The Best Historical Romance Novels: 22 Steamy Picks
Historical romance novels used to be referred to as bodice rippers and were not commonly discussed or recommended in public.
But thanks to popular shows like Bridgerton and Outlander, the genre has gained a new level of respect — and popularity!
Gone are the historical romance novels of the past that featured simmering damsels in distress. Now are heroines as clever and headstrong as their suitors.
These modern historical romance novels are likely to have a dash of feminism thrown into the steamy plot lines making them both fun and thought-provoking reads. Below, you’ll find our favorites of the bunch.
*The historical romances post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you.
Best Historical Romance Novels of 2023
The Davenports
Author: Krystal Marquis
Year: 2023
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Age: 15+
More info: The Davenports #1
Plot
The Davenports is a Gilded Age story about a successful Chicago Black family who made a name for themselves after slavery was abolished. Now the talk of the season, the three Davenport children are all looking for their spouses and trying to buck societal norms in the process!
Be warned! This story ends on a cliffhanger!
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Classism, Slavery
Why Kirsten loves it
What a fun read! I was eager to start a new Historical Fiction romance series and the cover of this one drew me right to it. I was rooting for all the characters and have been eagerly awaiting the second book in the series.
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books to Teens / Beach Reads 2023 / YA Historical Fiction / Books like Bridgerton / Fun Books for Teens / Best YA Romance Books
Ana María and the Fox
Author: Liana De La Rosa
Year: 2023
Genre: Historical Romance
More info: The Luna Sisters #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Ana María and her sisters have been sent to London to hide from the conflicts in Mexico. As she tries to adjust to London’s high society, she finds herself enamored with a no-nonsense politician.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
Gideon and Ana María’s love story was a breath of fresh air. Typically regency romances don’t address the diverse members of the ton. Witnessing Ana María’s struggles to fit in made me realize how much depth many historical romances set in this time period lack.
It is possible to have a searing love story set in a romanticized time period while still addressing the social issues of the day. I’m looking forward to the rest of the Luna sisters’ love stories.
Find this book in: Books Like Bridgerton / Historical Romance Novels / Books by Female BIPOC Authors
Best Historical Romance Novels of 2022
To Marry and To Meddle by Martha Waters
Lady Emily and Lord Julian have come to an arrangement. He needs a wife to help his theater appear more legitimate in the eyes of society, she needs to escape the strain of living under her parent’s thumb.
So they decided on a quick wedding whilst staying with friends in the country. But when they get back to London, Julian realizes he might not want the perfect wife and Emily might just want to explore her freedom by finding her backbone.
Adorable and charming, this historical romance novel is perfect for our books like Bridgerton book list. This is a friends-to-lovers romance with charm and wit.
The Lady Tempts an Heir
Author: Harper St. George
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Romance
More info: The Gilded Age Heiresses #3
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Max, the heir to the Crenshaw fortune, is being forced to marry or risk his sister’s newest project. He decided to enter into a fake engagement with Lady Helena that turns into a lust-fueled relationship.
Why Kirsten loves it
The third book in the historical romance series that is giving me the gilded age book vibes I’ve been craving since watching the new HBO series. I loved the push-and-pull of their hearts and heads. We all know where this historical romance novel is ending, but the journey was oh-so-good.
Always Be My Duchess
Author: Amalie Howard
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Romance
More info: Taming the Dukes #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I have a thing for historical romance books like Bridgerton, so I knew I had to read the first in the Taming the Dukes series that Amalie Howard wrote. Lord Blackstone needs a faux-fiance to secure a land deal, and he stumbles upon the perfect partner in out-of-work ballerina, Geneviève.
Why Kirsten loves it
We all know what happens in faux-dating romances, and yet, it’s still satisfying when the couple falls in love EVERY TIME.
Find this book in: Beach Reads 2023 / Historical Romance Novels / Books Like Bridgerton
Best Historical Romance Books to Watch on Screen
The Duke and I
Author: Julia Quinn
Year: 2000
Genre: Romance
More info: Bridgerton #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
There is something about Daphne and Simon that I adore. This book is a perfect historical romance. The Netflix book adaption smashed records and caused a boom in book sales.
Daphne Bridgerton is the fourth of eight children and is beginning her first season in the ton. As young women of marrying age search for a husband, Daphne is not quite like other girls.
When the eligible Simon Bassett suggests they begin fake dating to allow them both a chance to breathe. However, things do not always go as planned. To make matters more complicated, Lady Whistledown always seems to know the truth and the information ready for everyone to read. This is one of our fake dating books of all time.
Why Jackie loves it
I watched the show and LOVED it so much. I previously read some of the others in the series but I really wanted to read this first book in the Bridgerton book series and I have to say, it was my favorite.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love a great historical romance and this one had everything I was looking for – great characters, a steamy romance, and a happy ending.
Find this book in: Fake Dating Books / Bridgerton Books in Order / Best Netflix Adaptations of 2023 / Best British Books / Best Historical Romance Novels
Outlander
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Year: 1991
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Outlander Series Book 1 of 9
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This epic story begins in 1945 when Claire Randall and her husband take a second honeymoon to the Scottish Highlands to celebrate being reunited after the war. When Claire touches one of the standing stones, she is transported to 1743.
This is when the real story begins. In order to stay safe as an English woman in Scotland, Clare must depend on Jamie Frasier for protection. Soon Clare finds herself living in a world she has only read about in history books and torn between two men that she loves. In addition to being a brilliant fiction that is rich in historical details, it is an epic love story as well. For me, this is magical realism at its finest.
Trigger Warnings
Rape, sexual assault, sexual violence
Why Kirsten loves it
How do I love Outlander? I cannot count the ways. There is a reason this is one of my favorite books of all time. I am a huge reader of historical fiction and this one checks all the boxes for me. The characters are rich, the plot is complex without being overly complicated and the epic love story make it almost perfect in my eyes.
Why Jackie loves it
Even though I am not a huge historical fiction connoisseur, I could not put this book down. Even at 640 pages, I did not want it to end and immediately picked up the next book in the series. I love the touch of magical realism that transported Clare back in time 200 years and Gabaldon’s story telling made the characters jump off the page.
Find this book in: Best Romance Novels of All Time / Ultimate List of Historical Fiction/ Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Magical Realism Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels
Historical Romances Set During War
The Bronze Horseman
Author: Paullina Simons
Year: 2009
Genre: Historical Romance
More info: Bronze Horseman #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This epic love story can almost rival that of Jamie and Claire in Outlander. This saga takes place over decades and all over the world. This is an epic love story that begins in Leningrad during WWII.
Tatiana Metanova meets Alexander, an officer of the Red Army. Amid the terror of the war, the two fall in love, but Alexander is keeping a secret that can devastate them all.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a fantastic story from a historical fiction perspective because of the attention to detail. I learned a lot about everyday life in that era. Like Outlander, it’s a whopping 1000 pages but I couldn’t stop!
Find this book in: Historical Romance / Books About WWII / Books Like Outlander / Cozy Books / Books with Colors in the Title
Last Christmas in Paris
Author: Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This book is written entirely in letter form between two friends during WWI. You will fall in love with the characters as they fall for each other. Evie is struggling to find a way to help out during WWI, while Thomas, her brother’s best friend, is struggling with the realities of battle.
Why Kirsten loves it
I just recently started reading WWI books and this one is high on the list. It is such a wonderful holiday book, it truly captures the essence of wartime romance and how love can bloom in the darkest of times.
Find this book in: WWI Books / Best Christmas Books Of All Time/ Books Set in Paris / Epistolary Novels / Best Romance Novels / Christmas Book Club Books / Best Historical Romance Books
Lovely War
Author: Julie Berry
Year: 2019
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
In this novel, Aphrodite is telling the story of 2 wartime couples who show that love can thrive no matter the obstacles in their path. Pianist Hazel meets new solider James at a party in London before he’s off to the battlefields of war. Meanwhile, Audrey is a gifted musician off to fight in the 15th New York Infantry, an all-Black regiment sent to Europe to help win World War 1. There, he meets Colette, a Belgian singer whose life has already been devastated by the war.
Over the course of the story, both couples navigate the complexities of a wartorn romance while Aphrodite tries to use their tale to get out of a pickle involving her husband, Hephaestus, and her lover, Ares during WWII.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, PTSD, War
Why Kirsten loves it
This book’s premise had me a little skeptical, Greek Gods telling a love story set in WWI? I didn’t think it was up my alley. I must have had it recommended to me almost a dozen times now, and now I’m the one recommending this young adult fantasy novel. It was two, sort of three, love stories in one historical romance book, but it touched on racism, PTSD, and the sacrifices of war. It was so well handled that I was sad to see it end.
Find this book in: Greek Mythology Retellings/ YA Historical Fiction / YA Fantasy Books / Historical Romances / Fun Books for Teens / Best YA Romance Books / WWI Books
Steamy Historical Romance Novels Set in Scotland
An English Bride in Scotland by Lynsay Sands
The arranged marriage of the English lass to the Clan chieftain in this romance novel was very reminiscent of Claire and Jamie’s wedding….and wedding night.
This is a steamy rom-com book set in Scotland that focuses on the newlyweds finding how their relationship will mesh while navigating the terrifying person hellbent on hurting them.
When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare
This historical romance is equal parts sexy and funny. A London heiress invents a Scottish betrothed to get her out of social obligations.
She writes to her intended, Captain MacKenzie, but when a real-life man comes to her home, letters in hand, things get interesting. This is one of a few romance novels set in Scotland from our list and we love it.
My Lady’s Choosing: an Interactive Romance Novel
Author: Kitty Curran and Larissa Zageris
Year: 2018
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
What is so great about this book is that it can go anywhere you want it to. Choose your adventure…and choose your own man. It’s exactly like those books we all loved as children, except with VERY adult content.😉
Why Kirsten loves it
You can pick as many or as few stories as you want. Personally, I found my happy ending with a Scottish man who was clearly modeled after Jamie Frasier! This is a perfect pick for books like Briderton as well as books like Outlander. If you are looking for steamy romance novels set in Scotland, this is your pick.
Find this book in: Historical Romance Novels / Books Like Bridgerton / Books Like Outlander
Love the books on this part of the list? Look for more Romances set in Scotland here.
Historical Romance Series
Devil’s Bride
Author: Stephanie Laurens
Year: 1998
Genre: Historical Romance
More info: Cynsters #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The first book is my favorite in the Cynster series as Devil has to woo Honoria after being found in a compromising position with her. If I recall, it involved hunkering down in a wooden shack during a storm where a couple out for a stroll found them the next day.
They need to marry, but Honoria wants none of that. Devil proceeds to attempt to convince her in some with some moves that live up to his name.
Why Kirsten loves it
Much like the many Bridgerton siblings, Stephanie Laurens’ Cynster series is a set of historical romances about a large brood of Cynster siblings. Each book is about the love story of a different sibling. I love them all!
Find this book in: Best Historical Romance Novels / Books Like Bridgerton
Romancing The Duke
Author: Tessa Dare
Year: 2014
Genre: Romance
More info: Castles Ever After 1 of 3
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range:18+
Plot
Tessa Dare’s stories are some of my favorite historical romances. She always finds ways to inject humor into her books. This particular book is the first in a series in which a man dies and leaves a castle to each of our heroines, who are known spinsters.
In this story, Izzy wants to be a writer so retreats to her castle to write her novels. Meanwhile, Ransom shows up at the castle he still believes is rightfully his. Hilarity and romance ensue.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved this grumpy sunshine romance novel based on Beauty and the Beast and it is another perfect pick for books like Bridgerton. The humor mixed with the romance is the perfect touch.
Find this book in: Forced Proximity Trope Romance Books / Best Historical Romance Novels / Books Like Bridgerton / Grumpy Sunshine Trope Books
To Have and To Hoax
Author: Martha Waters
Year: 2020
Genre: Historical Romance
More info: Named a Best Romance of April (2020) by Goodreads, Popsugar, Bustle, and more!
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
If you loved the Bridgerton book series then you will love this book. Lady Violet Grey and her husband Lord James Audrey fell in love and got married in a whirlwind romance.
Five years later, they barely speak because of “the Argument”. When Lady Grey receives a letter that says her husband is unconscious after being thrown from a horse, she rushes to his side only to find him awake and drinking in a tavern. She decides to teach him a lesson. This is one of the best romantic comedy books I have read.
Why Jackie loves it
The story is a quick-moving battle of wills that will have you simultaneously rooting for the couple and wanting to smack some sense into them. Will they get their second chance at love? This book will not disappoint.
Find this book in: Second Chance Romance Books / Rom-Com Books / Enemies to Lovers Books
Historical Romance Novels with Feminist Heroines
The Heiress Gets a Duke
Author: Harper St. George
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Romance
More info: Gilded Age Heiresses #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Taking place in the Gilded Age ballrooms of London, this new historical romance series is filled with steamy scenes and the fun exploits of the upper crust. When American heiress, August Crenshaw heads to England at her parent’s insistence, she is reluctant to allow them to force her younger sister to marry unless she’s in love. Meanwhile, Evan, the Duke of Rothschild needs to marry an American heiress to get her dowry to help restore his estates to their former glory, so he very much wants to be in the running for her little sister’s hand.
Why Kirsten loves it
Like most of the rest of the world, I binged Netflix’s Bridgerton on Christmas Day. The regency romantic drama ended and I needed more! I immediately turned to this book to fill my need for a historical romance. It was steamy and funny and I think I have a new favorite historical romance series!
Find this book in: Gilded Age Books / Best Historical Romance Novels / Books Like the Crown / Harper St. George Books in Order / Books like Bridgerton / Books Like Downton Abbey
An Heiress’s Guide to Deception and Desire
Author: Manda Collins
Year:2021
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range:18+
Plot
Viscount Valentine Wrackham and Caroline Hartcastle were once secretly betrothed, and now can’t stand each other. But when Caro’s friend is kidnapped and Val’s cousin is implicated in the crime, they must work together to find the real culprit and try not to catch feelings.
Kirsten’s Thoughts
It was a well-done mystery, the social commentary on women’s rights was excellent, but the romance was duller than dishwater. Others loved the romance, so maybe it just wasn’t for me.
Find this book in: Romcozy Books / Best Historical Romances
Bringing Down the Duke
Author: Evie Dunmore
Year: 2019
Genre: Political Romance
More info: Book 1 of 4 from A League of Extraordinary Women
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Evie Dunmore’s debut novel spanned a series of badass women during the Suffragette era. While the story is a romance, don’t let that fool you! You’ll get a history lesson on the suffrage movement in English History as well as a lesson on Estate and Inheritance laws — which were still of utmost importance a few decades later when Downton Abbey takes place.
Annabelle Archer has the scholarship to be one of the first women to study at Oxford. In order to keep it, she must spy on the Duke of Montgomery and try to persuade him to the suffragette’s cause.
Why Kirsten loves it
The chemistry between these two crackled off the page in this romance. If books are up your alley, this book is perfect for you. I loved Dunmore’s portrayal of strong women who stuck to their guns.
Find this book in: Enemies-to-Lovers Books / Books Like The Love Hypothesis / Historical Romance Novels / Books like Bridgerton / Fiction Books About Women in Politics
A Knight in Shining Armor
Author: Jude Deveraux
Year: 1989
Genre: Historical Romance
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This setup of this time travel romance is the same as Outlander but in reverse! In the first part of the book, Douglass accidentally summons an Earl from the 16th century to modern England!
Dougless vowels to help return Nicholas to his own time, but not before trying to help him figure out who framed him for treason in his own era. But when he’s sent back and nothing changes, Dougless needs to head back to his time and try to save his life.
Why Kirsten loves it
The attention to detail in the 16th century was reminiscent of Diana Gabaldon’s work. It’s a total must-read for fans of Jamie and Claire’s love story.
Find this book in: Books like Outlander / Time Travel Romance Books
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels
Author: India Holton
Year: 2021
Genre: Fantasy Historical Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Plot
A fantasy historical romance about pirate assassins with magical powers? SIGN ME UP!
I gravitated toward this story because of the gorgeous cover, but I was hooked from the first page. I loved all the women in The Wisteria Society. I loved how they could fly around their homes like ships, how they stole and plundered with abandon, and how they did it all while making sure they were the picture of polite womanhood.
Why Kirsten loves it
The love story was charming, but it was the antics of Cecilia and her quest to save her fellow society members that kept me turning the pages. This cozy book has a little bit of everything. We recommend this book to anyone who loves The Princess Bride.
Find this book in: Historical Fantasy Romances / Cozy Books / Pirate Books / Cozy Fantasy Romance Books
Sweet, Not Steamy Historical Romance Novels
The Davenports
Author: Krystal Marquis
Year: 2023
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Age: 15+
More info: The Davenports #1
Plot
The Davenports is a Gilded Age story about a successful Chicago Black family who made a name for themselves after slavery was abolished. Now the talk of the season, the three Davenport children are all looking for their spouses and trying to buck societal norms in the process!
Be warned! This story ends on a cliffhanger!
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Classism, Slavery
Why Kirsten loves it
What a fun read! I was eager to start a new Historical Fiction romance series and the cover of this one drew me right to it. I was rooting for all the characters and have been eagerly awaiting the second book in the series.
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books to Teens / Beach Reads 2023 / YA Historical Fiction / Books like Bridgerton / Fun Books for Teens / Best YA Romance Books
Before the Crown by Flora Harding
After all the royal reads I’ve read over the years, I can’t believe this is my first story about The Queen’s romance with Prince Philip. With the Jubilee coming up now in England, this was a perfect fictionalized biography to read!
I was wondering about how Philip won the heart of then Princess Elizabeth, and this fictional story filled in some fun details. Think of it as a prequel to the first episode of The Crown in the best way!
Every royal-obsessed person needs to add this pick from Books about Queen Elizabeth II to their TBR list and check out our list of books like the crown!
The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley
Author: Susanna Kearsley
Year: 2011
Genre: Magical Realism
Age Range: 16+
Plot
After Eva’s sister dies, she heads back to Cornwall England to find peace and rest. What she discovers is more than she expects when she finds herself inexplicably back in time. She finds herself falling in love with Daniel Butler, a man who lived in the eighteenth century.
As her heart begins to feel again, can she find a way to heal her broken heart and find love? Can she live between two times? This is a wonderful time travel romance book that you will want to read again and again.
Why Kirsten loves it
I read this book set in Cornwall in only a few days because I loved it so much. This is another book that I read this month that is the perfect pick for books like Outlander.
Why Jackie loves it
This historical romance book was such a quick read for me because I loved the plot and characters. I felt invested in Eva’s story and wanted her to get a happy ending.
Find this book in: Books Like Outlander / Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Time Travel Romance Books / The Best Historical Romance Novels / Books With Flowers in the Title / Historical Fantasy Books
Bluebird
Author: Genevieve Graham
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Taking place first in the hospital tent of the Great War and then in Canada during prohibition, this historical fiction story was totally captivating!
The love story between Jerry and Adele during prohibition and the search for the truth of their story and their descendant in the present provided the perfect balance of mystery and romance.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved learning about the rum runners during prohibition in Canada. It was a part of history I’d never considered before.
Find this book in: WWI Books / Jazz Age Novels / Historical Romance Novels
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