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When it comes to the realm of historical romance literature, numerous well-received titles should be on every enthusiast’s reading list. While classics like Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre are often mentioned, there are many other delightful surprises to discover. The romance genre is vast, encompassing numerous subgenres and themes, including fantasy-infused romance, sometimes referred to as “romantasy.”Furthermore, readers can explore series that delve into alien worlds or enjoy iconic historical romances adapted into popular TV series. This genre’s unparalleled success stems from its ability to offer diverse narratives that interweave with various other genres.
Within this context, historical romance stands out as a beloved genre. Although some classics do not fit strictly within this category, many remarkable historical romance novels have captured readers’ hearts. Here, we present ten historical romance books that significantly distinguish themselves from others.
10 Devil In Winter by Lisa Kleypas
The Third Book in the Wallflowers Series
Devil in Winter marks the third installment in Lisa Kleypas’ acclaimed Wallflowers series. The story follows Evangeline Jenner, who, to escape an unbearable fate involving marriage to her abusive cousin, agrees to marry the notorious Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent. This book stands out as the most celebrated in the series, showcasing Sebastian’s transformation from a wicked villain to a multi-dimensional hero, deepened by complexity and redemption.
| Wallflowers Series by Lisa Kleypas | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Book | Publication Date | Protagonists | Romance Tropes |
| Again the Magic (Prequel) | January 29, 2004 | Lady Aline Marsden & John McKenna | Forbidden romance, class difference |
| Secrets of a Summer Night | October 26, 2004 | Annabelle Peyton & Simon Hunt | Enemies to lovers, class difference |
| It Happened One Autumn | September 27, 2005 | Lillian Bowman & Marcus, Lord Westcliff | Enemies to lovers |
| Devil in Winter | February 28, 2006 | Evangeline Jenner & Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent | Marriage of convenience, opposites attract, only one bed |
| Scandal in Spring | July 25, 2006 | Daisy Bowman & Matthew Swift | Enemies to lovers |
| A Wallflower Christmas | October 14, 2008 | Rafe Bowman & Natalie Blandford | Marriage of convenience, Christmas, matchmaking |
In Devil in Winter, both Evangeline and Sebastian embark on significant personal journeys, showcasing stunning character development. This engaging plot perfectly balances humorous moments with gripping drama, keeping readers captivated from start to finish. Lisa Kleypas’ exceptional writing shines through, demonstrating how she can take a character once loathed by readers and turn him into a beloved hero.
9 Nine Rules To Break When Romancing A Rake by Sarah MacLean
The First Book in the Love by Numbers Trilogy
Sarah MacLean has garnered immense popularity as a historical romance author, and Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake exemplifies her talent. This installment begins her celebrated Love by Numbers trilogy and is often regarded as the best of the three. MacLean’s mastery lies in portraying relatable characters, seen clearly in the arcs of Lady Calpurnia Hartwell and Gabriel St. John.
Filled with emotional depth, the novel maintains a thrilling pace and unexpected twists. Its seamless blend of adventure and romance results in a delightful reading experience, making it a standout entry in historical romance.
8 On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn
The Eighth Book in the Bridgerton Series
Concluding the popular Bridgerton series, On the Way to the Wedding is a captivating tale featuring Gregory Bridgerton, often overshadowed by his siblings. His love interest, Lucy, emerges as a standout heroine, showcasing palpable chemistry throughout the narrative. The novel’s brisk pacing contributes to its charm, blending humor and emotional resonance.
Most books in the Bridgerton series have notable flaws, yet this final installment offers a refreshing take on romantic storytelling devoid of serious issues. With engaging plot twists and delightful secondary characters supporting the main narrative, Gregory and Lucy’s relationship grows naturally, capturing readers’ hearts.
7 The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
A Standalone Novel
The Song of Achilles retells the legendary narrative of the Trojan War through the eyes of Patroclus and Achilles, highlighting their profound romance. Critically acclaimed and award-winning, Miller’s work has received numerous accolades, showcasing its importance in contemporary literature.
The novel is highly rated on Goodreads, reflecting its emotional depth and beautiful writing. Quotations such as “He is half of my soul, as the poets say” underline its poetic nature. With representation of LGBTQ+ relationships, The Song of Achilles redefined romance within historical fiction.
6 The Red Palace by June Hur
A Standalone Novel
Set in mid-eighteenth century Korea, The Red Palace is a historical mystery romance that follows Hyeon, a palace nurse who becomes embroiled in a criminal investigation. When her mentor is accused of murder, Hyeon teams up with a junior police officer named Eojin, leading to a mixture of mystery and budding romance. With its captivating narrative and rich historical backdrop, The Red Palace stands out for its unique intertwining of genres.
5 An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole
The First Book in the Loyal League Series
An Extraordinary Union is set during the tumultuous timeframe of the American Civil War, showcasing the intertwining lives of Elle Burns, a former enslaved woman turned spy, and Malcolm McCall, a detective infiltrating Confederate territories. Their love story unravels amidst a gripping narrative, infusing authenticity and excitement into the romance genre. Recognized in various best romance book lists, this novel seamlessly combines a poignant love story with a compelling plot.
4 The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
A Standalone Novel
While initially not as celebrated as other works from Leigh Bardugo, The Familiar introduces readers to a unique blend of historical romance and Jewish mysticism. With a cast of richly developed characters and a narrative that critiques historical injustices, this book offers both romance and meaningful commentary. It effectively illuminates the struggles faced during the Spanish Inquisition, combining romance with profound historical themes.
3 Last Night At The Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
The First Book in the Last Night at the Telegraph Club Duology
Last Night at the Telegraph Club, originally conceived as a short story, unfolds as a poignant exploration of love amidst the backdrop of 1950s San Francisco. Centering around Lily Hu and Kathleen Miller’s romance, the story tackles issues of racial and sexual identity during a politically charged era. Receiving accolades including the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, this novel not only breaks barriers in representation but also highlights the enduring power of love.
2 Rebel by Beverly Jenkins
The First Book in the Women Who Dare Series
Rebel marks the debut in Beverly Jenkins’ Women Who Dare series, set in the Reconstruction era of New Orleans. The narrative follows Valinda Lacey and Captain Drake LeVeq, who navigate the challenges of rebuilding their lives in a fractured society. Beverly Jenkins consistently crafts engaging romances while ensuring historical authenticity—a hallmark of her acclaimed writing.
1 Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
The First Book in the Outlander Series
Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander is arguably the pinnacle of historical romance literature. With over 26 million copies sold and a successful television series adaptation, it revolves around Claire Randall, a military nurse who is mysteriously transported back to 1743, where she encounters the charismatic Jamie Fraser. Their love story transcends time and genre, skillfully integrating elements of historical fiction, romance, and fantasy. Gabaldon’s unparalleled ability to weave together intricate narratives ensures that Outlander remains unforgettable.
For further exploration of these remarkable works, check out additional sources: Entertainment Weekly, Vulture, Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, The Washington Post, and CBS News.
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