By
Jessica Ferri | Published Jun 21, 2016
What was it about Regency England that has inspired a bounty of spicy historical romances? Maybe it's the fact that premarital dalliances were so taboo, given society's prioritization of fortune over love. Or maybe it's the danger of forbidden love, which always makes things so much more delectable. Perhaps it's both of these things, and more.
If you’re the kind of reader who likes their historical fiction with a bit of heat, take a seat on your fainting couch, and grab one of the Regency romance novels below. Each one features the sort of dashing dukes and rakish rogues that'll have you asking for the smelling salts.
Midsummer Moon
By Laura Kinsale
Regency England is a man’s world, so inventor Merlin Lambourne takes an unusual pseudonym to hide that she is, in fact, a woman. Imagine the delight of Ransom Falconer, Duke of Damerell, when he discovers his favorite inventor—the person who could save the English from Napoleon’s army—is also someone with whom he could fall in love. It’s a win-win situation.
The Bawdy Bride
By Amanda Scott
From bestselling romance author Amanda Scott comes the story of Anne Davies, who has none of the naivete of other ladies. As a woman of her age and circ*mstances, she knows her marriage will be one of necessity, not of love. When she's matched with Lord St. Michael Ledgers, who is in equal need of a spouse, she’s disturbed by what she discovers at his Derbyshire estate, The Priory. Someone is after her—and it's possible Michael is not the kind of man he appears be.
Related: 9 Sizzling Romantic Suspense Books
Want more great books? Sign up for the Early Bird Books newsletter and get the best daily ebook deals delivered straight to your inbox.
Love's Tender Fury
By Jennifer Wilde
Convicted of a crime she didn’t commit, Marietta Danver is sent to the America in chains. She finds herself in the Carolinas, working as a slave for a planter named Derek Hawke. He certainly isn’t the only man who thinks Marietta ripe for picking—there’s smitten bad bay Jeff Rawlins, too, and another half-mad suitor. Can Marietta find a love she can count on in such a strange new world and with so many scandals in her past?
Related: 10 Bad Boy Romance Books That Are Oh So Good
For All Eternity
By Heather Cullman
Sophie Barrington's marriage prospects are cut short when she discovers her family is bankrupt. Determined to avoid wedding the horrible Earl of Lyndhurst, Sophie hatches a plan that ultimately fails—landing her, instead, in the service of an Earl’s estate. Though he intends on humiliating Sophie, the Earl finds himself charmed by his new maid. But is their mutual passion only temporary, or will it burn for all eternity?
Till Dawn Tames the Night
By Meagan McKinney
Sea voyages were always dangerous in the Regency era, especially for young women traveling alone. Though Aurora Dayne becomes the prisoner of a pirate ship, it's clear to everyone onboard that their leader, Vashon, is the true prisoner. Despite his steely composure, Vashon has fallen helplessly under Aurora's spell—and he'll stop at nothing to win her heart on the high seas.
The Phantom Lover
By Elizabeth Mansfield
A Regency specialist, Elizabeth Mansfield’s The Phantom Bride follows the hot-headed Nell Belden after banished she's from her family estate for rejecting another suitor. While in exile, she's visited by what she thinks is a ghost—but is, in fact, just another outcast. His name is Captain Henry Thorn, a soldier traumatized by the war and Nell's soon-to-be lover. But while Henry is a man of great status, he has no intention of returning to polite society...Can Nell convince him, the only man she's ever loved, to start a life with her in the real world?
Too Dangerous for a Lady
By Jo Beverley
The world of Regency romance tragically lost one of its best authors, Jo Beverley, in 2016. Luckily, she lives on in her romance novels, including over 20 Regencies. Too Dangerous for a Lady tells the story of Lady Hermione Merryhew, who is shocked when a man seeks sanctuary one night—in her bedroom of all places! Though he was once just a handsome stranger from her past, he’s now a Lieutenant with a mission. Being with him may threaten all Hermione holds dear, but she's never met a challenge she didn't like...
The Wicked Duke
By Madeline Hunter
When Marianne's uncle promises her to a duke accused of matricide, Marianne Radley is determined to never see their engagement through. If she can expose the evil character of her betrothed, she thinks, her uncle may just call the whole thing off...But will the Duke of Aylesbury reveal himself to be the monster Marianne assumes him to be? Or is he simply a tender heart, hidden in the shadow of scandal and rumor?
One-Eyed Dukes Are Wild
By Megan Frampton
You know what they say about dukes behaving badly...Fortunately, Lady Margaret Sawford is willing to take a risk—because with reputation already in ruins, what else has she to lose? Margaret starts shacking up with the Duke of Lasham who, in addition to wearing an eye patch, is also devilishly handsome. But though Margaret tries her best to tame him, she may discover that her own wild side is desperate to break free...
Related: 11 Steamy Historical Romance Novels That Will Make You Swoon
Four Nights with the Duke
By Eloisa James
The only women more desperate than the Real Housewives are the duch*esses in Eloisa James’ bestselling series. Though she said she’d never marry him, Emilia Gwendolyn Carrington winds up saying "I do" to a future with the wretched Duke of Pindar. After their wedding, the duke announces they'll spend just four nights together every year. Of course, this is all a part of his plan to seduce Eloisa—but is four days enough to make her believe in forever?
Never Less Than a Lady
By Mary Jo Putney
As the last surviving Earl of Daventry, Alexander Randall should marry a young woman of good breeding who will give him a male heir. Instead, he's drawn to widowed town midwife, Julia Bancroft. Lovestruck, Randall says "blast it!" to societal obligations and asks Julia to be his wife. Whether she’s as smitten by him remains to be seen, but goodness knows they'll have a great time figuring it out...
The Proposal
By Mary Balogh
When Lady Muir is rescued by Hugo after taking a tumble on the moors, she feels her widow's heart begin to heal. Though she vowed never to marry again, Gwen has trouble resisting Hugo's rippling biceps, his brooding charm, and his steadfast loyalty. Can this surly military man—a Lord in name only—truly make Gwen break her promise and open her heart to a second chance at love?
Want more great books? Sign up for the Early Bird Books newsletter and get the best daily ebook deals delivered straight to your inbox.
Want more great books? Sign up for the Early Bird Books newsletter and get the best daily ebook deals delivered straight to your inbox.
historical romance
Romance
fiction
Historical Fiction
As an expert in historical romance novels, I can assure you that the Regency era is a treasure trove for spicy and captivating stories. The allure of Regency England lies in its unique blend of societal taboos and forbidden love, making it the perfect backdrop for steamy historical romances.
One notable novel set in Regency England is "Midsummer Moon" by Laura Kinsale. This captivating tale revolves around Merlin Lambourne, an inventor who disguises herself as a man to navigate the male-dominated society. The Duke of Damerell, Ransom Falconer, stumbles upon her secret and finds himself not only impressed by her intellect but also falling in love. Their unconventional relationship promises to save England from Napoleon's army and ignite a passionate romance.
Another intriguing Regency romance is "The Bawdy Bride" by Amanda Scott. The story follows Anne Davies, a pragmatic woman who understands that her marriage will be one of necessity rather than love. However, when she is matched with Lord St. Michael Ledgers, she discovers dark secrets at his Derbyshire estate, The Priory. Anne begins to question her suitor's true nature, leading to a thrilling tale of suspense and unexpected love.
In "Love's Tender Fury" by Jennifer Wilde, Marietta Danver, wrongly convicted of a crime, is sent to America as a slave. There, she encounters Derek Hawke, a planter, and Jeff Rawlins, a smitten bad boy. Amidst scandals and a strange new world, Marietta embarks on a search for love and stability.
"Heather Cullman's "For All Eternity" tells the story of Sophie Barrington, whose marriage prospects are shattered when her family faces bankruptcy. To avoid marrying the detestable Earl of Lyndhurst, Sophie hatches a plan that lands her in the service of an Earl's estate. Despite the Earl's initial intention to humiliate her, he finds himself charmed by Sophie, sparking a passionate connection that makes them question the eternal nature of their love.
If you're looking for a thrilling adventure on the high seas, "Till Dawn Tames the Night" by Meagan McKinney is the perfect choice. Aurora Dayne, a young woman traveling alone, becomes a prisoner on a pirate ship. However, it becomes clear that Vashon, the ship's leader, is the true captive of Aurora's irresistible charm. Their romance defies the dangers of the sea and promises an unforgettable love story.
"The Phantom Lover" by Elizabeth Mansfield introduces Nell Belden, banished from her family estate for rejecting a suitor. In her exile, she encounters Captain Henry Thorn, a soldier scarred by war. Despite his high status, Henry resists returning to society. Nell must convince him to embrace a life with her in the real world and leave behind the ghosts of his past.
Jo Beverley's "Too Dangerous for a Lady" showcases Lady Hermione Merryhew, who unexpectedly finds a man seeking sanctuary in her bedroom. This Lieutenant, with a hidden mission, threatens everything Hermione holds dear. However, she's never one to back down from a challenge, and their undeniable chemistry sparks a tempestuous love story.
"The Wicked Duke" by Madeline Hunter features Marianne Radley, determined to avoid a marriage to a duke accused of matricide. She plans to expose his true character to escape the engagement. However, Marianne discovers that the Duke of Aylesbury may not be the monster she assumed him to be. Their story explores scandal, hidden truths, and the possibility of redemption.
For those who enjoy dukes behaving badly, "One-Eyed Dukes Are Wild" by Megan Frampton is a must-read. Lady Margaret Sawford, with her reputation already in ruins, takes a risk and becomes involved with the Duke of Lasham. As their passionate relationship unfolds, Margaret discovers her own wild side yearning for freedom.
Eloisa James' "Four Nights with the Duke" delves into the lives of desperate duch*esses. Emilia Gwendolyn Carrington, despite her refusal to marry him, finds herself tied to the Duke of Pindar. Their unusual arrangement allows them to spend only four nights together each year. Can four days be enough to convince Emilia that forever is possible?
In "Never Less Than a Lady" by Mary Jo Putney, the last surviving Earl of Daventry, Alexander Randall, defies societal expectations by falling for widowed town midwife Julia Bancroft. Their unconventional love story challenges social norms and promises an exciting journey of discovery.
Mary Balogh's "The Proposal" introduces Lady Muir, a widow whose heart begins to heal after a chance encounter with Hugo on the moors. Despite her vow to never marry again, Gwen finds herself drawn to Hugo's charm and loyalty. Can this surly military man make Gwen believe in love again?
These Regency romance novels offer a delightful escape into a world of passion, intrigue, and forbidden love. Immerse yourself in the allure of Regency England and indulge in these captivating tales.
