Many readers have keeper shelves filled with their favorite books. My keeper shelves are filled with little known romance novel gems that may have not had the recognition they deserved, but they’re ones I’ll re-read time and again.

 

Here are 4 of my favorite little known keeper shelf Historical Romances:

Rainbows and Rapture by Rebecca Paisley, published by Avon in 1992. Rainbows and Rapture is a historical romance that’s all heart.


Russia Valentine is a prostitute, hiding from her lecherous uncle. Bounty hunter Santiago Zamora lives for revenge. When he meets Russia, she makes him believe she can help him find the man who destroyed his life. They team up together, even though Santiago doesn’t have a high opinion of Russia at first because of what she does to make money. But eventually he sees that Russia has a very kind soul and dreams of making a better life for herself. She proves to him that love can heal all wounds.

Rainbows and Rapture is a very unique Western Romance because of the personalities and careers of the main couple. These two are complete opposites in every way, but they bond and connect on a deeper level. There’s also some hilarious scenes because of Russia’s clumsiness and an innocence she carries with her that Santiago can’t help but fall for.

Once in a Blue Moon by Penelope Williamson, published by Dell in 1993. Once in a Blue Moon is an epic historical romance and a true classic that should be read by any historical romance fan.

Jessalyn Letty lives with grandmother near the Cornish highlands by the sea. Jessy is a tall, gangly sixteen year old redhead when she meets McCady Trelawny, the youngest brother of the infamous family. Jessy falls in love with McCady, even though he keeps her at arm’s length. His well respected cousin, Clarence wants Jessy for his own, offering her marriage. The only man Jessy wants is McCady, who she remains dedicated to for years, even though he continues to push her away, while Clarence waits  for the perfect opportunity to ruin McCady for good.

Once in a Blue Moon is a regency romance that will grab you from beginning to end. Jessy and McCady will hold a special place in your heart as their love is full of angst and an all-consuming passion and desire that will leave you breathless.

Ever His Bride by Linda Neeham, published by Avon in 1997. Wealthy financier Hunter Claybourne may have a frightening reputation, but Felicity Mayfield doesn’t cower before him like most do. Felicity is a travel writer whose uncle has sold her railroad shares that Hunter has a legal right to. Since he needs a wife, he makes her a deal- he won’t send her to prison if she marries him, but in name only. She agrees, thinking she’ll go on her merry way. But Felicity has made quite the impression on Hunter, even though he doesn’t want to admit it. Soon he joins his wife on her journeys, which leads them on a few interesting adventures. This allows both to get to know one another better, and perhaps make their marriage of convenience, one of truth.

Ever His Bride has a plucky, idealistic heroine who tames the high-handed and gruff hero in a delightful way. This is one romance with too many funny situations to count, including many moments of shared passion between Felicity and  Hunter with some colorful prose to their lovemaking scenes.

Lord of the Keep by Ann Lawrence, published by Love Spell in 1999. A May/December Medieval Romance that keeps hope alive while you read. Gilles d Argent is a forty-year-old lord of a manor who falls in love with Emma, a much younger woman who was seduced by William, a cad of a knight. He ends up rejected Emma, even though she became pregnant. Emma survives as a weaver at the castle because of Gilles, who ends up saving her in more ways than one. Gilles wants Emma desperately, but because of his status, he holds back. But their attraction can’t be denied. Regardless of the consequences, especially his concerns about their age difference, Gilles claims Emma as his lover, and becomes a protector to Emma’s daughter. Their relationship is filled with passion, but also drama as William punishes Emma for finding love with another man.

Lord of the Keep is one of the best medieval romances I have ever read. There are also many twists; one of which involving Gilles and William is the ultimate shocker. Fans of Julie Garwood’s medieval romances, will want to read Lord of the Keep and swoon over a hero like Gilles.