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Where to Start with Harlequin Historicals
The first few times I picked up a Harlequin Historical, I was delighted by the quality and the range of stories. Before long, I actively sought them out. I love these titles because one, I know I can finish them quickly and easily because they’re shorter, and two, because I can count on their consistent quality. (Yes, sometimes I roll my eyes at the titles, but what’s between the covers more than makes up for that.)
The best part of getting hooked on Harlequin Historicals? Since authors write multiple books a year, once you find a favorite author, there is a plethora of backlist titles to read. Depending on your preferred historical period/location, here are five terrific books and authors to start with.
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Regencies:
The Courtesan’s Book of Secrets, by Georgie Lee
Often, Regencies start with a big misunderstanding (and rare is the book in which, once the truth of the misunderstanding is revealed, things actually get much worse for the hero and heroine). The Courtesan’s Book of Secrets is a delightful story of second chance love, a popular Regency theme, in which past mistakes make it almost (but not quite) impossible for our hero and heroine to have a happy ending.
Wish Upon a Snowflake, by Christine Merrill, Linda Skye, and Elizabeth Rolls
Merrill is my favorite Regency writer, and this Christmas novella, The Christmas Duchess, is my favorite of her stories. It’s a lovely fairy tale in which a daughter of marriageable age is jilted by a callow heir to a dukedom. The Duke himself comes to make amends for his cousin and, well, soon finds that the mother, whom he first sees sweeping the kitchen, is the most interesting woman in the house. This collection is a three for one, and also features the tale of a Russian princess, and a story of rekindled romance.
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Medieval:
The Harlot’s Daughter, by Blythe Gifford
The bastard daughter of the late King Edward III and his mistress are thrust into the dangerous politics of young Richard II’s court, where her mother’s reputation makes everyone view her as untrustworthy and inferior. But, of course, there is one lord who is able to see through to her true self…
Scottish:
The Highlander’s Runaway Bride, by Terri Brisbin
In my view there’s not a more reliably delightful writer of Scottish historical romances than USA Today bestselling author Terri Brisbin. This one is an arranged marriage story in which the bride is less than thrilled to be sold off by her father (surprise, surprise!). The hero, who’s also not excited by the fact that he’s been given no choice when it comes to the selection of his bride, has to work to win her over. And—spoiler alert except not really—win her over he does.
Vikings:
One Night with the Viking, by Harper St. George
Need a little something to hold you over when History Channel’s Vikings goes off the air? (Yes, I’m in denial about that too.) St. George has an entire series about Vikings, and One Night with the Viking is a very good place to start. It features the story of a Viking couple separated by distance and their own confused emotions, and it provides a fascinating look at Viking village life, for those who like learning to blossom along with their romance.
What are your favorite Harlequin Historicals?