Historical romance became one of my favorite genres (if not the favorite) recently and I’ve been obsessed with these books ever since. They’re so good, with high stakes and emotional storylines that you don’t get so often in contemporary romance. Plus, the quality of writing in some of these books is beyond anything I expected.
Because of that, I’ve read every historical romance book I could get my hands on, from popular, well-loved titles to hidden gems.
So I’m here to report back. These are the historical romance books you need to read (some would say essential reading). Whether you’re new to the genre and looking for more to read, or a fan just hunting for a hidden gem, I hope this list brings you that same joy.
Black Silk by Judith Ivory
“I rather like it, in fact, when they explode all over me.”
“How very dangerous.”
“It’s thrilling actually. It doesn’t hurt “
All she could say was, “I bet it takes a toll on your clothes, though.”
He began walking, backward again, along the path that ran against the house. He was still looking at her when he said, “Nothing, I’d bet, compared to the toll your caution takes on your sparks.” He turned out of sight.
| Tropes | black cat/golden retriever, slow burn, dead husband’s relative to lovers |
| Page count | 464 pages |
| Part of a series? | No, it’s a standalone |
| Spice level | Very spicy at the end |
| Read if | You want something supremely well-written, with complex characters who grow and change |
Black Silk is my favorite historical romance book, so even though it’s not the most popular one, I reserve the right to love it the most and keep it at the top of the list. I cannot describe the way this book made me feel or how well it’s written, I can only yell at you to read it!
This story follows Submit, a young, fairly recent widow, whose seventy-something-year-old husband left her a bequest to deliver a box of erotic drawings to his estranged ward Graham Wessit. She’s been kicked out of her home by her husband’s illegitimate son, and all she wants is to go back to her peaceful, studious life. And yet she feels compelled to figure out why her husband even had the illegal drawings, and Graham seems the best place to get answers.
But once Submit finds him, Graham won’t hear of taking it. He’s a rake, so scandalous that the paper publishes a story about him (thinly veiled) every week, and he’s tired of the scrutiny and people not seeing him as he is: a fun-loving guy, but not malicious.
And then there’s the issue of him getting sued over paternity by a girl he’s never even met, so he’s pretty much fed up when Submit finds him, especially since she reminds him so much of his despised cousin.
But over time, as they’re forced by other people, grief and circumstance to spend more time together, they start to feel drawn to each other in inexplicable ways and they start seeking each other out. So much so that they become friends, and then their relationship slowly develops into more.
Find my full review of Black Silk here.
What I Did for A Duke by Julie Ann Long
“You should see your expression.”
“The duel one?”
“No. It’s more like… when a snarling dog is swatted across the nose by a kitten. Surprised and affronted. As though the natural order of things has been subverted.”
He blinked. Bloody hell, but he was charmed speechless by the analogy.”
| Tropes | age gap romance, revenge plot, he falls first and harder |
| Page count | 365 pages |
| Part of a series? | It’s part 5 of a series, but I read it as a standalone and you can too, it doesn’t require you to read the whole series to understand it |
| Spice level | 3/5 (spicy, the scenes are both emotional and very explicit) |
| Read if | You want a well-done age gap with a great hero and a smart heroine |
I didn’t think I would love this book as much as I did, and yet here we are. I expected a DNF, or at the very least a 3-star rating, but instead what I got is a 5-star read that may just be one of my favorite romance books of all time. One of my favorite heroes for sure.
In What I Did for a Duke, we meet Alex Moncrieffe, Duke of Falconbridge, as his bride-to-be cheats on him with Ian Eversea. He is not a man you can cross though, so he comes up with a plan to seduce Ian’s sister and abandon her in return.
And a perfect opportunity comes up when the Eversea’s host a house party. But Genevieve is nothing like he imagined. She’s brilliant, sees right through him, and has a secret passion that calls to him (even though she finds him old).
Plus, she’s deeply in love with someone else. But the more time they spend together, the more they realize how similar they are. Their banter is so good, so intellectual and funny, and everything about this book will leave you mesmerized.
You can find out more in my full What I Did for a Duke review as well!
Game of Rogues by Julie Anne Long
“I am who I am, and you are who you are. I will give you the whole goddamn world. But I can’t change who I am.”
| Tropes | slow burn, age gap, dislike to lovers, class difference |
| Page count | 384 pages |
| Part of a series? | It’s part 9 of a series, but I read just this one and didn’t have any issues (but the characters from other books do appear) |
| Spice level | 2/5 (not overly spicy, and when it does happen it’s more emotional, but stille explicit) |
| Read if | You want one of the swooniest, most beautifully done romance books ever |
Is it another Julie Ann Long in a row? Yes, yes it is. But you know what, I don’t care — her books are so good and you should read them. This one especially, because it stole my heart, twisted it around and I’ve yet to recover fully.
Ginny is the eldest sister of her family and has raised her younger siblings (one brother and two twin sisters) since her parents died when she was eight. When her brother gambles away all their money at a gaming hell, she goes to London to confront the notorious owner, Gabriel Marchand.
She’s actually angling for the name of whoever won her brother’s money, but Gabriel, wanting to make her go away, offers a night in his bed in exchange for a debt to his house forgiven.
She refuses, of course, but then they’re stuck living at the same small inn and when Ginny goes on a quest through London to find the man her brother bet against and get their money back, Gabriel follows to ensure she doesn’t embarass his establishment.
But slowly, they start growing feelings for each other and soon enough her time in London draws to a close as they have to face their class differences and pasts. If you want to see me gush about this book some more, check out my Game of Rogues review.
The Luckiest Lady in London by Sherry Thomas
“Because I’ve never been wanted so much by a woman who dislikes me so. And I would like to experience that fully.”
| Tropes | morally gray characters, class difference, some really good grovelling, he falls harder |
| Page count | 276 pages |
| Part of a series? | It’s part one of the series, no need for prior reading |
| Spice level | 2/5 (they talk about steamy stuff a lot, but not a ton happens, though it is very explicit) |
| Read if | You want a book where both the hero and the heroine are awful, morally gray people and so much fun |
I was initially skeptical over whether this book would work for me or not just because a lot of people online said the hero is horrible, but what do you know — I adored this! It’s actually not that the hero is horrible, but that both he and the heroine are manipulative and scheming, so it’s fun to read them bantering and trying to get the upper hand on the other.
The story follows Louisa who needs a husband with money, badly. Her family was always poor, but now that her father died and they’re living on a stipend her mother gets from her rich family (who otherwise shunned her after she married). Louisa knows that once her mother dies, they’ll have nothing and they won’t all be able to work because her youngest sister has epilepsy and needs someone with her at all times.
So, she takes her one season in London and comes prepared with lists of eligible bachelors and a very marriageable persona. But what she doesn’t expect is to catch the eye of the most eligible bachelor of all — Marquess of Wrenworth.
She’s a practical girl and even though she wants him and finds her own likeness in him, she won’t fall for his charms because she knows he won’t marry her. And yet they can’t seem to stay away from each other.
This is a wonderful, funny book, and I highly recommend it! See my full review of The Luckiest Lady in London here.
When a Scot Ties a Knot by Tessa Dare
“I’d have to be dead in my grave before I stopped fighting for you, Madeline. Even then, I’d move six feet of earth to find a way.”
| Tropes | marriage of convenience, class difference, Scottish hero, women in STEM |
| Page count | 390 pages |
| Part of a series? | It’s part two of this series, but I read it as a standalone and had no issues |
| Spice level | 2/5 (they talk about wanting to sleep together a lot, and it is explicit but not too much) |
| Read if | You want a silly, goofy book that feels more contemporary or you’ve never read a historical romance before |
When a Scot Ties a Knot is the first historical romance I’ve ever read, and I highly recommend it if you’re new to this genre. It’s breezy, funny and light, with plenty of swoon and not quite so many societal rules as in most of these other books.
The story follows our heroine Maddie who really didn’t want to go to balls or look for a husband when she was younger. So, she invented a man named Captain MacKenzie and told everyone they plan to get married when he’s back from war.
She writes him letters to support the ruse, and she imagines those letters must be thrown away, so she treats them as a sort of diary. After several years, she kills off her sweetheart because she feels bad (she even got a house out of the whole thing).
And then she’s living happily, blissfully left alone in her big house. But then after some time, the real Captain MacKenzie appears at her door and demands marriage or he’ll expose her secrets (because he did read all of her letters).
It’s a fun romp of a book, and I talk about it in detail in my When a Scot Ties The Knot review.
Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase
“Jessica, you are a pain in the arse, do you know that? If I were not so immensely fond of you, I should throw you out the window.”
She wrapped her arms about his waist and laid her head against his chest. “Not merely ‘fond,’ but ‘immensely fond.’ Oh Dain, I do believe I shall swoon.”
“Not now,” he said crossly. “I haven’t time to pick you up.”
| Tropes | marriage of convenience, funny banter, awesome heroine |
| Page count | 375 pages |
| Part of a series? | It’s part 3 of the Scoundrels series, but you really don’t need to read the rest to be able to read this one |
| Spice level | 2/5 (there’s maybe one or two scenes, and they are explicit, but not too much) |
| Read if | You want a book where the banter is top-tier and the heroine is truly one of a kind |
Lord of Scoundrels is one of the most legendary historical romances, and I cannot recommend it enough. If When a Scot Ties the Knot was my first historical romance, then this one is the first that made me see this genre could be the one I permanently stick with. So, as you can see, I was thoroughly impressed by it.
The story follows Jessica Trent, who comes to Paris to save her brother from spending all of his money and drinking himself dead with a group of scoundrels, chief of which is Lord Dain. But what she finds is a handsome, intelligent man, who seems to want to verbally spar with her.
They begin a battle of wills, each manipulating the society in their own ways, all the while longing for each other. But then comes an incident which must end in marriage, and Lord Dain and Jessica have to figure out how to be together.
You can see my full review here, but this is a beautifully written, funny book you’ll adore.
The Very Definition of Love by Sophia Benoit
“Even if you offer up the absolute miracle of having you for a night. I don’t want that. Well, I do. But I don’t think I could stand to have you only for one night. I want more than that. I want you to have more than that. I want you to love me.” She opened her mouth. “Harriet, if you interrupt me right now, so help me God!” She wisely closed her mouth. “I want you to love me because I treat you well. Because I’m faithful to you. Because I’m actually a good husband to you. I want you to love me because I give you what you deserve, which is unadulterated devotion. Harriet, I want you to love me because I love you.”
| Tropes | marriage of convenience, he falls first and harder, wallflower/rake |
| Page count | 448 pages |
| Part of a series? | Part one of the Bancroft Sisters series, and part two is coming soon! |
| Spice level | 3/5 (several spicy scenes, very explicit) |
| Read if | You want a fun ride with good banter and a seriously down bad hero |
Harriet is a word nerd and a bit of a spinster and she wants to put together a dictionary of modern slang, which is what she’s researching in the library at a party when she finds herself in a compromising position with a rake named Alexander. The compromising position being that they were alone, speaking, and he tried to clean off a bad word she wrote on her arm before they got caught.
Because of this, Harriet knows they have to marry. She has younger sisters whose reputation needs to be protected because they’re already very low in social standing. But Alex is not very easy to convince, so she strongarms him into marriage (literally kidnaps him). The deal is that they’ll live mostly separate lives, and because Alex doesn’t want kids, Harriet says they can’t sleep together.
Only, Alexander finds himself wanting to spend time with her, unable to do anything else, and she’s not immune to his charms either.
This book is really cute and funny, with some surprisingly tender moments. Great read, especially if you want a historical romance that’s more recently written. See my full review here!
Ravishing the Heiress by Sherry Thomas
“But tonight, after the carriages left, there would be Millie, her scent like a breeze from their lavender field at the height of summer, her skin as smooth as the finest velvet.
Their eyes met. She flushed. Desire tumbled through him.”
| Tropes | marriage of convenience, friends to lovers, heartache and yearning, he’s in love with someone else |
| Page count | 283 pages |
| Part of a series? | Yes, it’s part two of the Fitzhugh trilogy, but can be read as a standalone (sort of, I heard there are scenes in the first book with Millie and Fitz, but I read just this) |
| Spice level | 2/5 (a few spicy and explicit scenes, but also emotional) |
| Read if | You enjoy suffering and watching down on their luck, stoic heroines finally get their happily ever after |
Ravishing the Heiress is the perfect book if you want to suffer through it with the heroine, and see her finally get what she deserves. I had mixed feelings mostly because of the hero, but while I was reading, the story made me tear up so much and so many times, and I found the romance really lovely after all.
Millie and Earl Fitzhugh married young and for money, forced by their families — she was rich and he just got a title that came with lots of debt. But they agreed not to consummate the marriage for eight years, and then only to get an heir, after which they would live separate lives. Now the eight years are up, and the woman whom Fitz loved is back.
He’s determined to be with her, but also to fulfill his deal with Millie and give her an heir before he leaves. The problem is, Millie has been in love with him the whole time, and he finds that his old flame doesn’t hold quite the same charm as his life with Millie does, especially since they’ve built a good life together. See my thoughts in Ravishing the Heiress review.
All of Us Murderers by KJ Charles
“Beautiful as ever, you scruffy, ridiculous stray cat of a man.”
| Tropes | second chance romance, murder mystery, horror |
| Page count | 343 pages |
| Part of a series? | No, it’s a standalone |
| Spice level | 2/5 (emotionally charged scenes more than explicit) |
| Read if | You want something spooky but still very romantic and surprisingly healthy |
All of Us Murderers is quite unique — it gives you some whodunnit mystery, some horror, and some lovely second-chance romance.
Our hero, Zebedee (or Zeb) accepts a cousin’s invitation to come to his estate simply because he has nothing better to do. He was fired from his job, and he’s heartbroken, so he figures, why not?
Well, the why shows up pretty quickly when his ex opens the door, and the rest of his horrible family is also there. The cousin doesn’t plan to let them go easily and Gideon, Zeb’s ex, is cold and determined to ignore him.
And then the cousin announces that he wants one of the assembled men to marry his ward to inherit the fortune, which sets off a very bad series of events. Find my full review here!
The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews
“The point is,” she said, “I don’t need you to be noble. I only need you to be mine.”
| Tropes | marriage of convenience, suspense, a bit insta love/lust |
| Page count | 348 pages |
| Part of a series? | Yes, it’s part one of the Parish Orphans of Devon series |
| Spice level | 0/5 (it’s not spicy at all, not even fade to black) |
| Read if | You want something romantic but also suspenseful |
If you’re looking for a historical romance that isn’t spicy, but gives you all the swoons, try this one! Mimi Matthews writes excellent Victorian romance books, and this is the first one I read by her.
It follows Helena, who needs to escape her horrible uncle, so she enters a marriage of convenience with a man she found via matrimonial advertisement. However, her uncle is not deterred, and so Helena and her new, reclusive husband Justin have to fake it in front of the whole of London, all the while fighting their real desires because neither believes themselves worthy of the other’s love.
I have a full review of this book here if you want more details.
The Highwayman by Kerrigan Byrne
“The last thing he heard was the sound of his Fairy, his wife, screaming his name. His last thought was he had failed her. He had lost her forever.”
| Tropes | villainous, traumatized hero, widowed heroine (I won’t add more to avoid spoilers) |
| Page count | 356 pages |
| Part of a series? | Part one of the Victorian Rebels series (can be read as a standalone) |
| Spice level | 3/5 |
| Read if | You want something spicy but also emotional and healing |
This is not an easy read, far from it, but it’s so good you just have to give it a try. The story begins with two orphans, Farah and Dougan, becoming friends and falling in love.
For two years, they get to keep each other, and then Farah tells Dougan that she has to marry her late father’s lawyer when she’s old enough, so Dougan marries her in a Scottish hand-fasting ceremony.
But then a priest tries to molest Farah and Dougan kills him, which lands him in prison. Seventeen years later, Farah lives as his widow and works for Scotland Yard, when a man named Dorian, the infamous criminal, is arrested.
He kidnaps her and claims he’s a friend of Dougan’s and that Dougan’s death wish was for him to marry her.
The Countess Conspiracy by Courtney Milan
“Do you want to know why you don’t meet my standards?” he asked.
She shook her head in mortification.
“Too late,” he replied. “Here’s my most important rule: Never have intercourse when one of the parties is in love with the other. It won’t end well.”
She gasped. “You arrogant cad! I’m not in love with you.”
“I know.” He didn’t look away from her. “Isn’t that what I said? Only one of us is in love, and it isn’t you.”
| Tropes | women in STEM, friends to lovers, he falls first and harder, widowed heroine |
| Page count | 309 pages |
| Part of a series? | Yes, it’s part 3 of the Brothers Sinister series (but I read it as a standalone, no issues) |
| Spice level | 2/5 (spicy but more emotionally charged) |
| Read if | You want something that reads more like women’s fiction but with a really sweet romance |
Violet and Sebastian are friends who made a deal five years ago — he’ll present her scandalous scientific theories as her own (because, you know, women and science did not go well together back then).
But now his brother is dying and he needs a good reputation if he wants to get his nephew after his brother is gone. However, Violet is not ready to let this scheme go, so she tries to manipulate him into continuing, which sort of sets off a series of events in which they finally face their feelings for each other.
Violet is hard to like at first, but you warm up to her the more you understand her, and Sebastian is great throughout.
Final Thoughts
Historical romance stole my heart and I hope it will do the same for you. These have been my absolute favorite books of this genre, but I’ll keep the list updated in the future as I read more amazing books. If none of these end up working for you, let me know in the comments and I’ll make sure to give you a personalized recommendation. And if you prefer to browse alone, here are some places where you can start:
- If you hate insta love, I recommend trying these amazing slow burn romance books.
- In case you like a little spice, I recommend some excellent age gap romance books.
- And you can try this page if second chance romance is your thing.
- If you’d like books with older main characters, my favorite mature romance books should help.
- And if you want something autumnal, perhaps these fall romances will work for you.
What’s your favorite historical romance of all time? Let me know in the comments and let’s chat!
