HISTORICAL ROMANCES YOU WILL LOVE IN THE GENRE IN 2021

Historical novels are some of the most popular books in the romance genre. This book list highlights the appeal of historical romantic novels and offers recommendations for the best books worth reading that will make you fall in love with this genre.

The Best Historical Novels To Make You Fall In Love With The Genre

While I read a lot of contemporary novel books, I also love historical novels.

My favorite historical novels in this list, written by some of THE best historical novelists, are the reasons why I fell in love with this genre.

These books could be the reason why you become a historical romance junkie yourself.

Historical novels not only take a deep dive into the history of the era or period in which the book is set, but they often offer a rich character development and such descriptive prose that you are instantly transported back in time and feel that you yourself interact with the characters of the books.

Before I get to the books, let me give you a quick look at what historical novels are and why you might want to read them.

What Are Historical Novels?

Romance books categorized as historical romantic novels are books with a storyline that takes place before 1950.

This, of course, leaves a wide variety of time periods and parts of the world to explore in a historical romantic novel.

The good news? There is so much variety to choose from that this romantic genre can satisfy the interests of many readers.

Ages in historical novels

and time periods These are the most common and popular time periods and eras in history that appear in historical novels:

Middle Ages
Viking Age
17th century Scottish Highlands
Colonial America
Regency England *
Victorian England
American Civil War
American Western expansion
Early 20th century

* A note on Regency Historical Romance Novels

Regency historical romantic novels are considered a subgenre for romantic books in themselves. They contain stories between the period 1811-1820, during England's regency period, although some books in this category may extend the period somewhere between 1795-1837.

All books in the romantic book genre meet two criteria: one - the main story revolves around a relationship, and two - this central love story ends with a happy, optimistic ending.

However, regency historical romance books are a bit different.

In historical novels of the regency, the emphasis of the story is more on the society of the time and the dialogue of that period.

There are relationships in the stories, of course, but these are also traditionally lower on the steam scale of romance.

The Stigma of Historical Novels

Even if you are a fan of romantic books, you can turn a blind eye to historical novels thinking they are all bodice ornaments or just full of women in corsets falling on the heels of men in patriarchal society.

This is far from true, at least as far as my favorite authors are concerned.

I find that historical novels often show the fittest women, perhaps fighting uphill battles, but fighting anyway, or at least showing their backbone.

Historical Romantic Book

Covers Of course, the book covers of historical romantic novels have traditionally not contributed to this stigma.

Fabio became a household name as the type of male model who would adorn the cover of a historic romance book. His wavy long hair, his chest-revealing shirt with his wife draped over his arm might have been the standard book cover, but things have changed.

Today my favorite historical romance covers have the heroine gracing the cover in beautiful dresses or many have been given a modern upgrade.

Either way, historical novels shouldn't be judged and dismissed based on their book covers.

TheHistorical Novels

Part of the appeal for me with historical novels is the sneaking around, the hidden looks or the slightest touches that evoke such passion and intimacy in the heroes and heroines of the stories.

Oftentimes the intimacy or sexual tension is not thrown in your face but stews below the surface and I love it! That's not to say that historical novels can't be quite as high at the steam level that many are.

There is also something to be said about the varied historical romance heroes.

I'm as much a fan of the rakes and the villains as the Dukes and Lords, although I have a real soft spot for the Scottish Highlanders.

Historical Novels Worth Reading

This book list starts with my ten most favorite historical romantic novels that I guarantee will make the most skeptical of readers a fan of the genre.

Pick one and let me know if it actually worked!

What You'll Find On This List:

10 Best Historical Romantic Novels Book RecommendationsTime Period
by Historical
Best Selling Historical Novels Best Novels

10 Best Historical Novels

I consider the historical novels below to be some of the best books worth reading. They have great characters, excellent lyrics and storylines and they transport you back in time making you feel like you are part of the story.

If you are new to this genre and are watching it for the first time, you can't go wrong reading any of these historical novels.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldan

I couldn't have a best historical list of romantic novels without including Outlander, even though Gabaldon doesn't consider her book a romantic novel.

That's okay, because there's no denying that one of the best parts of this book (besides the writing and the historical references and the time travel!) Is the relationship between Jamie and Claire. It's a slow relationship that develops into something that sizzles!

A former combat nurse who just got back from the war reunites with her husband on a second honeymoon as she walks through a standing stone circle. She goes back in time to 1743 and a war-torn Scotland where she meets a young Highland warrior.

This book really has it all - from an intriguing story to great world structure and great characters. This story really engages and makes you read the entire book series!

Read Also : HISTORICAL ROMANCES YOU WILL LOVE IN THE GENRE IN 2021

What I Did for a Duke by Julie Anne Long

I love it when a man in a romance book is completely under the spell of the female, especially when that's the last thing he expected or wanted.

When the Duke of Falconbridge is crossed, he decides to take revenge by seducing the sister of the one who crossed him. He just didn't expect to fall for her, her humor, and her passion.

I absolutely loved the evolving relationship between Genevieve and Alexander and seeing their strength and honesty. Definitely one of the best historical novels to read!

A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught

Judith McNaught is without a doubt one of the best historical novelists and her book, A Kingdom of Dreams, was the first historical romantic book I read.

Jennifer Merrick is kidnapped by the Duke of Claymore, but she's no wallflower in this captivating story. I love quirky heroines and the tension between Jennifer and Royce in this book was off the charts, making it hard to put down.

I consider every Judith McNaught historical romance a must read, but this one was my favorite.

Truce by RL Mathewson

Truce is not only one of my favorite historical romance books, but it's also one of my all-time favorite books, it's just that good!

This book is part of the Mathewson's Neighbor from Hell series that includes all of the romantic books of today except this one, and it's WONDERFUL! It's an engaging story of lovers' enemies that is super HOT and will leave you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen between Elizabeth and Robert.

A woman desperate for her inheritance and a second son who has nothing to offer - can these childhood enemies find love?

Loved this book and reread it at least once a year. You will not be disappointed.

Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas

Lisa Kleypas is yet another name synonymous with historical romance whose popularity rightly deserves given all of her wonderful works.

One of her most popular historical romantic series is The Wallflowers and Devil in Winter is my absolute favorite.

Evangeline is forced to approach Sebastian, a famous rake, and ask for his hand in marriage to save her inheritance. Evie may seem shy and clumsy, but Sebastian, the noted womanizer, easily falls for her. I loved Evie, but Sebastian might be one of Kleypas' best and loved characters.

A must for any reader of historical romance and a great pick-me-up for someone exploring the genre

An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

Another author who should read historical romance is Julia Quinn whose entire book list in the Bridgerton series is a must-read.

My favorite from the series is An Offer From a Gentleman, a story Cinderella retells. Sophie is a servant who attends a ball and dances with the boisterous Benedict. Benedict is determined to find the woman at the ball and get married, but he meets the maid Sophie and starts falling for her.

I just loved this pair and you too. After reading this book, you can watch these characters come to life in the Netflix series, Bridgerton!

The Bride by Julie Garwood

I can't believe I've only read two Julie Garwood books so far because they were phenomenal. I like historical novels like The Bride that start with a man who is to be married and the woman he chooses is anything but thrilled with the prospect.

Alec Kinkaid is a Scottish Laird forced to marry an English bride and chooses the stubborn Jamie. She may be young, but she holds her own against Alec, but despite her best efforts, she soon loses her heart to him.

You will not be disappointed with this popular historical romance novel.

Never Love a Highlander by Maya Banks

I have a historical romance with a Scot and Maya Banks writes several must-read romances featuring sexy Highlanders.

Never Love a Highlander is my favorite from the McCabe brothers' trilogy, although they are all great books. We've got a rejected bride and a brother determined to redeem himself in this whimsical historical romance that had me stuck from page to page.

It's also full of action and intrigue, which makes the story all the more interesting. Check out this and all of Banks' Highlander's historical novels.

Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati Donati first

I admit I picked up Into the Wilderness for it because I read that Claire Fraser made Outlander a character and I just loved her. But once I started reading, I was addicted to the world that painted Donati's prose and the characters that filled that world.

We find an Englishman in New York who soon finds herself falling for an American frontiersman.

It's an epic love story, but there is so much more to this book. It's a fascinating story of frontier life and a glimpse into the struggle between villagers and the Mohawk Nation.

I had to go straight to the second book after I finished this compelling historical romance novel.

To Tame a Highland Warrior by Karen Marie Moning

I said I was a fan of Highlander historical novels, wasn't I ?!

I've read almost all of Moning's Highlander series with To Tame a Highland Warrior as my favorite. This is a story of a love that was once denied, but fate has crossed Jillian and Gavrael again.

Moning's stories intertwine a little supernaturally for them, which was a first for me, but I loved it. Be prepared to enter another world with this one.

Historical Romance New Recommendations by

Time Period These are historical romantic novel book recommendations by time period to help you find the book that most appeals to you.

Where possible, I've included a romance book other than my top 10 list to give you more options.

The King's Man by Elizabeth Kingston

Gwenllian of Ruardean is the Welsh daughter of a powerful Marcher lord who is more comfortable training as a knight and leading her men than a dress to wear and act as lady of the manor. When she rescues and cares for Ranulf, King Edward I's favorite murderer, their lives are forever intertwined.

This book had so much to offer. Characters with an inner struggle, a slow passion, a marriage of convenience and cunning, intrigue and tension.

I loved disappearing into the medieval world of Kingston and found Gwenellian and Ranulf two fascinating characters.

Fires of Winter by Johanna Lindsey

Lady Brenna was kidnapped by the Vikings, but vowed that no barbarian would enslave her noble Celtic heart, until Garrick Haardrad, the proud and powerful son of a ruthless Viking chieftain, says her.

The Secret by Julie Garwood

Judith leaves her English home to live with her childhood friend in the Scottish Highlands when she gives birth. She didn't expect to fall for Ian, the lord of the clan, but it is her secret that could destroy their love.

Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati

Elizabeth has left her home in England to join her family in a remote mountain village in New York. Once there, she falls for a white man who lives with the Mohawk people, even though she is promised to another.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

In one of the most popular romantic novels of all time, Elizabeth Bennet, one of the five Bennet sisters, clashes with the proud, aristocratic Mr. Darcy.

Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas

Annabelle's family depends on her marriage to a wealthy man, but her most stubborn admirer is a bad villain. Try how she could ignore Simon's advances, her attraction to him could be the downfall of her family.

An Extraordinary Union of Alyssa Cole

Elle and Malcolm both find themselves as spies sent to infiltrate the Confederacy. By joining forces to fight a common enemy, will they be able to keep the Union and their forbidden love?

Where the Lost Wander of Amy Harmon

Naomi and her family headed to the Oregon Trail for a better life in California, where they meet and fall in love with a half-Pawnee- man. But life on the Trail is filled with hardship and death, and staying together is perhaps the hardest of all.

What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon

Anne travels to Ireland to scatter the ashes of her late grandfather and is transported to Ireland in 1921 with the country on the brink of war. She is drawn into the conflict with Thomas, where she faces the choice to let go of the life she knew or the man she has come to love.

When I think of historical novels, I think of several well-known authors.

These women are considered the best of the best in historical romance, and their most popular historical romance novel (according to Goodreads) is featured below.

Judith McNaught is one of my all-time favorite authors of romantic books and I love her historical novels. This was the first historical novel I ever read:

A Kingdom of Dreams

Quirky Scottish girl, Jennifer Merrick, is kidnapped from her monastery school by The Wolf, the fierce English warrior. Although both are proud, passionate and sworn enemies, their appeal is quickly undeniable.

Lisa Kleypas is another one of my all-time favorite authors of romantic books. She writes the best historical romantic book series, so you can't stop with just one book!

Mine Till Midnight

An unexpected throwback elevates Amelia's family and forces her to navigate life among the barrels. She appeals to Cam for help, who is blinded by his appeal, which makes London society that much more interesting.

Julia Quinn is yet another one of my all-time favorite authors of romantic books. Her historical romantic book series, Bridgertons, is being turned into a TV series on Netflix, so read them all and then watch the show!

The Duke and I

the courtship of Simon and Daphne is real to everyone but them. He desperately wants to escape the meddlesome mothers, while Daphne hopes his union will attract worthy suitors. But with all the planning and pretending, Daphne finds herself falling on the duke.

Gentle Rogue

Georgina Anderson is desperate to return home to America, so she disguises herself as a cabin boy aboard Captain James Mallory's ship, expecting never to fall for the ex-pirate.

The Bride

The King's edict has forced the Scottish laird, Alec Kincaid, to take an English bride and his choice is Jaime, the youngest daughter of a Baron who has sworn herself never to love the Highlander. But unknown forces threaten her more than her growing desire for her husband.

The Black Lyon

No one could match the fierceness of the English conqueror Lyon until he met Lyonene. But after a whirlwind romance, jealousy and lies, they rip a role and only the Black Lyon can save his lover.

Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice is not only Austen's most popular work, but it is also one of the best-known novels.

Stubborn Elizabeth Bennet, one of the five Bennet sisters, clashes with proud, aristocratic Mr. Darcy, and both must overcome their assumptions to discover a precious love between them.

Romancing the Duke

Izzy may have grown up on romantic love stories, but she's long since given up on finding love and romance for herself. With barely a roof over her head, she discovers she has inherited a dilapidated castle in which a duke happens to already live. [My Review]