10 Best Historical Romance Books

10 Best Historical Romance Books is a comprehensive collection of books that hold a captivating blend of historical fiction with heart-stirring romance. These are set against the backdrop of significant periods and events.

These books transcend time and show the spinning tales of love that transcend time from the Regency period to the Victorian period and from medical times to the time of World Wars. Best historical romance books encompass these times and let us immerse ourselves in the customs, attitudes, and lifestyles of the time.

So before anything else let’s jump into the main topic to find out some of the best historical romance books out there.

10 Best Historical Romance Books

Here is a list of the 10 best historical romance books:

Devil in Winter (Wallflowers, #3) by Lisa Kleypas

This is the third book in Lisa Kleypass’s Wallflowers series. The main character of the story is Evangeline Jenner, the story centers around her as she goes to seek help from London’s most infamous scoundrel to escape from her scheming relatives.

The handsome and devilish viscount Sebastian is intrigued by Evie’s hidden strength, and he quickly comes to desire her more than any woman he’s ever known. on the other hand, Evie realizes that a marriage for convenience is the only solution.

Evie determined to win the heart of her devilish husband strikes a deal again, if he can stay celibate for three months, she will allow him into her bed. As Evie’s vengeful enemies threaten her, Sebastian vows to protect his wife. The book is considered one of the historical romance books out there and has received great reviews from all around.

Love in the Afternoon (The Hathaways, #5) by Lisa Kleypas

This is the fifth book in Lisa Kleypas’s Hathaways series. The story is about  Beatrix Hathaway, who is a lover of animals and nature, making her feel more comfortable outdoors than in the ballroom.

As such she never thought she would ever find love or even be swept away and seriously be courted, but the story takes a turn, Captain Christopher Phelan a daring, and handsome soldier who plans to marry Beatrix’s friend, Prudence Mercer, comes back from the battlefield.

To Pru’s disappointment, Christopher has changed a lot so Beatrix helps by concocting Pru’s letters to Christopher for her thus developing a deep and fulfilling relationship with one another.

The book has had an instant rise in fame since the time it was released in 2010 making it one of the best Historical romance books out there.

Tempt Me at Twilight (The Hathaways, #3) by Lisa Kleypas

The third book in Lisa Kleypas’s Hathaways series, the book tells the story of Poppy Hathaway, a person who longs for normalcy but also loves her unconventional family. Fate leads Poppy to meet with the enigmatic and wealthy Harry Rutledge who was an enigmatic hotel owner and an inventor. He also has a dangerous hidden life.

When their flirtation compromises Poppy’s reputation she shocks the world by accepting Harry’s proposal but she quickly finds out that her husband offers his passion but not his trust. Harry was willing to do anything to win Poppy except open his heart.

Though desires grow well between them so does the danger lurks in the shadows. The book has been a great hit since the moment of its release making it one of the best historical romance books out there.

The Viscount Who Loved Me (Bridgertons, #2) by Julia Quinn

This is the second in the Bridgerton series. The story is set around the character Anthony Bridgerton who is London’s most elusive bachelor who has decided to marry.

The only obstacle is the girl he chose to marry, her older sister Kate Sheffield. Kate, who is determined to protect her sister, also fears her vulnerable heart. Kate is suddenly afraid that she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself making a complex yet alluring plot.

The book has been published and received highly positive reviews from the time it was published in 2000, making it one of the best historical romance books out there.

Lord of Scoundrels (Scoundrels, #3) by Loretta Chase

The third book in the Scoundrels series was written by Loretta Chase. The main character Jessica Trent is someone who is determined to free her brother from the destructive influence of the notorious Marquess of Dain named Sebastian Ballister.

Jessica never imagined that she would expect to desire the arrogant amoral cad but when Dain’s reciprocal passion places them in a compromising and scandalous position, Jessica is left with no choice but to seek satisfaction. Since the release of the book, it has received positive reviews and has been one of the best historical romance books to intrigue its readers.

Dreaming of You (The Gamblers of Craven’s, #2) by Lisa Kleypas

This is the second book in the Gamblers of Craven’s series by Lisa Kleypas. The story is set around the innocent but strong Sara Fielding who is a writer. She ventures into the world of Derek Craven who is a wealthy lord of London’s most exclusive gambling house. Though from the outside Derek looks tough, Sarah’s attitude of innocence and strength captivated him.

When Sara is lured by curiosity into the dark and dangerous world of Derek a passionate romance ensues making this one of the best historical romance books out there since it was published in 1994 having received positive reviews all the while.

Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (Love By Numbers, #1) by Sarah MacLean

This is the first book in the Numbers Series written by Sarah Maclean. The story is about Lady Calpurnia Hartwell, a strict follower of rules which has left her unmarried and unsatisfied.

So she vows to break the rules and live the life of pleasure she’s been missing, to do that she finds a willing partner named Gabriel St. John the Marquess of Ralston, and before long their correspondence develops into something fulfilling and deep. the book has received good reviews making it one of the best historical romance reads out there.

One Good Earl Deserves a Lover (The Rules of Scoundrels, #2) by Sarah MacLean

This is the second book in the Rules of Scoundrels series by Sarah MacLean. The features the character Philippa Marbury, a girl who is interested in books rather than balls and flora fashion, and science than the season.

Nearly engaged to Lord Castleton, she wants to see the scandalous parts of London that she’s never seen before her marriage, and to do that she finds London’s most notorious and coveted gaming hell known as Cross the Tall, charming, and quick-witted bookkeeper of the Fallen Angel.

The unexpected proposition is more than tempting for Cross to ignore and the story gets just as tempting making this one of the best historical romance books out there.

A Rogue by Any Other Name (The Rules of Scoundrels, #1) by Sarah MacLean

The first book in the Rules of Scoundrels series by Sarah Maclean. The story is about the Marquess of Bourne named Michael Lawyer, who has nothing but the title of his family he was cast from society a decade ago.

Michael is determined to regain his inheritance and willing to marry Lady Penelope Marbury to do so, despite Penelope’s ruined rep and being on the verge of spinsterhood, she is still intent on having a love marriage making the story even more complex.

The book has received many positive reviews and has been a hit since it was published in 2013 making it one of the best historical romance books to read.

The Duke and I (Bridgertons, #1) by Julia Quinn

This is the first book in the Bridgertons Series written by Julia Quinn. This story revolves around  Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset who is the Duke of Bastings.

Daphne has always been not too amiable as been dictated by the rules of her family and Simon recently returned to England from Abroad, he intends to shun marriage and society, but before all that, his encounter with his best friend’s sister changed all that.

If Daphne agrees to a fake courtship then Simon can easily deter the mamas from parading their daughters before him, on the other hand, Daphne realizes her prospects and her reputation soar.

The book has been well-received and has been getting positive reviews since it was released in 2000 making it one of the best historical romance books to read.

Afterwords On Our 10 Best Historical Romance Books

Our best historical romance books list covers some of the best works by authors like Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn, and Sarah MacLean, whose books are at the top of the Historical Romance bestseller list and also have won the hearts of readers unlike any other.

Their stories are compelling and filled with complex characters and rich historical details, if you like all these elements then I am certain this Best historical romance book list is made just for you.

Even if you are a seasoned fan or a newcomer, diving into these books will promise you a journey that will fill you with passion and adventure and surely let’s not forget about love, if you are interested in more be sure to check out our large collection of books too!