10 Best Historical Romance Books, Ranked

The best history romance The books involve well-known popular novels, but also some titles that may be surprising. In general, romance is a broad category with many subgenres. There are books that perfectly combine fantasy and romance – so much so that they have now become their own genre, romance. There are romance book series that include aliens and iconic period romance books that later become TV shows. Romance is a successful genre because of the endless opportunities and stories that often include other genres.

Historical romance is a popular genre with iconic books like Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice or Charlotte Brontë Jane Eyrebut they are classics that the authors wrote in the period in which they lived. The historical novel is a genre in which the author writes stories that take place before his time. Considering this factor, many classics do not fit into the “historical romance” genre. However, there are still plenty of great historical romance stories to choose from, and There are 10 historical romance books that stand out from the rest.

10

Devil in Winter, by Lisa Kleypas

The third book in the Wallflowers series

Devil in winter is the third book by Lisa Kleypas wall flowers series, and revolves around Evangeline Jenner, who marries London rake Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent, to escape the terrible fate of marrying her cousin and being subjected to a lifetime of abuse before her family kill her. Devil in winter is the most renowned book in the wall flowers series. Although Sebastian was the heinous villain of the previous novel, he redeems himself in Devil in winter as the novel portrays an entirely different and more complex character.

Both Evangeline and Sebastian face incredible growth in Devil in winter with its impressive character arcs. The plot is riveting from start to finish, and the book balances between swoon-worthy lines, funny moments, and jaw-dropping drama. Devil in winter it also demonstrates Lisa Kleypas' immense talent for writing. It says a lot how Sebastian was one of Kleypas' most hated characters at the end of It happened one autumn but became one of Kleypas' most beloved heroes by the end of Devil in winter. wall flowers It's an excellent series to read and Devil in winter It's the best installment.

9

Nine Rules to Break When Dating a Rake by Sarah MacLean

The first book in love with numbers

Sarah MacLean is one of the most popular historical romance fiction authors, and for good reason. Nine rules to break when dating a rake is the first installment of MacLean's acclaimed book Love in Numbers trilogy, and it's also the best (although all three books are worth reading). MacLean has a knack for writing typical, everyday people as compelling characters.and Nine rules to break when dating a rake embodies this with the protagonists, Lady Calpurnia Hartwell and Gabriel St.

Nine rules to break when dating a rake It's gripping and emotional, providing fascinating twists and turns from start to finish. The book perfectly combines adventure and romance, creating the perfect, whimsical and exciting story. Although the book has common tropes, it is still one of the best historical novels.

8

On the Way to the Wedding, by Julia Quinn

The eighth book in the Bridgerton series

On the way to the wedding is the last installment of Bridgerton books, but it's easily the best. Gregory Bridgerton is often overlooked for being the fourth Bridgerton brother, but he is the most attractive of the brothers. His love interest, Lucy, is also a very underrated Bridgerton wife, when she is one of the best heroines in the book series. On the way to the wedding It's fast-paced, but it works well for this fun and hilarious narrative. The book features charming and captivating secondary characters who complete the story.

Although the Bridgerton books are attractive, most of them actually contain several problematic aspects – but On the way to the wedding no. In the end Bridgerton installment proves Julia Quinn's talent for writing complex romances and characters without feeling inclined to insert sexual abuse or assault. On the way to the wedding It's funny and fascinating, with unexpected twists at every turn. Gregory and Lucy's chemistry slowly grows throughout the novel, but its dynamics are unique and irresistible.

7

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

A standalone romance

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is a retelling of the classic Trojan War in Greek mythology, portraying a timeless romance between Patroclus and Achilles. Miller's book is critically acclaimed, having won several awards, including the Orange Prize for Fiction and the Gaylactic Spectrum Award. The Song of Achilles was also featured on the ALA Rainbow Book List, shortlisted for the Chautauqua Prize and the Independent Booksellers' Book Award, and shortlisted for the Massachusetts Book Award. The novel was also nominated for the Stonewall Book Award for Literature in 2013.

What is more The Song of AchillesWith numerous accolades, it is one of the highest rated historical novels on Goodreads, with an average of 4.32 out of 5 stars. The Song of Achilles is an emotional narrative with beautiful proseincluding the iconic line, “He is half of my soul, as the poets say.” Madeline Miller's novel revolutionized historical romantic fiction and includes the depiction of gay relationships.

6

The Red Palace in June Hur

A standalone romance

The Red Palace by June Hur is a historical fiction mystery novel set in mid-18th century Korea, known at the time as Joseon. The book revolves around the protagonist, Hyeon, a palace nurse who finds herself in the middle of a criminal investigation, determined to prove her mentor's innocence after authorities accuse her of murdering four women in one night. Hyeon continues to cross paths with Eojin, a junior police officer who is also investigating the case.

Hyeon and Eojin develop romantic feelings for each other as the case unfolds, their unexpected partnership grows deeper, and the stakes rise. The mystery intertwined with Hyeon and Eojin's romance in the Korean historical context makes The Red Palace One of the best historical novels. The Red Palace has an epic romance with a unique mystery to complete the narrative.

The first book of the Loyal League

Alyssa Cole An Extraordinary Union is a 2017 historical fiction novel set during the American Civil War. The book features Elle Burns, a former slave living in Massachusetts who decides to become a spy for the Union Army, and Malcolm McCall, a detective on a mission to infiltrate Confederate territory in Virginia. Their paths end up crossing, leading to an epic love story. Elle and Malcolm's romance is fascinating in its own right, but the romance also has a compelling plot—a rare feat for the romance genre.

An Extraordinary Union was featured in both Weekly entertainment'sand Vultureof the best romance books of 2017. The book also received stellar reviews from Editor's Weekly and Kirkusthe latter nicknamed An Extraordinary Union “a masterful tale.” An Extraordinary Union It is without a doubt one of the best historical novels.

4

The Familiar, by Leigh Bardugo

A standalone romance

The familiar by Leigh Bardugo may seem questionable because it's not as beloved as some of Leigh Bardugo's other books. However, this historical novel is widely misunderstood. The magic system is peculiar because it is steeped in true Jewish mysticism and Spanish history, making it unique first and foremost. The familiar has a stellar cast of characters, from the resilient protagonist Luzia to the mysterious Guillén Santángel, the social status climber Doña Valentina and the selfish and protective Hualit. Luzia and Guillén Santángel's romance is one for the books, with its delicious and seductive unexpected chemistry.

Most importantly, The familiar is one of the best historical novels because of its plot. The Washington Post dubbed The familiar “one essential reading“because the book illustrates”the suffering that results when the majority imposes its religion on everyone else, using coercive authority to control everyone's own identities.” The familiar utilizes the historical romance fiction genre to shed light on the poisonous Spanish Catholic regime and the extent to which it oppressed and brutalized non-Catholics, especially the Jewish people. The familiar has a compelling romance while also evoking significant themes based on real historical events.

3

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

The first book of last night at the Telegraph Club Duology

Malinda Lo initially published Last night at the Telegraph Club as a short story, but she ended up turning the narrative into a novel. The book is a work of young adult historical romance fiction about two women, Lily Hu and Kathleen Miller, who meet at a lesbian bar in San Francisco's Chinatown in the 1950s and end up falling in love. Last night at the Telegraph Club is a moving narrative that critiques Red Scare paranoia, anti-Asian racism, and homophobia against the backdrop of a love story that overcomes trials and tribulations during these dangerous times for Lily, a Chinese-American lesbian.

Last night at the Telegraph Club made history by receiving the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2021—the first winning book to feature a young adult lesbian as the protagonist. Other awards Last night at the Telegraph Club Awards include the Stonewall Book Award for Young People's Literature and the Asian/Pacific American Award for Young People's Literature. Last night at the Telegraph Club illustrates the importance of love despite hate, fear and intolerance. It is one of the best historical novels and one of the best LGBTQ+ books.

2

Rebel by Beverly Jenkins

The first book by women who dare

Rebel is the first novel by Beverly Jenkins Women who dare series, taking place during the Reconstruction era in New Orleans in the late 1860s. It revolves around Valinda Lacey and Captain Drake LeVeq, characters deeply invested in the reconstruction of New Orleans. Beverly Jenkins is one of the best authors of historical romance fictionhaving received numerous accolades from Romantic Times magazine, the NAACP Image Awards and Romance Writers of America.

Rebel Portrays Beverly Jenkins' talent for prose, historical accuracy, and captivating romance. Rebel not only does it have a compelling romance, but it also has a deeply enriching story that adds to the narrative rather than detracts from it. Valinda Lacey is a strong female protagonist, and Captain Drake LeVeq is a charming, complex, and swoon-worthy hero. Although all of Beverly Jenkins's novels are worth reading, Rebel stands out as one of his best.

1

Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon

The first book in the Outlander series

Of course, the best historical romance book is by Diana GabaldonOutlander series, with the first book coming out on top. Outlander became a phenomenon with an award-winning TV adaptation, more than 26 million copies sold (according to CBS News) and the upcoming prequel TV show Outlander: Blood of My Blood. The story revolves around Claire Randall, a military nurse who accidentally travels back in time to 1743, where she meets the dashing Jamie Fraser. Claire and Jamie fall in love, setting up an epic love story for the ages.

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Claire and Jamie have one of the best love stories in all of fiction, with their unwavering commitment, intense chemistry, and undying love for each other. Outlander combines several genres – romance, fantasy, historical fiction and adventure – to create a compelling narrative. No one writes historical romance like Diana Gabaldon, especially with her unique talent for juggling multiple genres. The first installment, Outlanderit's the beginning of it all, setting up this epic story that none of the sequels have managed to achieve, although they are still excellent. Outlander also won the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award in 1992.

Sources: Weekly entertainment, Vulture, Editor's Weekly, Kirkus, The Washington Post, CBS News