Here is a list of some famous authors who have written some historical romance novels:
Lisa Kleypas is a beloved author known for her historical romances that bring the past to life with characters who feel real.
In her novel “Devil in Winter,” we meet Evangeline Jenner, a shy young woman who stands to inherit a fortune but lives under the control of her abusive family.
To escape their grasp, she proposes a marriage of convenience to Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent, a charming but notorious rake. Their relationship starts as a deal, yet grows into something unexpected as they uncover deeper layers to each other.
The story pulls you into their journey, filled with moments of wit, danger, and tenderness.
Georgette Heyer is a master of historical romance, known for witty dialogue and charming characters. In her novel “The Grand Sophy,” she introduces Sophy Stanton-Lacy, a spirited young woman who shakes up her stuffy relatives when she comes to stay with them.
Sophy isn’t afraid to meddle in their lives, arranging marriages, solving problems, and even facing off against a dangerous moneylender. It’s impossible not to get swept up in her boldness and the chaos she creates, all while a slow-burning romance unfolds in the background.
Mary Balogh is known for her historical romance novels filled with heartfelt emotion and fully-realized characters. In her book “Someone to Love,” the story begins with Anna Snow, a teacher in an orphanage, discovering she is the legitimate daughter of an earl.
She is thrust from her quiet life into the world of wealth and privilege, where she meets Avery Archer, the Duke of Netherby. At first glance, Avery seems distant, but his sharp wit and hidden depth draw Anna into an unexpected connection.
The book explores the clash between Anna’s modest upbringing and her new status, and the bond that grows between her and Avery feels genuine and warm.
Julia Quinn is a historical romance author best known for her witty characters and charming love stories. In her novel “The Duke and I,” Daphne Bridgerton is determined to make a good match in London’s marriage market, but her prospects are slim.
Simon Basset, a duke who wants nothing to do with marriage, hatches a plan with Daphne. They pretend to court each other—his reputation keeps the matchmakers away, and her value in society rises as she appears desirable.
Their plan works well, but the feelings that start to emerge threaten to ruin it all. The backdrop of family gatherings and ballroom events makes this story lively and fun to follow.
Johanna Lindsey was a popular author of historical romance, known for creating captivating characters and rich settings.
One of her books, “Gentle Rogue,” tells the story of Georgina Anderson, an adventurous young woman who disguises herself as a cabin boy to get back to America. She finds herself on board the ship of James Malory, a notorious rake and former pirate.
Their fiery encounters lead to unexpected feelings, but James’s past and Georgina’s determination create plenty of clashes. The chemistry between them is intense, and the journey brings out both their vulnerabilities and strengths.
Sarah MacLean writes historical romance with strong-willed heroines and dashing heroes. In her book “Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake,” Lady Calpurnia Hartwell decides she’s done following society’s strict rules.
She creates a list of rebellious acts to complete, including fencing and drinking whiskey. Her daring leads her to Gabriel St. John, the Marquess of Ralston, known for his charm and scandalous reputation.
Their encounters are full of tension, banter, and unexpected warmth as Callie starts to see herself in a new light. The story mixes romance and personal discovery, filled with moments you’ll want to keep reading about.
Eloisa James writes historical romances filled with witty characters and emotional tension.
In her book “When Beauty Tamed the Beast,” the story centers on Linnet Thrynne, a woman whose reputation is ruined by a misunderstanding, and Piers Yelverton, a grouchy but brilliant doctor.
Piers, based loosely on the cranky personality of House from the TV show, lives in a remote Welsh castle where he has no use for polite society. Linnet’s attempt to navigate his sharp tongue and their arranged engagement leads to moments that are both funny and heartfelt.
Their relationship is as sharp as it is tender, and the story keeps you invested in their journey.
Loretta Chase is a well-loved author in historical romance, crafting stories full of wit and heart. In “Lord of Scoundrels,” she brings together two unforgettable characters. Sebastian Ballister, Marquess of Dain, has a reputation as a charming rake with a dark past.
Jessica Trent, sharp-tongued and fiercely independent, crosses his path with a mission to protect her brother from ruin. Their fiery encounters spark a battle of wills and an unexpected connection.
From dramatic confrontations in Paris to moments of vulnerability, their story brings humor and emotion.
Tessa Dare writes historical romance with humor and heart. In her book “Romancing the Duke,” the story follows Izzy Goodnight, a woman who grew up dreaming of romance but finds herself penniless and alone.
Her life takes a turn when she inherits a crumbling castle, only to discover it’s already inhabited by Ransom, a blind and brooding duke who refuses to leave. Their clashes are fiery, and every exchange between them brims with tension and wit.
The castle isn’t the only thing in need of repair, as both Izzy and Ransom must confront their pasts and discover unexpected happiness together.
Kathleen E. Woodiwiss was a pioneer of historical romance. Her book, “The Flame and the Flower,” is often considered a cornerstone of the genre.
In this story, Heather Simmons is a young woman who faces hardship and betrayal, leading her to cross paths with a wealthy ship captain, Brandon Birmingham.
Brandon, initially driven by his own plans, ends up taking Heather aboard his ship, where their lives become tightly intertwined. Set in the early 19th century, the novel weaves together moments of danger, passion, and the evolving bond between these two characters.
It paints vivid pictures of both life at sea and the challenges of love in a time of social constraints.
Courtney Milan writes historical romances that often feature clever, resourceful characters. In her book “The Duchess War,” we meet Minerva Lane, a shy woman who prefers to avoid attention because of a scandal in her past.
Her quiet life takes a sharp turn when she crosses paths with Robert Blaisdell, the Duke of Clermont. Robert is secretly distributing pamphlets promoting labor rights, and Minerva discovers his involvement.
As they clash over their secrets and convictions, their connection deepens into something unexpected. The story blends personal struggles with broader themes of social change, making it both heartfelt and engaging.
Mary Jo Putney writes historical romances with characters that will stick with you. In her book “The Rake”, the story follows Reginald Davenport, a charming man with a reckless past.
When he inherits a neglected estate, he meets Alys Weston, a woman who manages the property with independence and strength. Their relationship begins with a clash of wills but grows into something far deeper as secrets and vulnerabilities surface.
The book dives into themes of redemption and love with characters you can’t help but root for.
Amanda Quick is a master at weaving historical romance with a touch of mystery. In her book “Ravished,” the story follows Harriet Pomeroy, a passionate amateur paleontologist.
She enlists the help of Gideon Westbrook, a brooding viscount with a scandalous reputation, to deal with a group of thieves using her beloved caves as their hideout. While working together, their unlikely partnership begins to spark something deeper.
The book is filled with intrigue, fiery banter, and a romance that grows against the odds. It’s the kind of story that keeps you turning the pages to see how it all unfolds.
Jennifer Ashley is known for her engaging historical romances, and one of her popular books is “The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie.” This story follows Ian Mackenzie, a man with a troubled past who many believe is insane.
When Ian meets Beth Ackerley, a widowed woman who has recently inherited a fortune, he becomes determined to win her over. Despite society’s judgment and whispers of scandal, Ian and Beth form a deep connection.
Their relationship grows stronger as Beth uncovers the truth about Ian’s struggles and the dark secrets his family hides.
Gaelen Foley is a popular author in historical romance, known for creating captivating stories set in Regency England. In her book “The Duke”, the story follows Robert Knight, a war hero turned Duke of Hawkscliffe. After suffering a personal loss, Robert vows to seek justice.
Enter Belinda Hamilton, a beautiful woman whose life has been ruined by scandal. To expose a corrupt nobleman, Robert hires her to pose as his mistress. As they work together, they form a connection built on trust and unspoken longing.
The tension builds as danger closes in, pulling them closer while testing their boundaries and their hearts.
Elizabeth Hoyt writes historical romance with a lot of heart, and one of her standout books is “The Raven Prince.” The story follows Anna Wren, a widow who takes an unusual job as a secretary for Edward de Raaf, the Earl of Swartingham.
Edward is irritable and scarred from his past, and Anna is strong-willed and intelligent. Their connection grows as they work together, but the Earl has secrets that pull them into unexpected situations.
The romance between them feels raw and deeply personal, set against the backdrop of 18th-century England.
Julie Garwood is known for her historical romance novels that bring characters to life in rich, detailed settings. In her book “The Bride,” Jamie, a feisty Scottish lass, is suddenly married to Alec Kincaid, a powerful Highland laird, to fulfill a royal order.
What follows is a battle of wills as Jamie adjusts to her new world, where Alec’s stern demeanor hides a deep capacity for love. The story is full of witty banter, unexpected challenges, and a growing connection between a husband and wife thrown together by circumstance.
Stephanie Laurens is known for crafting historical romance novels that transport readers to the Regency era.
In her book, “Devil’s Bride,” she introduces Honoria Wetherby, a headstrong woman who finds herself caught up in a scandal after a chance encounter with Sylvester “Devil” Cynster, the dashing Duke of St. Ives.
When circumstances force them into a hasty engagement to protect her reputation, Devil is determined to make Honoria his in every way. But Honoria has other plans, vowing never to marry for anything less than love.
Through their journey, they face passion, danger, and a murder mystery that threatens to keep them apart.
Diana Gabaldon is the author of the “Outlander” series, which blends history with romance. In the first book, “Outlander,” Claire Randall, a World War II nurse, stumbles across an ancient stone circle in Scotland and is suddenly transported to the 18th century.
Torn between two lives, she meets Jamie Fraser, a young Highlander. Their connection grows as Claire is swept into the dangers and politics of Jacobite-era Scotland.
The story explores their bond and the struggles Claire faces, caught between her loyalty to her old life and the pull of a new one.