Historical Romance
Historical romance is a genre consisting of books that take place in a historical setting with the developing romance of the main character being the focus. Some eras such as the Regency have many more titles available than others, but the genre is always expanding. Some publishing houses define historical romance as romances that take place before the Vietnam War, whereas others define it as before WWII.
Historical romances examine the ways that romantic relationships might've developed in times where values and social mores were different from present time. They also examine how love can thrive even against backdrops of war and injustice, and how they run into the same joys and sorrows as those in present day - loyalty, betrayal, heartache, flirtation, jealousy, humour, etc. all find their way into historical romance.
"Ash Turner seduced her with the promise of her own self." -Courtney Milan
Regency romance
Victorian romance
Scottish Highlands romance
American romance
New to historical romance? Try one of these books:
The Rogue Not Taken by Publication Date: 2015Lady Sophie's Society Splash When Sophie, the least interesting of the Talbot sisters, lands her philandering brother-in-law backside-first in a goldfish pond in front of all society, she becomes the target of aristocratic scorn. Her only choice is to flee London to start a new life far from the aristocracy. Unfortunately, the carriage she stows away in isn't saving her from ruin - it's filled with it. Rogue's Reign of Ravishment! Kingscote, "King," the Marquess of Eversley, has never met a woman he couldn't charm, resulting in a reputation far worse than the truth. When King discovers stowaway Sophie, however, the journey becomes anything but boring.
Highland Warrior by Publication Date: 2010Fleeing an obsessed suitor, Fiona MacEnroy rides recklessly into Scotland's wildest hills and is captured by a horde of well-armed men. Instead of battling for her life, she finds herself swept away by a powerful stranger and carried off to a remote, forbidding keep. Oddly, here at Scarglas, a place shrouded in mystery and the black reputation of the rogue clan MacFingal, Fiona feels a strange, comforting sense of safety, and a consuming passion for its rugged laird. Spellbound by Fiona's beauty yet determined to fight the longing she ignites, Ewan MacFingal plots to ransom Fiona back to her kin. Sworn to protect his eccentric clan against the dangers invading Scarglas, he refuses to be weakened by the power of a woman whose every glance and touch tell him that she is everything his heart desires. Now, as pride and passion war within, dark peril and forbidding secrets will force them to trust what has yet to be spoken - the unshakable power of a timeless love.
The Mistress by Publication Date: 2010Most days Kathleen O'Leary is a penniless maid. But tonight she takes a risk and masquerades as a glamorous heiress, thanks to a borrowed gown and her friends' sense of adventure. To her surprise, the ruse succeeds--even Dylan Kennedy, Chicago's most eligible bachelor, seems enraptured. But like Kathleen, Dylan isn't who he says he is. And before their true identities can be revealed to one another, fire erupts, sending rich and poor alike running for their lives. Now, though virtually strangers, Kathleen and Dylan must rely on each other for survival. And when the embers cool, they'll find that the greatest risk has been to their hearts....
