What made this book work for me so well is that there is a clear emotional arc. Together, they force each other to face their fears and become something more. Apart, neither is a particularly brave individual, and they’ve lived their lives unsure of who they are. Lydia is a bluestocking obsessed with Egyptology, while James Sanburne is an idle viscount who turns to drugs and pugilism to take away the pain of his sister’s institutionalization. Duran has created two of the most complex characters I’ve seen in a long time, fleshing them out to the point that I felt as though they were my friends. Lydia Boyle and James Sanburne are two deeply flawed people. I had such a visceral reaction to this book that it almost took my breath away–I felt so strongly for the plight of the heroine and hero that it was as if I fought their battles as well, running off instinct alone. Duran’s prose packs such a punch that it as if every sentence redefines how you will view the world in her novels. Meredith Duran is the queen of the dark, emotionally poignant romance.

Giles rookeries, these British-centered historicals turn established stereotypes around. From London’s drawing rooms to the countryside to the St. Today, I’m talking about historical romances with a heavier dose of angst than my earlier recommendations. It’s only gotten hotter in the tearoom since my last post! Now we’re serving up cool sweet tea and handing out fans because you’re going to need them for Part II of my historical romance recommendations.

Bound by Your Touch by Meredith Duran