Historical romance novels are some of the most popular books in the romance genre.
This book list highlights the appeal of historical romance novels and offers recommendations for the best books worth reading to help you fall in love with this genre.
You are reading: Best historical romance books of all time
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the best historical romance novels to fall in love with the genre
Although I read a lot of contemporary romance books, I also love historical romance novels.
My favorite historical romance novels on this list written by some of the best historical romance authors are the reasons I fell in love with this genre.
These books may be the reason you become a historical romance junkie.
Historical romance novels not only dive deep into the history of the era or time period in which the book is set, they often offer rich character development and prose so descriptive it immediately transports you. to the past and you feel like you’re interacting with the characters from the books.
Before we get to the books, let me give you a quick look at what historical romance novels are and why you might want to read them.
what are historical romance novels?
Romance books categorized as historical romance novels are books with a plot that takes place before 1950.
Of course, this leaves a wide range of time periods and parts of the world to explore in a historical romance novel.
the good news? there is so much variety to choose from that this romance genre can satisfy the interests of many readers.
epochs & time periods in historical romance novels
These are the most prevalent and popular time periods and eras in history that appear in historical romance novels:
- medieval period
- Viking age
- 17th century Scottish Highlands
- Colonial America
- Regency England*
- Victorian England
- American civil war
- American western expansion
- early 20th century
*a note on historical regency romance novels
Regency historical romance novels are considered a subgenre of romance books themselves. include stories between the time period of 1811-1820, during England’s regency era, although some books in this category may expand the time period between 1795-1837.
All books in the romance genre meet two criteria: one: the main story focuses on a relationship, and two: this central love story ends with a happy and upbeat ending.
Regency historical romance books, however, are a bit different.
In Regency historical romance novels, the emphasis of the story is more on the society of the time and the dialogue of that period.
Of course, there are relationships in the stories, but these too are traditionally lower on the steam scale of romance.
the stigma of historical romance novels
Even if you’re a fan of romance books, you may turn a blind eye to historical romance novels thinking they’re all groundbreaking or just full of women in corsets falling on the heels of men amongst patriarchal society.
This is far from the truth, at least when it comes to my favorite authors.
I find that historical romance novels often show the strongest women, maybe fighting uphill battles but fighting anyway, or at least showing their backbone.
historical romance book covers
Of course, book covers of historical romance novels have traditionally not helped this stigma.
fabio became a household name as the kind of male model that would grace the cover of a historical romance book. His long flowing hair, his shirt revealing his chest with his wife crossed over his arm may have been the standard cover of a book, but things have changed.
Currently my favorite historical romance covers have the heroine adorning the cover in beautiful dresses or many have received a modern update.
regardless, historical romance novels shouldn’t be judged or dismissed simply by their covers.
the lure of historical romance novels
part of the appeal to me of historical romance novels is the theft, the hidden glances or the slightest touch that evokes so much passion and intimacy between the heroes and heroines of the stories.
Oftentimes, intimacy or sexual tension isn’t thrown in your face, it just lurks below the surface, and I love it! That’s not to say that historical romance novels can’t have the same level of steam that many have.
There’s also something to be said for the various heroes of the historical romance.
I’m just as much a fan of rakes and rogues as I am of dukes and lords, although I do have a real soft spot for Scottish highlanders.
Many historical romance novels are also part of a full book series, so you can follow beloved characters through multiple books.
If you love reading romantic books that get you in the Christmas spirit, there are also historical romantic Christmas novels!
historical romance books worth reading
This list of books starts with my top ten favorite historical romance novels that I guarantee will turn the most skeptical reader into a lover of the genre.
pick one and let me know if it really worked!
what you’ll find in this list:
- 10 Best Historical Romance Novels
- Book Recommendations by Historical Period
- Best Sellers the best novels by historical romance authors
*alternate covers may exist for these historical romance novels.
10 best historical romance novels
I consider the historical romance novels below to be some of the best books worth reading. They have amazing characters, outstanding writing and story lines, and they take you back in time making you feel like you’re part of the story.
If you’re new to this genre and seeing it for the first time, you can’t go wrong reading one of these historical novels.
Couldn’t have a better list of historical romance novels without including Outlander even though Gabaldon doesn’t consider his book a romance novel.
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It’s okay because there’s no denying that one of the best parts of this book (besides the writing, the historical references, and the time travel!) is the relationship between Jamie and Claire. It’s a slow relationship that turns into something sizzling!
A former combat nurse just back from the war is reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she walks through a circle of standing stones. She travels back in time to 1743 and a war-torn Scotland where she meets a young highland warrior.
This book has it all, from an intriguing story to great world building and amazing characters. This story is truly captivating and will have you reading the entire book series!
amazon | good reads
I love it when a man in a romance book falls completely in love with the woman, especially when it’s the last thing he expected or wanted.
when the duke of falconbridge gets angry, he chooses to take revenge by seducing the sister of the one who cheated on him. he just didn’t anticipate falling in love with her, her wit and her passion.
I loved the developing relationship between genevieve and alexander and seeing their strength and honesty. definitely one of the best historical romances to read!
amazon | good reads
judith mcnaught is without a doubt one of the best historical romance authors and her book, A Kingdom of Dreams, was the first historical romance book I ever read.
Jennifer Merrick is kidnapped by the Duke of Claymore, but she is not a flower in this interesting story. I love headstrong heroines and the tension between Jennifer and Royce in this book was off the charts, making it hard to put down.
I consider any judith mcnaught historical romance a must read, but this one was my favourite.
amazon | good reads
Truce is not only one of my favorite historical romance books, but it’s also one of my favorite romance books of all time, it’s that good!
This book is part of Mathewson’s Neighbor from Hell series, which includes every contemporary romance book except this one, and it’s wonderful!
It’s an engaging enemies to lovers story that’s super hot and has you on the edge of your seat, wondering what’s going to happen between elizabeth and robert.
A woman who is desperate for her inheritance and a second child with nothing to offer: can these childhood enemies find love?
I loved this book and reread it at least once a year. you won’t be disappointed. It was also part of my list of the best historical romance erotic books.
amazon | good reads
lisa kleypas is another name synonymous with historical romance whose popularity she deserves due to all her wonderful works.
one of their most popular historical romance series is wallflowers and devil in winter is my absolute favorite.
Evangeline is forced to approach Sebastian, a known libertine, and ask for his hand in marriage to save her inheritance. Evie may seem shy and awkward, but Sebastian, the notorious womanizer, easily falls for her. i loved evie, but sebastian might be one of kleypas best and most loved characters.
A must read for any historical romance reader and a great choice for someone exploring the genre.
amazon | good reads
Another must-read historical romance author is Julia Quinn, whose complete list of books in the Bridgerton series is a must-read.
My favorite of the series is A Gentleman’s Offering, which is a Cinderella story. Sophie is a servant who attends a ball and dances with dashing Benedict. Benedict is determined to find and marry the woman from the ball, but he meets the maid Sophie and begins to fall in love with her.
I loved this pair and you will too. After reading this book, you can see these characters come to life in the Netflix series, Bridgerton!
amazon | good reads
I can’t believe I’ve only read two julie garwood books so far because they’ve been phenomenal. I love historical romances like the one where the bride begins with a man who needs to get married and the woman he chooses is anything but thrilled by the prospect.
Alec Kinkaid is a Scottish laird forced to marry an English bride and chooses the headstrong Jamie. She may be young, but she stands her ground against Alec, but soon loses her heart to him despite her best efforts.
You won’t be disappointed in this popular historical romance novel.
amazon | good reads
I never turn down a historical romance with a Scotsman, and Maya Banks writes several must-see romances starring sexy Highlanders.
never love a highlander is my favorite of the mccabe brothers trilogy, although they are all wonderful reads. we have a jilted girlfriend and a brother determined to redeem himself in this whimsical historical romance that had me glued from page to page.
It’s also full of action and intrigue, which makes the story even more interesting. Check out this and all Banks Highlander Historical Romance Novels.
amazon | good reads
I’ll admit I first picked up donati in the desert because I read that claire fraser from outlander made an appearance as a character and I just adore her. But once I started reading, I was hooked by the world painted by Donati’s prose and the characters that filled that world.
We meet an English woman living in New York who soon falls in love with an American frontiersman.
It is an epic love story, but this book contains much more. is a fascinating story of life on the frontier and a look at the struggle between the villagers and the Mohawk Nation.
I had to move on to the second book right after I finished this gripping historical romance novel.
amazon | good reads
I said I was a sucker for historical romances with Highlanders, right?!
I’ve read almost the entire highlander series on moning and tame a highland warrior is my favourite. This is the story of a love once denied, but fate brings Jillian and Gavrael’s paths to cross once again.
Moning’s stories are woven a little supernatural, which was new to me, but I loved it. prepare to be dragged into another world with this one.
amazon | good reads
recommendations of historical romance novels by period
These are historical romance novel book recommendations by time period to help you find the book that most appeals to you.
Whenever possible, I’ve included a different romance book from my top 10 list to give you more options.
medieval historical romance novel (5th-15th century in europe)
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gwenllian de ruardean is the Welsh daughter of a powerful marching lord who is more comfortable training as a knight and leading his men than wearing a dress and acting as lady of the manor.
When she rescues and nurses Ranulf, King Edward I’s favorite assassin, back to health, their lives are forever intertwined.
This book had a lot going for it. characters with internal struggles, a slow passion, a history of marriage of convenience, as well as cunning, intrigue and suspense.
i loved disappearing into the medieval world of kingston and found gwenellian and ranulf to be two fascinating characters.
amazon | good reads
Viking historical romance novel (middle ages 793-1066)
Lady Brenna was kidnapped by Viking invaders, but vowed that no barbarian would enslave her noble Celtic heart until Garrick Haardrad, the proud and powerful son of a ruthless Viking chieftain, claims her.
amazon | good reads
historical romance novel from the Scottish Highlands
judith leaves her english home to be by the side of her childhood friend in the scottish highlands when she gives birth. She didn’t anticipate falling in love with Clan Lord Ian, but it’s her secret that could destroy her love.
amazon | good reads
historical romance novel of colonial america (1607 to 1776)
elizabeth has left her home in england to join her family in a remote mountain town in new york. Once there, she falls in love with a white man who lives with the Mohawk people even though she is engaged to another.
amazon | good reads
regency historical romance novel (1811-1820)
In one of the most popular romance novels of all time, headstrong Elizabeth Bennett, one of the five Bennett sisters, clashes with the proud and aristocratic Mr. darcy.
amazon | good reads
Victorian historical romance novel (1837-1901)
annabelle’s family depends on her marrying a rich man, but her most persistent admirer is an evil rogue. As much as she tries to ignore Simon’s advances, her attraction to him may be the undoing of her family.
amazon | good reads
historical romance novel of the civil war (1607 to 1776)
elle and malcolm find themselves as spies sent to infiltrate the confederacy. Joining forces to fight against a common enemy, will they be able to preserve their union and their forbidden love?
amazon | good reads
historical romance novel about the American westward expansion (1807-1910)
Naomi and her family make their way from Oregon to a better life in California, where she meets and falls in love with a half-coach. But life on the road is full of hardship and death, and staying together can be the hardest thing of all.
amazon | good reads | my review
early 20th century
Anne travels to Ireland to scatter her late grandfather’s ashes and finds herself transported to 1921 Ireland with the country on the brink of war.
She is drawn into the conflict alongside Thomas, where she is faced with the choice of leaving the life she knew or the man she has come to love.
amazon | good reads
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best selling historical romance authors & his best books
When I think of historical romance novels, several well-known authors come to mind.
These women are considered the best of the best in historical romance and their most popular historical romance novel (according to goodreads) is highlighted below.
judith mcnaught
judith mcnaught is one of my favorite romance book authors of all time and i adore her historical romance novels. this was the first historical romance novel i ever read :
The headstrong Scottish girl, Jennifer Merrick, is kidnapped from her convent school by the wolf, the fierce English warrior. Though they are both proud, passionate, and sworn enemies, her attraction soon becomes undeniable.
amazon | good reads
lisa kleypas
lisa kleypas is another one of my favorite romance book authors of all time. she writes the best series of historical romance books, so you won’t be able to stop with just one book!
An unexpected inheritance elevates Amelia’s family and forces her to navigate life among high society. she asks the camera for help, who is surprised by her attraction, which makes London society that much more interesting.
amazon | good reads
julia quinn
julia quinn is another one of my favorite romance book authors of all time. her historical romance book series bridgertons is becoming a tv series on netflix so read them all then binge watch the show!
Simon and Daphne’s courtship is real to everyone but them. He is desperate to escape nosy mothers, while Daphne hopes her association will attract worthy suitors. But with all the scheming and pretenses, Daphne discovers that she is falling in love with the Duke.
amazon | good reads
johanna lindsey
georgina anderson is desperate to return to america, so she disguises herself as a cabin boy, aboard the ship under the command of captain james mallory, not expecting to fall in love with the ex-pirate.
amazon | good reads
julie garwood
The king’s edict has forced the Scottish laird, Alec Kincaid, to marry an Englishwoman and his choice is Jaime, the youngest daughter of a baron who has sworn to herself never to love the Highlander.
But unknown forces threaten her more than her growing desire for her husband.
amazon | good reads
jude deveraux
no one could match the fierceness of the english conqueror lyon until he met lyonene. But after a whirlwind romance, jealousy and lies drive them apart, and only the black lion can save his beloved.
amazon | good reads
jane austen
Pride and Prejudice is not only Austen’s most popular work, it is also one of her best-known romance novels.
The headstrong elizabeth bennett, one of the five bennett sisters, clashes with the proud and aristocratic mr. Darcy and both must overcome their assumptions to discover a precious love between them.
amazon | good reads
tessa dares
izzy may have grown up with romantic love stories, but she’s long since given up on finding love and romance for herself.
With barely a roof over his head, he learns that he has inherited a ruined castle in which a duke already lives.
amazon | good reads | my review
sarah maclean
lady calpurnia hartwell has always followed the rules, but it has only left her single and unfulfilled. With the help of the Marquis of Ralston, she is determined to break all the rules and find out everything she’s been missing.
amazon | good reads
beverly jenkins
rhine fontaine’s success hinges on her ability to pass for white, but if she wants a relationship with eddy, she may have to give it all up.
amazon | good reads
julia ana long
No one is against the Duke of Falconbridge, but when Ian Eversea does exactly that, Moncrieff plots revenge on Ian’s sister, Genevieve. he just didn’t expect his passion or her ingenuity and now his plans must change.
amazon | good reads
eloisa james
linnet has always been told that she is beautiful, so of course she is betrothed to a beast. The Count of Marchant will not be seduced by any woman, but Ella Linnet is not just any woman.
amazon | good reads
elizabeth hoyt
The Widow Anna is in dire financial straits and the Earl of Swartingham needs a new secretary who won’t be intimidated by his short temper and rude behavior. Anna not only accepts the job, but she also plans to make him her mistress.
amazon | good reads
kathleen woodwiss
the lands of aislinn have been ravaged by the savage norman iron wolf. Enslaved by him, she is determined to destroy him, but she too burns from this touch.
amazon | good reads
maria balough
the duke of bewcastle has arrived in london and is looking for a mistress. Christine rejects her offer, but Wulfric will not rest until she is his.
amazon | good reads
Do you have a favorite historical romance novel? share in the comments below!
lists of related books:
- best historical romance series to devour
- books like bridgerton for obsessed series fans
- historical romantic christmas novels to read over the holidays
- top erotic historical romance novels that will test your e-reader
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