Recommendations based on "The Marriage Portrait: Reese's Book Club"

An enchanting collection containing books four, five, and six of #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn’s beloved Regency-set Bridgerton novels—Romancing Mister Bridgerton; To Sir Phillip, with Love; and When He Was Wicked—now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix. Romancing Mister Bridgerton  Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best friend’s brother from afar for forever—until she stumbles across Colin Bridgerton’s deepest secret and fears she doesn't know him at all. Meanwhile, Colin is tired of his reputation as an empty-headed charmer and of the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown. Upon his return to London, he discovers everything has changed—especially Penelope Featherington! The girl who was always simply there suddenly haunts his dreams. When he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide . . . is she his biggest threat or his promise of a happy ending?  To Sir Phillip, With Love Sir Phillip knew that Eloise Bridgerton was a spinster, and so he’d proposed, figuring she’d be timid and desperate to marry. Except . . . she wasn’t. And all he wanted to do was kiss her . . . As for Eloise, she couldn’t marry a man she had never met! Yet, she found herself in a carriage on her way to meet her perfect match. Except . . . he wasn’t. Despite being handsome, Phillip was a large, ill-mannered brute. But when he kissed her, the world simply fell away… could this imperfect man be perfect for her?  When He Was Wicked After a lifetime of smiling slyly as women chased him, Michael Stirling, London’s most infamous rake, took one look at Francesca Bridgerton and fell hopelessly in love. Unfortunately for Michael, Francesca’s surname was to remain Bridgerton for only a mere thirty-six hours longer—they met at a supper celebrating her imminent wedding to his cousin. But that was then . . . Now Michael is the earl and Francesca is free, but she still sees him as a dear friend. Michael dares not profess his love . . . until one dangerous night, passion proves stronger than even the most wicked of secrets . . .

From Sunday Times bestselling author Julia Quinn and television pioneer Shonda Rhimes comes a powerful and romantic novel, inspired by the original series Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, created by Shondaland for Netflix. 'We are one crown. His weight is mine, and mine is his . . .' In 1761, on a sunny day in September, a King and Queen meet for the first time. They are married within hours. Charlotte is beautiful, headstrong, and fiercely intelligent - George is instantly captivated. But as Charlotte falls in love, the King starts to push her away. Because George has secrets . . . secrets with the potential to shake the foundations of the monarchy. Thrust into her new role, scared and alone, Charlotte must learn to navigate the intricate politics of the court, and to understand that she has been given the power to remake society. She must fight - for herself, for her husband, and for all her new subjects. For she will never be just Charlotte again. It's time for her to fulfil her destiny . . . as Queen. ................... Readers have fallen head over heels for Queen Charlotte! 'A great story about how love overcomes all. Incredibly touching to read' 'A beautiful story of not just love, but strength and character. This novel was just as good as the show' 'To truly understand the series, you have to read this book. It's even better reading it' 'George and Charlotte will make you laugh, cry, give you hope, and break your heart'

The second book in the Bevelstoke series: witty, irresistibly romantic and by the bestselling author of the global phenomenon BridgertonRumours and gossip are the lifeblood of London . . . Olivia Bevelstoke, the only daughter of the Earl of Rudland, is beautiful, wealthy, twenty-one and unmarried, making her the subject of much gossip: 'What is she waiting for? A prince?' But Olivia isn't stuck up, and neither is she a hopeless romantic. However she is waiting for something - or someone. Enter Sir Harry Valentine, her intriguing new neighbour . . .Sir Harry Valentine is not a spy, but he's had all the training, so when a beautiful but mysterious woman begins to watch him from her window, he is instantly suspicious. But just when he decides that she's nothing more than an annoyingly nosy debutante, he discovers that she might be engaged to a foreign prince, who might be plotting against England. And when Harry is roped into spying on Olivia, he discovers that he might be falling for her himself . . .A veritable treat' Daily Mail'Quinn is a master of Historical romance' Entertainment Weekly

Married by Morning continues Lisa Kleypas's Hathaways beloved series set in Victorian London.For two years, Catherine Marks has been a paid companion to the Hathaway sisters―a pleasant position, with one caveat. Her charges' older brother, Leo Hathaway, is thoroughly exasperating. Cat can hardly believe that their constant arguing could mask a mutual attraction. But when one quarrel ends in a sudden kiss, Cat is shocked at her powerful response―and even more so when Leo proposes a dangerous liaison.Leo must marry and produce an heir within a year to save his family home. Catherine's respectable demeanor hides a secret that would utterly destroy her. But to Leo, Cat is intriguing and infernally tempting, even to a man resolved never to love again. The danger Cat tried to outrun is about to separate them forever―unless two wary lovers can find a way to banish the shadows and give in to their desires…

Despite her protests, Princess Gisela, headstrong daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne, must enter into a diplomatic marriage. Yet en route to her wedding, her ship is attacked and she's gravely injured. Rescued by a renowned healer, King John of Lydia, Gisela recuperates at his Mediterranean castle. The handsome, widowed ruler soon has her reevaluating her beliefs on love and marriage...but only if King John could be her groom. Their love is forbidden, and duty requires him to deliver her to her betrothed. Unless they can find a way to join their hearts--and kingdoms--with love, faith and honor.

Despite each resolving to put the other from their minds, Emma and William's unexpected meeting has rekindled the embers of their love for each other. Though with William engaged to the daughter of a viscount--an ideal match in society's view--the two will face unbending opposition and many difficult decisions if they wish to pursue a future together. Mrs. Trollop is sympathetic to their plight, but even though she is fond of Emma and wishes every happiness for her son, she knows firsthand how unforgiving the upper classes can be to those who do not adhere to their standards...

One of Amazon's Best Romances for October 2021 New York Times bestselling author Lorraine Heath continues her Once Upon a Dukedom series with this lush love story of a duke who discovers what he desires in a wife may not be what he needs... Hugh Brinsley-Norton, the Duke of Kingsland, is in need of a duchess. However, restoring the dukedom--left in ruins by his father--to its former glory demands all his time, with little room for sentiment. He places an advert encouraging the single ladies of the ton to write why they should be the one chosen, and leaves it to his efficient secretary to select his future wife. If there exists a more unpleasant task in the world than deciding who is to marry the man you love, Penelope Pettypeace certainly can't imagine what it might be. Still, she is determined to find the perfect bride for her clueless, yet ruthlessly charming employer. But when an anonymous note threatens to reveal truths best hidden, Kingsland has no choice but to confront the danger with Penelope at his side. Beguiled by the strong-willed, courageous beauty, he realizes he's willing to risk everything, including his heart, to keep her safe within his arms. Could it be the duchess he's hunting for has been in front of him all along

For once, he has met a lady less inclined to marry than he is. How unfortunate that she is the only bride he will consider. George Clavering is much too young to think about getting married. Yes, his older brother and even his younger sister have managed to tie the knot, but he has plenty more years of play and sporting events ahead of him before he need consider such a thing. Even matchmaking becomes a sport when gentlemen bet on the Season's successes or failures in the club. He will not give them an opportunity to bet on him. Furthermore, why settle down when there are young women like Lady Alice who liven the sport of matchmaking with friendly wagers? Lady Alice St. Clair is the fifth daughter of the Duke of Carr, and as she is independently wealthy and may do as she pleases, she has no reason to wed. She certainly has no intention of doing so. If the marriage mart offers nothing more than the unattractive boors who have presented themselves at her door for the past five seasons, it should hardly surprise her parents she cannot be persuaded to the altar. True, George Clavering has a full head of dark hair and a smile that is as mischievous as it is attractive, but no lady of character would change her mind for one above-average specimen of the male race. For both, what began as a friendly bet between two bored guests at a ball turned into an earnest desire to help their proteges find happiness. And if some deeper feelings should stir in George to win Alice's heart, then he has no choice but to dampen them. After all, Lady Alice has sworn she will not marry, and George has applauded her decision. For him to try to weaken her resolve now would be unsportsmanlike.

All he wants is a quiet wife. But she wants something more . . . 19th Century, Liverpool. As wife to an errant husband, the art patron and industrialist Frederick Leyland, Frances is losing her sense of self. Living in the beautiful Speke Hall with her family, she is shocked when Frederick announces he has commissioned American Artist, James Whistler to paint her portrait and the beautiful old house. Added to that, Whistler is also going to renovate the artwork in their new London home. But when Frederick, as usual, dismisses his wife’s desires to help, telling her she doesn’t have the taste or style needed, this time her focus is drawn elsewhere when James Whistler, the handsome, brooding American artist, arrives at Speke and sweeps Frances and the family off their feet. Unlike her husband, he not only listens to Frances, he sees her. He sees the Frances that no-one else does. Under the painter’s intense gaze, Frances begins to realise that like the house, there is neglected splendour within her, too. Inspired by the possibilities the artist arouses in her, she begins to wonder if love might still be in the picture for her, after all... Based on a true story, this is the heady, slow-burn tale of a woman reinventing herself, while embarking on a daring, forbidden love affair with James Whistler. * * * All of Felicity York's novels can be read as standalones. If you love The Quiet Wife: A Speke Hall Scandal, read The Runaway Bride: A Lyme Park Scandal, and pre-order The Secret Sister: A Chatsworth House Scandal now!

A convenient marriage No inconvenient emotions Ross Vincent, Marquis of Cranford, with his scarred face and formidable disposition knows he’s hardly a catch. But he needs a wife to take care of his motherless son. Shy, scholarly Prudence Scott seems ideal: she has no expectation of love or passion. She’ll care for his baby in return for the protection of his name. Yet seeing Prudence on their wedding day tests Ross’s willpower to not take his new wife to bed...