Must-Read Historical Romance Books

What starts as a Regency Cinderella story takes on a life of its own with Julia Quinn behind the reins in this installment of the Bridgerton series. This story follows Benedict, the second son in the Bridgerton family, and Sophie, when they meet at a masquerade ball. Read the book before watching season four of the show!

India Holton, the author of The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, does it again with this Victorian-set story of rival academics. This romance between two bird enthusiasts is full of adventure, wit and absurdity. “All may be fair in love and war, but this is ornithology.”

Arthur, a reclusive earl, and Lydia, a wallflower political pamphleteer, team up to solve a mystery in this romance from Alexandra Vasti. Hilarious, well-researched and filled to the brim with yearning, things go sideways so many times, they turn out right-side-up.

From Alexis Hall, the author of Boyfriend Material, comes a beautifully-written, charming and heartfelt friends-to-lovers romance. A young soldier in Regency England uses the Battle of Waterloo as an opportunity to fake her own death and live as herself. When she hears that her childhood best friend isn’t doing well in the wake of his best friend’s death and the trauma of war, she returns to his side to help.

Beverly Jenkins is an icon of historical romance. Set during Reconstruction, Val moves to New Orleans from the North as it is being put back together in the wake of the Civil War — a teacher, come to educate those newly freed. When she meets Captain Drake LeVeq, a powerful and comforting love story begins, though it doesn’t shy away from the difficulties of the period. 

Ruined is a gorgeously illustrated graphic novel about a marriage of convenience between an aristocrat in need of money and a rich woman with a compromised reputation. Perfect for fans of the Bridgerton series and authors like Lisa Kleypas.

To avoid attending the London season, painfully-anxious Maddie invents a long-distance engagement — her fictional fiancé is a handsome, devoted Scottish captain, conveniently traveling with his regiment and never around. Imagine her surprise when Captain Logan MacKenzie appears at her doorstep with her letters and a plan. Tessa Dare’s trademark wit and charm is delightful in this installment of the Castles Ever After series. 

When a young lord appears with a handsome proposition for a heist, how can a reformed highwayman possibly refuse? You Should Be So Lucky author Cat Sebastian stands and delivers a charming slow-burn rom-com with a delightfully grumpy/sunshine couple — the first in the London Highwaymen duology.

To escape her abusive family, a shy and stuttering heiress approaches a notoriously rakish viscount (who is also notoriously in need of funds) for a marriage of convenience. Evie and Sebastian’s love story from Lisa Kleypas has rightfully become a classic of the genre. 

In Buck’s Creek, Montana, Kit McBride has enough on his plate — and he has no interest in finding a wife. His little sister, however, is sick of all the cooking and cleaning for the family, so she secretly places an ad in The Matrimonial News on his behalf. Amy Barry’s historical rom-com is joyously ridiculous and full of heart. 

After a fatal gorilla accident, Edward honors his identical brother’s dying wish and takes his place as the earl. However, this includes pretending to be the husband to his late brother’s wife. The most bananas (pun intended) plot of all time, but somehow it works. So well. Thank you, Lorraine Heath.

This romance by Lex Croucher is a lot like The Sound of Music — except Emily hates children and is only pretending to be a governess so she can rob the family. She just needs to avoid getting too involved with the brooding Naval captain and his troublesome daughters. A hilarious and emotional love story from the author of Gwen and Art Are Not in Love. 

Ana María is a Mexican heiress who escapes the country during a time of political unrest at home. Now in London, she feels free, though she knows she must eventually return. Sparks fly when she meets Gideon, a dashing Englishman working to secure votes to abolish the slave trade. Liana De la Rosa delivers a slow-burn romance with tension, passion and heart. And so much yearning!