held under house arrest (in the Tower of London).

 

Blake’s stories always have a good plot and historical detail. And this one has clever twists, a rich medieval feel and enough history to make you feel like you were there (and don’t forget to read her Author’s Note). King Henry is a character, as is his wife, Elizabeth of York, and there are interesting tidbits about each. It is a very worthy medieval that will satisfy the historical romance lover’s craving for a virile, strong hero, a clever heroine and a tapestry of fast moving events. I recommend it.

 

Three Graces trilogy:

 

His Majesty’s Grace

By Grace Possessed

Seduced By Grace

Alice Borchardt’s DEVOTED –A Worthy Medieval Romance Set in 10th Century France

 

At the time when Vikings were a threat to all in France, Owen, the young Bishop of Chantalon, rises as a hero of the people. At his side is the brave Elin who he freed from the Vikings’ clutches. This is a fascinating historical that features authentic elements as well as genuine faith, mysticism, mystery and magic. The descriptions are vivid, the characters well developed and the story compelling.

Elin becomes Owen's lady and would defend him and his city though it will cost her much. Their budding love comes to a sudden end when Owen is captured, leaving the defense of the city to Elin and Godwin, a warrior who stands by her side.

 

Owen represents the growing Christianity even as the brutal Northmen rape and pillage, led by the villain Hakon. The Forest People who worship pagan gods are disappearing but they come to Owen’s aid when Elin summons them, for she was raised among them, a princess of her people.

I enjoyed this story as it has great depth and I wanted to know what happened to all the characters who come to Elin and Owen’s aid. The author has captured the different factions in France at the time and the emerging future while bringing us a winning love story.

 

The sequel is Beguiled.

Jayne Castel’s THE LASS HE LEFT BEHIND – A Sensual Scottish Romance Set in the Hebrides in the 14th Century

October is medieval romance month and I’m starting with one set in Scotland on the Isle of Mull. This is book one in the Rogues of Mull trilogy. It’s the story of Loch Maclean and Mairi Macquarie who were lovers at one time. When Loch, the eldest son of the Maclean chief, went off to fight with Robert the Bruce, he left Mairi behind, without a backward glance, breaking her heart.

 

He returns a decade later to find his father, the chief, dead and Mairi still single but angry at his betrayal. He shrugs and goes on about his business, assuming his role as the new chief. After all, he has treacherous MacKinnons and their raids and cattle thieving to deal with. But he continues to see Mairi, who runs the local inn, and can’t get their past lovemaking out of his mind. One night, she gives in and takes him to her bed. But in the morning she regrets it.

 

As for Loch, he will have to face the consequences of his actions and the ache in his heart from the loss of Mairi. There are several graphic love scenes in this well-written story and a fair amount of angst. The characters who will be the leads in books 2 and 3 are introduced in this first tale, adding dimension to the trilogy. I liked the atmospheric background as Mull is a beautiful isle and Duart Castle, the home of the Macleans, a clan monument. The tension between the rival clans will keep you guessing as they are not resolved in this first story.

 

 

Best Georgian & Regency Romances

I have read many Georgian and Regency romances over the years, so it was inevitable that I should have a “best list” for the ones I've rated 4 and 5 stars. The Georgian era covers the period from 1714 to 1830, with the sub-period of the Regency, 1811-1820, when George, Prince of Wales (“the Prince Regent”) reigned during the mental illness of his father George III. All these stories are set in that era.

A Counterfeit Heart by K.C. Bateman

A Fallen Lady by Elizabeth Kingston

A Rose in Winter by Kathleen Woodiwiss

A Wild Hope by Celeste De Blasis

Almost Heaven by Judith McNaught

An Indecent Proposition by Emma Wildes

Barely a Lady by Eileen Dreyer

Caledonian Privateer by Gail MacMillian

Come the Night by Christina Skye

Cotillion by Georgette Heyer

Crimson Rapture by Jennifer Horsman

Devil’s Cub by Georgette Heyer

Dukes Prefer Blondes by Loretta Chase

Entwined, Fallen and Moonlit, Regency spy trilogy by Emma Jensen

For Love Alone by Shirlee Busbee

Forbidden Love by Karen Robards

Frederica by Georgette Heyer

Gabriella by Brenda Hiatt

Goddess of the Hunt by Tessa Dare

Hearts Beguiled by Penelope Williamson

Highlander’s Hope by Collette Cameron

Love Only Once by Johanna Lindsey

Lovers Forever by Shirlee Busbee

Man of My Dreams by Johanna Lindsey

Mine Till Midnight, Seduce Me at Sunrise, Tempt Me at Twilight, Married by Morning and Love in the Afternoon (the Hathaways) by Lisa Kleypas

My Heart’s Desire by Andrea Kane

Once and Always by Judith McNaught

Once in a Blue Moon by Penelope Williamson

Once Upon a Winter’s Eve by Tessa Dare

Someone to Watch Over Me, Lady Sophia’s Lover and Worth Any Price (the Bow Street Runners trilogy) by Lisa Kelypas

Rogue’s Honor by Brenda Hiatt

Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Slightly Married by Mary Balogh

Some Like it Wild by Teresa Medeiros

Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught

Stealing Heaven by Kimberly Cates

Swept Away by Marsha Canham

The Black Rose by Christina Skye

The Christmas Knot by Barbara Monajem

The Discerning Gentleman’s Guide by Virginia Heath

The Divided Heart by Beppie Harrison

The Foundling by Georgette Heyer

The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer

The Irish Duke by Virginia Henley

The Lady and the Laird by Nicola Cornick

The Lost Letter by Mimi Matthews

The Perfect Scandal by Delilah Marvelle

The Rake by Mary Jo Putney

The Reluctant Widow by Georgette Heyer

The Sherbrooke Bride by Catherine Coulter

The Storm and the Splendor by Jennifer Blake

The Thief’s Daughter by Victoria Cornwall

The Toll Gate by Georgette Heyer

The Wicked Marquis by Barbara Cartland

The Wild One by Danelle Harmon

Then Came You and Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas

This Earl of Mine by Kate Bateman

Till Dawn Tames the Night by Meagan McKinney

To Taste Temptation, To Seduce a Sinner, To Beguile a Beast and To Desire a Devil by Elizabeth Hoyt

To Tempt a Saint by Megan Bryce

Trials of Artemis by Sue London

Uncertain Magic by Laura Kinsale

Until You by Judith McNaught

Venetia by Georgette Heyer

What Angels Fear by C.S. Harris

When the Duke Was Wicked by Lorraine Heath

Whisper to Me of Love by Shirlee Busbee

Whitney My Love by Judith McNaught

With His Lady’s Assistance by Cheryl Bolen

 

I hope you will read my own Georgian and Regency romances:

 

The award-winning Donet Trilogy: To Tame the Wind, Echo in the Wind and A Fierce Wind.

 

The Agents of the Crown Regency series: Racing with the Wind, Against the Wind, Wind Raven, A Secret Scottish Christmas and Rogue’s Holiday. They are all related but can be read as stand alones. You might also like my holiday Regency novellas: The Twelfth Night Wager and The Holly & The Thistle, which follow Racing with the Wind in time, and The Shamrock & The Rose.

BRENDA HIATT’S GABRIELLA – A Fun Regency with a Country Miss and an Honorable Duke

The Duke of Ravenham lost a wager and his penalty is to bring a young country mis into fashion among London Society. Ravenham would never refuse a debt of honor, no matter how unorthodox, so he overlooks Miss Gordon’s vulgar relations to do what is necessary, escorting her to balls and riding out with her. What he expects to be an irksome duty turns out to be something quite different as he is beguiled by his protégé’s innocent charm.

Miss Gabriella Gordon only came to London at her mother’s and sister’s insistence, for she'd much rather help her brother to run the family veterinary practice. She is an animal lover and her first encounter with Ravenham is not a pleasant one as she accuses him of mistreating a horse. But the more time she spends in the duke’s company, the more she enjoys him.

 

The dialog is witty and clever, the scenes in high society are engaging and the pace moves along at a good clip. The romance is sudden and comes in at the end, but still, it’s a, well-written enjoyable story.

 

 

Georgette Heyer’s THE FOUNDLING – A Classic Regency from a Great Author

This Regency is a great one by Heyer. It’s the story of Adolphus Gillespie Vernon Ware (“Gilly”), the seventh Duke of Sale, who is young and kept from life’s hardships by his domineering uncle and his devoted servants. Ever accommodating, he is finally fed up and decides to escape. Donning the garb of a commoner, he leaves behind his fiancé to discover whether he is “a man, or only a duke”.

 

His first adventure arises from his errand to deal with the man who is blackmailing his cousin. That works out better than he expected. This leads him to take under his protection a lad who has run away from his controlling father and tutor and a young woman who is beautiful but an airhead. She is the foundling.

 

This is so well told with many details of the characters personalities. Heyer is gifted at bringing all the threads together. The obstacles the young duke confronts, had me turning pages. His fiancé, Harriet, joins him toward the end and shows herself to be his perfect match.

 

Highly recommended.

 

J.M. Hochstetler’s DAUGHTER OF LIBERTY – A Heroine who is a Spy for the Patriots

The story begins in Boston in 1775 at the dawn of America’s Revolution. Elizabeth Howard, the daughter of a doctor who is loyal to the British is a spy for the Patriots. She attends soirees and flirts with the British soldiers, gathering information. Little do they know she is the infamous courier Oriole, hunted by the British for smuggling intelligence and munitions to the Patriot leaders. Elizabeth’s assignment is to pin down the exact time the Redcoats will march to capture the Patriots’ hoarded munitions. But she hasn’t counted on the arrival of Jonathan Carleton, an officer in the Seventeenth Light Dragoons to whom she is attracted and who is eventually assigned to find out who Oriole is.

 

Clearly the author has done much research of the places and battles of the period, and that is all to the good. I loved the history. Much of the story is very well told and there were some exciting parts. However, I found the description of the battles and the locations for troop movements confusing. Definitely too much information. One needed a map. And there were a few other things that distracted: The narrator’s voice popping in from time to time; Elizabeth was 20 but often seemed more like 16, making stupid decisions, flaunting risks when she was warned not to, almost taunting the British to identify her. She crosses the line between the Patriots and the British with impunity, which seemed unlikely; and she calls on a man alone, highly improper at the time. Like some reviewers, I found the romance between Elizabeth and Carleton sometimes hard to see. When Carleton is in the middle of battle and suddenly thinks of his body pressed against Elizabeth, I was like “Really?” That wasn’t believable.

 

There is a faith element to the story that first appears about half way through when Carleton senses a “Spirit” near him. Then two-thirds of the way through the book we get Carleton’s sad story and Elizabeth prays with him for redemption, which was a tad insincere since she was lying to everyone to do her spying, smuggling and spiking of British guns. But then, so was he.

 

All in all, it’s an adventure that will hold your attention.

 

The American Patriot Series:

 

Daughter of Liberty

Native Son

Wind of the Spirit

Crucible of War

Valley of the Shadow

Refiner’s Fire

Forge of Freedom

Loretta Chase’s DUKES PREFER BLONDES – An Intelligent Regency Romance

Set in the late Regency era (prologue 1817, 1822 and then 1835), this tells the story of Lady Clara Fairfax. Ever gorgeous, she was raised to marry a duke. Alas (from her mother’s perspective), she falls in love with a barrister, Oliver Radford, who is cousin to the Duke of Malvern, who calls Radford “Raven” for his black hair.

 

It seems that Lady Clara has a head on her shoulders and is tired of the swains who propose to her who expect she does not. In an unexpected encounter, she re-connects with a boy she had once saved from Radford’s cousin, Bernard, an ignorant bully.

 

Radford is committed to his career and, by all reports, he is a splendid barrister. He loves to argue and so does Clara. When a poor child she is helping asks for help to save her brother from some petty thieves, Clara turns to Radford. He warns her not to get involved but he likes her so he helps. Overwhelmed by the intelligent beauty, Radford is soon entangled in Clara’s affairs.

 

I liked this book… the witty dialog, the clever arguments and the research reflected in the story. Kudos to Chase for that. I have not read the other books in the series and, though I could tell there were stories (references to three seamstresses who married into the nobility abound), I could still enjoy this as a stand alone.

 

Recommended for romance readers who like intelligent reads and heroes with more than good looks. The only thing I didn’t like about this book was its title. I assume that is the publisher pandering to the readers who insist upon a duke in the title. While Radford eventually got his title, it came late and really didn’t figure into who he was at all.

 

The Dressmaker Series (which I only learned about after I read the book):

 

Silk is for Seduction

Scandal Wears Satin

Vixen in Velvet

Dukes Prefer Blondes

 

Judith McNaught’s SOMETHING WONDERFUL – Good Story but Something Needed in Second Half

This book held my attention and I do think McNaught can really write well. There's lots of sizzle in her romances and the love scenes are great. However, from this romance and Once and Always, the first of hers I read, it seems to me that she has trouble finding the right balance between a rake’s bad side and his ostensible love for the heroine. The point where the hero is struggling to admit he loves the heroine fails to convince. That is the case with this book.

Even if you can get over that, the plot that has a duke (Jordan) who is a total rake and quite content with his mistresses, marrying a country bumpkin (Alexandra) who saves his life, and his back and forth in his feelings for her, had me on a teeter totter.

The second half, particularly from the birthday party on, is not as believable as the rest and frankly was disappointing. The final scene that did it for me, however, was the one in the cottage where he is suddenly calling her a bitch and all his loving feelings seem to go out the window. (I have seen this in other McNaught books as well.) It just didn't seem like a valid response. Sadness at at a perceived betrayal yes, but his "over the top" anger after all they shared just didn't ring true for me. There are some issues, too, with details. For example, how is it the doctor says she is in a coma and dying and will soon be leaving them and then she's awake and talking.? I also agree with one reviewer who said her total physical change in a year from 18 to 19 was a bit unbelievable.

Still, with all this, it's an enjoyable book and as I said, she writes well. I just think some of her others are better.

 

 

Elizabeth Kingston’s A FALLEN LADY – A Gallant Earl and a Fallen Lady of the Ton

Set in 1820, this is the story of Lady Helen Dehaven who, six years before, suddenly refused to marry the man to whom she was betrothed. She told her brother of the man’s horrible deeds done in Ireland but her brother didn’t believe her. Helen now lives alone in the village of Bartle where she has made friends, one of whom is a scandalous French woman who is very charming.

 

One day, Stephen Hampton, the Earl of Summerdale shows up at her door, claiming his horse lost a shoe. In reality, he is there at her brother’s request to check on his sister in light of a pending business deal with her former betrothed. Stephen is instantly enchanted with Helen and enjoys her whimsical friends. Helen will not warm to him, despite his handsome looks and his great efforts to make her happy.

 

Each hides something from the other, reluctant to trust based upon their past. But, in time, Stephen comes to care deeply for Helen and to see her real self. She finds she looks forward to his many visits. And yet, still the truth eludes them both.

 

This a well-written, deeply absorbing story. The emotions are so well done. Once the earl and his fallen lady find love, however, all is not sanguine. The earl remains gallant but his lady seems eager to believe the worst—and does. Of course, that added conflict but it also made the heroine look a tad unworthy of her gallant lord, notwithstanding the wrongs done to her years ago.

 

Kingston is an excellent storyteller and I continue to enjoy her books.

Johanna Lindsey’s LOVE ONLY ONCE - The First of the Rogues and a Good Beginning to the Malory Saga

In this first in the Malory series, we meet Lord Edward and Lady Charlotte Malory and the whole family of brothers and uncles and their beautiful, much-loved cousin, Regina Ashton. (Despite this is a Regency, it is listed on Amazon as a medieval romance!)

 

Reggie knows that at 19, it's time for her to marry, and though she has many suitors and dozens of offers, none of her uncles can agree on a man. So, she lingers on the vine, bored with the whole social scene.

 

When Viscount Nicholas Eden, a rake who seduces even innocents, kidnaps her in a case of mistaken identity, Reggie doesn't resist when her uncles insist Nick must marry her because he has ruined her. Nicholas Eden will marry no woman even though he lusts after Reggie. So, forced into an engagement, he seduces her and then tries to get her to break their engagement. What a cad! But she won't do it, no matter how bad he treats her. She wants him and she has a reason to marry.

In real life, a philanderer like Nick would never be faithful after marriage. A perfect example is Richard Burton, who though he loved Elizabeth Taylor passionately every day of his life after he met her, couldn't be faithful. (It caused their two divorces.) I was reminded of them because Lindsey's description of Reggie is a young Elizabeth Taylor. But ah...this is romance, so the rogues and philanderers can reform and become faithful husbands!

This is no sweeping saga, nor any great story of sweeping passion, and yet, it’s an entertaining read and a good beginning to the popular Malory series.

Here's the series:

Love Only Once (Reggie and Nick)

Tender Rebel (Roslyn and Anthony)
Gentle Rogue (James and Georgina)
The Magic of You (Amy and Warren)
Say You Love Me (Kelsey and Derek)
The Present: The Malory Holiday Novel
A Loving Scoundrel (Danny and Jeremy, James' son)
Captive of My Desires (Gabrielle and Drew)
No Choice But Seduction (Boyd and Katey)
That Perfect Someone (Richard and Julia)

 

 

Best Historical Romances set in Exotic Locales

 

It’s the dog days of August and you’re home and you’re bored. You want an adventure, an around the world trip, or perhaps an ocean voyage—without leaving your living room. And you want a good love story. But you’re tired of those set mostly in England, Scotland, Ireland and America. Well, I have just the list for you!

 

My mother taught me to read when I was four and told me I could travel the world through books. She was right. And were she still alive, she would love this list I’ve created just for you daydreamers who long to travel… stories by some great authors set in exotic locales. Though some might begin (or end) in England or America, they will quickly take you to another time and another place! All have been rated 4 or 5 stars by me. In each case, I’ve given you the location.

 

A Moment in Time by Bertrice Small

Across a Moonlit Sea, The Iron Rose and The Following Sea, trilogy by Marsha Canham (the Caribbean and the Spanish Main)

Beauvallet by Georgette Heyer (France and Spain)

Beyond Innocence by Joanna Lloyd (Australia)

Beyond Sunrise by Candice Proctor (the South Pacific, Polynesian islands)

Bianca by Bertrice Small, 1^st in the Silk Merchant’s Daughters series (Florence, Italy and the Black Sea)

Blue Moon by Parris Afton Bonds (Mexico)

Broken Wing by Judith James (France, North Africa and the Mediterranean)

Captives of the Night by Loretta Chase (Paris)

Dark Torment by Karen Robards (Australia)

Devil’s Embrace and Devil’s Daughter by Catherine Coulter (Italy and the Mediterranean)

Devoted by Alice Borchardt (France)

Falling Stars by Anita Mills (Russia)

Falsely Accused by Margaret Tanner (Australia)

Fields of the Sun by Nadine Crenshaw (Morocco, the Atlantic Ocean and Brazil)

Forever and a Lifetime by Jennifer Horsman (Switzerland)

Fortune’s Mistress, Fortune’s Flame and Fortune’s Bride by Judith E. French (Caribbean and Panama)

Green Eyes by Karen Robards (Ceylon)

Gypsy Jewel by Patricia McAllister (Black Sea, Russia)

Gypsy Lord by Kat Martin (France)

Harcourt’s Mountain by Elaine Dodge (British Columbia, Canada)

Hearts Beguiled by Penelope Williamson (France)

Heaven in His Arms by Lisa Ann Verge (Canadian wilderness)

Helena’s Choice by Patty Apostolides (Greece)

In the Eye of the Beholder by Maggie Mooha (Crimean War, Turkey)

Island Flame by Karen Robards (various exotic ports between Lisbon and America)

Lady of Fire and Fire and Steel by Anita Mills (Normandy)

Lady of Fire by Valerie Vayle (the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Turkey and France)

Napoleon’s Rosebud by Humphry Knipe (Island of Saint Helena, England and Italy)

Night in Eden by Candice Proctor (Australia)

Night Shadow by Laura Renken (the Caribbean and the Spanish Main)

No Gentle Love by Rebecca Brandewyne (Ireland, France, Africa, India and China)

Notorious Angel by Jennifer Blake (Nicaragua)

On the Night of the Seventh Moon by Victoria Holt (Germany)

Once a Soldier by Mary Jo Putney (Spain and Portugal)

Oriana by Valerie Vayle (France, Caribbean)

Rangoon by Christine Monson (Burma)

Sense Of Touch by Rozsa Gaston (France)

September Moon by Candice Proctor (Australian outback)

Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss (Caribbean)

Silk and Secrets and Veils of Silk by Mary Jo Putney (Uzbekistan, Persia, India)

Sleep in the Woods by Dorothy Eden (New Zealand)

So Wild a Heart by Veronica Jason (France)

Splendor by Brenda Joyce (Russia)

Surrender the Night by Christine Monson (Italy, Switzerland and Hungary)

Templar Silks by Elizabeth Chadwick (Constantinople, Jerusalem)

The Book of Seven Delights by Betina Krahn (Morocco)

The Book of True Desires by Betina Krahn (Cuba and Mexico)

The Captain of All Pleasures by Kresley Cole (the High Seas from England to Australia) and the sequel, The Price of Pleasure (Oceania and Cape Town, South Africa)

The Captive by Victoria Holt (the Middle East)

The Demon Lover by Victoria Holt (France)

The Devil on Horseback by Victoria Holt (France)

The Devil to Pay by K.C. Bateman (Italy)

The Disorderly Knights by Dorothy Dunnett (Malta and North Africa)

The Duchess of Sydney by Dawn Knox (Australia)

The Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran (India)

The Flesh and The Devil by Teresa Denys (Spain)

The Forbidden Rose by Joanna Bourne (France)

The Golden Barbarian by Iris Johansen (the Balkans and Sedikhan, a mythical country)

The Hidden Heart by Laura Kinsale (South America, Tahiti and the Pacific)

The India Fan by Victoria Holt (India)

The Jacaranda Tree by Rebecca Brandewyne (Australia)

The Judas Kiss by Victoria Holt (Germany/Bavaria)

The Kadin by Bertrice Small (Turkey)

The King’s Man, Fair, Bright and Terrible and Desire Lines, The Welsh Blades series by Elizabeth Kingston (Wales)

The Legend of the Gypsy Hawk by Sally Malcolm (fictional island off Africa)

The Lily and the Falcon by Jannine Corte-Petska (Italy)

The Lion’s Daughter by Loretta Chase (Albania)

The Lion’s Embrace by Marie Laval (Algeria)

The Merchant’s Pearl by Amie O’Brien (Turkey)

The Price of Glory by Caroline Warfield (Egypt)

The Pride of the Peacock by Victoria Holt (Australia)

The Road to Paradise Island by Victoria Holt (Australia and the South Seas)

The Secret Rose by Laura Parker (Australia)

The Secret Woman by Victoria Holt (South Seas)

The Silver Devil by Teresa Denys (Italy)

The Spanish Rose by Shirlee Busbee (Jamaica, the Caribbean)

The Storm and the Splendor by Jennifer Blake (Algiers)

The True Purpose of Vines by Giovanna Siniscalchi

The Warrior by Judith E. French (Egypt)

The Wind and the Sea by Marsha Canham (North Africa, the High Seas)

The Wind Dancer by Iris Johansen (Italy) and the sequel, Storm Winds (France)

This Fiery Splendor by Christine Monson (India)

Thy Brother’s Wife by J.J. Flowers (aka Jennifer Horsman) (France)

Till Dawn Tames the Night by Meagan McKinney (the High Seas and the Caribbean)

To Heal a Heart by Anthea Lawson (Crete)

Under Gypsy Skies by Kathryn Kramer (Spain)

Velvet is the Night by Elizabeth Thornton (France)

Whispers of Heaven by Candice Proctor (Tasmania)

 

As you choose your destination, consider my own books set in exotic locales:

 

Racing With The Wind (Paris)

Wind Raven (the High Seas, Bermuda, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean)

To Tame the Wind, Echo in the Wind and A Fierce Wind, the award-winning Donet Trilogy (France and the High Seas)