Modern Mystery Romances Sizzling With Spice. Because Love’s A Killer.
Eve Was Framed
A chance encounter with a striking stranger triggers a harsh self-reckoning. The result? Amelia realises she’s been pouring her heart into a dead-end career, allowing her boss to overshadow her accomplishments and invade her personal space, while her boyfriend’s lack of drive suffocates her. Everyone tells her to lower her expectations and accept mediocrity. But what if Amelia is sick of settling?
Modern Mystery Romances Sizzling With Spice. Because Love’s A Killer.
Eve Was Framed
A chance encounter with a striking stranger triggers a harsh self-reckoning. The result? Amelia realises she’s been pouring her heart into a dead-end career, allowing her boss to overshadow her accomplishments and invade her personal space, while her boyfriend’s lack of drive suffocates her. Everyone tells her to lower her expectations and accept mediocrity. But what if Amelia is sick of settling?
Steamy Reads From A Romantic Brit
Briar Black is a British Romance author whose obsession with classical literature, including the Brontës, Jane Austen, Arthur Conan Doyle, Mary Shelley, Oscar Wilde, and so many more, collided with a modern millennial mindset. Now, she’s here to bring you twisted tales of love, lust, unexpected drama, and mystery. Briar joins the esteemed ranks of contemporary British romance writers, infusing traditional romance’s timeless essence with a vibrant, modern twist.
If you’re a fan of spicy romance and enthralling enigma tales, Briar’s books were literally written for you.
While you’re here, delve into her detailed book reviews, insightful thoughts, and in-depth explorations on the mechanics of romance novels. If you’re a romance fan you may find her discussions on popular tropes and trends in British romance fiction of particular interest (do please let her know your own thoughts!). Briar stands out in the list of British romance authors, offering a unique blend of historical depth and contemporary flair. You can start reading now for free, with Eve Was Framed, a short feminist women’s tale you can download and start reading now. You can also check out Briar’s upcoming contributions to the ranks of awesome British romance novels, and start unravelling the romantic mysteries she’s so fond of weaving through her tales.
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From The Blog…
It Starts With Us: The Most Disapointing Sequel Ever Written
After the compelling depth of It Ends With Us, the sequel, It Starts with Us, emerges as a profound disappointment for this reader, offering a narrative that feels more like fan service than a meaningful continuation of Lily and Atlas's story. The sequel, marked by shallow character development and a lack of substantive conflict, fails to deliver on the emotional and thematic promise of its predecessor.
Favourite British Romance Authors’ Swoon-Worthy Books
Briar Black is a British romance author whose works expertly interweave the timeless charm of classical literature with the intriguing complexities of modern life. Her novels, rich with elements of love, lust, unexpected drama, and mystery, captivate readers globally.
If you’re a romance enthusiast keen to plunge into tales that blend spicy romance with enthralling mystery, or an aspiring writer looking to delve into the mechanics of romance novels and their enduring tropes, Briar’s writings are crafted for you. So, grab your favourite cup of tea, find a cosy reading spot, and lose yourself in the captivating world of British romance crafted by Briar Black. It’s an inviting escape that offers both the comfort of familiarity and the thrill of new discoveries.
Prepare to be whisked away by Briar’s compelling narratives, where each story promises not just a journey into the heart of British romance but also a heartfelt exploration of what it means to find love and self-discovery in the most unexpected places.
Only You by Lorna Peel
In Only You, Lorna Peel takes readers to the rugged landscapes of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, where the protagonist, Jane Hollinger, a single mother and genealogy teacher, finds herself torn between her quiet academic life and the whirlwind of entering a relationship with a celebrity. After her divorce, Jane’s journey into romance begins unexpectedly when she meets Robert Armstrong, a handsome and successful American actor who initially seeks her genealogical expertise to delve into mysteries of his family tree. As their relationship deepens amidst the stunning Irish settings, Jane struggles with the pressures of Robert’s public life. Their developing romance tests her ability to balance personal privacy with the invasive eye of the media, bringing both challenges and exhilarating new experiences.
Boyfriend Material (London Calling, #1) by Alexis Hall
Alexis Hall delivers another captivating British contemporary romance with Boyfriend Material. The story follows Luc O’Donnell, a disenchanted Londoner who must find a respectable boyfriend to improve his image in the eyes of his employer. Enter Oliver Blackwood, a posh barrister who agrees to play the role of Luc’s perfect boyfriend. However, as they navigate the intricacies of their fake relationship, genuine feelings begin to emerge. This heart-warming and humorous novel explores the themes of authenticity, self-discovery, and the unexpected path to love in the bustling streets of London.
A Very English Murder By Verity Bright
Set against the backdrop of 1920s England, this cosy mystery immerses readers in a world of quaint villages and charming countryside estates. Lady Eleanor Swift, inheritor of her uncle’s estate, unexpectedly encounters a murder, sparking a series of enthralling events reminiscent of classic British detective stories. Without a body to prove the crime, she uses her sharp wit and the loyal companionship of her dog to unearth clues overlooked by the local constabulary. The narrative weaves together historical romance with quintessential British humour, crafting a delightful read for aficionados of traditional British mysteries. Through vivid storytelling and adept handling of social dynamics and class intricacies, the book offers a captivating glimpse into the life of a spirited and unconventional amateur sleuth.
A Summer of Secrets by Lorna Peel
Lorna Peel transports readers to the breathtaking countryside of Ireland in A Summer of Secrets. The story revolves around Rachel Doyle, who returns to her family’s farm in Ireland after a failed relationship. Here, she finds solace and support from her childhood friend, Finn Carmichael. Unbeknownst to Rachel, Finn has harboured a secret love for her since their youth. Amidst the lush Irish landscape, the pair must confront their feelings and the secrets that bind them, making this a tale of love, forgiveness, and rediscovery.
On Dublin Street by Samantha Young
Samantha Young takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster in On Dublin Street. The novel introduces Jocelyn Butler, a young woman with a troubled past, who relocates to the vibrant city of Edinburgh, Scotland, to escape her demons. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Braden Carmichael, a wealthy and irresistibly attractive businessman. The intense chemistry between the two characters ignites a love story that is as passionate as it is heartwarming. However, their past traumas and insecurities threaten to tear them apart, making their journey towards love all the more riveting.
Inevitable Ella (Triple Trouble #2) by VH Nicolson
A riveting romance novel set against Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes, Inevitable Ella by British romance author VH Nicholson follows Ella, a tenacious dance instructor, and Fraser, a professional golfer battling inner demons. Their tale of rekindled love is rife with challenges, passion, and deep emotional connections. Infused with delightful Scottish nuances and contemporary references, the story grabs the reader’s attention. Ella and Fraser’s chemistry is palpable, making their romantic moments electrifying and heartfelt. Throughout the tale, the strong community around Ella amplifies the depth of their journey. This book is an essential read for romance aficionados, masterfully balancing love, tension, and raw emotion.
The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
In The Flatshare, British romance novelist Beth O’Leary crafts a unique and endearing love story. Tiffy Moore and Leon Twomey share a flat, but they’ve never met. As they work opposite shifts, they communicate solely through notes left around the apartment. Despite the unconventional setup, a deep connection forms between them. With witty banter, charming characters, and a touch of serendipity, this novel takes readers on an emotional journey that proves love can blossom in the most unusual circumstances. O’Leary masterfully blends humour with heartfelt moments, creating a captivating narrative that resonates with anyone who’s ever found love in unexpected places. Her adept storytelling ensures that readers will be rooting for Tiffy and Leon’s quirky relationship from start to finish.
Hunting Eden (Triple Trouble #1) by VH Nicolson
A captivating romance novel set in Scotland and following Eden, a Scottish dancer, and her entanglement with Hunter, an American pro golfer, which unfolds with suspense, humour, and more than a few hurdles. Quirky Scottish elements and relatable pop culture references make this an immersing read. Eden and Hunter’s chemistry is sizzling, and their encounters are steamy and satisfying. As the plot progresses, the characters’ personal growth and the support they receive from others in the small town setting add depth to the narrative. A must-read for romance enthusiasts, offering a perfect blend of love, passion, and heat, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next instalment in the series of standalone romances.
Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake (Winner Bakes All, #1) by Alexis Hall
Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake by Alexis Hall is a charming romance centred on baking and competition. Rosaline Palmer, an amateur baker with dreams of success, auditions for a reality TV baking show to change her life. Little does she know that her journey will lead her to form a bond with the enigmatic and intimidating judge, Alain Pope. As they navigate the world of competitive baking, their own journeys of self-discovery intertwine with Rosaline’s pursuit of success and love. Set against the backdrop of a high-stakes baking competition and the bustling city of London, this novel provides a delightful mix of romance, personal growth, and mouthwatering desserts.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice is a timeless novel penned by Jane Austen, one of the most renowned British romance authors. Set in the Regency era, the story revolves around the headstrong Elizabeth Bennet and the proud Mr. Darcy as they navigate societal expectations, misunderstandings, and personal growth. With a keen wit and astute social commentary, Austen skillfully weaves a tale of love, pride, and the triumph of true affection over societal prejudices, making Pride and Prejudice a captivating masterpiece that continues to enchant readers across generations.
Why Everyone Loves British Romance Authors
British romance writers have this incredible advantage because of our rich literary tradition. We’ve got literary legends like Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters setting the stage for romance excellence. And let’s not forget Shakespeare – he knew a thing or two about love! Furthermore, even those who aren’t British but happen to write romance wish they were an English romance author. Look at Julia Quinn’s phenomenally successful Bridgerton series, brilliantly showcases the allure of Regency England, adding another jewel to our crown of literary treasures. The author herself may not be British, but Britain was the perfect setting for her epic romance saga.
One of the things that make our stories so appealing internationally is the timeless settings we use. Picture charming countryside estates, elegant manor houses, vibrant cities, and the grand balls of historic high society – it’s a romantic dream come true. Readers from all over the world can’t get enough of that nostalgic and picturesque vibe. Of course, those of us who live in dear Blighty have a slightly less romantic view of the climate, but then again, who doesn’t love a good kiss in the rain scene? Plus, Britain doesn’t just have England with all its Englishness, we also have Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. This gives us a huge well of settings and cultural quirks to draw on. From Samantha Young penning tales from Ireland, to VH Nicolson’s Scottish sports romances, and Verity Bright weaving cosy mystery narratives in distinctly British settings (though to be honest we can’t confirm the husband and wife writing duo behind the Lady Swift Mysteries is actually British!), the British Isles have a lot to offer readers.
But you know what really hooks readers? Our characters! We’ve got this knack for creating compelling folks you can’t help but relate to. Friendly, affable, everyman/woman types with an ineffable charm that comes from being British. They face universal emotions and experiences, so no matter where you’re from, you’ll find something in common with them. From the high society dramas to the quaint village mysteries, our characters offer a diverse array of escapades that resonate with readers globally.
And we’ve got to admit, our wit and humour are pretty on point. For some reason, nowhere else in the world can correctly use irony in their fiction – most often they seem to mistake it for bad luck. We actually know how to wield it to dramatic effect while delivering deadpan snark and sarcasm. It adds this light-hearted and engaging tone to our stories that readers absolutely love. Laughter and love – what more could you want?
Speaking of love, we like exploring all those juicy social dynamics – class, society, and family relationships. It adds that extra layer of depth and intrigue to our tales. Plus, we get to delve into the complexities of human connections, and that’s fascinating stuff.
Our romances have that emotional punch too. We’re really good at tugging at heartstrings and making readers feel all the feels. Love, heartbreak, passion – we’ve got it all covered!
You see, our stories have this cross-cultural appeal. We touch on universal themes like love, self-discovery, and personal growth. So whether you’re from England or anywhere else, you’ll find our tales relatable.
And hey, global marketing and translations have made our books accessible to readers all over the planet. It’s incredible to think that someone on the other side of the world is enjoying our love stories! So yeah, we’re diverse too! We’ve got historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic comedies – there’s something for everyone. We just love bringing romance to life in all its forms.
All in all, being a British romance author is a joy. Our storytelling traditions, captivating settings, relatable characters, and universal themes make our tales a hit internationally. And it’s an absolute thrill to know that our stories of love and passion are touching the hearts of readers everywhere. Keep on spreading the romance!
📚 The Thursday Murder Club
🌟🌟🌟🌟
If you’re in the mood for a charming, light-hearted mystery, The Thursday Murder Club is a brilliant pick! Set in a peaceful retirement village, this clever cosy mystery follows four amateur sleuths—Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron—as they investigate a local murder. Their unique skills, dry British humour, and heartwarming friendship bring the story to life.
With twists, red herrings, and witty banter, Richard Osman delivers an engaging and thoughtful read that blends suspense with reflections on friendship and ageing. A perfect escape for mystery lovers!
QOTD: Have you read The Thursday Murder Club? What did you think?
#ThursdayMurderClub #RichardOsman #CozyMystery #Bookish #Bookstagram 📚🔍
Sometimes you just need a comfort read, and The Wizard of Oz is certainly that for me 💖. It`s one of my favourite classics 📚, and I’m just obsessed with the edition of it from @minalimadesign 😍✨.
🌈🦁👠 QOTD: What’s your favourite comfort read?
#Reads #ComfortReads #Bookstagram #WizardOfOz #MinaLima
I couldn’t wait to dive into Iron Flame, and while it was a solid four-star read for me ⭐⭐⭐⭐, I was left ever so slightly disappointed by it. Violet’s journey at Basgiath War College continues with (most of) the tension, excitement, and romance that we’ve come to love. Rebecca Yarros’ world-building is still on point, with new layers of intrigue, magic, and dragons 🐉 keeping me hooked from start to finish.
My issue came with the slow pacing 🐌 of the first half, and the repetitive back and forth between Violet and Xaden. The first book was so fresh and intriguing, a great balance of modern life 🌍 and epic fantasy ✨. I suspect I was let down by the second because it didn`t have the same WOW factor of originality; after all, we`d already seen the world in Fourth Wing. And while we got to see a great deal more of the world in Iron Flame... I`m not sure, it just didn`t quite feel so innovative 🤔.
All that said, the second half more than made up for much of my disappointment with a good few twists and turns I didn’t see coming 🤯 (and some that were obvious a mile out). Violet and Xaden’s relationship faces challenges, but their love ❤️ is still something to root for. If you loved the first book, Iron Flame is a solid continuation that’s well worth your time 📖!
Check out my full review over on my blog if you`re interested.
QOTD: Who`s read this? What did you think?
#IronFlame #RebeccaYarros #Romantasy #BookLovers #Bookstagram 📚💫
My last foray into the world of CoHo was incredibly disappointing. I bought this one when I was still enamoured with her having just read It Ends With Us. Since then I`ve read It Starts With Us (a TRAVESTY) and Verity (a MEDIOCRE let down), and I`m not particularly inclined to let this one reach the top of my TBR anymore.
QOTD: Anyone read it? Is it worth the read?
#CoHo #ColeenHoover #RemindersOfHim #BookishProblems
Amelia’s life is full of d*ckish guys who take advantage or take her for granted. And she’s so done with it!
If you want a short, sassy, empowering read, #EveWasFramed is FREE on my website and Kindle Unlimited…
#KindleUnlimited #Bookish #Booktok
Never have I been more disappointed in a book than I was with this one. I LOVED It Ends With Us. But this? This was a travesty.
Here’s why It Starts with Us didn’t work for me:
😒 Overly idealised characters lacking depth, especially Atlas.
🔄 Meandering plot with no significant conflicts or stakes.
🖍️ Superficial treatment of serious themes like domestic abuse.
🧩 Felt like fan service rather than a meaningful continuation.
My full review is now live on my blog, for anyone interested!
QOTD: Anyone else read it? What did you all think?
#ItStartsWithUs #ItEndsWithUs #ColleenHoover #BookReview #Bookstagrammer
A recent 5⭐ and genuinely wonderful read. I wasn`t quite sure what to expect of this going in, it`s a university setting, I wasn`t sure if it was going to be a but YA/New Adulty for me (I`m not a fan!). But it was actually exceptional. Full review on my blog for those interested (link`s in my bio!) but the highlights:
✨ Enemies to Lovers – Kiki and Malakai`s banter is on point!
🎙️ Fake Dating – A radio show, a film project, and one very entertaining fake relationship.
💔 Friendship Feels – Kiki and Penny’s friendship is just as important as the romance.
🎶 Spotify Playlist Vibes – Evie curates the perfect mood music for the story.
🔥 Moderate Spice – Just the right balance between chemistry and emotional depth.
📚 Deeper Themes – Tackles racism, harassment, and trauma with care and authenticity.
😂 Genuine LOLs – The humour is smart and never misses the mark.
❤️ Character Growth – Both Kiki and Malakai go through significant personal journeys.
#HoneyAndSpice #Bookstagram #BookReview #Bookish @LikesForBooks
What a week! 😱 Thank you so much to everyone who has already read and shared my little novella during the launch last week. Having it out in the world and seeing so many kind words about it has honestly made my year! Special shout out to @booktourgals for making launch week extra soecial! If you don’t have a copy yet it’s FREE on Kindle Unlimited and my website! #EveWasFramed #BriarBlack #FreeBooks #WomenEmpowerment #KindleUnlimited
Am I the only one that, despite a RIDONCULOUSLY tall TBR pile, somehow winds up re-reading old favourites instead of new ones? This can`t just be me 🙈
#Bookstagrammer #Bibliophile #BooksOnBooksOnBooks #BriarBlack #BookishProblems