Book picks similar to
Honor & Roses by Elizabeth Cole


historical-romance
romance
historical
historical-fiction

The Loyal Heart


Merry Farmer - 2011
    Several problems. Her childhood love, Ethan, has returned home from the Crusades, but he’s more interested in winning his land back than wooing her. She has to rescue a pair of nuns who are being held prisoner in Derby Castle’s tower by the sadistic Sheriff Buxton. And to top it all off, she’s developing scandalous feelings for Buxton’s lackey, the dark and devilish Crispin. Faced with all that what’s a girl to do but don her disguise as the Derbywood Bandit and take matters into her own hands?Sir Crispin is at his wit’s end. Not only does he have his hands full keeping Buxton from killing half the shire, now his arch nemesis, the Derbywood Bandit, has joined forces with his old rival Ethan. And that’s nothing compared to the burning torch he carries for his ex-fiancé, Lady Aubrey. He would do anything to win Aubrey’s love …… until he suspects that there could be a closer connection between Aubrey and the Derbywood Bandit than anyone knows.

Time of the Warrior


Ivy Hollins - 2019
    A tattooed warrior with a dark secret. Kara never lets anything get in her way. Time travel is dangerous, but that won’t stop her journeying a thousand years back in time, all the way to Pictish Scotland. Whatever the dangers, she’ll face them for the sake of her career. Drest has dedicated his life to protecting his people. As leader of their hill fort, he can’t let anything distract him - least of all a beautiful stranger who keeps her origins a secret. After all, Drest has secrets of his own, and ancient Scotland is a treacherous place for warriors who show weakness. But Kara and Drest cannot escape each other - or the centuries-old mystery that links them together. Can Kara learn to value love over ambition, before it’s too late? Book 1 in the Stones of Scotland series. Read as a standalone time-travel romance, or read the entire series to learn about the true secrets of the stones.

White Lion's Lady


Tina St. John - 2001
    Yet even as she discovers his treachery, Isabel cannot deny that Griffin lingers in her dreams, awakening the passion in her steadfast heart.Then a twist of fate puts a price on both their heads, embroiling them in a life-and-death chase that will force Griffin to choose between his own freedom and his fierce desire for the woman who would redeem his noble spirit. But to reclaim his lost honor, the White Lion could lose Isabel forever. . . .

Belle of the Ball


Pam McCutcheon - 2003
    But a wish at a magical rock formation is about to change all that, in a most a-MUSE-ing way. . . . The three Sullivan sisters, named for the Three Graces of Greek legend who embody beauty, charm and grace, don’t live up to their names. Belle is no beauty. Charisma lacks charm. And Grace is somewhat less than graceful. But this doesn't deter their ambitious mother from bribing three bachelors to escort them to Colorado Springs’ beautiful Garden of the Gods. When the girls overhear their escorts mocking how little they resemble their names, each girl makes a wish at the magical Three Graces rock formation. Belle wishes aloud for beauty, but only so she can use it as a weapon to punish the cads who hurt her sisters. Her true wish is for revenge. Handsome viscount Kit Stanhope regrets his rude remarks and apologizes to Belle. He’s surprised when she tells him that's not enough. If he truly regrets his behavior, he has to make her beautiful in time for the Founders’ Day Ball. Kit isn’t sure he’s up to the task. But, intrigued by the spirited Belle, he agrees to assist her transformation from an ugly duckling into a swan with the help of a mysterious Greek dressmaker with muse-like qualities. Unfortunately, Belle makes a rather awkward swan. Still, after a few embarrassing escapades, she masters the flirtatious language of the fan and takes the town known as Little London by storm. Belle soon finds herself falling for the viscount and his sinful mouth. It seems he returns her regard, but she can’t renege on her promise to humiliate him . . . can she? Will her secret muse grant the wish she voiced . . . or the one she holds in her heart? Note to readers: This title was originally published in 2003 by Zebra Ballad.

Wild Angel


Miriam Minger - 1994
    and the last thing he needed was a troublesome woman. Yet this fierce Irish warrior took a deathbed oath to protect a chieftain's rebellious daughter.Triona was a hellion of a woman...who would let no man rule her. Raised in the ways of a warrior, she defied Ronan's every command. So he planned to marry her off, to be rid of the wild lass forever. But in the heat of battle—enflamed by her passionate spirit—Ronan decided he wanted this beautiful, impossible woman for himself!

The Seduction of Lord Stone


Anna Campbell - 2015
     Caroline, Lady Beaumont, arrives in London seeking excitement after ten dreary years of marriage and an even drearier year of mourning. That means conquering society, dancing like there’s no tomorrow, and taking a lover to provide passion without promises. Promises, in this dashing widow’s dictionary, equal prison. So what is an adventurous lady to do when she loses her heart to a notorious rake who, for the first time in his life, wants forever? Devilish Silas Nash, Viscount Stone is in love at last with a beautiful, headstrong widow bent on playing the field. Worse, she’s enlisted his help to set her up with his disreputable best friend. No red-blooded man takes such a challenge lying down, and Silas schemes to seduce his darling into his arms, warm, willing and besotted. But will his passionate plots come undone against a woman determined to act the mistress, but never the wife?

Falcon's Fire


Patricia Ryan - 1995
    But for her brother’s sake, she agrees to wed, sight unseen, the younger son of an English baron. The betrothal has been arranged by her brother’s old friend and fellow Crusade veteran Thorne Falconer, a landless knight in service to the baron. Born into wretched poverty, the powerful and handsome Thorne pursues the one thing that separates the rich and the poor: land. As a reward for finding a wife for the hot-headed young Edmund, Thorne is to receive what he most craves, a grand manor of his own. Neither Martine nor Thorne counts on their overwhelming attraction to each other. As the two improbably lovers struggle to deny their desire, they are drawn into a passion so fiery it sweeps away everything but all-consuming love. Originally published by NAL, Falcon’s fire was nominated by Romantic Times Magazine as Best First Historical Romance; nominated by the Literary Times as Outstanding Historical; Golden Heart finalist. "A powerful debut historical novel by an exciting new talent, Falcon's Fire will ignite your imagination and passion for medieval romances." Romantic Times "A richly textured pageant of passion. A grand adventure!" New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs "Falcon's Fire is a fast-paced, vividly detailed medieval romance filled with several interesting and very memorable characters. Of noted interest to readers will be the variety of intriguing female personalities in Patricia Ryan's terrific tale. Patricia Ryan is definitely an author to watch!" Affaire de Coeur "Destined to become an all time favorite among medieval fans." The Medieval Chronicle "An exceptionally good and beautifully told story." Rendezvous "Magnificent! Patricia Ryan is wonderful!" The Literary Times About the Author: Patricia Ryan is the USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen romances and mysteries, including the #1 national bestseller Still Life With Murder. Her novels have garnered rave reviews and been published in over twenty countries. A RITA® winner (for Silken Threads) and four-time nominee, she is also the recipient of three Romantic Times Awards and a Mary Higgins Clark Award nomination for the second book of her historical mystery series featuring Boston governess Nell Sweeney, which she wrote under the name P.B. Ryan. To find out about new print and audiobook editions, freebies, discounts, and giveaways, be sure to subscribe to Pat's newsletter at patricia-ryan.com. And if you would like to receive an email when Pat publishes a new book, just follow the Patricia Ryan and P.B. Ryan author links at the top of this page and click the big yellow "Follow" button.

Morna's Legacy: Box Set


Bethany Claire - 2014
    In centuries following, archaeologists searched the ruins looking for any evidence of who had caused the untimely demise of the powerful Scottish clan. Efforts were fruitless until a spell put in place by an ancient Conall ancestor finally began to work its magic... When Bri accompanies her archaeologist mother on a dig in Scotland, they discover a spell room below the castle ruins, and Bri is transported back in time and suddenly married to the castle's ill-fated Laird. She must work to change the fate of his people, all while trying to find a way to return to her century. With each new day, Bri finds herself falling in love with her new husband. If she finds a spell to bring her home, will she use it? If she stays, will it ultimately mean her own death as well?Love Beyond Reason (Book 2): It all started with a spell. Arran Conall lives with the consequences of his foolishness daily, his mistakes guiding him into darkness. He had no way to know that his beloved would fall prey to ancient magic. Now, the only woman to ever give pause to his philandering ways lives centuries ahead of him while still holding on to his heart. Now, he must try to live without her and marries another. His love for Blaire haunts him. With every breath, he prays that she will be able to feel his love across time... Born in the seventeenth century, Blaire MacChristy lives each day adjusting to the challenges of modern life. Magic brought her here, but heartbreak keeps her from using the magic to travel back to her home. When visitors from her past arrive asking her to return to the life she’d known before, Blaire takes a chance on love. Will fate find a way to mend their broken hearts by bringing them together once again? Even if it does, will they be able to stop the darkness that is coming for them both?A Conall Christmas: A Novella (Book 2.5): Christmas is approaching, and Adelle is determined to make it the best one Conall Castle has ever seen, but loneliness haunts her. Love for her daughter sent her into the past, but she’d not expected the isolation she would feel. She finds that her current age seems much older in the seventeenth century than it did in the twenty-first and resigns herself to the fact that she will remain single for the rest of her days. At least until an unexpected visitor arrives. Hew Moray has spent the last twenty years all alone, only leaving his home once a year to pay homage to the wife he lost long ago. When a storm causes him to seek shelter at Conall Castle, he meets the first lass since his beloved Mae to make his heart flutter in his chest once again. Can he release himself from his past grief to allow another love to enter his life? If he does, will his love be returned?Love Beyond Hope (Book 3): Mitsy is in serious need of a distraction. With the ink still drying on her divorce papers, she flies to Scotland to forget about her own problems by helping her best friend re-enter reality. She knows Bri’s claims that she is able to travel back in time and is currently living in the year 1647 are a lie but, Mitsy falls prey to the same magic and is forced to believe the impossible. She finds few who understand her fiery personality in the seventeenth century, but she finds her match in Baodan, laird of McMillan Castle.

Winter's Heat


Denise Domning - 1994
    She vows never to submit to this aloof and ruthless man who claims her.Rannulf of Graistan has been a woman's fool once before and has sworn to never be again, but he cannot refuse the rich estate that this marriage brings him.But a tide of treachery is rising around them and their only hope lays in daring to trust and to love unconditionally.

In His Eyes


Peggy L. Henderson - 2015
    When a tragic accident claims her father’s life, Katherine is left to deal with an overbearing mother whose agenda does not include a young daughter. Fate deals her another devastating blow, leaving her to face an uncertain future far away from everything and everyone she’s loved. Trace Hawley used to push the limits of the law, and no one was going to plan his future for him. The death of the man who always had his back leaves him to finally face responsibility. The promises he made a decade ago have shaped him into the man he is today, and will bring him face to face with the one girl from his past he always tried to avoid. After a ten year absence, Katherine returns to the ranch she once loved to discover the shocking reason her mother summoned her home. Surprised to find Trace still at the ranch, her childhood infatuation grows into something far stronger as he challenges her to lead the life she once wanted, but seems to have forgotten. When Katherine is forced to make a choice between saving her father’s dreams or following her own, Trace might be the only one who holds the key to both. ***Content Warning: This book contains mild language, mild violence, and adult situations including physical intimacy, and is intended for mature readers.

Knights of Honor #1-3


Alexa Aston - 2017
    Romance will run deep as these men find lasting love with strong, passionate women. This limited edition bundle includes: Word of Honor: A knight vanishes for years after his wedding night then returns without revealing where he has been. Can he recapture his wife’s love? Marked by Honor: A knight rescues a noblewoman from a band of highwaymen, but her white lie to protect herself drives a wedge between them. Code of Honor: A betrothed woman falls in love with a dashing knight while they deliver a foal less than a day before her wedding.

Alexander: A Seventh Son Novel


Kirsten Osbourne - 2018
    Her own power is insignificant enough in her eyes that she trains to be a healer under the expert tutelage of her mother. When a child is brought to the castle where she lives, she knows she doesn’t have the skills to heal him, and her mother’s powers—and her own—will need to be revealed to a handsome knight. Alexander Lain is the seventh son of a seventh son, and as such he has luck on his side in everything he does. When he finds a peasant child burning with fever, her parents burning in a hovel nearby, he takes the child, hoping to find someone who can heal her. He’s pointed toward the castle and Lady Lina, and he takes the child there, finding it convenient that his errand was taking him to the same place. What he sees in his first hour in the castle astounds him, but it doesn’t keep him from an attraction for the young lady there. Will he be able to convince her—and her father—she’s meant to be his bride? Or will his luck finally run out? *Note this romance contains a mild sex scene*

Altdorf


J.K. Swift - 2011
    A Duke of the Holy Roman Empire, his cunning overshadowed only by his ambition. A young Priestess of the Old Religion, together with a charismatic outlaw, sparking a rebellion from deep within the forests... and an ex-Hospitaller caught between them all.At the end of the thirteenth century, five hundred orphans and second sons are rounded up from villages in the Alpine countryside and sold to the Hospitaller Knights of St John. Trained to serve as Soldiers of Christ, they fight in eastern lands they know nothing about, for a cause they do not understand.Thomas Schwyzer, released from his vows by the Grandmaster of the Hospitallers, returns to the land of his birth a stranger. Once a leader of men, and captain of the Order's most famous war galley, he now settles into the simple life of a ferryman. He believes this new role to be God's reward for years of faithful service fighting the Infidel in Outremer.Seraina, considered a witch by most, a healer by some, is a young woman with a purpose. A Priestess of the Old Religion, and the last Druid disciple of the Helvetii Celts, she has been gifted by the Great Weave to see what others cannot. Her people need her guidance and protection now more than ever. For Duke Leopold of Habsburg, in his efforts to control the St. Gotthard Pass, builds a great Austrian fortress in Altdorf. Once finished, the Habsburg occupation will be complete, but the atrocities visited upon her people will have just begun.

Wolf's Castle


Madelyn Hill - 2014
    Tortured, angry, and bound and determined not to allow Vivian Stuart to invade his lair. Lord Galen Maclean refuses to be endeared to the lovely woman who has landed on his island looking to study alchemy. The island possesses secrets, secrets too horrid to share with the gentle woman. However, her beguiling nature brings light to the darkness of the castle and the few quirky inhabitants and edges into his heart. Can she tame the beast within him to gain his love? She was stranded on a remote island, her father dead and dishonored by her betrothed. Still, the lovely Vivian Stuart wears her heart on her sleeve and strives to redeem Lord Maclean. She knows his heart is good and the castle can be filled with love. Through science she learns more about the troubled lord and slowly but surely, the torture lord's icy heart begins to thaw as Vivian shares the magical healing power of love.

The Waylaid Heart


Holly Newman - 1990
    Suspecting the culprit traveled in society circles, she diverts attention from eavesdropping and prying with constant and tiresome complaints of illness.But nothing is as it seems...Sir James Branstoke sees straight through Cecilia's feigned fragility. Intrigued by her odd behavior, he believes she has secrets—secrets that could lead to her demise. So, the hunter follows the huntress through society, never imagining that what has started as a chance inquiry could lead to a surprising love greater than either had ever known.But will the cost of uncovering a murderer be too high? Can Cecilia and James reveal the culprit so love can blossom in the end?