Best Historical Romance Books: 11 Sizzling, Swoon-Worthy Must-Read Stories Based in the Past

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Most book lovers can agree that the greatest stories are the ones that offer a mesmerizing escape — and few literary genres provide as much escape as historical romance books. This romantic sub genre of historical fiction often transports readers to the Regency era known for its glittery balls, empire-waist gowns and palace gossip a la Bridgerton. Other books in this genre take readers to the Victorian Era or Elizabethan Era and beyond, but no matter which era the historical romance book is set in, it’s sure to be filled with swoon-worthy tropes like forced proximity and marriage of convenience — or even more niche tropes like reforming a rake, wallflower makeovers and sudden inheritances. Here, we gathered up 10 of the best historical romance book recommendations from Woman’s World editors and book lovers alike.

Want to visit a Scottish castle where a handsome soldier appears on the doorstep? Pick up When a Scot Ties The Knot by Tessa Dare, a story readers describe as an “excellent introduction to historical romance.” If you’re more in the mood for an ‘opposites attract’ storyline set in 1879 England, dive into Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore.

Keep scrolling for our entire list of historical romance book recommendations. Happy reading!

Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

Fed up with all the gossip and drama swirling around about him, Colin Bridgerton returns from his travels ready to shut the rumors down. He’s also tired of the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can’t seem to publish a story without mentioning him. When he’s back in London, Colin realizes nothing is the same — especially Penelope Featherington! The girl who was always simply there is suddenly the girl he can’t stop thinking about. But she’s his sister’s best friend…and she’s harboring a secret that could ruin everything. Now, Colin must decide if Penelope is worth the happily ever after.

What readers are saying: "Quinn's writing shines in this novel, showcasing her remarkable talent for crafting engaging and well-rounded characters. Penelope's relatability and intelligence make her a compelling heroine, while Colin's charisma and genuine kindness make him utterly swoon-worthy. The author deftly brings these characters to life, allowing readers to become emotionally invested in their journey."

Marrying Winterborne by Lisa Kleypas

When it comes to historical romance, lovers of the genre always recommend one author again and again: Lisa Kleypas. And Marrying Winterborne is regarded as one of her best. The story follows Rhys Winterborne who wasn’t born with a silver spoon — it was his tireless ambition that made him a success. When he meets Lady Helen Ravenel, he falls in love with the shy beauty at first sight. Sheltered all her life, Helen is introduced to a whole new world by Rhys. However, despite Rhys’ wealth, he’s still an outsider in Helen’s aristocratic circles. Between family drama and a dark lingering secret, will these two actually get their hard-earned happily ever after?

What readers are saying: "The story was so beautiful, romantic, passionate, funny and gave a great insight into London at the turn of the century. I imagined Rhys Winterborne so thoroughly. He has a whole story and he is so handsome and loves Helen crazily!" 

When A Scot Ties A Knot by Tessa Dare

Bestselling author Tessa Dare is known for writing undeniable attraction between two characters — and When a Scot Ties the Knot delivers all her signature charm. This story centers on Miss Madeline Gracechurch, who is pretty yet shy and finds herself awkward in the London marriage mart. Her solution: She makes up a sweetheart. She tells people all about her Scottish love, a dedicated man who just so happens to not be around very much. When she pens letters by the imaginary Captain MacKenzie, she puts her all into it. She even pretends to be devastated after hearing news of him being lost in battle. This charade allows her to avoid the London romantic society entirely. Then, years later, someone shows up on her doorstep…and it's the real Captain Logan MacKenzie.

What readers are saying: "This book has a special place in my heart. It was my first Tessa Dare read! I also highly recommend the audiobook — and the epilogue on her website!"

Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore

This joyful, hopeful romance whisks readers away to another time! Annabelle Archer is on the precipice of a new frontier for women in 1879, England: She has earned herself a place among the first group of female students at the renowned University of Oxford. But in return for the scholarship she’s been given to go there, she must recruit men of influence to support the women’s suffrage movement. And when she and her first target, Duke Sebastian Devereux, meet, they soon enter into a passionate battle between British social order, their dueling willfulness…and feelings neither of them ever expected.

What readers are saying: "This delightful debut novel from Evie Dunmore is a perfect blend of a sensual romance and a well-researched historical backdrop. The ‘opposites attract across the social divide’ is one of my favorite tropes and she pulls it off brilliantly by pairing women’s rights advocate Annabelle Archer with the austere Sebastian Devereux, Duke of Montgomery."

Vivid by Beverly Jenkins

Deep passion and extraordinary moments meld in Beverly Jenkins’ Vivid. Set in 1876, this story follows Dr. Viveca Lancaster, who is referred to as “Vivid” by her family. When she is offered the opportunity to set up a practice in the small Black community of Grayson Grove, Michigan, she leaves her home in California and heads to the other coast. When Viveca arrives in Michigan, she meets the mayor, Nate Grayson — who is as stubborn as he is handsome. What follows is a historically rich story filled with sweeping romance.

What readers are saying: "I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance that told the story of an African American female physician in the 1900s. This story details her struggle toward acceptance in a small town and the discovery of a true love. You will learn history of Black female physicians and other female pioneers in various professions. This book is filled with history, mystery and love.”

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

The first book in Diana Gabaldon’s acclaimed Outlander series delights with an unforgettable romance and complex characters. In 1945 Scotland, former British combat nurse Claire Randall embarks on a second honeymoon with her husband. While there, she stumbles upon a standing stone in one of the ancient circles, and suddenly, she turns into a Sassenach — an “outlander” in the year 1743. Now, her only chance at survival is a handsome young Scots warrior named Jamie Fraser. What follows is a fiery battle of wills, time, hearts and, ultimately, love.

What readers are saying: "This is a beautiful love story with history, adventure and fantastical elements. Its ambition is realized on every page and I cannot wait to see where Diana takes us next. I know that both Jamie and Claire have hard times ahead of them and I’m okay with that, even excited about what adventures lay ahead of them, as long as they continue to slay bad guys together and remain their swoon-worthy dynamic that I’ve just so madly fallen in love with."

Nine Rules To Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah Maclean

In this sweeping, steamy and achingly romantic tale, bestselling author Sarah Maclean dazzles. Calpurnia Hartwell is a 28-year-old rule-follower, but this has left her unnoticed and unsatisfied for far too long. To get a taste of the life she’s been missing, she needs someone who can teach her all about rule-breaking. Enter Gabriel St. John, Marquess of Ralston — a handsome man with a wicked, ruthless reputation. As Calpurnia navigates this bold new world and feels a sudden attraction like never before, will she want to leave her old life behind?

What readers are saying: "This is also one of the hotter historical romances I've read. The sexual tension between the characters are through the roof! And literally, every time Callie and Ralson are alone something wicked happens! One of the reason I love Regency is that every touch, every look, means something and Ms. MacLean used those little moments to full advantage! I loved every minute of it!!"

A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera

It’s 1889 in Paris and Luz Alana is the new heir to her family’s rum business. No one seems to be taking her seriously, though, because she’s a woman — until she meets a titled Scotsman named Evan Sinclair. Could a marriage of convenience save them both?

What readers are saying: "The suspense in A Caribbean Heiress in Paris is fascinating, and spans several different countries, a fight over a dukedom and so much money being stolen and wasted. The love between Evan and Luz Alana is so strong, but it all depends on whether or not she decides to stay in the end. I am in love with my very first book by Adriana Herrera and the first BIPOC Historical Romance I've ever read. It definitely will not be my last!"

The Duchess by Sophie Jordan

In the second installment of The Scandalous Ladies of London, it’s one year after Valencia, the Dowager Duchess of Dedham, lost her wretched husband, and she loves her new life of freedom. That all changes when the new Duke of Dedham, Rhain, and his six sisters move into Valencia’s home. They strike a deal: Valencia will introduce Rhain’s sisters to all the eligible bachelors, and Rhain will help Valencia financially, ensuring her independence.

What readers are saying: "The Scandalous Ladies of London series features slightly older female main characters than we are used to in many historical romances. In The Countess, Tru is 37, and in The Duchess, Valencia is 32. While they are still younger than I am as a reader, I fully appreciate the life experiences the older heroines offer — this makes their backstories richer. If there’s one thing I truly love in my historical romances, it’s an experienced heroine."

To Woo and to Wed by Martha Waters

Pitch-perfect banter and sizzling scenes abound in To Woo and to Wed, the fifth and final installment of The Regency Vows series by Martha Waters. This story follows West, the Marquess of Weston and soon-to-be Duke, and recently widowed Sophie, also known as Lady Fitzwilliam Bridewell. West and Sophie are not new friends. Years ago, they were almost engaged…until West’s accident and his meddling father derailed it all. Now, they have a chance to reunite, but it’s not what it seems. What follows is a series of schemes, secrets and fake engagements and a second chance at happily ever after. This novel is sure to delight fans of Bridgerton!

What readers are saying: "I absolutely love this entire series but this is by far my favorite of all of the books! I adore a swoony second chance romance and this book delivers a heart wrenching back story that makes you physically ache for the characters. After four books of wondering what happened in their past, we finally get answers."

Queen Bee by Amalie Howard

From bestselling author Amalie Howard comes another captivating love story. After her best friend Poppy ruined her reputation Lady Ela Dalvi had no choice but to leave her hometown. Now, three years later Ela returns home undercover as one of London's elites home determined to get her revenge, but when the only boy she ever love shows up Ela is forced to figure out what is more important: love or revenge.

What readers are saying: "I love novels that combine adventure and love" shares Carissa Mosness, Woman's World Assistant Digital Editor. "And this one did that perfectly! Filled with a super strong main character and a super sweet love story thisnovel grabbed my attention from chapter one and never let it go."

For more romance recommendations, keep scrolling!

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