Happily Ever After Cafe discussion

I've been reading a lot of romance books and it got to the point where I keep encountering repetitive themes and scenes. I'd like to read a romance that is set in a different place where characters have different lives than what is usually considered ordinary. It has to be realistic so no fantasy please. An example that I know of is Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. It's about a heroine whose father forced her to marry a circus performer and she tries to fit in with the rest of the circus performers at the circus. I'd also like it if the romance doesn't begin right away, that it takes time. Thank you!

Nadine, you could try The Patrician -it's set in Roman times and it's a mix of betrayal, revenge, slavery... It's good! :)

Or The Hidden Blade. An important part is set in China and the plot is intriguing. If you like that you could follow it with My Beautiful Enemy: it's the sequel.

Another one could be Harvest of Rubies it's set in the Persian Empire.

Let me know if you find these intriguing! :)