The Best Historical Romance Books

Outlander is a historical fiction novel by Diana Gabaldon. The book tells the story of Claire Randall, a British woman who is transported back in time to 18th-century Scotland. She meets and falls in love with Jamie Fraser, a Scottish Highland warrior. The series follows their story as they attempt to navigate the political and social upheaval of the time period.

Outlander has been praised for its richly detailed historical setting and its complex and compelling characters. The series has spawned several sequels, as well as a television adaptation.

Devil in Winter is a historical fiction novel by Lisa Kleypas. The book is set in England during the Regency era and follows the story of Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent. Sebastian is known as the “Devil of St. Vincent” because of his reputation as a rake and a scoundrel. However, when he meets Evie Turner, he finds himself falling in love with her.

Evie is a seemingly naïve country girl who has come to London to find a husband. She is not interested in Sebastian at first, but eventually, she begins to see beneath his rough exterior. Devil in Winter is a romance novel that explores the themes of love, redemption, and second chances.

Fingersmith is a historical fiction novel by Sarah Waters, first published in 2002. The story is set in Victorian England and follows the lives of two young women, Sue Trinder and Maud Lilly. Sue is an orphan who has been raised among a group of criminals, while Maud is a sheltered young woman from a wealthy family. When Sue is secretly hired to help a man win the affection of Maud and steal her inheritance, things don’t quite as planned and unexpected emotions appear.

Fingersmith is a fast-paced read that kept me guessing until the very end. If you’re looking for a historical fiction novel with a twist, I highly recommend Fingersmith by Sarah Waters. The book was adapted into a film entitled The Handmaiden and directed by celebrated author, Park Chan-wook.

What I Did For A Duke is one of the best historical romance fiction books; from an author who is developing a real cult following. In this story, a dark duke with a less than savoury reputation sets out to seduce the sister of his enemy for immoral reasons. However, the more time he spends with the sister, her good nature begins to run off on him.

What I Did For A Duke is a fun and romantic read that will transport you back in time. USA Today Bestselling author and Rita Award winner Anne Long’s books have been translated into fourteen languages and nominated for numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America Rita and Romantic Times Reviewer’s choice.

A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare is a historical fiction novel set in Regency England. The story follows Susanna, the Duchess of Bainbridge, as she tries to protect her family from a scandal. When her husband is killed in a boxing match, Susanna is left to deal with the fallout. She must find a way to keep her children safe and salvage her reputation. To do this, she turns to Lord Ian Mackenzie, a notorious rake. Ian agrees to help Susanna, but only if she agrees to marry him. As they work together, Susanna and Ian come to care for each other deeply. But can they overcome the obstacles of their pasts to build a future together? A Night to Surrender is a heartwarming story of redemption and love.

Set on the Greek island of Cephallonia during the Second World War, Corelli’s Mandolin is a historical novel by Louis de Bernieres. The book follows the lives of a group of people – Greeks and Italians – who are caught up in the conflict. Despite the historical setting, the book is not primarily about the war itself, but rather about the human relationships that are formed in its aftermath.

Through the characters’ stories, de Bernieres explores themes of love, loss, and redemption. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin is an epic story that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Pride and Prejudice is one of the best historical romance books and is written by Jane Austen, first published in 1813. The story follows the main character Elizabeth Bennet as she deals with issues of manners, upbringing, morality, education, and marriage in the society of the landed gentry of early 19th-century England. Pride and Prejudice retains a fascination for modern readers, continuing near the top of lists of “most loved books.”

It has become one of the most popular novels in English literature, selling over 20 million copies worldwide. Pride and Prejudice has been adapted numerous times for stage, film, television, and even music. The book continues to generate scholarly debate and criticism, with new interpretations and adaptations appearing regularly.

The Song of Achilles is historical fiction set in the Bronze Age during the Trojan War. The story follows Achilles, the greatest warrior of his generation, and his close friend and lover Patroclus. The novel explores their relationship against the backdrop of the war, and how it changes as they are forced to confront the cruelty and futility of war.

The book has been praised for its exploration of the human experience, as well as its historical accuracy. The Song of Achilles is an excellent example of historical fiction that brings the past to life.

The Shogun’s Queen is a historical novel by Lesley Downer. Set in feudal Japan, the book tells the story of Princess Atsu. When black ships carrying barbarians arrive on the shores of Japan, the Satsuma clan’s way of life is threatened.

The Shogun’s Queen is an intriguing portrait of life in ancient Japan, told through the eyes of a strong and determined woman. The book is described as ‘a persuasive storyteller and the setting is mesmerising’ by Antonia Senior of The Times. Lesley Downer is an author, journalist and historian who has a fascination with Asian culture, having grown up with a Chinese Mother and a Father who was a Professor of Chinese.

An Extraordinary Union is a historical fiction novel set during the Civil War. It tells the story of Elle Burns, a runaway slave who poses as a free woman in order to become a spy for the Union Army. While working undercover at the Confederate White House, Elle meets and falls in love with Malcolm McCall, a dashing officer in the Confederate Army.

As the war intensifies, Elle and Malcolm find themselves caught up in a dangerous game of espionage and betrayal. An Extraordinary Union is a fast-paced, romantic read that transports readers to another time and place.

Frenchman’s Creek is a historical fiction novel set in England in the late 1600s. The story follows the adventures of Lady Dona St. Columb, a bored and restless aristocrat who becomes fascinated with a renegade French pirate. Against the wishes of her husband, she begins an affair with the pirate, and the two plot to steal a valuable treasure from the French government.

However, their plan quickly goes awry, and they find themselves pursued by both the British navy and the French authorities. Full of excitement, romance, and adventure, Frenchman’s Creek is a thrilling tale that du Maurier fans will not want to miss.

Where the Lost Wander is a historical fiction novel set in the American West in 1853. The story follows Naomi May who is sadly widowed at the young age of twenty. To try and leave her grief behind, Naomi sets off with her family for a life out West. On her travels, she meets John Lowry, a half-Pawnee man who she forms an instant connection with.

The novel explores themes of love, loss, and redemption, and ultimately celebrates the human spirit. With its richly drawn characters and vivid setting, Where the Lost Wander is a captivating read that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

Katherine is a historical fiction novel written by Anya Seton. It tells the story of Katherine Swynford, and her love affair with John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, an affair that changed history. The novel is a vivid rendering of the lives of the Duke and Duchess of Lancaster, making this book an unmissable classic.

Seton based the novel on historical research and documents, including letters and transcripts of speeches that Katherine herself wrote. As a result, the novel provides readers with a detailed and accurate portrayal of 14th-century Europe. In addition to its historical value, Katherine is also a well-written and engrossing story that will keep readers hooked until the very end.