Historical romance is flourishing. Julia Quinn's racy Regency romance series, Bridgerton—now a hit television series—has brought hordes of new fans to the genre.
Our experts have recommended historical romance books that range in settings from medieval times to World War Two, taking in classic works of literature to popular fiction aimed at those seeking a more simple form of escapism—perfect for readers who like their romance set in a bygone era.
What Souls Are Made Of: A Wuthering Heights Remix
Tasha Suri, narrated by Becca Hirani and Alex Williams
“This audiobook is Tasha Suri’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights. She’s usually a fantasy writer. This is more of a departure for her into historical fiction with a touch of fantasy. It really stood out to me, because Alex Williams and Becca Hirani, the narrators, did a beautiful job making it an absorbing and intense audiobook, they really connect with the characters’ emotions. They’re both from Yorkshire and are South Asian, like the characters in the story are. I appreciated the thoughtfulness that went into the casting. And I think it all was very, very successful. Tasha Suri adapted the story so you’re hearing directly from the characters Heathcliff and Cathy, so it makes it more of an immediate story than the original. You’re really in the heads of these characters and hearing their anger and grief and determination.” Read more...
The Best Audiobooks for Kids of 2022
Emily Connelly, Journalist
The Venice Sketchbook
by Rhys Bowen
***Shortlisted for the 2022 Edgar Allan Poe Awards***
The Venice Sketchbook by Rhys Bowen is a work of historical fiction (or possibly historical romance) set in both the present and the lead up to World War II. We’ve included it because it’s been shortlisted for an Edgar, but it’s not really a mystery in the classic sense of having you guessing whodunnit. The plot revolves around a woman learning more about the past life of her recently deceased great aunt, with most of the action taking place in Venice (aka La Serenissima).
“I love that it’s set in the medieval era but it’s also familiar in that it’s a road trip story. They spend most of the audiobook traveling around Wales, and you get a sense of where they’re going and what the countryside is like. I think part of the appeal is you don’t see that time period explored very much, or at least I don’t. Most of the time you have Regency or Victorian romances. This is going way back, and it’s set during the Welsh rebellions against the Norman rulers. It’s part of a series, but it’s one that you can listen to on its own. “ Read more...
Emily Connelly, Journalist
“It’s definitely in the contemporarily-written set of historical romances, with sharp pacing and cheeky world-building. Leigh’s heroines are always skilled and accomplished. And her heroes celebrate that. But it’s her play on 1980s feminism in 1817 England for a 2020 audience that is truly nuanced.” Read more...
The Best Romance Books of 2020
Frannie Cassano, Librarian
The King's General
by Daphne Du Maurier
In a way reminiscent of Walter Scott, it’s historical romance but in the sense of quests, adventure, rebellion, strong women, and so on. The portrayal of love in some ways in King’s General is probably one of the most emotionally felt. There’s a realism about the relationship between Honor and Richard Grenvile, Honor knows him for who he truly is and doesn’t shy away from his dastardly reputation.
“This book is set during the siege of Badajoz. It is the retelling of a true story of Harry Smith, who was an officer at Badajoz, who saved a 14-year-old girl and eventually married her. In fact, in later life he becomes the governor of the Cape Colony and he founds the town of Ladysmith and names it for his wife. It is a sort of nostalgia for me. It is what I grew up with, under the bedclothes in the middle of the night.” Read more...
The best books on The Regency Period
Stella Tillyard, Historian
“This book is probably the most intelligently written historical novel I’ve ever read. This is a book that’s as much about marriage as it is about love. The hero and heroine fall in love during a fractious marriage that changes both of them for the better: this book is the best evidence I can offer for the fact that a man and woman can live an intelligent, sensual, thoughtful and kind life together – even when the partners themselves could never be described as thoughtful or kind. Marriage is a tremendously interesting state, and this novel looks squarely at its best and worst qualities.” Read more...
Eloisa James on Her Favourite Romance Novels
Eloisa James, Literary Scholar
“It’s fantastic! There’s family drama, dueling. It’s handled in a very tongue-in-cheek kind of way, and if you’ve ever read any Alexis Hall, you know how funny his books can be.” Read more...
The Best Regency Romance Novels
Olivia Waite, Novelist
“It’s about the takedown of the aristocracy as two people try to find a life outside of the past that has held them back. They’re very grumpy and the banter is exquisite. It’s a little murdery and it’s just so much fun. It’s a wonderful bit of chaos.” Read more...
The Best Regency Romance Novels
Olivia Waite, Novelist
“It’s very steamy, very queer, and it’s just delightful. The book is very experimental and unique, and I’ve read enough of Felicia Davin’s writing to go, ‘Yes! I’m just going to dive in! Let’s go!’ She’s an auto-buy author for me for sure.” Read more...
The Best Regency Romance Novels
Olivia Waite, Novelist
“It’s a sapphic Regency romance, so it’s about two women, but more importantly, it’s two lower-class women. There is an increasing number of authors that are doing non-titled characters in historical romances, expanding the history that way. Sixpenny Octavo is the story of a clock mender and a housemaid-turned-dancing master’s assistant. It’s so interesting and fascinating and richly detailed.” Read more...
The Best Regency Romance Novels
Olivia Waite, Novelist
“The book is much less comedic than the cover implies. In the book, the heroine is in disguise and her baby is in the custody of this duke, who lost his leg in Waterloo, so he’s very grumpy and sinister. There’s also a sinister murder plot happening in this house with a very big chandelier. It’s very gothic and atmospheric.” Read more...
The Best Regency Romance Novels
Olivia Waite, Novelist
The Best Regency Romance Novels, recommended by Olivia Waite
Britain’s Regency period has always been a popular setting for historical romances—and particularly so in the wake of the hit television adaptation of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series. We asked the author and columnist Olivia Waite to recommend five of the best Regency romance novels for those who prefer their love stories trimmed with lace.
