Best Historical Romance Novels

More Historical Romance Books in Archives and Reader Favorites

Surrender (MacKinnon's Rangers, Book 1) Pamela Clare Dorchester Publishing, 2006 Historical romance An Army Ranger heads out to tame the wild frontier--not realizing that a stubborn beauty will be the one to tame his heart. More... This is an older novel we ran across--it has 45 five star reviews (out of 51) on Amazon. Decided to post it for that remarkable feat alone! Available at Amazon

The Golden Season Connie Brockway Onyx, 2010 Historical romance Wealthy, orphaned Lady Lydia Eastlake reigns over Regency England as the ton's most celebrated beauty. But she must face losing the only life she's ever known when her fortune suddenly disappears-and the only solution is to find a wealthy husband. Enter Captain Ned Lockton, a rich and dashing war hero who sends Lydia's pulse racing. Little does she know that the enigmatic captain's family estate is secretly on the selling block… More... “It has been a long while since I became so caught up in a tale…” – Jane Bowers, Romance Reviews Today …full book review Available at Amazon

Dangerous Highlander: A Dark Sword Novel Donna Grant St. Martins, 2009 Historical romance/fantasy romance First in a breathtaking new series, the bold and passionate Lucan MacLeod—one of three brothers cursed by dark magic for eternity—is driven by desire for the one woman he dare not let himself possess… More... “I definitely recommend Dangerous Highlander, even to skeptics of paranormal romance…” – Amy Wroblewsky, The Romance Reader …full book review Available at Amazon

Emerald Embrace Shannon Drake (Heather Graham) Medallion Press, 2010 Historical romance After a friend’s untimely death arouses suspicion of murder, Martise St. James journeys to the brooding Scottish castle of the late Mrs. Creegan to find her mystifying widower. Lord Bruce Creegan’s presence arouses more than just her suspicions. More... “Ms. Drake seduces her readers and captivates them in this fast-paced, intriguing, and passionate romance.” – Lauren Calder, Affaire de Coeur …full book review Starred Review from Publisher’s Weekly Available at Amazon

The Duke's Wager Edith Layton Signet, 2000 Historical romance An older book, but a great one... Beautiful Regina Berryman-pursued by the most notorious bachelors in London in a competition where her innocence was the ultimate prize-turns the tables on her pursuers-and changes the rules of the game of love.... More... “This book, in a word, is exquisite.” – Sarah, Smart Bitches, Trashy Books …full book review Available at Amazon

Seduced by A Stranger Eve Silver Zebra, 2009 Historical romance The vast, dense forest and murky lake that surround Cairncroft Abbey aren't the only menacing elements that envelop the estate. For a dark history lies behind its walls - where secrets and evil still linger...Catherine Weston arrives at Cairncroft Abbey to visit her childhood friend Madeline St. Aubyn whose health seems to deteriorate with each passing day. Even stranger, Madeline appears to grow more nervous whenever she is in the presence of her cousin, Gabriel. But Gabriel has quite a different effect on Catherine… More... “This is as much a thriller as a romance, standing the hairs on the back of your neck…” – Lototy, Coffee Time Romance & More …full book review Available at Amazon

Lady X's Cowboy Zoe Archer Leisure Books, 2006 Historical romance EAST END MEETS WILD WEST To Lady Olivia Xavier, the cowboy who came to her rescue out of the foggy London dusk could have stepped straight from one of her favorite dime novels. But when she was thrown into his arms, his solid chest and strong embrace assured her he was very real indeed. She needed a helping hand to save her late husband’s brewery from an ambitious rival, and even though she couldn’t understand half of the American’s curious expressions, something in his gentle touch told Olivia she could trust this stranger from the untamed West. More... “…by the last page, I feel as if I have struck gold or something. I love this book. I love it.” – Mrs. Giggles Reviews …full book review Available at Amazon

Love in a Bottle Zoe Archer Leisure Books, 2006 Historical romance It was the most beautiful fungus botanist Sophie Andrews had ever seen. And the man who came with it was a pretty fine specimen, too: tall, handsome and flashing a grin that promised wickedness. Sophie knew the bottle of love potion the roguish peddler tried to push on her was a hoax, but she had no time to argue. One of England’s most vicious criminals had kidnapped her favorite uncle, and something had to be done. More... “On paper, this story could have turned into a ridiculous and cheesy New Age mumbo-jumbo, but Love In A Bottle turns out instead to be a whimsical romantic fantasy.” – Mrs. Giggles Reviews …full book review Available at Amazon

Where the Winds Blows Caroline Fyffe Leisure Books, 2009 Historical (Western) romance Chase Logan liked being a loner, a drifter, free and clear as a mountain stream. But one look into Jessie Strong's sky-blue eyes and in the span of a heartbeat, he found himself agreeing to be her husband--and a father! Jessie knew it was all pretend. And only temporary. Just until the adoption went through for three-year-old Sarah. But the longer Chase stayed, the less she could imagine a long, lonely Wyoming winter without him. More... “ If you are a western fan, this will make you shout for joy that someone has gotten it so right.” – Shirley Lyons, The Romance Reader …full review Available at Amazon

Untamed (MacKinnon's Rangers, Book 2) Pamela Clare Leisure Books, 2008 Historical romance After he's captured by the French and threatened with being burned alive by their Abanaki allies, Morgan MacKinnon becomes a spy within their camp, never realizing just how treacherous his conflicting loyalties will be when he falls in love with an innocent yet alluring mademoiselle. “The characters leap off the pages...” – Marilyn Rondeau, CK2S Kwips and Kritiques …full review Available at Amazon

Mcalistair's Fortune Alissa Johnson Leisure Books, 2009 Historical/Regency romance To Miss Evie Cole, ignorance was never bliss. That principle had driven her to become quite adept at a most unladylike pursuit—eavesdropping. And it was while honing this skill that she heard her guardians’ elaborate scheme to find her a husband. Too bad she’d vowed never to marry. At least she knew the peril they were planning to help entrap her was only pretend. “Alissa Johnson writes a great story full of charm, wit and humor.” – Kristal Gorman, Romance Reader at Heart …full review NOTE: This book was listed as a 5 star review on the RRAH’s overview page, but 4 stars on the review. Not sure which one is the typo, but the book seems like a good one, so we’ve listed it here. Available at Amazon

A Knight's Temptation (Knight's series) Catherine Kean Medallian Press, 2009 Historical romance A ruby pendant stands at the center of this tale of disgrace, plotting, redemption, and the reunion of childhood friends. Aldwin Treynarde is a squire who, in his youth, was banished from home for shooting Lord Geoffrey de Lanceau with a crossbow bolt and nearly killing the man. Later on, Aldwin discovered that he had been set up by the deceitful Baron Sedgewick, who fed him false stories about the lord's wrongdoings. More... “I have not read any of the previous books in this series, however, after sampling this delectable delight, I am ready to do just that.” – Danielle, Coffee Time Romance & More…full review Available at Amazon

Enemy Of The King Beth Trissel The Wild Rose Press, 2009 Historical romance 1780, South Carolina: While Loyalist Meriwether Steele recovers from illness in the stately home of her beloved guardian, Jeremiah Jordan, she senses the haunting presence of his late wife. When she learns that Jeremiah is a Patriot spy and shoots Captain Vaughan, the British officer sent to arrest him, she is caught up on a wild ride into Carolina back country, pursued both by the impassioned captain and the vindictive ghost. Will she remain loyal to her king and Tory twin brother or risk a traitor's death fighting for Jeremiah? More... “I thoroughly enjoyed reading Enemy of the King. Not only are the characters memorable and the setting beautifully described, but the action is riveting and the romance between Meri and Jeremiah is tender.” – Poinsettia, Long and Short Reviews …full review Available at Amazon

The Lady & the Libertine Bonnie Vanak Leisure Books, 2009 Historical romance A young Englishwoman discovers that her necklace is the key to a fabulous Egyptian treasure, and the dissipated earl who seeks it is after her as well. “The characters were lively, the banter was quick and sharp, and the romance was sufficiently hot enough to make me sigh in happiness.” – Alexandra Cenni, Romance Reader at Heart …full review Available at Amazon

His Woman Diana Cosby Zebra, 2008 Historical romance Lady Isabel Adair is the last woman Sir Duncan MacGruder wants to see again, much less be obliged to save. Three years ago, Isabel broke their engagement to become the Earl of Frasyer's mistress, shattering Duncan's heart and hopes in one painful blow. But Duncan's promise to Isabel's dying brother compels him to rescue her from those determined to bring down Scottish rebel Sir William Wallace.Betraying the man she loved was the only way for Isabel to save her father, but every moment she spends with Duncan reminds her just how much she sacrificed. More... “Get ready for an action packed non-stop thrill ride with His Woman a sequel to multi talented new author Diana Cosby’s His Captive….His Woman is everything you could want in a historical romance and more!” – Bonnie, A Romance Review …full review Available at Amazon

The Commander's Desire Jennette Green The Wild Rose Press, 2008 Historical, PG-13 Princess Elwytha wants revenge on the monster who murdered her brother. In a false exchange for peace, she offers herself in marriage to the enemy Prince. The plan? Kill the Prince's battle-scarred Commander-the man who ended King Thor's life with one filthy sword thrust through the back. To her horror, the Commander agrees to take Elwytha as his bride.... Read an excerpt... Top Pick from Romance Reader at Heart “Ms. Green’s portrayal of the Commander was refreshing. He was kind and caring without being wimpy, and it takes a talented author to bring that out in a character without losing the effect of being a strong alpha warrior while keeping the reader's interest at the same time....THE COMMANDER'S DESIRE is definitely a keeper.” – Sheila Smith, Romance Reader at Heart …full review “The Commander’s Desire is a historical novel that reaches you deep down to your soul.... Simply stated, I loved this book. No matter what genre you read or what heat level you enjoy, you will be enthralled with The Commander’s Desire. You will feel their emotions, understand their sorrows and celebrate their victories. It definitely stays on my shelf.” – Cindy K. Green, WRDF Reviews ...full review “Jennette Green's THE COMMANDER'S DESIRE is a quick paced romance read…. Jennette Green is an author whose career medieval romance readers should watch with interest.” – Merri, Medieval Book Reviews ...full review Available at Amazon

Frederica Georgette Heyer Sourcebooks Casablanca, reprint 2009 Historical/Regency romance When Frederica brings her younger siblings to London determined to secure a brilliant marriage for her beautiful sister, she seeks out their distant cousin the Marquis of Alverstoke. Lovely, competent, and refreshingly straightforward, Frederica makes such a strong impression that to his own amazement, the Marquis agrees to help launch them all into society. Lord Alverstoke can’t resist wanting to help her… More... “This is a book to sit back and relax with, one to take your time and enjoy all that it has to offer, with characters that are real and likable.” – Sheila Smith, Romance Reader at Heart …full review Available at Amazon

Faro's Daughter Georgette Heyer Sourcebooks Casablanca, reprint 2008 Historical/Regency romance Beautiful Deborah Grantham, mistress of her aunt's elegant gaming house, must find a way to restore herself and her aunt to respectability, preferably without accepting either of two repugnant offers. One is from an older, very rich and rather corpulent lord whose reputation for licentious behavior disgusts her; the other from the young, puppyish scion of a noble family whose relatives are convinced she is a fortune hunter. Max Ravenscar, uncle to her young suitor, comes to buy her off, an insult so scathing that it leads to a volley of passionate reprisals, escalating between them to a level of flair and fury that can only have one conclusion... “… Faro’s Daughter is my favorite sort of Heyer: a lovely, concentrated battle of wits between a man and a woman with sparkling results. – Emma Leigh, All About Romance …full review Available at Amazon

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Enticing The Prince (Kazanov Brothers Series) Patricia Grasso Zebra, 2008 Historical The daughter of Moscow's most celebrated jeweller, Katerina Pavlova has inherited a keen eye for gems. But when the whims of a wealthy prince bring tragedy to the Pavlovas, Katerina flees Russia with her family's fortune. Once in London, the beguiling Katerina reinvents herself as the Contessa de Salerno, a beautiful, mysterious aristocrat with a talent for making dazzling jewellery. Soon, every lady in London desires one of her glittering creations-while every man desires the Countess herself...Prince Drako Kazanov is one of the men who longs to seduce the Contessa. But Katerina is convinced that Drako is the man behind her family's downfall and she's determined to exact vengeance. More... "What a magical book about love, deception, forgiveness, and murder. Patricia Grasso takes you into a world of old world romance spiced with intrigue, mystery, and danger." -- LeeAnn, Coffee Time Romance ...full review

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Mistress of Pleasure Delilah Marvelle Zebra, 2008 Historical, R Granddaughter of a renowned courtesan, Maybelle de Maitenon has no interest in her grandmother's school in London where gentlemen receive instruction -- in the art of seduction. Her only desire in life is to remain independent, free from men and the shackles of marriage. But when Maybelle lays eyes on Edmund Worthington, the Duke of Rutherford, at a soiree, and hears of his scandalous reputation, she decides he's the perfect person for her to have a tryst with no strings attached... More... "What a wonderful new author! Ms. Marvelle's first novel is intriguing and will sweep you away to 1830's London." -- Liadan, Coffee Time Romance ...full review

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A Most Unconventional Match Julia Justiss Harlequin, 2008 Historical Hal Waterman's calling on the newly widowed Elizabeth Lowery is the caring act of a gentleman. And with her household in turmoil and a young son to support, she is certainly grateful for his help. Hal finds Elizabeth even more lovely than when they first met, but knows that she will only ever see him as a kind and often taciturn friend. More... "I have always had a soft spot for the outsider, so I instantly fell for the inarticulate Hal Waterman. He is a real gentleman - kind, thoughtful, protective, and encouraging." -- Carolyn Esau, All About Romance ...full review

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Her One Desire Kimberly Killion Zebra, 2008 Historical England 1483--A time when the nobles would do anything to steal the crown. Proof of a conspiracy lies in the hands of the executioner's daughter. Her quest to save her father's soul endangers her life along with the Scottish spy she frees from the Tower of London.  More... "Author Kimberly Killion bursts onto the historical scene with an adventure unlike many others. From the opening pages, I was enthralled by Lizbeth's and Broderick's story." -- Lettetia Elsasser, Affair de Coeur ...full review

To Wed a Highlander Michele Sinclair Zebra, 2008 Historical "The strong and handsome leader still has not been accepted by the Dunstan clan... Now he is being offered a red-haired, green-eyed, tomboy, termagant, to deal with and marry, who is willful, can wield a sword as well as, or better than, many of the Dunstan men, and worst of all, has no idea how to do woman's work...Michele Sinclair has a talent to keep the reader engaged with interesting storylines and unforgettable characters. A real Highland and Lowland treat!" -- Beverly …full review "Hot, hot, hot!  Set in the early fourteenth century Scottish Highlands, TO WED A HIGHLANDER is a passionate, thrilling historical novel.  FIVE BLUE RIBBONS!" -- Dottie, Romance Junkies …full review

Moon of the Falling Leaves Diane Davis White Highland Press, 2008 Historical Western Jessica Maxwell finds out just how uncertain life can be when she and her children are stranded on the side of a mountain with winter looming.... Swift Eagle has discovered his destiny in the flames of a vision that leads him to help this white family. Compassion Becomes Passion. Duty becomes desire when Jessica and Swift Eagle are forced to fight for their love, their survival in the old West. More... "Moon of the Falling Leaves is definitely a five book [star] story....  It was a story that kept returning to my thoughts as all glad love stories should." -- Magnolia, The Long and the Short of It …full review

Your Scandalous Ways Loretta Chase Avon, 2008 Historical, R James Cordier is all blue blood and entirely dangerous…. Francesca Bonnard has weathered heartbreak, scorn, and scandal. She's independent, happy, and definitely fallen; and she's learned that "gentlemen" are more trouble than they're worth. She can also see that her wildly attractive new neighbor is bad news. More... "When a book is this good, it’s a challenging task to make certain I’ve adequately conveyed that fact to readers." --Sandy Coleman, All About Romance …full review  Your Scandalous Ways is the only book in Historical Romance with an average 3 1/2 star ranking on Amazon.  We included it because it rated 5 stars from five separate reviewers, and the low Amazon ranking seems to be due to a controversy about the main character's occupation.

In Bed with the Devil Lorraine Heath Avon, 2008 Historical They call him the Devil Earl—a scoundrel and accused murderer who grew up on the violent London streets. A proper young lady risks more than her reputation when consorting with the roguishly handsome Lucian Langdon, but Lady Catherine Mabry believes she has no choice. To protect those she loves, she would do anything—even strike a bargain with the devil himself. More... "I love tortured books, and the moment Catherine asks Lucian to do something so dark for her in order to protect someone she loves, IN BED WITH THE DEVIL becomes anything but a fluffy, feel good, historical romance." -- Cindy, CK²s Kwips and Kritiques ...full review

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The Spymaster's Lady Joanna Bourne Berkley, 2008 Historical, PG-13 She's never met a man she couldn't deceive...until now. She's braved battlefields. She's stolen dispatches from under the noses of heads of state. She's played the worldly courtesan, the naive virgin, the refined British lady, even a Gypsy boy. But Annique Villiers, the elusive spy known as the Fox Cub, has finally met the one man she can't outwit. More... "This is a flat-out, spectacular book." -- Cheryl Sneed, All About Romance …full review  (This book received more than one 5 star review from reviewers.  It averages 4.5 stars on Amazon.) You may also be interested in the next book in this series: My Lord and Spymaster