Historical Romances have been a staple of the romance genre for many years. Some historical romances take a deep dive into historical eras or a time period that is completely different from ours. Most historical romances are in-depth character pieces focusing on the development of the main characters and how they grow throughout the book.
The writing often matches the era, helping to immerse you more into the story. Of course, because they are romance novels, they often follow the same tropes that make romances popular, such as enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, and second-chance romances. If you are looking for some of the best historical romance novels of all time, have a look:
The Duke and I (Bridgertons) by Julia Quinn
The Duke and I take place in Regency London, where societal rules and expectations govern the lives of the aristocracy. Daphne Bridgerton, the fourth of eight close-knit siblings, is admired for her kindness and wit but struggles to find a suitor who truly desires her. Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, harbours a deep resentment towards marriage and society due to his painful past.
When Simon proposes a fake courtship with Daphne, both of their goals seem within reach. However, in the world of London’s elite, love has a way of defying all expectations and norms.
Something Like Love by Beverly Jenkins
In Something Like Love by Beverly Jenkins, Olivia Sterling flees from her arranged marriage in Chicago and travels west to Henry Adams, a small all-Black town in Kansas. However, her plans are disrupted when her train is robbed by Neil July and his outlaw gang.
Despite Neil’s illicit activities, Olivia is captivated by him like no other. Years later, Olivia is the town’s mayor and Neil remains a wanted outlaw. Despite the danger, Neil’s attraction to Olivia keeps him from leaving. The question becomes whether Neil can convince Olivia to take a chance on love and join him in a life on the run.
Romancing the Duke (Castles Ever After) by Tessa Date
Romancing the Duke tells the story of Isolde Ophelia Goodnight, the daughter of a famous author, who grew up immersed in romantic tales of knights and maidens. However, as she grew older, Izzy realized that those storybook romances were just fantasies.
She has resigned herself to a life without romance and is content with finding a roof over her head. But then, unexpectedly, a new fairy tale presents itself to Izzy. Despite her circumstances as a twenty-six-year-old woman who has never been kissed, there is still a chance for her to find her own unique and unexpected love story.
Born to be Wilde by Eloisa James
In Born to be Wilde, Lavinia Gray finds it unbearable to ask Parth Sterling to marry her, and even worse, to be rejected by him. As the wealthiest bachelor in England, Parth has chosen a more suitable bride who is not as reckless and obsessed with fashion as Lavinia.
However, when he discovers Lavinia’s dire circumstances, he offers to help her find a husband, even going so far as to find her a prince. But the more time Parth spends with Lavinia, the more he realizes that despite all their differences, there’s an undeniable connection between them that feels just right.
When The Marquess Met His Match (An American Heiress in London) by Laura Lee Guhrke
When The Marquess Met His Match by Laura Lee Guhrke tells the story of Nicholas Stirling, the carefree and scandalous Marquess of Trubridge, who is suddenly faced with the need to find a wife quickly. In order to accomplish this, he enlists the help of a matchmaker, Lady Belinda Featherstone.
However, Belinda, a respectable widow and successful matchmaker, is wary of Nicholas’s intentions. Having experienced heartbreak herself, she sees him as a fortune-hunting scoundrel and is determined not to let him deceive any American heiresses, including herself. As these two strong-willed individuals clash, sparks fly, and the real fun begins.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
This time travel historical romance is set in 1945 and follows Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, who is transported through time when she passes through a standing stone in the British Isles. She finds herself in war-torn Scotland in the year 1743, a time of chaos and clan warfare.
As Claire navigates this unfamiliar world, she becomes entangled in the schemes of lairds and spies, putting her life in danger and her heart at risk. Caught between loyalty and longing, Claire is torn between her faithful husband and the irresistible James Fraser, a brave Scottish warrior, in a tale of love that transcends time.
The Duchess War (Brothers Sinister) by Courtney Milan
Miss Minerva Lane is a shy and reserved wallflower who prefers to keep a low profile. She has changed her name and aims to avoid any attention due to her scandalous past. So when a handsome duke, Robert Blaisdell, arrives in town, Minnie is determined not to attract his notice.
However, the duke sees through her facade and realizes there is more to Minnie than meets the eye. As they engage in a battle of secrets, both discover that they may have found their perfect match in each other, in a story that challenges societal norms and expectations.
Wicked Intentions (Maiden Lane) by Elizabeth Hoyt
Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire, is a notorious figure driven by his insatiable desires. He is on a mission to find a savage killer in the dangerous slums of St. Giles in London. Meanwhile, Temperance Dews, a widow who has devoted her life to caring for the residents of a foundling home in St. Giles, finds her home threatened.
Caire offers Temperance a deal: he will help protect the home if she assists him in navigating the treacherous streets of St. Giles and introduces him to London’s high society. As their arrangement deepens, they discover a passion that neither can control, risking their lives and hearts in the process.
The Spymaster’s Lady (Spymaster) by Joanna Bourne
The Spymaster’s Lady brings you the story of Annique Villiers, a skilled and elusive spy known as the Fox Cub. She has successfully manoeuvred through battlefields and deceived heads of state but now faces a challenge she cannot overcome: British spymaster Robert Grey. His mission is to capture Annique and extract her secrets for England.
However, when circumstances lead both of them to be imprisoned together, they form an uneasy alliance to escape. Although their collaboration is reluctant, the stakes are high as the fate of nations hangs in the balance, making betrayal a constant threat in this thrilling tale of espionage and romance.
The Highwayman (Victorian Rebels) by Kerrigan Byrne
Kerrigan Byrne’s The Highwayman introduces us to Dorian Blackwell, a ruthless and scarred villain known as the Blackheart of Ben More. He is a man who will stop at nothing to seek vengeance against those who have wronged him. When Dorian meets the beautiful and innocent widow Farah Leigh Mackenzie, he is captivated and takes her to his sanctuary in the Highlands.
However, Farah holds a dangerous secret that could threaten her life. As Dorian tries to protect her from those who wish to harm her, he proposes a scandalous marriage of convenience. But Farah has her own terms and a burning desire that cannot be denied, especially when it comes to Ben More.
There we have it! Some of the best historical romance novels of all time. Have you read any of these romances? Did we miss any of your favourites? Comment below and let us know!