Historical romance is fiction/non-fiction written during the present about people, places, and events of the past. It’s about the struggles, conflicts, emotions, love, and daily life of people before us. The authors of historical romance create authentic settings by carefully including details of everyday life, homes, transportation methods, clothing, and all the cultural aspects of the period. They write plots that explore every side of these issues, allowing the reader to experience an unbiased story on sensitive, controversial, or even painful topics.
We’re diving into the enchanting world of historical romance – a genre that combines the allure of bygone eras with the timeless thrill of love and adventure. From the glittering ballrooms of Regency England to the rugged landscapes of medieval Scotland, historical romance offers a captivating escape into worlds filled with daring heroes, resilient heroines, and love that defies all odds. So, please grab a cup of tea, settle into your favorite reading, and let’s explore the allure of these timeless tales together.
15 Timeless Historical Romance Books
Historical romance is popular in the romance genre, and we can not think without it. We are very excited to learn more about our history, culture, and society by living in the modern day. Nowadays, love or romance with the opposite or same gender is very common and acceptable, but in the 1700s-1900s, it was very hard/tough without marriage.
Also, many difficult rules and regulations made love/relationships taboo. So, if you want to know more about or read historical fiction, here are my all-time favorite 15 historical romance books. Let’s talk!
| Name | Storyline | Tropes |
|---|---|---|
| The Duke and the Lady in Red by Lorraine Heath | A Victorian-era romance novel that intertwines the lives of a mysterious woman in red and a wealthy, jaded duke, exploring themes of deception, redemption, and the transformative power of love. | Victorian romance, noble duke, mysterious woman, seduction and deception, high society drama, secret identities, redemption arc, emotional vulnerability, class differences, scandal and intrigue, transformative love story. |
| My American Duchess by Eloisa James | A historical romance novel set in Regency England, featuring a spirited American heiress who disrupts British high society and captures the heart of a duke, challenging cultural norms and expectations. | Regency romance, American heiress, British nobleman, cultural clash, societal expectations, witty banter, mistaken identity, love triangle, high society intrigue, cross-cultural romance, humorous dynamics. |
| Third Son’s a Charm by Shana Galen | A Regency-era romance novel that revolves around a rebellious lord turned soldier and a determined woman seeking protection, blending adventure, passion, and societal expectations. | Regency romance, rebellious aristocrat, soldier hero, protective romance, societal norms, adventurous plot, strong-willed heroine, danger and intrigue, class dynamics, personal transformation, witty interactions. |
| How to Forget a Duke by Vivienne Lorret | A Regency-era romance novel centered around a spirited matchmaker and a mysterious duke, involving amnesia, witty banter, and a journey of love that defies societal expectations. | Matchmaker heroine, amnesiac duke, societal norms, mistaken identities, humorous banter, forbidden love, memory loss, unconventional romance, high society intrigue, charming dynamics. |
| Ravished by Amanda Quick | A historical romance novel set in Regency England, featuring a daring beauty and a misunderstood beast-like lord, involved in a tale of mystery, societal expectations, and an unconventional romance. | Beauty and the beast theme, misunderstood hero, intrepid heroine, societal misfits, archaeological mystery, witty banter, passionate love story, societal intrigue, character transformation, gothic elements. |
| Always and Forever by Beverly Jenkins | A historical romance novel set in post-Civil War America, focusing on a strong-willed schoolteacher and a landowner as they face challenges and romance in a newly reconstructed society. | Post-Civil War setting, historical romance, African American protagonists, schoolteacher heroine, landowner hero, societal reconstruction, strong community ties, cultural heritage, overcoming adversity, heartwarming love story, empowerment. |
| The Duke in My Bed by Amelia Grey | A Regency romance novel featuring a charming rake of a duke and a strong-willed young lady, entangled in a betrothal agreement full of witty repartee, societal expectations, and unexpected love. | Reluctant betrothal, rakish duke, independent heroine, societal pressures, witty banter, romantic tension, marriage of convenience, high society drama, playful encounters, emotional growth. |
| Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner | A historical fiction novel set in post-World War II England, weaving together the lives of diverse characters united by their love for Jane Austen’s works, as they strive to preserve her legacy in the charming village of Chawton. | Post-war setting, literary society, ensemble cast, Jane Austen legacy, charming English village, healing through literature, diverse character dynamics, historical backdrop, community spirit, love for classic literature, cultural preservation. |
| Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore | A historical romance set in Victorian England, focusing on the suffragist movement and a spirited woman’s battle of wits and wills with a powerful duke, blending romance, feminism, and societal change. | Victorian romance, suffragist heroine, powerful duke, societal reform, battle of wits, feminist themes, historical setting, class differences, intellectual chemistry, political intrigue, passionate love story. |
| Dangerous Alliance by Jennieke Cohen | A Regency-era romance and mystery novel, where a young woman obsessed with Jane Austen’s novels finds herself in a similar romantic predicament, entwined with danger, societal expectations, and the quest for true love. | Jane Austen influence, romantic intrigue, societal expectations, mystery and danger, strong female protagonist, period drama, aristocratic society, witty banter, love and betrayal, historical backdrop. |
| The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee | A young adult historical adventure novel, following a bisexual British lord on a grand tour of Europe, filled with romantic escapades, self-discovery, and swashbuckling exploits. | Historical adventure, LGBTQ+ romance, grand European tour, bisexual protagonist, forbidden love, coming-of-age, witty repartee, high society escapades, self-discovery journey, 18th-century setting, humorous narrative. |
| My Plain Jane by Cynthia Hand | A humorous historical fantasy retelling of “Jane Eyre,” blending the classic tale with ghostly hauntings, spirited adventure, and a twist of supernatural elements, all while playfully subverting and expanding on the original story. | Retelling of classic literature, supernatural elements, ghostly hauntings, Jane Eyre reimagined, humorous narrative, paranormal adventure, Gothic atmosphere, literary mash-up, strong female characters, whimsical tone, alternate history. |
| Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare | A young adult fantasy novel set in Edwardian London, part of the “Shadowhunters” series, featuring a new generation of demon hunters facing love, danger, and family legacies in a world filled with supernatural beings. | Young adult fantasy, supernatural creatures, demon hunters, Edwardian London setting, magical society, family legacy, forbidden romance, friendship dynamics, dark secrets, mystical battles, intricate world-building. |
| Cold-Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas | A Victorian-era romance novel about a cynical rake who unexpectedly inherits a title and estate, and the strong-willed widow who challenges his plans, leading to a passionate and transformative love story. | Rake hero, widow heroine, inherited estate, societal expectations, enemies to lovers, passionate encounters, family dynamics, transformational love, high society drama, emotional growth. |
| The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller | A captivating retelling of the ancient Greek legend of Achilles, focusing on his deep bond and romantic relationship with Patroclus, set against the backdrop of the Trojan War, blending myth, love, and destiny. | Greek mythology, Trojan War, legendary heroes, romantic relationship, Achilles and Patroclus, reimagined legend, tragic love story, epic setting, character-driven narrative, lyrical prose, mythological retelling. |
1. The Duke and the Lady in Red (Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James)
Lorraine Heath writes such angsty and more serious historical. This one is Book three in the series, which can be read as a standalone. The Duke (Avendale) meets the heroine (Rose) at a casino. As Rose needs money and Avendale’s the perfect man to swindle money out of, she decides to lie and get five thousand pounds out of him. Then she is going to try to go to Scotland with her family.
So they’re on their way to getting to the carriage to go to Scotland. The Duke shows up, and he figures it out. Then he offers her a week with him, and he’ll give her the money. I cried in this because a side character is heart-wrenching about what they have to go through. They’re madly in love initially but are so into each other.
Author: Lorraine Heath
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Category: American Historical Romance
Number Of Pages: 390
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
2. My American Duchess
This is another angsty romance because our hero (Trent) meets our heroine (Merry) and is super into her when they meet. Merry’s an American duchess and down to earth, but she’s been engaged twice already. Trent is going to propose to her, and he’s super excited. Then he figured out his brother had already proposed to her that night.
Since Merry’s been engaged twice, she wants to see this third engagement through. She doesn’t want to be seen as this flighty woman, an American. The Duke has the money, but his brother doesn’t, so he needs to get married because he’s in debt.
He’s a drunk like their father and the brother who was into being proper in our heroines, not into that. Merry’s finding it hard to be around him. Then, when she spends time with him, she likes him. Their romance blossom slowly but dramatically.
Author: Eloisa James
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Category: American Historical Fiction
Number Of Pages: 415
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
3. Third Son’s a Charm (The Survivors)
This one’s a bodyguard romance. The heroine, Lady Lorraine, is the daughter of a duke. Ewan was hired as the bodyguard because he is part of this band of soldiers known for going on the most dangerous missions. So he’s back. He’s still friends with all of his soldier buddies, and he’s hired to be the bodyguard by the Duke. The Duke’s daughter is in love with this man.
Lorraine’s trying to run away with him, try to run away and see him. Everybody says Ewan wants to run away with his money. So, the bodyguard hero must go to all her events with her and keep her from sneaking out. It’s funny because Lorraine tries to sneak out her window, and he’s there and catches her.
She gets super frustrated, but they fall for each other. He also has undiagnosed dyslexia, and that’s a big part of this book because that affects how he feels about himself.
Author: Shana Galen
Average Rating: 4.3/5
Category: Regency Romance
Number Of Pages: 401
Available: Audiobook | Mass Market Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD
4. How to Forget a Duke (Misadventures in Matchmaking)
In this book, we have a historical trope with an amnesia romance. The story is about a matchmaker (Jacinda) with amnesia and The Duke of Rydstrom (Crispin). Crispin needs a bride, so he asks the heroine’s company, where she works with her sisters, to find him a bride. Jacinda goes to his estate, gets into this boatwreck, and Crispin finds her.
Crispin doesn’t immediately tell her who she is to recover and regain her memory. Then, they end up spending time together and falling for each other. Also, it’s so good because he needs to marry someone who would make a good duchess. So it’s forced proximity because she has to take care of her. Jacinda also ends up staying in the duchess’s chambers, which is funny. They’re trying to help her get her memory back.
Author: Vivienne Lorret
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Category: Historical Fiction
Number Of Pages: 384
Available: Audiobook | Mass Market Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD
5. Ravished
This book is a classic retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It is about Miss Harriet Pomeroy, who loves fossils. So she’s a paleontologist, and she always goes to the caves. Here, she finds the hidden treasure and stolen goods from people. Harriet goes to viscount (Gideon), who oversees the area. There are people here who are hiding stolen goods and stealing from people. So she’s more worried about it.
They figure out the people are there, and Harriet intervenes to ensure everything goes well. But they end up stuck in the caves because the water comes in, and they spend the night together. So she’s ruined, and he knows they’ll have to have a marriage of convenience to save her reputation. Gideon does not have a good reputation in town, and people say awful things about him. He’s known as the beast of Blackthorn Hall.
Also, people think he was responsible for killing another woman, and they are terrified of him. So it could have easily been miscommunication where Harriet believed all the rumors people were saying. But she one hundred percent believes him, and everything he says is so behind him and loyal to him. I love the marriage of convenience and their dialogue.
Author: Amanda Quick
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Category: Regency Comedy Romance
Number Of Pages: 385
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
6. Always and Forever
Our heroine, Grace Atwood, is taking a group of women to mail-order brides. Her cousin had written to her and asked for it. So they need a wagon master because of segregation and racism. They’re not allowed to take the train, and they know something bad will happen if they take the train. So they want to try it, they need someone to take them by wagon.
The original wagon master randomly dies overnight, and she finds someone and tracks him down. They spend the whole time going to this place with all the mail-order brides, and it’s so much fun. Also, there’s a little bit of romantic suspense. It’s going out at the end like many Beverly Jenkins books have. Pick this up if you like the whole mail-order bride-traveling African-American romance.
Author: Beverly Jenkins
Average Rating: 4.8/5
Category: African American Culture, 20th Century Historical Romance
Number Of Pages: 388
Available: Audiobook | Hardcover | Kindle | Mass Market Paperback
7. The Duke in My Bed (The Heirs’ Club of Scoundrels)
The story is about Louisa Prim. Her brother dies, and he dies in a drunken race crashing. So the Duke (Bray), who was in the race, promised him he’d care for his sisters, and then he disappeared. Bray never comes back to fulfill his promise. But now he’s back, and he promises to help his sisters. Prim is the oldest sister, and she’s been caring for them all.
Many people press the Duke to help the sisters because they know about his deal. Also, it’s their romance that is sweet. Try it if you like the family aspect and historical romances with dogs. It was a lot of fun for me.
Author: Amelia Grey
Average Rating: 4.3/5
Category: Regency Humor Fiction
Number Of Pages: 320
Available: Audiobook | Mass Market Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD
8. Jane Austen Society
Shortly after World War Two, the story follows a group of disparate people approaching Jane Austen’s crumbling estate. They see her legacy in danger, and they take it upon themselves to not only save the estate but save her legacy and begin to champion it again. All these people come from exceedingly different backgrounds: a movie star, a widow, a young doctor. All come together and confront their hardships impacted by the war and beyond this time.
They all centered on their love of Jane Austen and saving her legacy. It is set to be a powerful novel that explores the triumphs and tragedies of life. Jane Austen’s novels have been a huge part of society for hundreds of years. So, how could you not fall in love with characters like Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy?
Author: Natalie Jenner
Average Rating: 4.3/5
Category: World War II Historical Fiction
Number Of Pages: 336
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD
9. Bringing Down the Duke (A League of Extraordinary Women)
This book takes place at a historical time as a setting. The main character, Annabelle Archer, acquires a scholarship to study at Oxford. However, some stipulations with the scholarship funded by the Women’s Suffrage Society. She can only go to Oxford at the whim of her very frustrating family, whom she’s been under the care of since her father passed away. They said, if you make any trouble, we’ll make you come home, and you’ll be a spinster governess to your cousins.
However, when Annabelle travels to Oxford, the women’s suffrage society that funds her scholarship says to have it, you need to help propel our cause so it may involve their cause. They must go up to powerful dukes and convince them to bring their issues to the House of Lords. In doing this, she stumbles upon a very infuriating man called the Duke of Montgomery, whose cold and sneers make her angry at the first encounter. But they’re going to fall in love.
This is a highly entertaining story of wits between two exciting individual characters finding each other and falling in love. I love the setting of 1879 in England and the women’s suffrage element. It has an interesting historical lens, and multiple books will be in this League of Extraordinary Women series. You will like this romance story of two characters who hate each other but love each other at their core.
Author: Evie Dunmore
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Category: Victorian Historical
Number Of Pages: 356
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle
10. Dangerous Alliance: An Austentacious Romance
This is a flashy romance because this is a story set in Jane Austen’s time. She’s a peer writer during the main character’s (Vicky) time. Also, Vicky is a huge fan of Jane Austen’s novels and uses them as a blueprint to find her husband. She is a free spirit who loves to explore her father’s estate, and she’s not looking to get married virtually.
At the story’s beginning, Vicky’s sister has fled her husband’s household because he is abusive. During this time, women do not have many rights and options for getting out of marriages and protecting their estates. Once they get married, the estate’s rights go over to the husband.
Therefore, Vicky has to immediately get a husband to protect their families and the state and secure her sister’s future. She turns to Jane Austen’s novels as the perfect inspiration for acting and being a lady in society. This book constantly quotes Jane Austen’s scenarios from various of her books, and it’s so great if you’re a fan of Jane Austen. Also, it’s one of those books that will keep you smiling, and you’ll speed right through.
Author: Jennieke Cohen
Average Rating: 4.3/5
Category: Teen & Young Adult Literature & Fiction
Number Of Pages: 464
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD
11. The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue (Montague Siblings)
This is following the main character from a male perspective. We follow our main character, Monty, who’s a bit of a rogue and a rake. He’s about to start his grand tour of Europe. With gentlemen, do they learn a bunch of stuff? They see a bunch of paintings. Also, they party, drink, gamble, and do all the fun things that gentlemen during this period can do.
However, Monty is a little troubled because he wants to go on this tour with his best friend but is also in love with his best friend. So begins the ultimate adventure between two best friends turned lovers. It’s so sweet of such an endearing romantic relationship between these two boys, and seeing them finally express and explore their feelings for each other was a great time.
Also, it does have quite a bit of twists and turns. Some unexpected non-romance elements are thrown in here, but the story’s strength is the humor. There’s also a huge cast of side characters that are equally lovable, including Monty’s sister, who is asexual and wants to be a pirate. So there’s a lot to unpack here for the period to shine through, and it will be a book that will make you so happy.
Author: Mackenzi Lee
Average Rating: 4.5/5
Category: European Historical Fiction, LGBTQ+ Romance & Comedy
Number Of Pages: 544
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD
12. My Plain Jane (The Lady Janies)
This is technically a Jane Eyre retelling. Jane Eyre is more gothic-inspired, but romance is still involved in the time period, which is a great and fun twist. It’s comedic, and it’s told directly to the audience. There are a lot of twists and changes to it. As a story, it doesn’t follow the main character, Jane Eyre. In fact, it follows another character, Charlotte, who’s Jane’s very good friend and is on a quest to save Jane from her terrible taste in men.
Also, Jane’s best friend is a ghost, and Charlotte travels with the ghost hunter. It’s a quirky re-imagining of a very well-known story with elements of romance that take the time period and run with it. If you’re a fan of these historical paranormal romances, I highly recommend them.
Author: Cynthia Hand
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Category: Paranormal Romance
Number Of Pages: 480
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD
13. Chain of Gold (The Last Hours)
This is set in Victorian England. It’s the first book in Cassandra Clare’s new Last Hours series within the Shadow Hunter World. She said you don’t need to read any other books to read this. So, it has some of the best atmospheres of how demon hunters and demon slayers work. We’ve read many books in this period, but seeing that culture in a Victorian setting was fascinating and well done.
The circumstances of society are a very prominent part of this story. The romance, courting, strolls, parks, and people’s communication are all there. So, it adds such a great atmosphere and angst between many characters. Cassandra Clare can create between characters and draw the anxiety of waiting for them to be together, hopefully, present due to the Victorian setting.
Author: Cassandra Clare
Average Rating: 4.8/5
Category: European Historical Fiction, Fantasy Action & Adventure
Number Of Pages: 592
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle | Audio CD
14. Cold-Hearted Rake (The Ravenels)
This book is about a man who inherits a title and a big house. He goes to the house and finds that its previous owners are still living there, namely the widow of the man who died and left the estate in the house. The title to him and Rafael’s family are the most adorable ragtag bunch. You learn to love them all. All of them have very strong personalities.
In The Ravenels series, each book takes a different sibling or friendship group. In turn, Ravenel does the very same thing. Many of these novels are interwoven with a historical event that will have happened at the time. So, in the original series, there is a historical plotline all about late 19th-century agriculture. Lisa Kleypas’s stories are my all-time favorite historical romances because the romance is so exquisite, and the banter is hilarious.
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Average Rating: 4.4/5
Category: American Historical Culture Fiction & Romance
Number Of Pages: 419
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Mass Market Paperback | Kindle | Audio CD
15. The Song of Achilles
This is based on the Greek myth of Achilles and Patroclus and narrated from his point of view. They have a fabled love story, a male-male romance that is heartbreaking, emotional, and passionate. But it is also an excellent historical romance and an excellent queer love story.
Love stories in historical novels are completely overlooked, and I would love to read more queer historical novels. The story looks at the softer elements of the myth around Achilles, drawing more attention to Patroclus, his lover.
Author: Madeline Miller
Average Rating: 4.7/5
Category: Classic Literature & Fiction
Number Of Pages: 416
Available: Audiobook | Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle
5 Steamy Historical Romance Novels
“Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon – This novel combines history, romance, and time travel. Set in 18th-century Scotland, it follows the story of Claire Randall, a nurse from the 20th century, who falls in love with Jamie Fraser, a Scottish Highlander. Their passionate and intense relationship is set against the backdrop of historical events.
“The Duke and I” by Julia Quinn – The first book in the Bridgerton series, this Regency-era novel tells the story of Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. Their fiery and passionate relationship evolves from a ruse to avoid marriage into genuine love.
“Devil in Winter” by Lisa Kleypas – Part of the Wallflowers series, this Victorian-era romance focuses on Evie Jenner and Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent. Their marriage of convenience turns into a passionate love story set against the opulence of Victorian London.
“Indigo” by Beverly Jenkins – This novel is set in 19th century America and tells the story of Hester Wyatt, an escaped slave, and Galen Vachon, a conductor on the Underground Railroad. Their romance blossoms amidst the struggles and challenges of their time.
“Lord of Scoundrels” by Loretta Chase – Set in the Regency period, this book tells the story of the Marquess of Dain and Jessica Trent, a strong-willed and intelligent woman. Their battle of wits turns into a passionate and steamy romance.
5 Classic Historical Romance Novels
“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen – This Regency-era novel is one of the most beloved historical romances ever. It tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, whose initially unfavorable impressions of each other turn into love and understanding.
“Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë – Set in early 19th-century England, this novel follows the life of Jane Eyre, an orphaned girl who becomes a governess and falls in love with her employer, Mr. Rochester. The book is celebrated for its depth of character and exploration of social criticism, morality, and the struggle for equality.
“Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë – This intense and passionate novel is set in the Yorkshire moors and follows Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff’s tragic and tumultuous love story. It’s popular for its complex narrative structure and exploration of themes like revenge, social class, and the supernatural.
“Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell – Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction era, this novel tells the story of Scarlett O’Hara, the strong-willed daughter of a plantation owner, and her tumultuous relationship with Rhett Butler.
“Anna Karenina” by Leo Tolstoy – A masterpiece of Russian literature, this novel explores a range of human emotions through the tragic love affair between Anna Karenina, a married noblewoman, and Count Vronsky, a wealthy army officer. The story is set against the backdrop of 19th-century Russian society.
5 Historical Romance Books For Adults
“The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah – Set in France during World War II, this novel tells the story of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, and their struggle to survive and resist the German occupation. While it is not a traditional romance, the book features love stories amidst war.
“The Bronze Horseman” by Paullina Simons – During the siege of Leningrad in World War II, this novel follows the intense love affair between Tatiana Metanova and Red Army officer Alexander Belov. The story captures the endurance of love and spirit during one of history’s darkest hours.
“Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon – This blend of historical fiction, romance, and fantasy features Claire Randall, a World War II nurse who travels to 18th-century Scotland and falls in love with Jamie Fraser, a gallant Scottish warrior. The book covers historical detail and passionate romance.
“A Knight in Shining Armor” by Jude Deveraux – This novel combines time travel with historical romance. It tells the story of Douglass Montgomery, who, heartbroken and abandoned, finds herself transported from the modern world to 16th-century England, where she meets a dashing knight, Nicholas Stafford.
“Into the Wilderness” by Sara Donati – Set in late 18th-century America, this novel follows Elizabeth Middleton, a strong-willed Englishwoman who arrives in the New World and falls in love with Nathaniel Bonner, a frontiersman and son of a Native American woman and a white man. The book blends historical detail with a sweeping romance.
5 Award-winning Historical Romance Novels
“The Duke and I” by Julia Quinn – Part of the popular Bridgerton series, this Regency-era romance won the RITA Award for Best Long Historical Romance. It tells the story of Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, whose fake courtship leads to real romance.
“Devil in Winter” by Lisa Kleypas – This book, part of the Wallflowers series, is a Victorian-era romance that received the RITA Award. It follows the story of Evangeline Jenner, who enters into a marriage of convenience with Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent, leading to unexpected love.
“Flowers from the Storm” by Laura Kinsale – This novel, a winner of the RITA Award, is set in 19th-century England and tells the story of the Duke of Jervaulx, who suffers a stroke and is thought to be mad, and Quaker Maddy Timms, who helps him recover.
“Lord of Scoundrels” by Loretta Chase – Winning the RITA Award for Best Long Historical Romance, this Regency-era novel features the infamous Marquess of Dain and the strong-willed Jessica Trent, whose battle of wits turns into a passionate love affair.
“Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon – This novel, blending historical fiction, romance, and fantasy, won the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Award for Best Romance of 1991. It features Claire Randall, a World War II nurse who time-travels to 18th-century Scotland and falls in love with Jamie Fraser.
As we close the pages of our exploration of historical romance, it’s clear why these stories continue to capture readers’ hearts worldwide. They offer a window into the past and remind us of the enduring power of love and the human spirit.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the genre, there’s always a new adventure waiting in the wings of history, where love knows no bounds. So, keep turning those pages and losing yourself in the past romance. Until our next literary journey, happy reading!
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