Victorian Historical Romance Books
Passion is primed to explode beneath the reserved aristocracy of Regency and Victorian Romances.Transport yourself to 19th century England with these absorbing reads.
This book list highlights the appeal of historical romance novels and offers recommendations for the best books worth reading to make you fall in love with this genre.
1. Bridgerton: The Duke and I (Bridgertons Book 1)
Author: by Julia Quinn
B00UG8RP8Q
Avon (April 28, 2015)
April 28, 2015
Can there be any greater challenge to London's Ambitious Mamas than an unmarried duke? Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1813By all accounts, Simon Basset is on the verge of proposing to his best friend's sisterthe lovely and almost-on-the-shelfDaphne Bridgerton. But the two of them know the truthit's all an elaborate ruse to keep Simon free from marriage-minded society mothers.
And as for Daphne, surely she will attract some worthy suitors now that it seems a duke has declared her desirable. But as Daphne waltzes across ballroom after ballroom with Simon, it's hard to remember that their courtship is a sham.
Maybe it's his devilish smile, certainly it's the way his eyes seem to burn every time he looks at her ... But somehow Daphne is falling for the dashing duke ...For real! And now she must do the impossible and convince the handsome rogue that their clever little scheme deserves a slight alteration, and that nothing makes quite as much sense as falling in love.
2. Bridgerton: To Sir Phillip, With Love (Bridgertons Book 5): Inspiration for the Netflix Original Series Bridgerton: Eloise's story (Bridgerton Family)
Author: by Julia Quinn
B004KSRPXS
Piatkus
December 3, 2009
'A veritable treat' Daily MailThe fifth novel in Julia Quinn's globally beloved and bestselling Bridgerton Family series, set in Regency times and now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix. This is Eloise's story ... My dear Miss Bridgerton,We have been corresponding now for quite some time, and although we have never formally met, I feel as if I know you.
I am writing to invite you to visit me here at Romney Hall. It is my hope that after a suitable period of time, we might decide that we will suit, and you will consent to be my wife. Did he think she was mad?
Eloise Bridgerton couldn't marry a man she had never met! But before she knew it, she was in a hired carriage in the middle of the night, on her way to meet the man she hoped might be her perfect match.Except ...He wasn't.
Her perfect husband wouldn't be so moody and ill-mannered, and while Phillip was certainly handsome, he was rough and rugged, and totally unlike the London gentlemen vying for her hand. But when he smiled ... And when he kissed her ... The rest of the world simply fell away.
3. It's In His Kiss: Bridgerton (Bridgertons Book 7)
Author: by Julia Quinn
B00UG8RP6S
Avon (March 28, 2017)
March 28, 2017
A New York Times BestsellerFrom #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn comes the story of Hyacinth Bridgerton, in the seventh of her beloved Regency-set novels featuring the charming, powerful Bridgerton family, now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix.
HYACINTH'S STORYMeet Our Hero ... Gareth St. Clair is in a bind. His father, who detests him, is determined to beggar the St. Clair estates and ruin his inheritance. Gareth's sole bequest is an old family diary, which may or may not contain the secrets of his past ...
And the key to his future. The problem isit's written in Italian, of which Gareth speaks not a word.Meet Our Heroine ... All the ton agreed: there was no one quite like Hyacinth Bridgerton. She's fiendishly smart, devilishly outspoken, and according to Gareth, probably best in small doses.
But there's something about hersomething charming and vexingthat grabs him and won't quite let go ... Meet Poor Mr. Mozart ...Or don't. But rest assured, he's spinning in his grave when Gareth and Hyacinth cross paths at the annualand annually discordantSmythe-Smith musicale.
4. On the Way to the Wedding: Bridgerton (Bridgertons Book 8)
Author: by Julia Quinn
B00UG8RP3G
Avon
April 25, 2017
A New York Times Bestseller From #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn comes the story of Gregory Bridgerton, in the final installment of her beloved Regency-set novels featuring the charming, powerful Bridgerton family, now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix.
GREGORY'S STORYUnlike most men of his acquaintance, Gregory Bridgerton believes in true love. And he is convinced that when he finds the woman of his dreams, he will know in an instant that she is the one. And that is exactly what happened.Except ...She wasn't the one.
In fact, the ravishing Miss Hermione Watson is in love with another. But her best friend, the ever-practical Lady Lucinda Abernathy, wants to save Hermione from a disastrous alliance, so she offers to help Gregory win her over. But in the process, Lucy falls in love.With Gregory!Except ...Lucy is engaged.
And her uncle is not inclined to let her back out of the betrothal, even once Gregory comes to his senses and realizes that it is Lucy, with her sharp wit and sunny smile, who makes his heart sing. And now, on the way to the wedding, Gregory must risk everything to ensure that when it comes time to kiss the bride, he is the only man standing at the altar
5. The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After
Author: by Julia Quinn
B00A6DHKDQ
Avon (April 2, 2013)
April 2, 2013
#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn presents a novella featuring Violet Bridgerton along with a collection of second epilogues to her Bridgerton seriesher beloved Regency-set novels featuring her charming, powerful Bridgerton familynow a series created by Shondaland for Netflix.
Ever wonder what happens after the Happily Ever After? Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series remains one of the most beloved among historical romance readers, and this collection of second epiloguesstories that take place after the original books endoffers fans more from their favorite characters.
Also unique to this volume is a novella featuring Violet Bridgerton, beloved mother of the eight Bridgerton siblings, in addition to second epilogues for The Duke and I; The Viscount Who Loved Me; An Offer from a Gentleman; Romancing Mister Bridgerton; To Sir Phillip, With Love; When He Was Wicked, It's in His Kiss; and On the Way to the Wedding sure to satisfy the legions of Julia Quinn fans.
6. Dauntless (Gentlemen of the Order Book 1)
Author: by Adele Clee
B08BPG6C1L
July 8, 2020
English
Read the first book in the new heart-stopping series - Gentlemen of the Order. Noah Ashwood has suffered his fair share of injustices. It's why he joined the Gentlemen of the Order, why he solves crimes committed against the vulnerable and needy.
To his friends he's known as Dauntlessa fearless fighter, a man with steely determination. And yet his strength is tested when he forms an infatuation for his new client. When a catalogue of strange events leaves Evangeline Dunn fearing for her life, she has no option but to seek professional help.
Given the choice of four agents, she's drawn to the enigmatic Mr Ashwood. The gentleman commands respect, seems as competent as he is handsome. Who better to help her catch a thief, a blackmailer and find her wastrel brother? He's the perfect solution to her problems.
All she need do is overcome her inconvenient attraction. In an adventure that takes them from the lavish ballrooms of the ton to the dark depths of the rookeries, Noah and Eva must work together to unravel the mystery. Will their powerful attraction hinder the investigation?
7. Chasing Cassandra: The Ravenels
Author: by Lisa Kleypas
B07SD14DH3
Avon (February 18, 2020)
February 18, 2020
ONE OF OPRAH MAG'S BEST ROMANCES OF 2020! Everything has a price ... Railway magnate Tom Severin is wealthy and powerful enough to satisfy any desire as soon as it arises. Anythingor anyoneis his for the asking. It should be simple to find the perfect wifeand from his first glimpse of Lady Cassandra Ravenel, he's determined to have her.
But the beautiful and quick-witted Cassandra is equally determined to marry for lovethe one thing he can't give. Everything except her ... Severin is the most compelling and attractive man Cassandra has ever met, even if his heart is frozen. But she has no interest in living in the fast-paced world of a ruthless man who always plays to win.
When a newfound enemy nearly destroys Cassandra's reputation, Severin seizes the opportunity he's been waiting for. As always, he gets what he wantsor does he? There's one lesson Tom Severin has yet to learn from his new bride: Never underestimate a Ravenel.
The chase for Cassandra's hand may be over. But the chase for her heart has only just begun ...
8. Someone to Cherish (The Westcott Series)
Author: by Mary Balogh
Berkley (June 29, 2021)
English
416 pages
Is love worth the loss of one's freedom and independence? This is what Mrs. Tavernor must decide in the new novel in the Westcott series from New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh. When Harry Westcott lost the title Earl of Riverdale after the discovery of his father's bigamy, he shipped off to fight in the Napoleonic Wars, where he was near-fatally wounded.
After a harrowing recovery, the once cheery, light-hearted boy has become a reclusive, somber man. Though Harry insists he enjoys the solitude, he does wonder sometimes if he is lonely. Lydia Tavernor, recently widowed, dreams of taking a lover. Her marriage to Reverend Isaiah Tavernor was one of service and obedience, and she has secretly enjoyed her freedom since his death.
She doesn't want to shackle herself to another man in marriage, but sometimes, she wonders if she is lonely. Both are unwilling to face the truth until they find themselves alone together one night, and Lydia surprises even herself with a simple question: "Are you ever lonely?" Harry's answer leads them down a path neither could ever have imagined...
9. Death at the Crystal Palace (A Below Stairs Mystery Book 5)
Author: by Jennifer Ashley
B08KST53G5
Berkley (July 6, 2021)
July 6, 2021
Intrepid cook Kat Holloway puts aside her apron to delve into Victorian London's high society and catch a killer in this thrilling new mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of Murder in the East End. While attending an exhibition at the Crystal Palace, young cook Kat Holloway is approached by a woman in distress.
Lady Covington is a wealthy widow convinced that her entire family is trying to kill her. Kat feels compelled to help, and she escorts the lady home to discover whether she is delusional or in true danger. It is quickly apparent that the threat is all too real, and Kat promises aid.
Her charming confidant Daniel McAdam is busy infiltrating a plot against the Crown, and she worries he will not have time to lend his sleuthing expertise. This might be for the best, as Kat fears her growing emotional entanglement with Daniel can only lead to disaster.
But soon, Kat faces a more serious threat when her involvement in both investigations plunges her into peril.
10. Regarding the Duke (Game of Dukes Book 3)
Author: by Grace Callaway
B07PBL7HPD
May 23, 2019
English
She married him for love. He married her for revenge. Can a marriage that started with lies turn into a ravishing love story for all time? Finalist for the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award"An incredibly steamy, emotional, and all-consuming read that I could read again and again." -Candace, GoodreadsFor the eight years of their marriage, sweet, innocent Gabriella Garrity has adored her powerful and darkly handsome husband Adam, whose moneylending empire has earned him the moniker of Duke of the City.
Her domestic bliss is shattered when Adam suffers a traumatic accident that results in amnesia. Gabby dedicates herself to nursing him back to healthuntil devastating revelations destroy her illusions about their marriage. From the moment he met lovely redheaded Gabriella, Adam knew that she would make him the perfect wife.
Guileless, biddable, and sweetly unaware of her own charms, she also holds the key to his secret plot for vengeance. A self-made man who rose from the darkest streets of London, he values control above all and will stop at nothing to gain his justiceuntil an accident robs him of his memory.
11. A Conspiracy in Belgravia (The Lady Sherlock Series Book 2)
Author: by Sherry Thomas
B01NCU2EEP
September 5, 2017
English
The game is afoot as Charlotte Holmes returns in USA Today bestselling author Sherry Thomas's Victorian-set Lady Sherlock series. Being shunned by Society gives Charlotte Holmes the time and freedom to put her extraordinary powers of deduction to good use.
As Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective, aided by the capable Mrs. Watson, she's had great success helping with all manner of inquiries, but she's not prepared for the new client who arrives at her Upper Baker Street office. Lady Ingram, wife of Charlotte's dear friend and benefactor, wants Sherlock Holmes to find her first love, who failed to show up at their annual rendezvous.
Matters of loyalty and discretion aside, the case becomes even more personal for Charlotte as the missing man is none other than Myron Finch, her illegitimate half brother. In the meanwhile, Charlotte wrestles with a surprising proposal of marriage, a mysterious stranger woos her sister Livia, and an unidentified body surfaces where least expected.
12. In Love with the Viscount (American Heiress Trilogy Book 3)
Author: by Julianne MacLean
B08DKJBJQN
August 20, 2020
English
From USA Today bestselling author Julianne MacLean comes a breathtaking historical romance trilogy set during the Gilded Age, featuring three American sisters who set sail for London to capture aristocratic husbands. Could this love nonsense really be worth the trouble?
To Adele Wilson the answer is clear: of course not. She has seen her two sisters dragged through scandal and heartbreak (not to mention every ballroom in London) to find the husbands of their dreams. And that's why she said yes to the first amiable British lord who requested her hand.
And why shouldn't she marry him? He is kind, honest, and not sentimental in the least. Unlike his wilder, more mysterious cousin Damien Renshaw, Viscount Alcester. Ignoring Damien altogether would be easy if he were the sort of dishonorable man intent on seducing his cousin's betrothed.
But he is clearly trying to resist her, and his suddenly proper behavior only makes him more tempting to the usually well-behaved Adele. Indeed, Damien seems to be bringing out another side of Adele, a heady, passionate, exhilarating side. It seems that fate is contriving to teach her against her best intentions exactly what this love nonsense is all about NOTE: This novel was originally published under the title MY OWN PRIVATE HERO in 2004.
