Books like 'Playworld'
Readers who enjoyed Playworld by Adam Ross also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical 20th century age difference parents-bff cheating secret-relationship other-man-woman hurt-comfort actors rich heroine
-
The Emerald Horizon by Jean Grainger
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsBerlin, 1944. Ariella Bannon is being hunted. Someone is determined to betray her as a Jew, but she has survived against incredible odds, and the end is in sight. She will be reunited with her precious children, no matter what it takes.Meanwhile, Liesl and Erich have found a home in Ireland, away from the chaos of war-ravaged Europe... -
The Secret Midwife by Soraya M. Lane
Rated: 4.61 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsLondon, 1995: When on the fiftieth anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz a news broadcast runs an appeal for information on the identity of a midwife who saved hundreds of lives, Emilia knows it is time to finally tell her story... -
An Exaltation of Larks by Suanne Laqueur
September 11, 1973: Eleven-year-old Alejandro Penda watches from his apartment window as Santiago, Chile falls to a military coup, destroying his family and his childhood. Arriving alone in America, he’s taken in by the Larks: a prominent family in the town of Guelisten...Categorized as:
cheating other-man-woman 20th century contemporary m-m historical friends to lovers angst -
The Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante, Ann Goldstein
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsIn one volume, the New York Times–bestselling epic about hardship and female friendship in postwar Naples that has sold over five million copies. Beginning with My Brilliant Friend, the four Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante follow Elena and Lila, from their rough-edged upbringing in Naples, Italy, not long after WWII, through the many stages of their lives—and along paths that diverge wildly... -
-
The Midnight Rose by Lucinda Riley
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsSpanning four generations, The Midnight Rose sweeps from the glittering palaces of the great maharajas of India to the majestic stately homes of England, following the extraordinary life of a remarkable girl, Anahita Chaval, from 1911 to the present day . . -
My Tender Matador by Pedro Lemebel
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 34 ratingsCentered around the 1986 attempt on the life of Augusto Pinochet, an event that changed Chile forever, My Tender Matador is one of the most explosive, controversial, and popular novels to have been published in that country in decades. It is spring 1986 in the city of Santiago, and Augusto Pinochet is losing his grip on power... -
The Violinist of Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsBased on the unforgettable true story of Alma Rosé, this novel brings to life one of history’s most fearless, inspiring, and courageous heroines.In Auschwitz, every day is a fight for survival. Alma is inmate 50381, the number tattooed on her skin in pale blue ink. She is cooped up with thousands of others, torn from loved ones, trapped in a maze of barbed wire... -
A Time Of End by Kathryn Le Veque
Rated: 4.79 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe Executioner Knights are back! Alexander de Sherrington seeks to marry a daughter of the great Christopher de Lohr (Rise of the Defender). But not if King John has anything to say about it! Alexander de Sherrington, the man affectionately referred to as ‘Sherry’ by his friends, is off on the greatest adventure of his life… and his target is Lady Christin de Lohr... -
A View Across the Rooftops by Suzanne Kelman
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsAn unforgettable story of love, hope and betrayal, and a testament to the courage of humanity in history’s darkest days. As Nazis occupy his beloved city, Professor Josef Held feels helpless. So when he discovers his former pupil Michael Blum is trying to escape the Gestapo, he offers Michael a place to hide in his attic... -
A Family Secret by Rosie Clarke
Rated: 4.65 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsThe continuation of 'The Family Feud' series from Bestselling Author Rosie Clarke With the war finally over, the Searles family are left shell shocked and broken. 1946, Stretton Village – CambridgeshireFrances is finally about to see her dreams realized as Marcus finally returns from the war. But the threat of her father-in-law and a much-changed Marcus, leave Frances in a perilous situation... -
Moonlight and Ashes by Rosie Goodwin
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsDespite being trapped in an abusive marriage, Maggie still feels blessed with her eight-year-old twins, Danny and Lizzie, and baby girl, Lucy. But when the Second World War begins it seems that her blessings may have run out.Although the war lets her escape her husband when he's sent to the front, she must also lose the twins, as they're evacuated to North Wales... -
Love and Duty at Blackberry Farm by Rosie Clarke
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsCambridgeshire – 1942 As a new year begins and the war continues, young Artie Talbot feels trapped. In his heart he longs to fight, like his two brothers, for his king and country but is duty tied to Blackberry Farm. As feelings grow between Artie and Jeanie Salmons, Artie wonders if marriage will help him to finally accept his lot and settle down... -
Over the Tracks by Anna Green
Rated: 4.53 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsThe first volume of The Heart Rate of a Mouse trilogy.In the summer of 1974, musician Ryan Ross embarks on an exhausting tour in support of his band's breakthrough album. He finds himself struggling to live up to the pressure and expectations of sudden fame in the chaos of endless shows and interviews...Categorized as:
cheating secret-relationship other-man-woman 20th century m-m historical angst new adult -
The Sky Beneath Us by Fiona Valpy
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsAn inspiring, uplifting story of love and loss, courage and adventure, from the bestselling author of The Skylark’s Secret.1927. Violet Mackenzie-Grant is embarking on her dream of studying at the Edinburgh School of Gardening for Women... -
-
The Star and the Shamrock by Jean Grainger
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsAriella Bannon has no choice: she must put her precious children, Liesl and Erich, on that train or allow them to become prey for the Nazis. Berlin 1939... -
Ha'Penny Schemes by Gemma Jackson
Rated: 4.54 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsIn 1920’s inner-city Dublin tenements, Ivy Rose Murphy struggles to survive and thrive in the harsh poverty-stricken environment she was born into. She is trying to adapt to her new role as a married woman. There are those jealous of the improvements she has managed to make in her life. To Ivy it seems everyone wants a piece of her. She is stretched to breaking point... -
Harpers Heroes by Rosie Clarke
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsFrom the bestselling author of the Welcome to Harpers Emporium and The Mulberry Lane Series.The Harpers Girls come face to face with the harsh reality of the cruelty of war.Oxford Street, London 1915Sally Harper quietly battles to keep Harpers afloat in the difficult days of the war, whilst husband Ben is working all hours for the War Office... -
The Velvet Ribbon by Nadine Dorries
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsIn this wonderful third Tarabeg novel, Mary Kate Malone finds that a secret life in the shadows with her great love, Dr Nicholas, brings heartache and sorrows. When disaster strikes unexpectedly, she turns to the only people she can trust, in the only place she feels safe – her Irish family and friends in the west coast village of Tarabeg. But back in Ireland, everything has changed... -
A Ration Book Childhood by Jean Fullerton
Rated: 4.55 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsIn the darkest days of the Blitz, family is more important than ever.With her family struggling amidst the nightly bombing raids in London's East End, Ida Brogan is doing her very best to keep their spirits up. The Blitz has hit the Brogans hard, and rationing is more challenging than ever, but they are doing all they can to help the war effort... -
El Neruda Esencial: Poemas Seleccionados by Pablo Neruda
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsPNew translations of Neruda's most important poems, gathered to celebrate the centennial of his birth... -
The German Daughter by Marius Gabriel
Rated: 4.48 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsThe band new absolutely gripping and heartbreaking World War II historical novel from master storyteller Marius Gabriel. What readers are saying about Marius 'A must read for fans of WW2 books , it not only educates you... but also breaks your heart .... Five stars for this book... I loved it and cried at the end' Reader review, 5 stars'A wonderful, unputdownable book.. -
Star by B.B. Easton
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsIn 1999, I met my Prince Charming. He was the tall, tattooed, wickedly handsome bass player for the up-and-coming rock band, Phantom Limb. But, more importantly, he was mine. I knew it the moment he flashed me that shy, dimpled smile. And he knew it too. Hansel "Hans" Oppenheimer wore his heart on one sleeve and scrawled lyrics about me on the other...Categorized as:
cheating other-man-woman 20th century new adult contemporary angst friends to lovers rockstars -
The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris by Daisy Wood
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsFrom an exciting new voice in WWII historical fiction—and the author of The Clockmaker’s Wife—comes a tale of love and a betrayal that echoes through generations…Paris, 1940: War is closing in on the city of love. With his wife forced into hiding, Jacques must stand by and watch as the Nazis take away everything he holds dear... -
28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand
When Mallory Blessing's son, Link, receives deathbed instructions from his mother to call a number on a slip of paper in her desk drawer, he's not sure what to expect. But he certainly does not expect Jake McCloud to answer. It's the late spring of 2020 and Jake's wife, Ursula DeGournsey, is the frontrunner in the upcoming Presidential election.There must be a mistake, Link thinks...Categorized as:
cheating other-man-woman contemporary historical mystery new adult length-long behind-doors -
-
-
Long Road to Baghdad: Volume 1 by Catrin Collier
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsMesopotamia, 1914: in the Middle East tension is escalating between the British and the Arabs. Misfit Lieutenant Harry Downe is sent to negotiate a treaty with a renegade Bedouin Sheikh, Ibn Shalan, whose tribe is attacking enemy patrols in Iraq and cutting their oil pipelines. Greedy for arms, Shalan accepts British weapons but, in return, Harry must take his daughter Furja to be his bride... -
Magda's Daughter by Catrin Collier
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsIn contrast to those who joined wagon trains to seek their fortune in the American West, John Hughes and his workers trek east. Shipping the machinery needed for his ironworks across the steppe by bullock train, Hughes heads for the land he's bought from Count Beletsky, who has no time for either foreigners or industry... -
All That Glitters by Catrin Collier
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsCornish smuggler Devlin 'Devil' Varcoe braves winter weather and revenue men to fetch the contraband on which Porthinnis depends for survival. Drawn to Jenefer Trevanion, whose father finances the smuggling operation, Devlin is seduced by beautiful wild-child Tamara Gillis. When fire destroys her home, Jenefer is forced to work in the pilchard cellars... -
A Silver Lining by Catrin Collier
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 27 ratings"A powerful tale of survival and hardship, very well crafted and with strong characters" - Publishing News In strictly chapel Pontypridd in 1938, tongues are quick to wag when Alma Moore, abandoned by her lover, is rushed to hospital with stomach pains. The doctor may call it appendicitis, but the scandal-mongers think they know better... -
Broken Rainbows by Catrin Collier
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThe third novel in the Long Road to Baghdad series, a vivid, moving, historically accurate account of a conflict between Eastern and Western Empires. 1916, Mesopotamia. The Turks order prisoners from the siege of Kut to march the hundreds of miles to Baghdad. The men are weak from starvation after the five-month siege, with many suffering from dysentery and diseases... -
Such Sweet Sorrow by Catrin Collier
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsHave you ever wondered what it would be like to work for yourself? Since the recent recession figures show that more and more people, both young and old, would rather set up their own business than continue searching for jobs that are scarce, and often end up being poorly-paid... -
Spoils of War by Catrin Collier
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThe shadow of the workhouse looms large over everyone in Pontypridd in the 1930's... -
Past Remembering by Catrin Collier
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsJack-Knifed' is the first novel featuring DCI Martin Phelps and his team, based in the world-famous and vibrant Cardiff Bay. Mark Wilson, a decent, well-liked gay man, lives alone in a beautiful house in Cardiff. One Saturday evening, his closest friends go to his house for an evening of drinks and catching-up. Finding no answer, the concerned friends break in - to a horrific murder scene... -
Tiger Ragtime by Catrin Collier
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsA tale of love and hardship set in wild and beautiful 19th century Cornwall. Born into a once-respectable family, circumstances have reduced Roz Trevaskis to working at the local inn. In order to pay the fines incurred through her alcoholic mother's drunken behaviour, Roz has put herself in debt to some unpleasant people, and has reluctantly turned to smuggling... -
-
Swansea Summer by Catrin Collier
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsNewly promoted DI Matt Pryor is disappointed when his first case seems to be a simple death from natural causes - that is, until the post-mortem shows something quite unexpected ... The elderly man who died on a Cardiff train was murdered - poisoned - by one of the other passengers... -
Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski
Set in early 1980s Poland against the violent decline of communism, a tender and passionate story of first love between two young men who eventually find themselves on opposite sides of the political divide—a stunningly poetic and heartrending literary debut for fans of Andre Aciman, Garth Greenwell, and Alan Hollinghurst...Categorized as:
20th century secret-relationship other-man-woman new adult historical m-m lgbtqia hate queer -
Frederica by Georgette Heyer, Eloisa James
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsUpdated edition of the beloved classic by the Queen of Regency romance herself, Georgette Heyer, featuring a new Foreword by New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James. A forthright, independent young woman stumbling on happiness for herself while seeking only a brilliant match for her beautiful sister. The Marquis of Alverstoke is bored... -
Silver Wings by H.P. Munro
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsWINNER - 2014 Golden Crown Literary Society - Historical FictionWhen in 1943, twenty-five-year-old Lily Rivera is widowed, she finally feels able to step out of the shadows of an unhappy marriage. Her love of flying leads her to join the Womens Airforce Service Pilots, determined to regain her passion and spread her wings, not suspecting that she would experience more than just flying...Categorized as:
secret-relationship 20th century historical f-f military friends to lovers war queer -
Lady Violet Holds a Baby by Grace Burrowes
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsIf it’s not weddings, then hapless widows are expected to attending christenings… Lady Violet returns with St. Sevier to her family seat, and finds Derwent Hall at sixes and sevens upon the occasion of her nephew’s christening. Other guests have brought their children along to celebrate the occasion, and Sebastian MacHeath is on hand to serve as godfather...Categorized as:
cheating other-man-woman mystery historical regency secret child length-medium audiobook -
Spring Snow by Yukio Mishima, Michael Gallagher
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsTokyo, 1912. The closed world of the ancient aristocracy is being breached for the first time by outsiders - rich provincial families, a new and powerful political and social elite. Kiyoaki has been raised among the elegant Ayakura family - members of the waning aristocracy - but he is not one of them... -
The Bequest by Joanna Chambers
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsDavid Lauriston and Lord Murdo Balfour have been living happily together for three years at the Laverock estate in Perthshire. But when some unexpected news arrives, Murdo must confront old demons he thought he’d put behind him forever. This story will be exclusively available to my newsletter... -
Jackie and Maria: A Novel of Jackie Kennedy & Maria Callas by Gill Paul
Rated: 4.16 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsFrom the internationally bestselling author of The Secret Wife comes a tale of love, sacrifice and betrayal, available for pre-order now.JACKIEWhen her first marriage ends in tragedy, Jackie Kennedy fears she’ll never love again. But all that changes when she encounters…ARISuccessful and charming, Ari Onassis is a man who promises her the world...Categorized as:
20th century cheating other-man-woman historical length-short love triangle mature couple m-f -
Ghosts of the Canyon by Michelle Mankin
Rated: 4.80 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsWelcome to the year 1969, a tumultuous year when the world and rock ’n’ roll were changing. Woodstock, war protests, free love, it’s all there, plus a rollercoaster romance that will have you frantically flipping pages to discover who this heroine chooses.What Katelyn Love longs for most of all is a child. Someone to shower with the affection she never received from her parents...Categorized as:
cheating other-man-woman historical contemporary love triangle military length-medium -
The Duke of Hearts by Jess Michaels
The 7th highly anticipated book in the 1797 Club series from USA Today Bestselling Author Jess Michaels Matthew Cornwallis, Duke of Tyndale, once loved a woman, but she died in a tragic accident he felt responsible for. Since then, he’s been playing pretend that he isn’t broken inside, even as he’s seen as London’s most sought after bachelor...Categorized as:
secret-relationship hurt-comfort regency historical m-f length-short explicit-open-door angst -
-
The Price of Salt by Claire Morgan, Patricia Highsmith
THE PRICE OF SALT also published as CAROL. THE PRICE OF SALT (1952) is a romance novel by Patricia Highsmith, written under the pseudonym Claire Morgan. The author – known as a suspense writer following the publication of her previous book, STRANGERS ON A TRAIN – became notorious due to the story's latent lesbian content and happy ending, the latter having been unprecedented in homosexual fiction... -
Unending Love by Kathryn Le Veque
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratings1234 A.D. - For as long as she can remember, the Lady Adalind de Aston has loved Sir Maddoc du Bois. Being sent away to foster did nothing to cure her of her unending love for Maddoc, a sentiment he did not return. Years later, Adalind returns from fostering as a cultured and beautiful woman...Categorized as:
age difference other-man-woman historical medieval friends to lovers men in uniform commander m-f -
Kaze Hikaru, Vol. 5 by Taeko Watanabe
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsIn the year 1863, a time fraught with violent social upheaval, samurai of all walks of life flock to Kyoto in the hope of joining the Mibu-Roshi--a band of warriors united around their undying loyalty to the Shogunate system. In time, this group would become one of the greatest (and most famous) movements in Japanese history.. -
Lady Gouldian by Calia Read
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsI was just eight-years-old, looking up at the clouds, when Asa Calhoun became my one true love. He was my brother’s best friend. He was stoic and solemn, and always believed everything in life had to be perfect. But I saw past his eccentric mannerisms. I found him fascinating. I was seventeen when I had my debutante ball. Throughout the years, there was a gradual shift between us... -
Heavy Sugar by Roslyn Sinclair
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 5 ratingsIn this sizzling novella straight out of the Jazz Age, an irrepressible New York dancer named Alice catches the eye of Cora Carter-Price, a wealthy businesswoman, social doyenne, and all-around ice queen... -
The Uncharted Flight of Olivia West by Sara Ackerman
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAn extraordinary story, inspired by real events, of a female aviator who defies the odds to embark on a daring air race across the Pacific, perfect for fans of Great Circle and Her Last Flight.1927. Olivia "Livy" West is a fearless young pilot with a love of adventure. She yearns to cross oceans and travel the skies...
Find out more about romance.io.
Get recommendations by genres & tropes
Use the romance book finder to mix and match over 100 content keywords to find the books that match your preferences
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.

