A Historical Romance Sampler

Dukes, bluestockings, and a very important sauce recipe

Sometime in 2014, inspired by the enthusiastic reviews I saw floating around Goodreads, I picked up Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare. It was love at first sight. I was charmed from beginning to end, sucked in by Dare’s sense of humor, vivacious prose, and general sparkle. Historical romance was my gateway into the romance genre as a whole. I’ve read about dozens of aloof aristocrats with hearts of gold, spunky debutantes, carriage trysts, marriages of convenience, and compromising positions on balconies. In the last few years, I’ve been especially glad to see the genre diversify the kinds of love stories it tells. More and more historical romances are featuring characters of color, queer characters, and settings outside of aristocratic London.

I don’t read as many historicals as I once did, partly due to the years where I read so many that I simply could not handle one more duke with a fraught relationship with his father, but when I read one that I love, I want to proclaim it from the rooftops. A really good historical romance just sends a rush of joy to the same part of my brain that rewatched the 90’s BBC Pride and Prejudice adaptation on repeat. There’s also a whole host of tropes that work a lot better in historicals than they do in contemporary romance. I love a marriage of convenience, and the limitless pining opportunities it offers, but it makes a lot more sense in the 19th century than it does in the 21st.

Here’s a sampling of titles that I think would make for an excellent introduction to the genre. (Note that aside from A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting, they’re all open door. However, there may be more closed door historical recs to come in a closed door romance post I’m planning for April.)

An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole: A heart-pounding historical set during the Civil War about two undercover agents who fall for each other in the midst of danger. Elle, a spy with an eidetic memory who’s posing as a slave in order to spy on the Confederacy, is one of my all-time favorite romance heroines and her strength and rage pour off every page of the book. She and Malcolm have instant chemistry and Cole perfectly balances the sweeping romance with a suspenseful plot and unflinching look at American history.

The Duchess Deal or When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare: Dare’s writing is funny, smart, swoony, and perfectly paced. I always find myself devouring her books in a matter of hours. They’re just fun, from the heroine’s eccentric aunt in When a Scot Ties the Knot to the increasingly ridiculous nicknames Emma comes up with for Ash in The Duchess Deal. There’s real tenderness too and a sense of joy in watching her characters fall for each other.

A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting by Sophie Irwin: A kissing-only historical romance that follows our intrepid heroine as she attempts to marry rich in order to save her family, this contains clever banter and a growing emotional connection between the hero and heroine, a delicious skewering of some of the hypocrisies of Regency society, and a very appealing main character whose somewhat mercenary ways are rooted in a deep love for her sisters. This would be a great starter title if you like period dramas and prefer your romance closed door or chaste.

My Fake Rake by Eva Leigh: A top-tier friends to lovers romance that features two nerds who haven’t yet realized they’re perfect for each other, a delicious slow burn, and a scene where the hero is being taught to walk like a rake that lives in my mind forever for when I need a little cheering up. Leigh excels at writing smart, determined heroines and sweet heroes who are completely weak for them. Another thing I really appreciate is the thoughtfulness with which she portrays the challenges women faced in Regency England, while still delivering on the fun of the fantasy of historical romance. I’d recommend all of her books but this one is a great starting point.

The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan: This book exudes warmth and kindness on every page and features a grumpy-sunshine relationship for the ages. If you like a list-making, practical heroine, Chloe Fong is for you. The Duke Who Didn’t also has a wonderful emphasis on family, especially the touching relationship between Chloe and her father; a small town with an elaborate tradition; and the best use of the “there’s only one bed” trope I may have ever read.

Bonus rec: The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite. I read this scientifically minded f/f romance four years ago and am admittedly hazy on the details but I do remember just loving Waite’s writing and the tender love story.

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Currently reading: The Mimicking of Known Successes by Malka Older. I was browsing the new books shelves at the library and saw “a cozy gaslamp mystery and Sapphic romance set on Jupiter”. Naturally, I had to check it out immediately.

What’s bringing me joy this week:

• Daisy Jones and the Six, the show. I adored the book so was a little hesitant to watch the show but Michelle Reads Books’ newsletter convinced me to finally press play and I’m so glad I did. I’ve only watched a few episodes but I’m totally hooked and already wondering whether I can pull off a 70’s-style maxidress.

• The gallery of Tiffany lamps at the New York Historical Society. Perfectly displayed, just stunning, and a highlight of our visit to the museum last weekend.

• In the world of figure skating, two-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto! (Worlds are this week and I am choosing to channel my Kaori-related joy and not my ice dance scoring-related frustrations.) I’m a little obsessed with her Janet Jackson short program, which she skates with such freedom and power.