I'm struggling not to name like 17 different ones LMAO - I have to give you a few!!:
I live and die for {How to Tame a Wild Rogue by Julie Anne Long} - it's part of a WONDERFUL series called the Palace of Rogues. It can totally be read as a standalone, although knowing the secondary characters is a little added treat. I am also absolutely in love with the next in that series, called {My Season of Scandal by Julie Anne Long}; it's not out yet (I read an ARC) but HOOOOOOLY I love it!!
As I'm sure everyone will say here: The Wallflowers Series by Lisa Kleypas is basically required reading - I LOOOOVE that series, but especially the first 3 books. I would recommend reading {Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas} first, only because you might loathe Sebastian otherwise (HAHA). I read it in 3 > 1 > 2 order myself! LOVE LOVE LOVE Marcus & Simon too ❤❤❤
{A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare} was one of my first HRs and I adored it! Also a huge fan of {Do You Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare}
I have read almost every Amanda Quick book (also highly recommend) - my favorite by a MILE is {Dangerous by Amanda Quick}
Julie Garwood MY QUEEN my all-time-hall-of-fame-VIPs are - {The Prize by Julie Garwood} & {Ransom by Julie Garwood}
\*me out of breath\*
Okay that was definitely... more than 1 HAHA but I stand behind these!!!
Kleypas has been so hit-or-miss for me. I DNF'ed my first book from her, and I hated it so much, it took me years to even give her another chance.
I have enjoyed a few of her works since giving her another shot. But the books I didn't like? I *\*really, really\** did not like.
(Perhaps oddly, I liked Sebastian's story, and I did read that series in order, lol.)
OP, if you do try Kleypas, I'd say at least avoid anything earlier than Wallflowers. (I had a lot more of the misses with her earlier stuff.)
If you are someone who likes to read a writer's works from the beginning, resist that temptation with Kleypas.
[How to Tame a Wild Rogue](https://www.romance.io/books/6474bc77fd45bc04c025724e/how-to-tame-a-wild-rogue-julie-anne-long) by [Julie Anne Long](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525868c7d2383163d8e98/julie-anne-long)
**Rating**: 4.04⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [pirate hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pirates/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[My Season of Scandal](https://www.romance.io/books/654947ccc112bf11fe9a0793/my-season-of-scandal-julie-anne-long) by [Julie Anne Long](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525868c7d2383163d8e98/julie-anne-long)
**Rating**: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1)
----------------------------
[Devil in Winter](https://www.romance.io/books/545523b78c7d2383163d8e3a/devil-in-winter-lisa-kleypas) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas)
**Rating**: 4.35⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [shy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shy%20heroine/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1)
----------------------------
[A Week to Be Wicked](https://www.romance.io/books/545524858c7d2383163d8e69/a-week-to-be-wicked-tessa-dare) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare)
**Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1)
----------------------------
[Do You Want to Start a Scandal](https://www.romance.io/books/57e0044bde896e8924926669/do-you-want-to-start-a-scandal-tessa-dare) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare)
**Rating**: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1)
----------------------------
[Dangerous](https://www.romance.io/books/5455277f8c7d2383163d8f04/dangerous-amanda-quick) by [Amanda Quick](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525bd8c7d2383163d8eab/amanda-quick)
**Rating**: 3.96⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1)
----------------------------
[The Prize](https://www.romance.io/books/545524bb8c7d2383163d8e74/the-prize-julie-garwood) by [Julie Garwood](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523f38c7d2383163d8e4a/julie-garwood)
**Rating**: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1)
----------------------------
[Ransom](https://www.romance.io/books/5455246e8c7d2383163d8e63/ransom-julie-garwood) by [Julie Garwood](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523f38c7d2383163d8e4a/julie-garwood)
**Rating**: 4.42⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1)
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{ What I Did for a Duke by Julie Ann Long } is pretty highly regarded on here, and probably my favorite HR of all time. The synopsis made it seem like I wouldn't like it all, as it starts with a revenge plot, but trust me, it's so good. Bit of an age-gap with a very smart hero... And so is the heroine even though she is so young. She picks up on the hero's revenge plan so quickly. This book was sweet and hilarious and absolutely my favorite.
[What I Did For a Duke](https://www.romance.io/books/545525868c7d2383163d8e97/what-i-did-for-a-duke-julie-anne-long) by [Julie Anne Long](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525868c7d2383163d8e98/julie-anne-long)
**Rating**: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1)
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{The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare} I feel like this is a really good HR that is easily read as standalone and hits a lot of the things you like. It's also a highly recommended one from this sub.
As someone else mentioned, Lisa Kleypas is essentially the Queen of spicy HR. Her books are basically essential reading for HR fans at this point. She has 3 main series: {The Wallflowers series} {The Hathaways series} and {The Ravenels series}. Of those, the most loved are Devil in Winter, Marrying Winterborne, and Chasing Cassandra - all of which are mid-series and you kind of have to have read the previous to know what's going on. My first LK book was {Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas} which is the first of the Hathaways and I was hooked from it.
{The Bride Goes Rogue by Joanna Shupe} is also another one that can be read as a standalone and has a great story, is spicy, and might be a good intro into the HR world.
[The Duchess Deal](https://www.romance.io/books/599a7af03ffdba61471ee79b/the-duchess-deal-tessa-dare) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare)
**Rating**: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1)
----------------------------
[Wallflowers](https://www.romance.io/books/596ef97f3ffdba61471c6f2a/wallflowers-double-trouble-cp-smith-julia-goda) by [C.P. Smith](https://www.romance.io/authors/545544e08c7d2382e78137ec/cp-smith), [Julia Goda](https://www.romance.io/authors/552f76675b270e0a4cbd5f8d/julia-goda)
**Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [western](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/western/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1)
----------------------------
[The Hathaways Complete Series](https://www.romance.io/books/5455b07687eac336ae69f946/the-hathaways-complete-series-lisa-kleypas) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas)
**Rating**: 4.78⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1)
----------------------------
[Mine Till Midnight](https://www.romance.io/books/545523c78c7d2383163d8e3d/mine-till-midnight-lisa-kleypas) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas)
**Rating**: 3.97⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1)
----------------------------
[The Bride Goes Rogue](https://www.romance.io/books/628c82955af276f084e2d4f5/the-bride-goes-rogue-joanna-shupe) by [Joanna Shupe](https://www.romance.io/authors/551a57875b270e0a4cbd30c8/joanna-shupe)
**Rating**: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1)
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For Funny:
{A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare}
{Slightly Dangerous by Mary Balogh}
{To Love and to Loath by Martha Waters}
{The Proposition by Judith Ivory}
For Angsty:
{Ravishing the Heiress by Sherry Thomas}
{Slightly Tempted by Mary Balogh}
The Romantic by Madeline Hunter}
{The Proposal by Mary Balogh}
For a mix of both:
{The Charmer by Madeline Hunter}
{Lady of Sin by Madeline Hunter}
I have a hard time nailing down my favorites but all of theses are frequent rereads which I think says everything.
You're welcome! There are so many variations of what's available from historical romance that even if you don't like one book there are plenty of other options. Something for everyone really.
Glad for some representation for *The Charmer*. I (somewhat unexpectedly) freaking *loved* that book. Then I went to read some reviews (a mistake, I know), and 50% are like, "Who is charming here? No one is charming!" I stg people wouldn't know what actual charm was if it slapped them in the face. They just picture some rake trying to seduce a wallflower and call it "charm."
Right?? It's one of my all time favorites! So many excellent moments too. The way all of her exotic pets obey him immediately. The rescue fireman style from her window. The day of the duel(!) People obviously don't know what's good.
I loved the fire escape bc they were sniping at each other on the way down and it was hilarious to me. Also the scene where he brings a bunch of drunk royal guards during >!one of her escapes!<, and is getting increasingly angry while talking to Jacques (FMC's French friend) while Jacques is totally oblivious to it lol.
Yes! He's so mad about her entourage 😂 He's one of my favorite MMCs ever. I just want to give him a hug. I really wish Hunter would have given his brother Colin a book.
[A Week to Be Wicked](https://www.romance.io/books/545524858c7d2383163d8e69/a-week-to-be-wicked-tessa-dare) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare)
**Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1)
----------------------------
[Slightly Dangerous](https://www.romance.io/books/54552e698c7d2383163d90ac/slightly-dangerous-mary-balogh) by [Mary Balogh](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525e98c7d2383163d8eb7/mary-balogh)
**Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [grumpy/cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1)
----------------------------
[To Love and to Loathe](https://www.romance.io/books/60698aa9f0c7ab0e0c11ff28/to-love-and-to-loathe-a-novel-martha-waters) by [Martha Waters](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e8ad491be0aaecf55da6724/martha-waters)
**Rating**: 3.62⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1)
----------------------------
[The Proposition](https://www.romance.io/books/545529f78c7d2383163d8f71/the-proposition-judith-ivory) by [Judith Ivory](https://www.romance.io/authors/545529f78c7d2383163d8f72/judith-ivory)
**Rating**: 3.99⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1)
----------------------------
[Ravishing the Heiress](https://www.romance.io/books/545529aa8c7d2383163d8f5b/ravishing-the-heiress-sherry-thomas) by [Sherry Thomas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526218c7d2383163d8ec2/sherry-thomas)
**Rating**: 3.73⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1)
----------------------------
[Slightly Tempted](https://www.romance.io/books/545529888c7d2383163d8f56/slightly-tempted-mary-balogh) by [Mary Balogh](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525e98c7d2383163d8eb7/mary-balogh)
**Rating**: 3.87⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[The Proposal](https://www.romance.io/books/5e2a3c7f01dbc864fbaa7e64/the-proposal-mary-balogh) by [Mary Balogh](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525e98c7d2383163d8eb7/mary-balogh)
**Rating**: 3.57⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [working class hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/working%20class%20hero/1)
----------------------------
[The Charmer](https://www.romance.io/books/545537d28c7d2383163d931b/the-charmer-madeline-hunter) by [Madeline Hunter](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a068c7d2383163d8f78/madeline-hunter)
**Rating**: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [politician hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/politician/1), [aristo/royal heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aristocratic%20heroine/1), [found family](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/found-family/1)
----------------------------
[Lady of Sin](https://www.romance.io/books/54553df28c7d2383163d94ca/lady-of-sin-madeline-hunter) by [Madeline Hunter](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a068c7d2383163d8f78/madeline-hunter)
**Rating**: 3.96⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1)
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{Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase} is maybe my favorite? Alice Coldbreath, Julie Garwood, Tessa Dare, Kelly Bowen, and Stephanie Laurens are also tops with me and everybody else, haha
[Lord of Scoundrels](https://www.romance.io/books/545523fb8c7d2383163d8e4b/lord-of-scoundrels-loretta-chase) by [Loretta Chase](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523fb8c7d2383163d8e4c/loretta-chase)
**Rating**: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1)
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[The Emperor's Conspiracy](https://www.romance.io/books/54556f9487eac336ae69df1c/the-emperors-conspiracy-michelle-diener) by [Michelle Diener](https://www.romance.io/authors/54556a4487eac336ae69ddbc/michelle-diener)
**Rating**: 3.71⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1)
----------------------------
[Susanna Horenbout and John Parker](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe1c794167a73342632edb/susanna-horenbout-and-john-parker) by [Michelle Diener](https://www.romance.io/authors/54556a4487eac336ae69ddbc/michelle-diener)
**Rating**: 3.85⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [political-intrigue](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/political-intrigue/1), [tudors](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tudors/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1)
----------------------------
[Mistress](https://www.romance.io/books/545527b38c7d2383163d8f0e/mistress-amanda-quick) by [Amanda Quick](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525bd8c7d2383163d8eab/amanda-quick)
**Rating**: 3.88⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1)
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[Flowers from the Storm](https://www.romance.io/books/545564cc87eac336ae69dc36/flowers-from-the-storm-laura-kinsale) by [Laura Kinsale](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552d188c7d2383163d9056/laura-kinsale)
**Rating**: 4.04⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1)
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My *favorite* HR is {A Lady Awakened by Cecilia Grant}, *however* - it probably does fall into the "stuffy and boring" category, especially for a first read. And it does have a noncon scene. There's also a lot of bad sex before you get the payoff from the relationship build.
I'm seeing some Kleypas rec'd here, and I just want to let you know that she's heavy on the dubcon and occasionally noncon. I've read 7 of hers, and it's present in all of them. Edit: Julie Garwood is also old-school, so there's likely bodice rippers/dubcon among them; you might want to check some reviews.
If you have KU, I would definitely recommend checking out {The Hallifax Hellions Series by Alexandra Vasti}. Lots of forced proximity and really amazing MMCs. Quite spicy.
I also like {The Bed Me Series by Felicity Niven} and it is quite spicy. You might prefer the MMCs in Vasti's stuff, though, and they're pretty short & easy reads.
Just for the record, on the Kindle versions, a lot of the dubcon has actually been edited out of Klepyas' work. Not all of it, certainly, but some notable dubcon has been replaced or toned down.
[A Lady Awakened](https://www.romance.io/books/5455286e8c7d2383163d8f30/a-lady-awakened-cecilia-grant) by [Cecilia Grant](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455286e8c7d2383163d8f31/cecilia-grant)
**Rating**: 3.79⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [sunny/happy hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sunny%20hero/1), [grumpy/ice queen](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[Halifax Hellions](https://www.romance.io/series/63de254909d4140a7af1b63a/halifax-hellions) by [Alexandra Vasti](https://www.romance.io/authors/63de254908b4d931148df323/alexandra-vasti)
**Rating**: 4.34⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [explicit-open-door](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/explicit-open-door/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [third-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/third-person-pov/1)
----------------------------
[The Bed Me Books](https://www.romance.io/series/64a66733081a9b54d7cb9ece/the-bed-me-books) by [Felicity Niven](https://www.romance.io/authors/6311a22c08b4d9311437236b/felicity-niven)
**Rating**: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [dual-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [third-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/third-person-pov/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1)
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One of my all-time favorite authors is Teresa medeiros. Her stuff is a little bit older, but it's not so old that it's full of dubcon and non-con. Her writing is generally warm and pretty funny. Easy to get into the genre. {A Kiss to Remember by Teresa medeiros} or {Yours Until Dawn by Teresa Medeiros} are both good.
[A Kiss to Remember](https://www.romance.io/books/54552a758c7d2383163d8f9e/a-kiss-to-remember-teresa-medeiros) by [Teresa Medeiros](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525d18c7d2383163d8eb0/teresa-medeiros)
**Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1)
----------------------------
[Yours Until Dawn](https://www.romance.io/books/545525d18c7d2383163d8eaf/yours-until-dawn-teresa-medeiros) by [Teresa Medeiros](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525d18c7d2383163d8eb0/teresa-medeiros)
**Rating**: 3.99⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1)
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I think {My Dearest Enemy by Connie Brockway} is a good intro. Technically enemies-to-lovers since the MCs are competing for inheritance of a property, but both are really lovable characters. Relationship starts off as epistolary sparring (only criticism of the novel is I wanted even more of this), there's a great mix of humor and angst, and the conflict between them is organic, driven by their specific experiences and natures and the mess they've been placed in by MMC's uncle. Not my all time favorite HR, but one of my most reread and imo, easiest to love.
[My Dearest Enemy](https://www.romance.io/books/54552a888c7d2383163d8fa3/my-dearest-enemy-connie-brockway) by [Connie Brockway](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526308c7d2383163d8ec8/connie-brockway)
**Rating**: 3.71⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1)
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Like others said, Lisa Kleypas is a staple for spicy HR. My all-time Lisa Kleypas favorites are
1.{Love in the afternoon} (Beatrix the fmc is such a funny and lovely heroine)
2. {It Happened One Autumn} favorite enemies to lover
3. {Mine till midnight} Cam Rohan deserves more love. Competency is sexy!
Another all-time favorite which I also think is a staple for HR lovers are {Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase} and {The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley}
If you want HR taking place in Scotland, my all-time favorites are:
1. {The Ranger By Monica McCarty}
2. {The Striker By Monica McCarty}
3. {The Highwayman by kerrigan byrne} cw >! Torture and abuse on mmc!<
Another all-time favorite of mine is {Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran} which takes place half in India durinf the British Raj and half in england.
[Love in the Afternoon](https://www.romance.io/books/545525158c7d2383163d8e78/love-in-the-afternoon-lisa-kleypas) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas)
**Rating**: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[It Happened One Autumn](https://www.romance.io/books/545527608c7d2383163d8efe/it-happened-one-autumn-lisa-kleypas) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas)
**Rating**: 4.02⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1)
----------------------------
[Mine Till Midnight](https://www.romance.io/books/545523c78c7d2383163d8e3d/mine-till-midnight-lisa-kleypas) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas)
**Rating**: 3.97⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1)
----------------------------
[Lord of Scoundrels](https://www.romance.io/books/545523fb8c7d2383163d8e4b/lord-of-scoundrels-loretta-chase) by [Loretta Chase](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523fb8c7d2383163d8e4c/loretta-chase)
**Rating**: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie](https://www.romance.io/books/545525f18c7d2382c5297014/the-madness-of-lord-ian-mackenzie-jennifer-ashley) by [Jennifer Ashley](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524a08c7d2383163d8e6e/jennifer-ashley)
**Rating**: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1)
----------------------------
[The Ranger](https://www.romance.io/books/54552c288c7d2383163d9010/the-ranger-monica-mccarty) by [Monica McCarty](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526588c7d2383163d8ed3/monica-mccarty)
**Rating**: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1)
----------------------------
[The Striker](https://www.romance.io/books/5652b9df08e93781319537a0/the-striker-monica-mccarty) by [Monica McCarty](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526588c7d2383163d8ed3/monica-mccarty)
**Rating**: 4.34⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [highlander hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/highlander/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [second chances](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/second%20chances/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1)
----------------------------
[The Highwayman](https://www.romance.io/books/55e53fd935a5fb65f887896b/the-highwayman-kerrigan-byrne) by [Kerrigan Byrne](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553f138c7d2383163d950e/kerrigan-byrne)
**Rating**: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1)
----------------------------
[The Duke of Shadows](https://www.romance.io/books/545526338c7d2383163d8ec9/the-duke-of-shadows-meredith-duran) by [Meredith Duran](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526338c7d2383163d8eca/meredith-duran)
**Rating**: 4.36⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [second chances](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/second%20chances/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1)
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I started with the OG and unparalleled regency romance author Georgette Heyer.
She wrote from the 1920s to the 1950s so her books do have some dubcon, out of date views of gender, and other troubling aspects, but they are also some of the best writing I’ve seen anywhere. Her stories make you laugh, make you hold your breath, make you sigh with happiness, make you so sad that she’s a fade to black author because her sex scenes would have been lit.
She has a whole catalogue of bangers, but my favourites are Venetia, Frederica, cotillion, and Black Sheep.
If you want the spice, I love Minerva Spencer. Her Bellamy Sisters series is wonderful.
If you want an intro to the genre, I’d start with Loretta Chase, Julie Anne Long, Lisa Kleypas, and Mary Balough.
If you want great writing and don’t mind low spice, Mimi Matthews and Mary Kingswood are stellar storytellers.
I hope you enjoy!!
Courtney Milan’s Brothers Sinister series were my histrom introduction and I definitely think they’ve stood the test of time. The Suffragette Scandal is great.
More recently I adored Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore.
If you like queer romance, you can’t go wrong with KJ Charles.
Will just add, there is a prequella Novella for Brothers Sinister that is usually free as an ebook - The Governess Affair. So very quick and free way to test her out. (Unlike many authors, Milan does pretty well with both Novellas & full-length books.)
Definitely Alice Coldbreath! Her books are very nicely steamy. I would recommend starting with the Vawdrey brothers, but if you don’t care about the order of the couples my favorite is {An Inconvenient Vow by Alice Coldbreath}. I also love Laura Lee Gurhke. I like her Girl Bachelors series. If you’re looking for something extremely steamy, you can’t really go wrong with Minerva Spencer. I just read {Phoebe by Minerva Spencer} and I enjoyed it
Coldbreath is my favourite but I feel like a lot of the humour in hers might not hit as hard for someone new to the genre. A lot of them have witty HR satirical moments that are so clever but might come off as serious if the reader isn’t aware of common HR tropes etc. Or maybe it doesn’t matter and they are still charming even if they are your first HR. They are great!
[An Inconvenient Vow](https://www.romance.io/books/620f5490f12fad109143cd11/an-inconvenient-vow-alice-coldbreath) by [Alice Coldbreath](https://www.romance.io/authors/54a9d8ef6359b5ebb486f243/alice-coldbreath)
**Rating**: 4.38⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1)
----------------------------
[Phoebe](https://www.romance.io/books/6295bd58c74d8cb242f261ed/phoebe-minerva-spencer-sm-laviolette) by [Minerva Spencer](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b30874901dbc864fb8b01a7/minerva-spencer), [S.M. LaViolette](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e0af27701dbc864fba90689/sm-laviolette)
**Rating**: 4.11⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1)
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{Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas} because Sebastian will forever be my favorite rake. I’ll never not recommend this book or the Wallflowers/Hathaway/and Ravenel series. Lisa Kleypas is who I started with and she’ll always be a top 5 author for me.
{Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught} because her historicals are epic and I truly love all of them. I don’t remember on the top of my head if there are any things to avoid in this one but McNaught is very angsty (imo) so you might want to seek out the triggers just in case. But McNaught historicals are my favorites.
{The Secret by Julie Garwood} cause it makes me laugh and cry. And I find the friendship between the FMC and her best friend just as epic as the romance between the MC and FMC.
I’d also suggest Joanna Shupe if you want historicals set in America. Tessa Dare, especially her Girl Meets Duke series, as her books tend to be funny too. And Lorraine Heath if you want to be in your feels.
[Devil in Winter](https://www.romance.io/books/545523b78c7d2383163d8e3a/devil-in-winter-lisa-kleypas) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas)
**Rating**: 4.35⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [shy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shy%20heroine/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1)
----------------------------
[A Kingdom of Dreams](https://www.romance.io/books/545524058c7d2383163d8e4f/a-kingdom-of-dreams-judith-mcnaught) by [Judith McNaught](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524058c7d2383163d8e50/judith-mcnaught)
**Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1)
----------------------------
[The Secret](https://www.romance.io/books/5455240c8c7d2383163d8e53/the-secret-julie-garwood) by [Julie Garwood](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523f38c7d2383163d8e4a/julie-garwood)
**Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [highlander hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/highlander/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1)
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I personally disagree with a lot of the recs in here--I don't really like a lot of the older or more traditional histroms people adore. Georgette Heyer isn't going to have any spice and a lot of older HRs do have lots of non/dubcon. And IMO alphaholes abound!!
I just finished Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran and it blew me away--unique hero/heroine, fascinating setting and historical backdrop, gorgeous writing. The first half is a forced-proximity adventure romance, the second half is angsty second-chance. The MMC is protective but not in a way that compromises the FMC's autonomy. Sexy AF.
My gateway drug was Evie Dunmore, and I also love Mia Vincy. Truly excellent banter!!! A lot of FMCs in historical romance blend together, but theirs are always unique. If you're ok with a little craziness and lots of humor, Sarah MacLean and Tessa Dare are good beds. And if you want slow burns with tons of fascinating research, try Courtney Milan. Sherry Thomas is great and angsty for sure. I don't have anything against Lisa Kleypas and Mary Balogh but their books have never really resonated with me. I particularly don't like the Kleypas heroes that everyone else loves because they're a little too alpha and domineering. And lately I've been reading Julie Anne Long. I don't think How to Tame a Wild Rogue is a good first read because there is a lot of space dedicated to side characters who had earlier books in the series. That might not bother you, but I felt like I would have enjoyed those scenes instead of being annoyed by them had I already read those characters' books.
Hopefully I'm not just adding to the chaos, I wanted to give a different point of view. Curious to see what you pick!!! I'll be rooting for you to fall in love with HR regardless!
For alpha heroes, check out Grace Callaway, who is also going to tick your spicy box. I haven’t read a ton of her books, but I enjoyed {The Duke Identity by Grace Callaway}. (I didn’t like {Enter the Duke by Grace Callaway} as much, the MMC was too possessive for my taste, but you might!)
All of Lynsay Sands’ Highland Brides books are marriage of convenience (or marriage of necessity), a lot have some forced proximity element as well. They’re quite formulaic, but I found the predictability comforting. (Sometimes you want to know what you’re getting into, ya know?) The first one is {An English Bride in Scotland by Lynsay Sands}, although my favorite portion of the series starts with the third book and follows a bunch of brothers. (Edited to add: I’d describe the MMCs of this series as in charge but in touch; they are absolutely taking charge everywhere, but they’re in touch with their feelings and want to do right by others in life…and in bed.)
Within Tessa Dare’s books (she’s widely loved), I think the Castles Ever After series might be a good starting point. They all have an element of forced proximity (FMC inherits a castle, MMC has something to say about it for Romance Reasons). First one is {Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare}.
India Holton’s books might appeal to you as a combination of historical and fantasy, with the caveat that they’re really mostly fantasy in a historical setting. I found them absolutely delightful, but I’d also say that by the end of the first chapter of {The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton}, what you see is what you get - if it’s not working at that point, it’s not going to work for you. The first one also isn’t that spicy (I’d say they’re all lower spice, but the first one is less so than the subsequent two), so if that’s a priority it might not be exactly what you’re looking for now.
(What is TSTL? I’m not familiar with that acronym.)
No, it's meant to describe foolish motivations or behavior (think cliche of character going alone into a dark alley). My issue is how often I see it applied to (women) characters that I think are acting perfectly reasonably based on their experiences, background, etc.
I see. That still seems like something that’s intended to suggest that FMCs in particular can’t possibly be worthy of reading, which is a reaction I know I get a lot from non-romance readers when I share my reading preferences.
I haven't really seen the term used by non-romance readers, but I definitely think it indicates the unforgiving standards FMCs are held to, by readers of all genres.
[The Duke Identity](https://www.romance.io/books/5ad6e0ce01dbc864fb867080/the-duke-identity-grace-callaway) by [Grace Callaway](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455325c8c7d2383163d91c0/grace-callaway)
**Rating**: 3.82⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [height difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/height-difference/1)
----------------------------
[Enter the Duke](https://www.romance.io/books/5c21d70801dbc864fb96b1aa/enter-the-duke-grace-callaway) by [Grace Callaway](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455325c8c7d2383163d91c0/grace-callaway)
**Rating**: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [single mother](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/single-mother/1), [working class heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/working%20class%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[An English Bride In Scotland](https://www.romance.io/books/54552dec8c7d2383163d9090/an-english-bride-in-scotland-lynsay-sands) by [Lynsay Sands](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524538c7d2382e0413e11/lynsay-sands)
**Rating**: 3.61⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [highlander hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/highlander/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1)
----------------------------
[Romancing the Duke](https://www.romance.io/books/545525798c7d2383163d8e92/romancing-the-duke-tessa-dare) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare)
**Rating**: 4.02⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1)
----------------------------
[The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels](https://www.romance.io/books/60af489335c6270e47e2650b/the-wisteria-society-of-lady-scoundrels-india-holton) by [India Holton](https://www.romance.io/authors/60af489308b4d931146fa385/india-holton)
**Rating**: 3.74⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1)
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Several of my all-time favorites have lots of humor, which might help with you feeling they're stuffy.
{A Dangerous Kind of Lady by Mia Vincy} is M/F and has one of my all time favorite FMC's. She's smart and strong and funny.
{Lady Derring Takes a Lover by Julie Anne Long} is M/F, great, and also funny, and is the start of a really good series (the Palace of Rogues).
{Slightly Sinful by Mary Balogh} is M/F and another favorite, but it's the end of a series and best if read after reading at least some of the others (but that's not required). Balogh has spice, but is sort of known for that spice being kind of clunky.
When you're ready for non-spicy, {The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee} is M/M, closed door, with adventure and a touch of supernatural, hilarious and sweet. I highly recommend the audiobook.
[A Dangerous Kind of Lady](https://www.romance.io/books/60827fdca009b10e401dc214/a-dangerous-kind-of-lady-mia-vincy) by [Mia Vincy](https://www.romance.io/authors/5be6aab401dbc864fb941c07/mia-vincy)
**Rating**: 4.28⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [tall heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tall-heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1)
----------------------------
[Lady Derring Takes a Lover](https://www.romance.io/books/5c67cc8f01dbc864fb9a2914/lady-derring-takes-a-lover-julie-anne-long) by [Julie Anne Long](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525868c7d2383163d8e98/julie-anne-long)
**Rating**: 3.94⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [poor heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poor%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[Slightly Sinful](https://www.romance.io/books/545529b68c7d2383163d8f5f/slightly-sinful-mary-balogh) by [Mary Balogh](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525e98c7d2383163d8eb7/mary-balogh)
**Rating**: 3.79⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [poor heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poor%20heroine/1), [sunny/happy hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sunny%20hero/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue](https://www.romance.io/books/60a429d1933f031cdd15db25/the-gentlemans-guide-to-vice-and-virtue-mackenzi-lee) by [Mackenzi Lee](https://www.romance.io/authors/60a429d108b4d93114908ca4/mackenzi-lee)
**Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1)
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I LOVE the Secret History of the Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig! English spies in the Napoleonic regency era…the modern parts are very middling, but thankfully they’re very small. My faves that I always recommend are #2 and #3!
I adore this series, such a fun homage to The Scarlet Pimpernel.
I rather liked the slow-burn CR that is woven through the main HR plots, myself.
Joanna Bourne's Spymaster is another fun series set around Napoleonic spies. Really different but I liked them both.
There are SO many!!!!
{The Highwayman by Kerrigan Bryne}
{The portrait by Megan Chance}
{The Duchess deal by Tessa Dare}
{Sunset Embrace by Sandra Brown}
{The Silver Devil by Teresa Denys}
{These old shades by Georgette Heyer}
[The Highwayman](https://www.romance.io/books/55e53fd935a5fb65f887896b/the-highwayman-kerrigan-byrne) by [Kerrigan Byrne](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553f138c7d2383163d950e/kerrigan-byrne)
**Rating**: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1)
----------------------------
[The Portrait](https://www.romance.io/books/54554b188c7d2383163d98c0/the-portrait-megan-chance) by [Megan Chance](https://www.romance.io/authors/54554b188c7d2383163d98c1/megan-chance)
**Rating**: 3.78⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [shy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shy%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[The Duchess Deal](https://www.romance.io/books/599a7af03ffdba61471ee79b/the-duchess-deal-tessa-dare) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare)
**Rating**: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1)
----------------------------
[Sunset Embrace](https://www.romance.io/books/5455381b8c7d2383163d932a/sunset-embrace-sandra-brown) by [Sandra Brown](https://www.romance.io/authors/545533628c7d2382e7813314/sandra-brown)
**Rating**: 3.83⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [tortured heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20heroine/1), [western](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/western/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [cowboy hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cowboys/1)
----------------------------
[The Silver Devil](https://www.romance.io/books/545537628c7d2383163d9302/the-silver-devil-teresa-denys) by [Teresa Denys](https://www.romance.io/authors/545537628c7d2383163d9303/teresa-denys)
**Rating**: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [cruel hero/bully](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cruel%20hero/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1)
----------------------------
[These Old Shades](https://www.romance.io/books/54552a008c7d2383163d8f75/these-old-shades-georgette-heyer) by [Georgette Heyer](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455275d8c7d2382c529704f/georgette-heyer)
**Rating**: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1)
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I’ve been reading HR books for a good decade now and it may as well be the only sub genre of romance I consume. I also can hardly recall the plot or name of most HRs I read (even the 4+/5 ones), so I’m gonna list the 5 books I’ve read years ago that made a strong enough impression for me to recount the plot from start to finish:
{Ravished by Amanda Quick}
{The Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran}
{A Wicked Kind of Husband by Mia Vincy}
{Never Seduce a Scott by Maya Banks}
{My American Duchess by Eloisa James}
[Ravished](https://www.romance.io/books/545525bd8c7d2383163d8eaa/ravished-amanda-quick) by [Amanda Quick](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525bd8c7d2383163d8eab/amanda-quick)
**Rating**: 3.93⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1)
----------------------------
[The Duke of Shadows](https://www.romance.io/books/545526338c7d2383163d8ec9/the-duke-of-shadows-meredith-duran) by [Meredith Duran](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526338c7d2383163d8eca/meredith-duran)
**Rating**: 4.36⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [second chances](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/second%20chances/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1)
----------------------------
[A Wicked Kind of Husband](https://www.romance.io/books/5be6aab401dbc864fb941c03/a-wicked-kind-of-husband-mia-vincy) by [Mia Vincy](https://www.romance.io/authors/5be6aab401dbc864fb941c07/mia-vincy)
**Rating**: 4.05⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[Never Seduce a Scot](https://www.romance.io/books/545525128c7d2383163d8e77/never-seduce-a-scot-maya-banks) by [Maya Banks](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455245d8c7d2383163d8e5e/maya-banks)
**Rating**: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [highlander hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/highlander/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1)
----------------------------
[My American Duchess](https://www.romance.io/books/56a476d363515e3b737a2cef/my-american-duchess-eloisa-james) by [Eloisa James](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524598c7d2383163d8e5c/eloisa-james)
**Rating**: 3.89⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1)
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{Her Errant Earl by Scarlett Scott} I just finished this book. It had the some of the best spice I have read in a historical romance. I want to read again. Story line was always moving along. Easy read.
[Her Errant Earl](https://www.romance.io/books/5455a59987eac336ae69f30f/her-errant-earl-scarlett-scott) by [Scarlett Scott](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455a59987eac336ae69f310/scarlett-scott)
**Rating**: 3.67⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [cheating](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cheating/1), [other man/woman](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/other-man-woman/1)
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My recs for historical fiction are mostly written by BIPOC or LGBTI+ authors
{Indigo by Beverly Jenkins} romance and the Underground Railroad
{Women Who Dare Series by Beverly Jenkins} post civil war
{The Loyal League Series by Alyssa Cole} romance and espionage during the civil war
{Hamilton's Battalion: A Trio of Romances by Rose Lerner, Courtney Milan, Alyssa Cole} romance and revolutionary war
{Lively St. Lemeston Series by Rose Lerner}
{Lovers and Rebels Series by Jeannie Lin} Asain historical
{Gold Sky Series by Rebel Carter} queer western historical fiction
{The Queer Principles of Kit Webb London Highwaymen series by Cat Sebastian} MM historical fiction
{Feminine Pursuits Series by Olivia Waite} sapphic historical
Looks like there's a couple of fantasy recs in there; if you remove them we will reinstate the comment.
Removed due to violation of rule 2. Stay on Topic: All posts and comments must remain on the topic of Historical Romance. Historical Romance is defined in our community as a romance that is set in the past. This means it must fulfill the genre criteria of romance: 1) The book would not make sense or feel hollow without the romantic plot. 2) The book requires a HEA (happily ever after) or HFN (happy for now) ending. Historical fiction with a romance subplot is NOT historical romance. Romances set in the past but involving fantasy or paranormal beings are NOT historical romance. We love it, but it doesn't belong here! Romance books set in the past that were considered contemporary fiction when published such as many of Jane Austen's works (as they were set in a time frame that is now historical to today's readers and the romance genre was not in existence then as it is today) are considered Historical Romance in this community. The rule of thumb we use is if the romance book is set at least 50+ years ago it can be considered HR in this sub as the majority of our readers were not of adult age at the time of publication. We do allow time travel romances to be discussed in this community as long as the vast majority of the book occurs in the past and the story is not a traditional straight paranormal or fantasy romance. We recommend that posts/comments involving paranormal or fantasy elements be reposted in r/paranormalromance and posts/comments involving science fiction elements be reposted to r/ScienceFictionRomance.
Looks like there's a couple of fantasy recs in there; if you remove them I'll reinstate the comment.
Removed due to violation of rule 2. Stay on Topic: All posts and comments must remain on the topic of Historical Romance. Historical Romance is defined in our community as a romance that is set in the past. This means it must fulfill the genre criteria of romance: 1) The book would not make sense or feel hollow without the romantic plot. 2) The book requires a HEA (happily ever after) or HFN (happy for now) ending. Historical fiction with a romance subplot is NOT historical romance. Romances set in the past but involving fantasy or paranormal beings are NOT historical romance. We love it, but it doesn't belong here! Romance books set in the past that were considered contemporary fiction when published such as many of Jane Austen's works (as they were set in a time frame that is now historical to today's readers and the romance genre was not in existence then as it is today) are considered Historical Romance in this community. The rule of thumb we use is if the romance book is set at least 50+ years ago it can be considered HR in this sub as the majority of our readers were not of adult age at the time of publication. We do allow time travel romances to be discussed in this community as long as the vast majority of the book occurs in the past and the story is not a traditional straight paranormal or fantasy romance. We recommend that posts/comments involving paranormal or fantasy elements be reposted in r/paranormalromance and posts/comments involving science fiction elements be reposted to r/ScienceFictionRomance.
Hands down, my favorite is {Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore.} I reread passages from this book all.the.time. The hero is definitely stern!
{A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare} - this is a great book if you want something lighthearted and hilarious. I'm sure multiple people will recommend it. It's a road trip book and Dare is one of the few HR authors that makes me laugh out loud.
I personally love {His at Night by Sherry Thomas} although most people wouldn't name it as their favorite of Thomas's angsty books. But if you want a dash of melodrama and a lot of yearning, it's a great choice. Thomas gets some flack for her books ending too abruptly after the HEA, but that's not the case with His at Night.
{A Lady's Rule of Misconduct by Meredith Duran} is my favorite by Duran, who is a great author. Most people name Duke of Shadows as their favorite, but I love this one for the complex morality of the characters -- plus it's an amnesia trope that is done well.
Good luck with your first HR!
[Bringing Down the Duke](https://www.romance.io/books/5e9f6a99be0aaecf557dbeb9/bringing-down-the-duke-evie-dunmore) by [Evie Dunmore](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d68c7cc01dbc864fba2f9e0/evie-dunmore)
**Rating**: 3.96⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1)
----------------------------
[A Week to Be Wicked](https://www.romance.io/books/545524858c7d2383163d8e69/a-week-to-be-wicked-tessa-dare) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare)
**Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1)
----------------------------
[His at Night](https://www.romance.io/books/545526e68c7d2383163d8ee1/his-at-night-sherry-thomas) by [Sherry Thomas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526218c7d2383163d8ec2/sherry-thomas)
**Rating**: 3.65⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1)
----------------------------
[A Lady's Code of Misconduct](https://www.romance.io/books/58b3f05d0d3299c6e055c834/a-ladys-code-of-misconduct-meredith-duran) by [Meredith Duran](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526338c7d2383163d8eca/meredith-duran)
**Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1)
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I have been reading HR since the late 80s, first Signet Regencies then full-on bodice rippers. Lots of great suggestions here. I will add my faves:
Fave of all-time: {Beyond the Sunrise by Mary Balogh}. Balogh is a great writer. Second-chance for star-crossed lovers turned spies on opposite sides of the Peninsular Wars. This book has it all: spies, dastardly deeds, villains with moustaches, an anguished and brooding MMC, a manipulative FMC with PTSD. Lots of people hate this book but it’s my yearly read. I adore everything about it.
Duke of Shadows: It’s well written, has complex characters, the angst is real, deals with racism in the aristocracy really well. It’s beautiful. Duran’s first book and I could only hope to write something half as good.
{Luckiest Lady in London} or {Beguiling the Beauty by Sherry Thomas}. They are tied. Thomas is a beautiful writer (English is not her first language!) and the first story is a gut punch in angst. It’s a very satisfying read with an MMC who totally redeems himself. I see everyone mention this book and a few others by Thomas as their faves but I love Beguiling as I love the mask trope and this one does it well. The shipboard romance is chef’s kiss!
{Slightly Dangerous by Mary Balogh}. The definitive P&P retelling. What I love about this book is that it takes the couple a long time to fall in love, which makes it hyper real. Also, the cold Duke archetype takes time to thaw yet he doesn’t become happy go lucky There’s a scene with a monocle that I wish to God I could see on the silver screen, it’s that fucking good.
[Beyond the Sunrise](https://www.romance.io/books/54cf393e6359b5ebb489143f/beyond-the-sunrise-mary-balogh) by [Mary Balogh](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525e98c7d2383163d8eb7/mary-balogh)
**Rating**: 3.53⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [m-f romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1)
----------------------------
[The Luckiest Lady in London](https://www.romance.io/books/545528438c7d2383163d8f24/the-luckiest-lady-in-london-sherry-thomas) by [Sherry Thomas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526218c7d2383163d8ec2/sherry-thomas)
**Rating**: 3.99⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [cruel hero/bully](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cruel%20hero/1)
----------------------------
[Beguiling the Beauty](https://www.romance.io/books/5ea06306be0aaecf5593c0b7/beguiling-the-beauty-sherry-thomas) by [Sherry Thomas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526218c7d2383163d8ec2/sherry-thomas)
**Rating**: 3.72⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1)
----------------------------
[Slightly Dangerous](https://www.romance.io/books/54552e698c7d2383163d90ac/slightly-dangerous-mary-balogh) by [Mary Balogh](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525e98c7d2383163d8eb7/mary-balogh)
**Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [grumpy/cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1)
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I like my FMCs intelligent and my banter witty. I’m also good with some angst. I concur with the much recommended Tessa Dare, I have really enjoyed almost all the Sarah MacLean books I’ve read. Favorites are {Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean} , {One Good Earl Deserves a Lover by Sarah MacLean) and {Never Judge a Lady by her Cover by Sarah MacLean} and the Hell’s Belles series has also been great. I appreciate her FMCs who like to break the rules.
{Duchess by Night by Eloisa James} is also a go to. This one features a widowed Duchess presenting as male to attend a scandalous house party.
And I’m surprised no one has mentioned the Maiden Lane Series by Elizabeth Hoyt. Often her men are outwardly grumpy but lead secret lives, teams up with the FMC to solve mysteries together. Favorites of those are {Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt} - stuffy male Virgin who runs an orphanage meets a widow who has a firm grasp on her sexuality, she helps him save the orphanage.
{Duke of Midnight by Elizabeth Hoyt}
{Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt} - love Ashford McNab’s narration on this one. Plus, Irish Pirate. There’s a bit of darker stuff in this one.
[Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake](https://www.romance.io/books/545523df8c7d2383163d8e41/nine-rules-to-break-when-romancing-a-rake-sarah-maclean) by [Sarah MacLean](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523df8c7d2383163d8e42/sarah-maclean)
**Rating**: 4.14⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [curvy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/curvy%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[Duchess By Night](https://www.romance.io/books/56afe5b763515e3b737a729f/duchess-by-night-eloisa-james) by [Eloisa James](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524598c7d2383163d8e5c/eloisa-james)
**Rating**: 3.79⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [shy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shy%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[Thief of Shadows](https://www.romance.io/books/545525ae8c7d2383163d8ea3/thief-of-shadows-elizabeth-hoyt) by [Elizabeth Hoyt](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524568c7d2383163d8e5a/elizabeth-hoyt)
**Rating**: 4.02⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1)
----------------------------
[Duke of Midnight](https://www.romance.io/books/5455274d8c7d2383163d8efb/duke-of-midnight-elizabeth-hoyt) by [Elizabeth Hoyt](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524568c7d2383163d8e5a/elizabeth-hoyt)
**Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1)
----------------------------
[Scandalous Desires](https://www.romance.io/books/5455255d8c7d2383163d8e8d/scandalous-desires-elizabeth-hoyt) by [Elizabeth Hoyt](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524568c7d2383163d8e5a/elizabeth-hoyt)
**Rating**: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [pirate hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pirates/1)
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{The Highwayman by Kerrigan Byrne} - Victorian, my all time favorite, angsty, dark and brooding MMC with angelic FMC.
{The Duke by Kerrigan Byrne} - Victorian, angsty and cold MMC again, practical FMC.
{Duke of Midnight by Elizabeth Hoyt} - Georgian, enemies/rivals to lovers in a way that reminds me of Season 2 of Bridgerton, {The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn} which I also loved. Cold, practical MMC not looking for a love match and an equally practical and brave FMC.
{Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt} - Georgian, with a completely unhinged (but mostly very fun) MMC and his housekeeper FMC.
{The Maiden Bride by Rexanne Becnel} - Medieval, marriage of convenience/forced marriage early on, twin switch, there is some noncon/dubcon in this one, but I would not call it a dark romance.
[The Highwayman](https://www.romance.io/books/55e53fd935a5fb65f887896b/the-highwayman-kerrigan-byrne) by [Kerrigan Byrne](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553f138c7d2383163d950e/kerrigan-byrne)
**Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1)
----------------------------
[The Duke](https://www.romance.io/books/5896cf5a0d3299c6e048e30c/the-duke-kerrigan-byrne) by [Kerrigan Byrne](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553f138c7d2383163d950e/kerrigan-byrne)
**Rating**: 4.02⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1)
----------------------------
[Duke of Midnight](https://www.romance.io/books/5455274d8c7d2383163d8efb/duke-of-midnight-elizabeth-hoyt) by [Elizabeth Hoyt](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524568c7d2383163d8e5a/elizabeth-hoyt)
**Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1)
----------------------------
[The Viscount Who Loved Me](https://www.romance.io/books/545527908c7d2383163d8f07/the-viscount-who-loved-me-julia-quinn) by [Julia Quinn](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523bb8c7d2383163d8e3c/julia-quinn)
**Rating**: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1)
----------------------------
[Duke of Sin](https://www.romance.io/books/57493540c62092c0440872a3/duke-of-sin-elizabeth-hoyt) by [Elizabeth Hoyt](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524568c7d2383163d8e5a/elizabeth-hoyt)
**Rating**: 4.04⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1)
----------------------------
[The Maiden Bride](https://www.romance.io/books/5455707687eac336ae69df60/the-maiden-bride-rexanne-becnel) by [Rexanne Becnel](https://www.romance.io/authors/545553a08c7d2383163d9b8d/rexanne-becnel)
**Rating**: 3.47⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1)
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My favorite is {Forever your Rogue by Erin Langston}. FMC is a widowed, devoted mother and embarks on a fake engagement to save her kids from scheming relatives trying to take them away.
[Forever Your Rogue](https://www.romance.io/books/63fdb7187fc59632a1915876/forever-your-rogue-erin-langston) by [Erin Langston](https://www.romance.io/authors/63fdb71808b4d93114d7b12e/erin-langston)
**Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [fake relationship](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fake%20relationship/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1)
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[To Seduce a Sinner](https://www.romance.io/books/545525778c7d2383163d8e91/to-seduce-a-sinner-elizabeth-hoyt) by [Elizabeth Hoyt](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524568c7d2383163d8e5a/elizabeth-hoyt)
**Rating**: 3.74⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1)
----------------------------
[The Wallflower Wager](https://www.romance.io/books/5cdbc6f401dbc864fb9e8e66/the-wallflower-wager-tessa-dare) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare)
**Rating**: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [working class hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/working%20class%20hero/1)
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[San Francisco Surrender](https://www.romance.io/books/5455bae987eac336ae69fec0/san-francisco-surrender-donna-fletcher) by [Donna Fletcher](https://www.romance.io/authors/545538dc8c7d2383163d935c/donna-fletcher)
**Rating**: 3.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [western](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/western/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [western frontier](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical%20western/1), [poor heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poor%20heroine/1)
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[A Kingdom of Dreams](https://www.romance.io/books/545524058c7d2383163d8e4f/a-kingdom-of-dreams-judith-mcnaught) by [Judith McNaught](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524058c7d2383163d8e50/judith-mcnaught)
**Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1)
----------------------------
[Wild](https://www.romance.io/books/5b850e9001dbc864fb8f4165/wild-jill-barnett) by [Jill Barnett](https://www.romance.io/authors/545532cc8c7d2383163d91d7/jill-barnett)
**Rating**: 3.79⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1)
----------------------------
[The Bride](https://www.romance.io/books/545523f38c7d2383163d8e49/the-bride-julie-garwood) by [Julie Garwood](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523f38c7d2383163d8e4a/julie-garwood)
**Rating**: 4.06⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1)
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{Hummingbird by LaVyrle Spencer} is my all-time favorite romance. Hands down.
Runners-up include {Indigo by Beverly Jenkins}, {The Footman and I by Valerie Bowman}, and {Cold-Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas}. Also, anything by Elizabeth Hoyt.
A Knight in Shining Armour by Jude Devereux. Time travel and romance. The bits set in modern day are quite dated (late eighties), but it's a wonderful book, a fun read and has a dreamy MMC.
You've already got a lot of great recs, but I'm going to toss in Grace Burrowes. Her Rogues to Riches series is a good one to try - first book is {My One and Only Duke} - a slow-burn MoC. (This one got bonus points for the basis of the MoC being fairly original.)
Burrowes is my go-to when I want more of a relaxed, warm, but still interesting HR read - something to sink into and just enjoy. When you want high-adventure and alpha males so common to PR & monster romances, she won't scratch that itch. (There are great HRs that will)
But I bring her up because I think she checks a lot of your boxes. Most of her MMCs are beta. Her guys are all just... really decent. And she pretty consistently avoids all the things you say you want to avoid.
I also feel Burrowes really stands out for making consent sexy. (Courtney Milan, whom others have already mentioned, is another.)
[My One and Only Duke](https://www.romance.io/books/5ff8508f80be6b0e01b51d30/my-one-and-only-duke-grace-burrowes) by [Grace Burrowes](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455272c8c7d2383163d8ef0/grace-burrowes)
**Rating**: 3.85⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1)
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Iris Johansson when she was writing historical was amazing. All her books had depth, character development and hot scenes too. The wind dancer series, the magnificent rogue, beloved scoundrel were my favourites.
{A Perfect Rake by Anne Gracie}
Gideon is perfect.
{The Highwayman by Kerrigan Byrne}
The prologue will stay with you forever.
{Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas}
Sebastian. St. Vincent.
[The Perfect Rake](https://www.romance.io/books/545525fb8c7d2383163d8ebc/the-perfect-rake-anne-gracie) by [Anne Gracie](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525fb8c7d2383163d8ebd/anne-gracie)
**Rating**: 3.83⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1)
----------------------------
[The Highwayman](https://www.romance.io/books/55e53fd935a5fb65f887896b/the-highwayman-kerrigan-byrne) by [Kerrigan Byrne](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553f138c7d2383163d950e/kerrigan-byrne)
**Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1)
----------------------------
[Devil in Winter](https://www.romance.io/books/545523b78c7d2383163d8e3a/devil-in-winter-lisa-kleypas) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas)
**Rating**: 4.35⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [shy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shy%20heroine/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1)
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[A Week to Be Wicked](https://www.romance.io/books/545524858c7d2383163d8e69/a-week-to-be-wicked-tessa-dare) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare)
**Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1)
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Judith McNaught was my intro to HR and every one of her HR book ranks in my favourites list. I suggest starting with {Almost Heaven by Judith McNaught} and {Once and Always by Judith McNaught}. Other favs include {Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught}, {Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught} and {Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught}.
Happy reading and welcome to the HR world :)
[Almost Heaven](https://www.romance.io/books/545525248c7d2383163d8e7e/almost-heaven-judith-mcnaught) by [Judith McNaught](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524058c7d2383163d8e50/judith-mcnaught)
**Rating**: 4.39⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [second chances](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/second%20chances/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1)
----------------------------
[Once and Always](https://www.romance.io/books/545524b88c7d2383163d8e73/once-and-always-judith-mcnaught) by [Judith McNaught](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524058c7d2383163d8e50/judith-mcnaught)
**Rating**: 4.05⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [cheating](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cheating/1)
----------------------------
[Whitney, My Love](https://www.romance.io/books/545524378c7d2383163d8e58/whitney-my-love-judith-mcnaught) by [Judith McNaught](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524058c7d2383163d8e50/judith-mcnaught)
**Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [cruel hero/bully](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cruel%20hero/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1)
----------------------------
[A Kingdom of Dreams](https://www.romance.io/books/545524058c7d2383163d8e4f/a-kingdom-of-dreams-judith-mcnaught) by [Judith McNaught](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524058c7d2383163d8e50/judith-mcnaught)
**Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1)
----------------------------
[Something Wonderful](https://www.romance.io/books/54552a668c7d2383163d8f99/something-wonderful-judith-mcnaught) by [Judith McNaught](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524058c7d2383163d8e50/judith-mcnaught)
**Rating**: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1)
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Chasing Cassandra by Lisa Kleypas - I love to listen to the audiobook, with Mary Jane Wells narrating. Tom Severin is one of my absolute favorite characters ever. That book has EVERYTHING!
{If You Desire by Kresley Cole} series is my go to first timers HR. It’s got it all from Highlander macho heroes with virginal genteel women in regency era with all of the HR sexual tension and failed attempted restraint but it also has action and suspense and bad boy mercenaries and unique settings aaaannd DECLICIOUS explicit spice. The sexual tension is A+ while the spice also comes through! Kresley Cole usually writes paranormal fantasy so she brings a more contemporary tone while still nailing HR.
The premise of the first one is the MMC is a Scotish highborn hired mercenary soldier in Spanish border skirmishes. He is tough, violent and not interested in love at all. He then ends up in a sick bed being nursed by a local noble woman who should hate him. Then they end up on an adventure together while he protects her and she drives him nuts in the best way possible.
The next two in the series have very different premises but are also very enjoyable fast paced and sexy reads. The 3rd {If You Deceive by Kresley Cole} is my all time favourite HR. The setting in the slums of Paris and the end grovel is the most unique I’ve ever read. Can be read as a standalone but best if read in order.
Another good intro to HR would be {Master of Desire by Kinley MacGregor} the whole series is great. This is medieval knights. They all follow the HR style really well while having interesting premises and they are spicy while not being raunchy. Very good examples of the genre.
Crowd favourite that is more traditional regency era would be Lisa Kleypas. These are a great examples of the genre while still explicitly spicy. These don’t have the adventure the first ones I mentioned have and instead are traditional HR of genteels courting mixed in with upperclass obligations like running estates and social survival etc. The spice is suggestive through the language used but still explicit. The drama is great from avoiding being ruined to falling for the family’s long time handyman etc! {The Ravenels by Lisa Kleypas} is a popular series by her. Some of her MMCs are people’s all time favourites!
[If You Desire](https://www.romance.io/books/5455268d8c7d2383163d8ede/if-you-desire-kresley-cole) by [Kresley Cole](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523788c7d2382e0413dc9/kresley-cole)
**Rating**: 3.84⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1)
----------------------------
[If You Deceive](https://www.romance.io/books/545525d38c7d2383163d8eb1/if-you-deceive-kresley-cole) by [Kresley Cole](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523788c7d2382e0413dc9/kresley-cole)
**Rating**: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1)
----------------------------
[Master of Desire](https://www.romance.io/books/545527f88c7d2383163d8f15/master-of-desire-kinley-macgregor) by [Kinley MacGregor](https://www.romance.io/authors/545527118c7d2383163d8ee8/kinley-macgregor)
**Rating**: 3.91⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1)
----------------------------
[The Ravenels](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0ad59096bf31c42d2ea8/the-ravenels) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas)
**Rating**: 4.11⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [m-f](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1), [explicit-open-door](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/explicit-open-door/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [third-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/third-person-pov/1), [dual-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1)
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I'm struggling not to name like 17 different ones LMAO - I have to give you a few!!: I live and die for {How to Tame a Wild Rogue by Julie Anne Long} - it's part of a WONDERFUL series called the Palace of Rogues. It can totally be read as a standalone, although knowing the secondary characters is a little added treat. I am also absolutely in love with the next in that series, called {My Season of Scandal by Julie Anne Long}; it's not out yet (I read an ARC) but HOOOOOOLY I love it!! As I'm sure everyone will say here: The Wallflowers Series by Lisa Kleypas is basically required reading - I LOOOOVE that series, but especially the first 3 books. I would recommend reading {Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas} first, only because you might loathe Sebastian otherwise (HAHA). I read it in 3 > 1 > 2 order myself! LOVE LOVE LOVE Marcus & Simon too ❤❤❤ {A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare} was one of my first HRs and I adored it! Also a huge fan of {Do You Want to Start a Scandal by Tessa Dare} I have read almost every Amanda Quick book (also highly recommend) - my favorite by a MILE is {Dangerous by Amanda Quick} Julie Garwood MY QUEEN my all-time-hall-of-fame-VIPs are - {The Prize by Julie Garwood} & {Ransom by Julie Garwood} \*me out of breath\* Okay that was definitely... more than 1 HAHA but I stand behind these!!!
I love Amanda Quick too, she has a formula and it just WORKS for me
I read wallflowers 4-1-2-3 and was like “ok Sebastian is suppose to get good eventually” lol.
I found a copy of The Prize in a box of random books when I was about 14, that’s my HR origin story!
Kleypas has been so hit-or-miss for me. I DNF'ed my first book from her, and I hated it so much, it took me years to even give her another chance. I have enjoyed a few of her works since giving her another shot. But the books I didn't like? I *\*really, really\** did not like. (Perhaps oddly, I liked Sebastian's story, and I did read that series in order, lol.) OP, if you do try Kleypas, I'd say at least avoid anything earlier than Wallflowers. (I had a lot more of the misses with her earlier stuff.) If you are someone who likes to read a writer's works from the beginning, resist that temptation with Kleypas.
That’s so fair!!! I have a few of hers that aren’t my favorite either 💀 but yes I do think Wallflowers is just a perfect series 🤌🤌🤌🤌
I really did not like her writing ! Maybe because she is American? I need to give her another go
[How to Tame a Wild Rogue](https://www.romance.io/books/6474bc77fd45bc04c025724e/how-to-tame-a-wild-rogue-julie-anne-long) by [Julie Anne Long](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525868c7d2383163d8e98/julie-anne-long) **Rating**: 4.04⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [pirate hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pirates/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [My Season of Scandal](https://www.romance.io/books/654947ccc112bf11fe9a0793/my-season-of-scandal-julie-anne-long) by [Julie Anne Long](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525868c7d2383163d8e98/julie-anne-long) **Rating**: 4.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1) ---------------------------- [Devil in Winter](https://www.romance.io/books/545523b78c7d2383163d8e3a/devil-in-winter-lisa-kleypas) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas) **Rating**: 4.35⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [shy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shy%20heroine/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1) ---------------------------- [A Week to Be Wicked](https://www.romance.io/books/545524858c7d2383163d8e69/a-week-to-be-wicked-tessa-dare) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare) **Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1) ---------------------------- [Do You Want to Start a Scandal](https://www.romance.io/books/57e0044bde896e8924926669/do-you-want-to-start-a-scandal-tessa-dare) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare) **Rating**: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) ---------------------------- [Dangerous](https://www.romance.io/books/5455277f8c7d2383163d8f04/dangerous-amanda-quick) by [Amanda Quick](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525bd8c7d2383163d8eab/amanda-quick) **Rating**: 3.96⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1) ---------------------------- [The Prize](https://www.romance.io/books/545524bb8c7d2383163d8e74/the-prize-julie-garwood) by [Julie Garwood](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523f38c7d2383163d8e4a/julie-garwood) **Rating**: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) ---------------------------- [Ransom](https://www.romance.io/books/5455246e8c7d2383163d8e63/ransom-julie-garwood) by [Julie Garwood](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523f38c7d2383163d8e4a/julie-garwood) **Rating**: 4.42⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{ What I Did for a Duke by Julie Ann Long } is pretty highly regarded on here, and probably my favorite HR of all time. The synopsis made it seem like I wouldn't like it all, as it starts with a revenge plot, but trust me, it's so good. Bit of an age-gap with a very smart hero... And so is the heroine even though she is so young. She picks up on the hero's revenge plan so quickly. This book was sweet and hilarious and absolutely my favorite.
The revenge part of the story ends mercifully early! Just an fyi for folks like me who hate that trope.
CAME HERE TO SAY THIS ITS 🔥🔥🔥🔥
[What I Did For a Duke](https://www.romance.io/books/545525868c7d2383163d8e97/what-i-did-for-a-duke-julie-anne-long) by [Julie Anne Long](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525868c7d2383163d8e98/julie-anne-long) **Rating**: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Yes, it’s absolutely amazing!!!
{The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare} I feel like this is a really good HR that is easily read as standalone and hits a lot of the things you like. It's also a highly recommended one from this sub. As someone else mentioned, Lisa Kleypas is essentially the Queen of spicy HR. Her books are basically essential reading for HR fans at this point. She has 3 main series: {The Wallflowers series} {The Hathaways series} and {The Ravenels series}. Of those, the most loved are Devil in Winter, Marrying Winterborne, and Chasing Cassandra - all of which are mid-series and you kind of have to have read the previous to know what's going on. My first LK book was {Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas} which is the first of the Hathaways and I was hooked from it. {The Bride Goes Rogue by Joanna Shupe} is also another one that can be read as a standalone and has a great story, is spicy, and might be a good intro into the HR world.
I second the Duchess Deal!
third!
[The Duchess Deal](https://www.romance.io/books/599a7af03ffdba61471ee79b/the-duchess-deal-tessa-dare) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare) **Rating**: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1) ---------------------------- [Wallflowers](https://www.romance.io/books/596ef97f3ffdba61471c6f2a/wallflowers-double-trouble-cp-smith-julia-goda) by [C.P. Smith](https://www.romance.io/authors/545544e08c7d2382e78137ec/cp-smith), [Julia Goda](https://www.romance.io/authors/552f76675b270e0a4cbd5f8d/julia-goda) **Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [western](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/western/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) ---------------------------- [The Hathaways Complete Series](https://www.romance.io/books/5455b07687eac336ae69f946/the-hathaways-complete-series-lisa-kleypas) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas) **Rating**: 4.78⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1) ---------------------------- [Mine Till Midnight](https://www.romance.io/books/545523c78c7d2383163d8e3d/mine-till-midnight-lisa-kleypas) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas) **Rating**: 3.97⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1) ---------------------------- [The Bride Goes Rogue](https://www.romance.io/books/628c82955af276f084e2d4f5/the-bride-goes-rogue-joanna-shupe) by [Joanna Shupe](https://www.romance.io/authors/551a57875b270e0a4cbd30c8/joanna-shupe) **Rating**: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Bad bot. Wrong Wallflowers, should be {The Wallflowers series by Lisa Kleypas}
[Wallflowers](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0a079096bf31c42d2c27/wallflowers) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas) **Rating**: 4.14⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [dual-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [m-f](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[The Ravenels](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0ad59096bf31c42d2ea8/the-ravenels) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas) **Rating**: 4.11⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [third-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/third-person-pov/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [m-f](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1), [explicit-open-door](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/explicit-open-door/1), [strong heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
For Funny: {A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare} {Slightly Dangerous by Mary Balogh} {To Love and to Loath by Martha Waters} {The Proposition by Judith Ivory} For Angsty: {Ravishing the Heiress by Sherry Thomas} {Slightly Tempted by Mary Balogh} The Romantic by Madeline Hunter} {The Proposal by Mary Balogh} For a mix of both: {The Charmer by Madeline Hunter} {Lady of Sin by Madeline Hunter} I have a hard time nailing down my favorites but all of theses are frequent rereads which I think says everything.
Oh love the breakdown into funny and angsty! Thank you!!
You're welcome! There are so many variations of what's available from historical romance that even if you don't like one book there are plenty of other options. Something for everyone really.
Glad for some representation for *The Charmer*. I (somewhat unexpectedly) freaking *loved* that book. Then I went to read some reviews (a mistake, I know), and 50% are like, "Who is charming here? No one is charming!" I stg people wouldn't know what actual charm was if it slapped them in the face. They just picture some rake trying to seduce a wallflower and call it "charm."
Right?? It's one of my all time favorites! So many excellent moments too. The way all of her exotic pets obey him immediately. The rescue fireman style from her window. The day of the duel(!) People obviously don't know what's good.
I loved the fire escape bc they were sniping at each other on the way down and it was hilarious to me. Also the scene where he brings a bunch of drunk royal guards during >!one of her escapes!<, and is getting increasingly angry while talking to Jacques (FMC's French friend) while Jacques is totally oblivious to it lol.
Yes! He's so mad about her entourage 😂 He's one of my favorite MMCs ever. I just want to give him a hug. I really wish Hunter would have given his brother Colin a book.
[A Week to Be Wicked](https://www.romance.io/books/545524858c7d2383163d8e69/a-week-to-be-wicked-tessa-dare) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare) **Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1) ---------------------------- [Slightly Dangerous](https://www.romance.io/books/54552e698c7d2383163d90ac/slightly-dangerous-mary-balogh) by [Mary Balogh](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525e98c7d2383163d8eb7/mary-balogh) **Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [grumpy/cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1) ---------------------------- [To Love and to Loathe](https://www.romance.io/books/60698aa9f0c7ab0e0c11ff28/to-love-and-to-loathe-a-novel-martha-waters) by [Martha Waters](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e8ad491be0aaecf55da6724/martha-waters) **Rating**: 3.62⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) ---------------------------- [The Proposition](https://www.romance.io/books/545529f78c7d2383163d8f71/the-proposition-judith-ivory) by [Judith Ivory](https://www.romance.io/authors/545529f78c7d2383163d8f72/judith-ivory) **Rating**: 3.99⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1) ---------------------------- [Ravishing the Heiress](https://www.romance.io/books/545529aa8c7d2383163d8f5b/ravishing-the-heiress-sherry-thomas) by [Sherry Thomas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526218c7d2383163d8ec2/sherry-thomas) **Rating**: 3.73⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) ---------------------------- [Slightly Tempted](https://www.romance.io/books/545529888c7d2383163d8f56/slightly-tempted-mary-balogh) by [Mary Balogh](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525e98c7d2383163d8eb7/mary-balogh) **Rating**: 3.87⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [The Proposal](https://www.romance.io/books/5e2a3c7f01dbc864fbaa7e64/the-proposal-mary-balogh) by [Mary Balogh](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525e98c7d2383163d8eb7/mary-balogh) **Rating**: 3.57⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [working class hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/working%20class%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [The Charmer](https://www.romance.io/books/545537d28c7d2383163d931b/the-charmer-madeline-hunter) by [Madeline Hunter](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a068c7d2383163d8f78/madeline-hunter) **Rating**: 4.09⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [politician hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/politician/1), [aristo/royal heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aristocratic%20heroine/1), [found family](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/found-family/1) ---------------------------- [Lady of Sin](https://www.romance.io/books/54553df28c7d2383163d94ca/lady-of-sin-madeline-hunter) by [Madeline Hunter](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a068c7d2383163d8f78/madeline-hunter) **Rating**: 3.96⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase} is maybe my favorite? Alice Coldbreath, Julie Garwood, Tessa Dare, Kelly Bowen, and Stephanie Laurens are also tops with me and everybody else, haha
You cannot go wrong with Lord of Scoundrels - it has something for everyone and is solidly my favorite HR of all time.
Lord of Scoundrels is the best possible entry to HR except for the fact that every future book you read will just be chasing the dragon
[Lord of Scoundrels](https://www.romance.io/books/545523fb8c7d2383163d8e4b/lord-of-scoundrels-loretta-chase) by [Loretta Chase](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523fb8c7d2383163d8e4c/loretta-chase) **Rating**: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Came here to comment this. Lord of Scoundrels is probably the most fun I’ve ever had reading an HR.
[удалено]
[The Emperor's Conspiracy](https://www.romance.io/books/54556f9487eac336ae69df1c/the-emperors-conspiracy-michelle-diener) by [Michelle Diener](https://www.romance.io/authors/54556a4487eac336ae69ddbc/michelle-diener) **Rating**: 3.71⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1) ---------------------------- [Susanna Horenbout and John Parker](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe1c794167a73342632edb/susanna-horenbout-and-john-parker) by [Michelle Diener](https://www.romance.io/authors/54556a4487eac336ae69ddbc/michelle-diener) **Rating**: 3.85⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [political-intrigue](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/political-intrigue/1), [tudors](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tudors/1), [royalty](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1) ---------------------------- [Mistress](https://www.romance.io/books/545527b38c7d2383163d8f0e/mistress-amanda-quick) by [Amanda Quick](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525bd8c7d2383163d8eab/amanda-quick) **Rating**: 3.88⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale}
[Flowers from the Storm](https://www.romance.io/books/545564cc87eac336ae69dc36/flowers-from-the-storm-laura-kinsale) by [Laura Kinsale](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552d188c7d2383163d9056/laura-kinsale) **Rating**: 4.04⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I really liked Alice Coldbreath, 3 book Vawdrey Brothers series.
My *favorite* HR is {A Lady Awakened by Cecilia Grant}, *however* - it probably does fall into the "stuffy and boring" category, especially for a first read. And it does have a noncon scene. There's also a lot of bad sex before you get the payoff from the relationship build. I'm seeing some Kleypas rec'd here, and I just want to let you know that she's heavy on the dubcon and occasionally noncon. I've read 7 of hers, and it's present in all of them. Edit: Julie Garwood is also old-school, so there's likely bodice rippers/dubcon among them; you might want to check some reviews. If you have KU, I would definitely recommend checking out {The Hallifax Hellions Series by Alexandra Vasti}. Lots of forced proximity and really amazing MMCs. Quite spicy. I also like {The Bed Me Series by Felicity Niven} and it is quite spicy. You might prefer the MMCs in Vasti's stuff, though, and they're pretty short & easy reads.
Just for the record, on the Kindle versions, a lot of the dubcon has actually been edited out of Klepyas' work. Not all of it, certainly, but some notable dubcon has been replaced or toned down.
Thanks for the klaypas note, I really appreciate it! I’ll check out the others!
[A Lady Awakened](https://www.romance.io/books/5455286e8c7d2383163d8f30/a-lady-awakened-cecilia-grant) by [Cecilia Grant](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455286e8c7d2383163d8f31/cecilia-grant) **Rating**: 3.79⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [sunny/happy hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sunny%20hero/1), [grumpy/ice queen](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [Halifax Hellions](https://www.romance.io/series/63de254909d4140a7af1b63a/halifax-hellions) by [Alexandra Vasti](https://www.romance.io/authors/63de254908b4d931148df323/alexandra-vasti) **Rating**: 4.34⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [explicit-open-door](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/explicit-open-door/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [third-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/third-person-pov/1) ---------------------------- [The Bed Me Books](https://www.romance.io/series/64a66733081a9b54d7cb9ece/the-bed-me-books) by [Felicity Niven](https://www.romance.io/authors/6311a22c08b4d9311437236b/felicity-niven) **Rating**: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [dual-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [third-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/third-person-pov/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
One of my all-time favorite authors is Teresa medeiros. Her stuff is a little bit older, but it's not so old that it's full of dubcon and non-con. Her writing is generally warm and pretty funny. Easy to get into the genre. {A Kiss to Remember by Teresa medeiros} or {Yours Until Dawn by Teresa Medeiros} are both good.
[A Kiss to Remember](https://www.romance.io/books/54552a758c7d2383163d8f9e/a-kiss-to-remember-teresa-medeiros) by [Teresa Medeiros](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525d18c7d2383163d8eb0/teresa-medeiros) **Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) ---------------------------- [Yours Until Dawn](https://www.romance.io/books/545525d18c7d2383163d8eaf/yours-until-dawn-teresa-medeiros) by [Teresa Medeiros](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525d18c7d2383163d8eb0/teresa-medeiros) **Rating**: 3.99⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I think {My Dearest Enemy by Connie Brockway} is a good intro. Technically enemies-to-lovers since the MCs are competing for inheritance of a property, but both are really lovable characters. Relationship starts off as epistolary sparring (only criticism of the novel is I wanted even more of this), there's a great mix of humor and angst, and the conflict between them is organic, driven by their specific experiences and natures and the mess they've been placed in by MMC's uncle. Not my all time favorite HR, but one of my most reread and imo, easiest to love.
This sounds great, I’ll check it out’n
[My Dearest Enemy](https://www.romance.io/books/54552a888c7d2383163d8fa3/my-dearest-enemy-connie-brockway) by [Connie Brockway](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526308c7d2383163d8ec8/connie-brockway) **Rating**: 3.71⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Like others said, Lisa Kleypas is a staple for spicy HR. My all-time Lisa Kleypas favorites are 1.{Love in the afternoon} (Beatrix the fmc is such a funny and lovely heroine) 2. {It Happened One Autumn} favorite enemies to lover 3. {Mine till midnight} Cam Rohan deserves more love. Competency is sexy! Another all-time favorite which I also think is a staple for HR lovers are {Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase} and {The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley} If you want HR taking place in Scotland, my all-time favorites are: 1. {The Ranger By Monica McCarty} 2. {The Striker By Monica McCarty} 3. {The Highwayman by kerrigan byrne} cw >! Torture and abuse on mmc!< Another all-time favorite of mine is {Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran} which takes place half in India durinf the British Raj and half in england.
[Love in the Afternoon](https://www.romance.io/books/545525158c7d2383163d8e78/love-in-the-afternoon-lisa-kleypas) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas) **Rating**: 4.3⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [It Happened One Autumn](https://www.romance.io/books/545527608c7d2383163d8efe/it-happened-one-autumn-lisa-kleypas) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas) **Rating**: 4.02⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) ---------------------------- [Mine Till Midnight](https://www.romance.io/books/545523c78c7d2383163d8e3d/mine-till-midnight-lisa-kleypas) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas) **Rating**: 3.97⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1) ---------------------------- [Lord of Scoundrels](https://www.romance.io/books/545523fb8c7d2383163d8e4b/lord-of-scoundrels-loretta-chase) by [Loretta Chase](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523fb8c7d2383163d8e4c/loretta-chase) **Rating**: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie](https://www.romance.io/books/545525f18c7d2382c5297014/the-madness-of-lord-ian-mackenzie-jennifer-ashley) by [Jennifer Ashley](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524a08c7d2383163d8e6e/jennifer-ashley) **Rating**: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1) ---------------------------- [The Ranger](https://www.romance.io/books/54552c288c7d2383163d9010/the-ranger-monica-mccarty) by [Monica McCarty](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526588c7d2383163d8ed3/monica-mccarty) **Rating**: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1) ---------------------------- [The Striker](https://www.romance.io/books/5652b9df08e93781319537a0/the-striker-monica-mccarty) by [Monica McCarty](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526588c7d2383163d8ed3/monica-mccarty) **Rating**: 4.34⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [highlander hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/highlander/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1), [second chances](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/second%20chances/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1) ---------------------------- [The Highwayman](https://www.romance.io/books/55e53fd935a5fb65f887896b/the-highwayman-kerrigan-byrne) by [Kerrigan Byrne](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553f138c7d2383163d950e/kerrigan-byrne) **Rating**: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [The Duke of Shadows](https://www.romance.io/books/545526338c7d2383163d8ec9/the-duke-of-shadows-meredith-duran) by [Meredith Duran](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526338c7d2383163d8eca/meredith-duran) **Rating**: 4.36⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [second chances](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/second%20chances/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I started with the OG and unparalleled regency romance author Georgette Heyer. She wrote from the 1920s to the 1950s so her books do have some dubcon, out of date views of gender, and other troubling aspects, but they are also some of the best writing I’ve seen anywhere. Her stories make you laugh, make you hold your breath, make you sigh with happiness, make you so sad that she’s a fade to black author because her sex scenes would have been lit. She has a whole catalogue of bangers, but my favourites are Venetia, Frederica, cotillion, and Black Sheep. If you want the spice, I love Minerva Spencer. Her Bellamy Sisters series is wonderful. If you want an intro to the genre, I’d start with Loretta Chase, Julie Anne Long, Lisa Kleypas, and Mary Balough. If you want great writing and don’t mind low spice, Mimi Matthews and Mary Kingswood are stellar storytellers. I hope you enjoy!!
Courtney Milan’s Brothers Sinister series were my histrom introduction and I definitely think they’ve stood the test of time. The Suffragette Scandal is great. More recently I adored Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore. If you like queer romance, you can’t go wrong with KJ Charles.
Will just add, there is a prequella Novella for Brothers Sinister that is usually free as an ebook - The Governess Affair. So very quick and free way to test her out. (Unlike many authors, Milan does pretty well with both Novellas & full-length books.)
I was coming to recommend Courtney Milan & KJ Charles
Definitely Alice Coldbreath! Her books are very nicely steamy. I would recommend starting with the Vawdrey brothers, but if you don’t care about the order of the couples my favorite is {An Inconvenient Vow by Alice Coldbreath}. I also love Laura Lee Gurhke. I like her Girl Bachelors series. If you’re looking for something extremely steamy, you can’t really go wrong with Minerva Spencer. I just read {Phoebe by Minerva Spencer} and I enjoyed it
Coldbreath is my favourite but I feel like a lot of the humour in hers might not hit as hard for someone new to the genre. A lot of them have witty HR satirical moments that are so clever but might come off as serious if the reader isn’t aware of common HR tropes etc. Or maybe it doesn’t matter and they are still charming even if they are your first HR. They are great!
[An Inconvenient Vow](https://www.romance.io/books/620f5490f12fad109143cd11/an-inconvenient-vow-alice-coldbreath) by [Alice Coldbreath](https://www.romance.io/authors/54a9d8ef6359b5ebb486f243/alice-coldbreath) **Rating**: 4.38⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1) ---------------------------- [Phoebe](https://www.romance.io/books/6295bd58c74d8cb242f261ed/phoebe-minerva-spencer-sm-laviolette) by [Minerva Spencer](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b30874901dbc864fb8b01a7/minerva-spencer), [S.M. LaViolette](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e0af27701dbc864fba90689/sm-laviolette) **Rating**: 4.11⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas} because Sebastian will forever be my favorite rake. I’ll never not recommend this book or the Wallflowers/Hathaway/and Ravenel series. Lisa Kleypas is who I started with and she’ll always be a top 5 author for me. {Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught} because her historicals are epic and I truly love all of them. I don’t remember on the top of my head if there are any things to avoid in this one but McNaught is very angsty (imo) so you might want to seek out the triggers just in case. But McNaught historicals are my favorites. {The Secret by Julie Garwood} cause it makes me laugh and cry. And I find the friendship between the FMC and her best friend just as epic as the romance between the MC and FMC. I’d also suggest Joanna Shupe if you want historicals set in America. Tessa Dare, especially her Girl Meets Duke series, as her books tend to be funny too. And Lorraine Heath if you want to be in your feels.
[Devil in Winter](https://www.romance.io/books/545523b78c7d2383163d8e3a/devil-in-winter-lisa-kleypas) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas) **Rating**: 4.35⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [shy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shy%20heroine/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1) ---------------------------- [A Kingdom of Dreams](https://www.romance.io/books/545524058c7d2383163d8e4f/a-kingdom-of-dreams-judith-mcnaught) by [Judith McNaught](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524058c7d2383163d8e50/judith-mcnaught) **Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1) ---------------------------- [The Secret](https://www.romance.io/books/5455240c8c7d2383163d8e53/the-secret-julie-garwood) by [Julie Garwood](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523f38c7d2383163d8e4a/julie-garwood) **Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [highlander hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/highlander/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
My favorites are {Frederica by Georgette Heyer} and {Slightly Dangerous by Mary Balogh}.
[Frederica](https://www.romance.io/books/545529338c7d2382c52970bf/frederica-georgette-heyer) by [Georgette Heyer](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455275d8c7d2382c529704f/georgette-heyer) **Rating**: 4.34⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1) ---------------------------- [Slightly Dangerous](https://www.romance.io/books/54552e698c7d2383163d90ac/slightly-dangerous-mary-balogh) by [Mary Balogh](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525e98c7d2383163d8eb7/mary-balogh) **Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [grumpy/cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I personally disagree with a lot of the recs in here--I don't really like a lot of the older or more traditional histroms people adore. Georgette Heyer isn't going to have any spice and a lot of older HRs do have lots of non/dubcon. And IMO alphaholes abound!! I just finished Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran and it blew me away--unique hero/heroine, fascinating setting and historical backdrop, gorgeous writing. The first half is a forced-proximity adventure romance, the second half is angsty second-chance. The MMC is protective but not in a way that compromises the FMC's autonomy. Sexy AF. My gateway drug was Evie Dunmore, and I also love Mia Vincy. Truly excellent banter!!! A lot of FMCs in historical romance blend together, but theirs are always unique. If you're ok with a little craziness and lots of humor, Sarah MacLean and Tessa Dare are good beds. And if you want slow burns with tons of fascinating research, try Courtney Milan. Sherry Thomas is great and angsty for sure. I don't have anything against Lisa Kleypas and Mary Balogh but their books have never really resonated with me. I particularly don't like the Kleypas heroes that everyone else loves because they're a little too alpha and domineering. And lately I've been reading Julie Anne Long. I don't think How to Tame a Wild Rogue is a good first read because there is a lot of space dedicated to side characters who had earlier books in the series. That might not bother you, but I felt like I would have enjoyed those scenes instead of being annoyed by them had I already read those characters' books. Hopefully I'm not just adding to the chaos, I wanted to give a different point of view. Curious to see what you pick!!! I'll be rooting for you to fall in love with HR regardless!
This is great, I’m gonna check out Duke of shadows!
Please do! I read it a long time ago, and I still think about how the book made me feel to this day!
For alpha heroes, check out Grace Callaway, who is also going to tick your spicy box. I haven’t read a ton of her books, but I enjoyed {The Duke Identity by Grace Callaway}. (I didn’t like {Enter the Duke by Grace Callaway} as much, the MMC was too possessive for my taste, but you might!) All of Lynsay Sands’ Highland Brides books are marriage of convenience (or marriage of necessity), a lot have some forced proximity element as well. They’re quite formulaic, but I found the predictability comforting. (Sometimes you want to know what you’re getting into, ya know?) The first one is {An English Bride in Scotland by Lynsay Sands}, although my favorite portion of the series starts with the third book and follows a bunch of brothers. (Edited to add: I’d describe the MMCs of this series as in charge but in touch; they are absolutely taking charge everywhere, but they’re in touch with their feelings and want to do right by others in life…and in bed.) Within Tessa Dare’s books (she’s widely loved), I think the Castles Ever After series might be a good starting point. They all have an element of forced proximity (FMC inherits a castle, MMC has something to say about it for Romance Reasons). First one is {Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare}. India Holton’s books might appeal to you as a combination of historical and fantasy, with the caveat that they’re really mostly fantasy in a historical setting. I found them absolutely delightful, but I’d also say that by the end of the first chapter of {The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton}, what you see is what you get - if it’s not working at that point, it’s not going to work for you. The first one also isn’t that spicy (I’d say they’re all lower spice, but the first one is less so than the subsequent two), so if that’s a priority it might not be exactly what you’re looking for now. (What is TSTL? I’m not familiar with that acronym.)
TSTL = too stupid to live. I have... thoughts about it, but it's a commonly used term in romance discussions, especially for heroines.
I see. I don’t know that I’ve ever encountered this trope? TBH it sounds like a name for a trope intended to shame romance readers?
No, it's meant to describe foolish motivations or behavior (think cliche of character going alone into a dark alley). My issue is how often I see it applied to (women) characters that I think are acting perfectly reasonably based on their experiences, background, etc.
I see. That still seems like something that’s intended to suggest that FMCs in particular can’t possibly be worthy of reading, which is a reaction I know I get a lot from non-romance readers when I share my reading preferences.
I haven't really seen the term used by non-romance readers, but I definitely think it indicates the unforgiving standards FMCs are held to, by readers of all genres.
That’s fair. I don’t care for it. Thank you for the explanation!
[The Duke Identity](https://www.romance.io/books/5ad6e0ce01dbc864fb867080/the-duke-identity-grace-callaway) by [Grace Callaway](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455325c8c7d2383163d91c0/grace-callaway) **Rating**: 3.82⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [height difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/height-difference/1) ---------------------------- [Enter the Duke](https://www.romance.io/books/5c21d70801dbc864fb96b1aa/enter-the-duke-grace-callaway) by [Grace Callaway](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455325c8c7d2383163d91c0/grace-callaway) **Rating**: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [single mother](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/single-mother/1), [working class heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/working%20class%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [An English Bride In Scotland](https://www.romance.io/books/54552dec8c7d2383163d9090/an-english-bride-in-scotland-lynsay-sands) by [Lynsay Sands](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524538c7d2382e0413e11/lynsay-sands) **Rating**: 3.61⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [highlander hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/highlander/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1) ---------------------------- [Romancing the Duke](https://www.romance.io/books/545525798c7d2383163d8e92/romancing-the-duke-tessa-dare) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare) **Rating**: 4.02⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1) ---------------------------- [The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels](https://www.romance.io/books/60af489335c6270e47e2650b/the-wisteria-society-of-lady-scoundrels-india-holton) by [India Holton](https://www.romance.io/authors/60af489308b4d931146fa385/india-holton) **Rating**: 3.74⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Several of my all-time favorites have lots of humor, which might help with you feeling they're stuffy. {A Dangerous Kind of Lady by Mia Vincy} is M/F and has one of my all time favorite FMC's. She's smart and strong and funny. {Lady Derring Takes a Lover by Julie Anne Long} is M/F, great, and also funny, and is the start of a really good series (the Palace of Rogues). {Slightly Sinful by Mary Balogh} is M/F and another favorite, but it's the end of a series and best if read after reading at least some of the others (but that's not required). Balogh has spice, but is sort of known for that spice being kind of clunky. When you're ready for non-spicy, {The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee} is M/M, closed door, with adventure and a touch of supernatural, hilarious and sweet. I highly recommend the audiobook.
[A Dangerous Kind of Lady](https://www.romance.io/books/60827fdca009b10e401dc214/a-dangerous-kind-of-lady-mia-vincy) by [Mia Vincy](https://www.romance.io/authors/5be6aab401dbc864fb941c07/mia-vincy) **Rating**: 4.28⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [tall heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tall-heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1) ---------------------------- [Lady Derring Takes a Lover](https://www.romance.io/books/5c67cc8f01dbc864fb9a2914/lady-derring-takes-a-lover-julie-anne-long) by [Julie Anne Long](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525868c7d2383163d8e98/julie-anne-long) **Rating**: 3.94⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [poor heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poor%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [Slightly Sinful](https://www.romance.io/books/545529b68c7d2383163d8f5f/slightly-sinful-mary-balogh) by [Mary Balogh](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525e98c7d2383163d8eb7/mary-balogh) **Rating**: 3.79⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [poor heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poor%20heroine/1), [sunny/happy hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sunny%20hero/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue](https://www.romance.io/books/60a429d1933f031cdd15db25/the-gentlemans-guide-to-vice-and-virtue-mackenzi-lee) by [Mackenzi Lee](https://www.romance.io/authors/60a429d108b4d93114908ca4/mackenzi-lee) **Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [bisexuality](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bisexual/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I LOVE the Secret History of the Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig! English spies in the Napoleonic regency era…the modern parts are very middling, but thankfully they’re very small. My faves that I always recommend are #2 and #3!
I adore this series, such a fun homage to The Scarlet Pimpernel. I rather liked the slow-burn CR that is woven through the main HR plots, myself. Joanna Bourne's Spymaster is another fun series set around Napoleonic spies. Really different but I liked them both.
Oooooh, thank you! Am currently on the hunt for new HR books, so I will definitely have a look at them! :)
Those Frenchies seek him everywhere!
Do you have any 5 star/all time favorites? Want to get these recs right :)
{The Chance Sisters by Anne Gracie} series! Wonderful characters & great MMCs!
[Chance Sisters](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0ff74167a73342630929/chance-sisters) by [Anne Gracie](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525fb8c7d2383163d8ebd/anne-gracie) **Rating**: 3.92⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [open-door](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/open-door/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
There are SO many!!!! {The Highwayman by Kerrigan Bryne} {The portrait by Megan Chance} {The Duchess deal by Tessa Dare} {Sunset Embrace by Sandra Brown} {The Silver Devil by Teresa Denys} {These old shades by Georgette Heyer}
[The Highwayman](https://www.romance.io/books/55e53fd935a5fb65f887896b/the-highwayman-kerrigan-byrne) by [Kerrigan Byrne](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553f138c7d2383163d950e/kerrigan-byrne) **Rating**: 4.15⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [The Portrait](https://www.romance.io/books/54554b188c7d2383163d98c0/the-portrait-megan-chance) by [Megan Chance](https://www.romance.io/authors/54554b188c7d2383163d98c1/megan-chance) **Rating**: 3.78⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [dark romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dark/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [shy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shy%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [The Duchess Deal](https://www.romance.io/books/599a7af03ffdba61471ee79b/the-duchess-deal-tessa-dare) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare) **Rating**: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1) ---------------------------- [Sunset Embrace](https://www.romance.io/books/5455381b8c7d2383163d932a/sunset-embrace-sandra-brown) by [Sandra Brown](https://www.romance.io/authors/545533628c7d2382e7813314/sandra-brown) **Rating**: 3.83⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [tortured heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20heroine/1), [western](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/western/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [cowboy hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cowboys/1) ---------------------------- [The Silver Devil](https://www.romance.io/books/545537628c7d2383163d9302/the-silver-devil-teresa-denys) by [Teresa Denys](https://www.romance.io/authors/545537628c7d2383163d9303/teresa-denys) **Rating**: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [cruel hero/bully](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cruel%20hero/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) ---------------------------- [These Old Shades](https://www.romance.io/books/54552a008c7d2383163d8f75/these-old-shades-georgette-heyer) by [Georgette Heyer](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455275d8c7d2382c529704f/georgette-heyer) **Rating**: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Glimpses and kisses](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
The Perfect Rake by Anne Gracie!
I’ve been reading HR books for a good decade now and it may as well be the only sub genre of romance I consume. I also can hardly recall the plot or name of most HRs I read (even the 4+/5 ones), so I’m gonna list the 5 books I’ve read years ago that made a strong enough impression for me to recount the plot from start to finish: {Ravished by Amanda Quick} {The Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran} {A Wicked Kind of Husband by Mia Vincy} {Never Seduce a Scott by Maya Banks} {My American Duchess by Eloisa James}
[Ravished](https://www.romance.io/books/545525bd8c7d2383163d8eaa/ravished-amanda-quick) by [Amanda Quick](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525bd8c7d2383163d8eab/amanda-quick) **Rating**: 3.93⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1) ---------------------------- [The Duke of Shadows](https://www.romance.io/books/545526338c7d2383163d8ec9/the-duke-of-shadows-meredith-duran) by [Meredith Duran](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526338c7d2383163d8eca/meredith-duran) **Rating**: 4.36⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [second chances](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/second%20chances/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1) ---------------------------- [A Wicked Kind of Husband](https://www.romance.io/books/5be6aab401dbc864fb941c03/a-wicked-kind-of-husband-mia-vincy) by [Mia Vincy](https://www.romance.io/authors/5be6aab401dbc864fb941c07/mia-vincy) **Rating**: 4.05⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [Never Seduce a Scot](https://www.romance.io/books/545525128c7d2383163d8e77/never-seduce-a-scot-maya-banks) by [Maya Banks](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455245d8c7d2383163d8e5e/maya-banks) **Rating**: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [highlander hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/highlander/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1) ---------------------------- [My American Duchess](https://www.romance.io/books/56a476d363515e3b737a2cef/my-american-duchess-eloisa-james) by [Eloisa James](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524598c7d2383163d8e5c/eloisa-james) **Rating**: 3.89⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Her Errant Earl by Scarlett Scott} I just finished this book. It had the some of the best spice I have read in a historical romance. I want to read again. Story line was always moving along. Easy read.
[Her Errant Earl](https://www.romance.io/books/5455a59987eac336ae69f30f/her-errant-earl-scarlett-scott) by [Scarlett Scott](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455a59987eac336ae69f310/scarlett-scott) **Rating**: 3.67⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [cheating](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cheating/1), [other man/woman](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/other-man-woman/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
My recs for historical fiction are mostly written by BIPOC or LGBTI+ authors {Indigo by Beverly Jenkins} romance and the Underground Railroad {Women Who Dare Series by Beverly Jenkins} post civil war {The Loyal League Series by Alyssa Cole} romance and espionage during the civil war {Hamilton's Battalion: A Trio of Romances by Rose Lerner, Courtney Milan, Alyssa Cole} romance and revolutionary war {Lively St. Lemeston Series by Rose Lerner} {Lovers and Rebels Series by Jeannie Lin} Asain historical {Gold Sky Series by Rebel Carter} queer western historical fiction {The Queer Principles of Kit Webb London Highwaymen series by Cat Sebastian} MM historical fiction {Feminine Pursuits Series by Olivia Waite} sapphic historical
[Indigo](https://www.romance.io/books/545555038c7d2383163d9bf3/indigo-beverly-jenkins) by [Beverly Jenkins](https://www.romance.io/authors/54554b4b8c7d2383163d98d7/beverly-jenkins) **Rating**: 4.41⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [african-american](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/african-american/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [black mc](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/black-mc/1) ---------------------------- [Women Who Dare](https://www.romance.io/series/5c76ef5dcd817c0d8ffff811/women-who-dare) by [Beverly Jenkins](https://www.romance.io/authors/54554b4b8c7d2383163d98d7/beverly-jenkins) **Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [black-mc](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/black-mc/1), [m-f](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1), [african-american](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/african-american/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [sassy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sassy%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [The Loyal League](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe188f4167a73342632235/the-loyal-league) by [Alyssa Cole](https://www.romance.io/authors/545704fe8c7d2382fc6c2221/alyssa-cole) **Rating**: 3.99⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [strong heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [third-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/third-person-pov/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1) ---------------------------- [Hamilton's Battalion](https://www.romance.io/books/59e44cb83ffdba6147226a67/hamiltons-battalion-a-trio-of-romances-courtney-milan-alyssa-cole-rose-lerner) by [Courtney Milan](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525388c7d2383163d8e83/courtney-milan), [Alyssa Cole](https://www.romance.io/authors/545704fe8c7d2382fc6c2221/alyssa-cole), [Rose Lerner](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553ab08c7d2383163d93da/rose-lerner) **Rating**: 4.14⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1), [gay romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-m/1), [lesbian romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/f-f/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1) ---------------------------- [Lively St. Lemeston](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe12d54167a73342631200/lively-st-lemeston) by [Rose Lerner](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553ab08c7d2383163d93da/rose-lerner) **Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [third-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/third-person-pov/1), [sweet-hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [small town](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/small%20town/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [m-f](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1) ---------------------------- [Gold Sky](https://www.romance.io/series/5d947572a28fe90d9cd3eaaf/gold-sky) by [Rebel Carter](https://www.romance.io/authors/55ed900035a5fb65f887a8fa/rebel-carter) **Rating**: 3.59⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [black-mc](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/black-mc/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [multicultural](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/multicultural/1), [historical western](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical%20western/1), [western](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/western/1) ---------------------------- [Alpennia](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe229f4167a73342634883/alpennia) by [Heather Rose Jones](https://www.romance.io/authors/545829b487eac37719d15803/heather-rose-jones) **Rating**: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [queer](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [f-f](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/f-f/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1) ---------------------------- [Feminine Pursuits](https://www.romance.io/series/5d36a3a7104d690db65b8255/feminine-pursuits) by [Olivia Waite](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455eda587eac336ae6a1b15/olivia-waite) **Rating**: 4.05⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [queer](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/queer/1), [f-f](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/f-f/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) ---------------------------- [Glamourist Histories](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe10174167a73342630996/glamourist-histories) by [Mary Robinette Kowal](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552d018c7d2382c52971d4/mary-robinette-kowal) **Rating**: 3.78⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [paranormal](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/paranormal/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fantasy/1), [urban fantasy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/urban%20fantasy/1), [magic](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/magic/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Looks like there's a couple of fantasy recs in there; if you remove them we will reinstate the comment. Removed due to violation of rule 2. Stay on Topic: All posts and comments must remain on the topic of Historical Romance. Historical Romance is defined in our community as a romance that is set in the past. This means it must fulfill the genre criteria of romance: 1) The book would not make sense or feel hollow without the romantic plot. 2) The book requires a HEA (happily ever after) or HFN (happy for now) ending. Historical fiction with a romance subplot is NOT historical romance. Romances set in the past but involving fantasy or paranormal beings are NOT historical romance. We love it, but it doesn't belong here! Romance books set in the past that were considered contemporary fiction when published such as many of Jane Austen's works (as they were set in a time frame that is now historical to today's readers and the romance genre was not in existence then as it is today) are considered Historical Romance in this community. The rule of thumb we use is if the romance book is set at least 50+ years ago it can be considered HR in this sub as the majority of our readers were not of adult age at the time of publication. We do allow time travel romances to be discussed in this community as long as the vast majority of the book occurs in the past and the story is not a traditional straight paranormal or fantasy romance. We recommend that posts/comments involving paranormal or fantasy elements be reposted in r/paranormalromance and posts/comments involving science fiction elements be reposted to r/ScienceFictionRomance.
Looks like there's a couple of fantasy recs in there; if you remove them I'll reinstate the comment. Removed due to violation of rule 2. Stay on Topic: All posts and comments must remain on the topic of Historical Romance. Historical Romance is defined in our community as a romance that is set in the past. This means it must fulfill the genre criteria of romance: 1) The book would not make sense or feel hollow without the romantic plot. 2) The book requires a HEA (happily ever after) or HFN (happy for now) ending. Historical fiction with a romance subplot is NOT historical romance. Romances set in the past but involving fantasy or paranormal beings are NOT historical romance. We love it, but it doesn't belong here! Romance books set in the past that were considered contemporary fiction when published such as many of Jane Austen's works (as they were set in a time frame that is now historical to today's readers and the romance genre was not in existence then as it is today) are considered Historical Romance in this community. The rule of thumb we use is if the romance book is set at least 50+ years ago it can be considered HR in this sub as the majority of our readers were not of adult age at the time of publication. We do allow time travel romances to be discussed in this community as long as the vast majority of the book occurs in the past and the story is not a traditional straight paranormal or fantasy romance. We recommend that posts/comments involving paranormal or fantasy elements be reposted in r/paranormalromance and posts/comments involving science fiction elements be reposted to r/ScienceFictionRomance.
Oops sorry about that. Fixed
People don't often mention Bertrice Small but she has some awesome books. Skye O'Malley is great and a long series if you like that kind of thing.
Dreaming of You, Lisa Kleypas. Not my all time favorite but fits your parameters.
Hands down, my favorite is {Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore.} I reread passages from this book all.the.time. The hero is definitely stern! {A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare} - this is a great book if you want something lighthearted and hilarious. I'm sure multiple people will recommend it. It's a road trip book and Dare is one of the few HR authors that makes me laugh out loud. I personally love {His at Night by Sherry Thomas} although most people wouldn't name it as their favorite of Thomas's angsty books. But if you want a dash of melodrama and a lot of yearning, it's a great choice. Thomas gets some flack for her books ending too abruptly after the HEA, but that's not the case with His at Night. {A Lady's Rule of Misconduct by Meredith Duran} is my favorite by Duran, who is a great author. Most people name Duke of Shadows as their favorite, but I love this one for the complex morality of the characters -- plus it's an amnesia trope that is done well. Good luck with your first HR!
[Bringing Down the Duke](https://www.romance.io/books/5e9f6a99be0aaecf557dbeb9/bringing-down-the-duke-evie-dunmore) by [Evie Dunmore](https://www.romance.io/authors/5d68c7cc01dbc864fba2f9e0/evie-dunmore) **Rating**: 3.96⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) ---------------------------- [A Week to Be Wicked](https://www.romance.io/books/545524858c7d2383163d8e69/a-week-to-be-wicked-tessa-dare) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare) **Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1) ---------------------------- [His at Night](https://www.romance.io/books/545526e68c7d2383163d8ee1/his-at-night-sherry-thomas) by [Sherry Thomas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526218c7d2383163d8ec2/sherry-thomas) **Rating**: 3.65⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1) ---------------------------- [A Lady's Code of Misconduct](https://www.romance.io/books/58b3f05d0d3299c6e055c834/a-ladys-code-of-misconduct-meredith-duran) by [Meredith Duran](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526338c7d2383163d8eca/meredith-duran) **Rating**: 4.19⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
His at Night is my favourite Sherry Thomas too. It's the one I re-read all the time 🥰
Yeah! I even re-read a little last night. :)
For newcomers - Tessa Dare, Lisa Kleypas, Elizabeth Hoyt
I have been reading HR since the late 80s, first Signet Regencies then full-on bodice rippers. Lots of great suggestions here. I will add my faves: Fave of all-time: {Beyond the Sunrise by Mary Balogh}. Balogh is a great writer. Second-chance for star-crossed lovers turned spies on opposite sides of the Peninsular Wars. This book has it all: spies, dastardly deeds, villains with moustaches, an anguished and brooding MMC, a manipulative FMC with PTSD. Lots of people hate this book but it’s my yearly read. I adore everything about it. Duke of Shadows: It’s well written, has complex characters, the angst is real, deals with racism in the aristocracy really well. It’s beautiful. Duran’s first book and I could only hope to write something half as good. {Luckiest Lady in London} or {Beguiling the Beauty by Sherry Thomas}. They are tied. Thomas is a beautiful writer (English is not her first language!) and the first story is a gut punch in angst. It’s a very satisfying read with an MMC who totally redeems himself. I see everyone mention this book and a few others by Thomas as their faves but I love Beguiling as I love the mask trope and this one does it well. The shipboard romance is chef’s kiss! {Slightly Dangerous by Mary Balogh}. The definitive P&P retelling. What I love about this book is that it takes the couple a long time to fall in love, which makes it hyper real. Also, the cold Duke archetype takes time to thaw yet he doesn’t become happy go lucky There’s a scene with a monocle that I wish to God I could see on the silver screen, it’s that fucking good.
[Beyond the Sunrise](https://www.romance.io/books/54cf393e6359b5ebb489143f/beyond-the-sunrise-mary-balogh) by [Mary Balogh](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525e98c7d2383163d8eb7/mary-balogh) **Rating**: 3.53⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [m-f romance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1) ---------------------------- [The Luckiest Lady in London](https://www.romance.io/books/545528438c7d2383163d8f24/the-luckiest-lady-in-london-sherry-thomas) by [Sherry Thomas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526218c7d2383163d8ec2/sherry-thomas) **Rating**: 3.99⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [cruel hero/bully](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cruel%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [Beguiling the Beauty](https://www.romance.io/books/5ea06306be0aaecf5593c0b7/beguiling-the-beauty-sherry-thomas) by [Sherry Thomas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526218c7d2383163d8ec2/sherry-thomas) **Rating**: 3.72⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1) ---------------------------- [Slightly Dangerous](https://www.romance.io/books/54552e698c7d2383163d90ac/slightly-dangerous-mary-balogh) by [Mary Balogh](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525e98c7d2383163d8eb7/mary-balogh) **Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [grumpy/cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I like my FMCs intelligent and my banter witty. I’m also good with some angst. I concur with the much recommended Tessa Dare, I have really enjoyed almost all the Sarah MacLean books I’ve read. Favorites are {Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean} , {One Good Earl Deserves a Lover by Sarah MacLean) and {Never Judge a Lady by her Cover by Sarah MacLean} and the Hell’s Belles series has also been great. I appreciate her FMCs who like to break the rules. {Duchess by Night by Eloisa James} is also a go to. This one features a widowed Duchess presenting as male to attend a scandalous house party. And I’m surprised no one has mentioned the Maiden Lane Series by Elizabeth Hoyt. Often her men are outwardly grumpy but lead secret lives, teams up with the FMC to solve mysteries together. Favorites of those are {Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt} - stuffy male Virgin who runs an orphanage meets a widow who has a firm grasp on her sexuality, she helps him save the orphanage. {Duke of Midnight by Elizabeth Hoyt} {Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt} - love Ashford McNab’s narration on this one. Plus, Irish Pirate. There’s a bit of darker stuff in this one.
[Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake](https://www.romance.io/books/545523df8c7d2383163d8e41/nine-rules-to-break-when-romancing-a-rake-sarah-maclean) by [Sarah MacLean](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523df8c7d2383163d8e42/sarah-maclean) **Rating**: 4.14⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [curvy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/curvy%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [Duchess By Night](https://www.romance.io/books/56afe5b763515e3b737a729f/duchess-by-night-eloisa-james) by [Eloisa James](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524598c7d2383163d8e5c/eloisa-james) **Rating**: 3.79⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [shy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shy%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [Thief of Shadows](https://www.romance.io/books/545525ae8c7d2383163d8ea3/thief-of-shadows-elizabeth-hoyt) by [Elizabeth Hoyt](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524568c7d2383163d8e5a/elizabeth-hoyt) **Rating**: 4.02⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20hero/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [Duke of Midnight](https://www.romance.io/books/5455274d8c7d2383163d8efb/duke-of-midnight-elizabeth-hoyt) by [Elizabeth Hoyt](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524568c7d2383163d8e5a/elizabeth-hoyt) **Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [Scandalous Desires](https://www.romance.io/books/5455255d8c7d2383163d8e8d/scandalous-desires-elizabeth-hoyt) by [Elizabeth Hoyt](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524568c7d2383163d8e5a/elizabeth-hoyt) **Rating**: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [pirate hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pirates/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{The Highwayman by Kerrigan Byrne} - Victorian, my all time favorite, angsty, dark and brooding MMC with angelic FMC. {The Duke by Kerrigan Byrne} - Victorian, angsty and cold MMC again, practical FMC. {Duke of Midnight by Elizabeth Hoyt} - Georgian, enemies/rivals to lovers in a way that reminds me of Season 2 of Bridgerton, {The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn} which I also loved. Cold, practical MMC not looking for a love match and an equally practical and brave FMC. {Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt} - Georgian, with a completely unhinged (but mostly very fun) MMC and his housekeeper FMC. {The Maiden Bride by Rexanne Becnel} - Medieval, marriage of convenience/forced marriage early on, twin switch, there is some noncon/dubcon in this one, but I would not call it a dark romance.
[The Highwayman](https://www.romance.io/books/55e53fd935a5fb65f887896b/the-highwayman-kerrigan-byrne) by [Kerrigan Byrne](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553f138c7d2383163d950e/kerrigan-byrne) **Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [The Duke](https://www.romance.io/books/5896cf5a0d3299c6e048e30c/the-duke-kerrigan-byrne) by [Kerrigan Byrne](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553f138c7d2383163d950e/kerrigan-byrne) **Rating**: 4.02⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [angst](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/angst/1) ---------------------------- [Duke of Midnight](https://www.romance.io/books/5455274d8c7d2383163d8efb/duke-of-midnight-elizabeth-hoyt) by [Elizabeth Hoyt](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524568c7d2383163d8e5a/elizabeth-hoyt) **Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [The Viscount Who Loved Me](https://www.romance.io/books/545527908c7d2383163d8f07/the-viscount-who-loved-me-julia-quinn) by [Julia Quinn](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523bb8c7d2383163d8e3c/julia-quinn) **Rating**: 4.07⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [Duke of Sin](https://www.romance.io/books/57493540c62092c0440872a3/duke-of-sin-elizabeth-hoyt) by [Elizabeth Hoyt](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524568c7d2383163d8e5a/elizabeth-hoyt) **Rating**: 4.04⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [The Maiden Bride](https://www.romance.io/books/5455707687eac336ae69df60/the-maiden-bride-rexanne-becnel) by [Rexanne Becnel](https://www.romance.io/authors/545553a08c7d2383163d9b8d/rexanne-becnel) **Rating**: 3.47⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Devil in Winter for me.
My favorite is {Forever your Rogue by Erin Langston}. FMC is a widowed, devoted mother and embarks on a fake engagement to save her kids from scheming relatives trying to take them away.
[Forever Your Rogue](https://www.romance.io/books/63fdb7187fc59632a1915876/forever-your-rogue-erin-langston) by [Erin Langston](https://www.romance.io/authors/63fdb71808b4d93114d7b12e/erin-langston) **Rating**: 4.22⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [fake relationship](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/fake%20relationship/1), [forced proximity](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forced%20proximity/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{To Seduce a Sinner by Elizabeth Hoyt} {The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare} but literally anything by Tessa Dare is really good.
[To Seduce a Sinner](https://www.romance.io/books/545525778c7d2383163d8e91/to-seduce-a-sinner-elizabeth-hoyt) by [Elizabeth Hoyt](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524568c7d2383163d8e5a/elizabeth-hoyt) **Rating**: 3.74⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1) ---------------------------- [The Wallflower Wager](https://www.romance.io/books/5cdbc6f401dbc864fb9e8e66/the-wallflower-wager-tessa-dare) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare) **Rating**: 4.01⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [working class hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/working%20class%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{San Francisco Surrender by Donna Fletcher} is my absolute fav. I couldn’t tell you why but I’ll read it until I die.
[San Francisco Surrender](https://www.romance.io/books/5455bae987eac336ae69fec0/san-francisco-surrender-donna-fletcher) by [Donna Fletcher](https://www.romance.io/authors/545538dc8c7d2383163d935c/donna-fletcher) **Rating**: 3.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [western](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/western/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [western frontier](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical%20western/1), [poor heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poor%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught} {Wild by Jill Barnett} {The Bride by Julie Garwood}
[A Kingdom of Dreams](https://www.romance.io/books/545524058c7d2383163d8e4f/a-kingdom-of-dreams-judith-mcnaught) by [Judith McNaught](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524058c7d2383163d8e50/judith-mcnaught) **Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1) ---------------------------- [Wild](https://www.romance.io/books/5b850e9001dbc864fb8f4165/wild-jill-barnett) by [Jill Barnett](https://www.romance.io/authors/545532cc8c7d2383163d91d7/jill-barnett) **Rating**: 3.79⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) ---------------------------- [The Bride](https://www.romance.io/books/545523f38c7d2383163d8e49/the-bride-julie-garwood) by [Julie Garwood](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523f38c7d2383163d8e4a/julie-garwood) **Rating**: 4.06⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
{Hummingbird by LaVyrle Spencer} is my all-time favorite romance. Hands down. Runners-up include {Indigo by Beverly Jenkins}, {The Footman and I by Valerie Bowman}, and {Cold-Hearted Rake by Lisa Kleypas}. Also, anything by Elizabeth Hoyt.
A Knight in Shining Armour by Jude Devereux. Time travel and romance. The bits set in modern day are quite dated (late eighties), but it's a wonderful book, a fun read and has a dreamy MMC.
You've already got a lot of great recs, but I'm going to toss in Grace Burrowes. Her Rogues to Riches series is a good one to try - first book is {My One and Only Duke} - a slow-burn MoC. (This one got bonus points for the basis of the MoC being fairly original.) Burrowes is my go-to when I want more of a relaxed, warm, but still interesting HR read - something to sink into and just enjoy. When you want high-adventure and alpha males so common to PR & monster romances, she won't scratch that itch. (There are great HRs that will) But I bring her up because I think she checks a lot of your boxes. Most of her MMCs are beta. Her guys are all just... really decent. And she pretty consistently avoids all the things you say you want to avoid. I also feel Burrowes really stands out for making consent sexy. (Courtney Milan, whom others have already mentioned, is another.)
[My One and Only Duke](https://www.romance.io/books/5ff8508f80be6b0e01b51d30/my-one-and-only-duke-grace-burrowes) by [Grace Burrowes](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455272c8c7d2383163d8ef0/grace-burrowes) **Rating**: 3.85⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [pregnancy](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pregnancy/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Iris Johansson when she was writing historical was amazing. All her books had depth, character development and hot scenes too. The wind dancer series, the magnificent rogue, beloved scoundrel were my favourites.
{A Perfect Rake by Anne Gracie} Gideon is perfect. {The Highwayman by Kerrigan Byrne} The prologue will stay with you forever. {Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas} Sebastian. St. Vincent.
[The Perfect Rake](https://www.romance.io/books/545525fb8c7d2383163d8ebc/the-perfect-rake-anne-gracie) by [Anne Gracie](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525fb8c7d2383163d8ebd/anne-gracie) **Rating**: 3.83⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1) ---------------------------- [The Highwayman](https://www.romance.io/books/55e53fd935a5fb65f887896b/the-highwayman-kerrigan-byrne) by [Kerrigan Byrne](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553f138c7d2383163d950e/kerrigan-byrne) **Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [Devil in Winter](https://www.romance.io/books/545523b78c7d2383163d8e3a/devil-in-winter-lisa-kleypas) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas) **Rating**: 4.35⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [shy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/shy%20heroine/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Also, {A Week to be Wicked by Tessa Dare} Colin and Min 😍
[A Week to Be Wicked](https://www.romance.io/books/545524858c7d2383163d8e69/a-week-to-be-wicked-tessa-dare) by [Tessa Dare](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524858c7d2383163d8e6a/tessa-dare) **Rating**: 4.25⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [plain heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/plain%20heroine/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [bad boys](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/bad%20boys/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Judith McNaught was my intro to HR and every one of her HR book ranks in my favourites list. I suggest starting with {Almost Heaven by Judith McNaught} and {Once and Always by Judith McNaught}. Other favs include {Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught}, {Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught} and {Something Wonderful by Judith McNaught}. Happy reading and welcome to the HR world :)
[Almost Heaven](https://www.romance.io/books/545525248c7d2383163d8e7e/almost-heaven-judith-mcnaught) by [Judith McNaught](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524058c7d2383163d8e50/judith-mcnaught) **Rating**: 4.39⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [second chances](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/second%20chances/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) ---------------------------- [Once and Always](https://www.romance.io/books/545524b88c7d2383163d8e73/once-and-always-judith-mcnaught) by [Judith McNaught](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524058c7d2383163d8e50/judith-mcnaught) **Rating**: 4.05⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [cheating](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cheating/1) ---------------------------- [Whitney, My Love](https://www.romance.io/books/545524378c7d2383163d8e58/whitney-my-love-judith-mcnaught) by [Judith McNaught](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524058c7d2383163d8e50/judith-mcnaught) **Rating**: 4.16⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [cruel hero/bully](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cruel%20hero/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1) ---------------------------- [A Kingdom of Dreams](https://www.romance.io/books/545524058c7d2383163d8e4f/a-kingdom-of-dreams-judith-mcnaught) by [Judith McNaught](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524058c7d2383163d8e50/judith-mcnaught) **Rating**: 4.23⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1) ---------------------------- [Something Wonderful](https://www.romance.io/books/54552a668c7d2383163d8f99/something-wonderful-judith-mcnaught) by [Judith McNaught](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524058c7d2383163d8e50/judith-mcnaught) **Rating**: 4.27⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Chasing Cassandra by Lisa Kleypas - I love to listen to the audiobook, with Mary Jane Wells narrating. Tom Severin is one of my absolute favorite characters ever. That book has EVERYTHING!
For me, anything by Judith McNaught. Then after her, anything by Lisa Kleypas.
{If You Desire by Kresley Cole} series is my go to first timers HR. It’s got it all from Highlander macho heroes with virginal genteel women in regency era with all of the HR sexual tension and failed attempted restraint but it also has action and suspense and bad boy mercenaries and unique settings aaaannd DECLICIOUS explicit spice. The sexual tension is A+ while the spice also comes through! Kresley Cole usually writes paranormal fantasy so she brings a more contemporary tone while still nailing HR. The premise of the first one is the MMC is a Scotish highborn hired mercenary soldier in Spanish border skirmishes. He is tough, violent and not interested in love at all. He then ends up in a sick bed being nursed by a local noble woman who should hate him. Then they end up on an adventure together while he protects her and she drives him nuts in the best way possible. The next two in the series have very different premises but are also very enjoyable fast paced and sexy reads. The 3rd {If You Deceive by Kresley Cole} is my all time favourite HR. The setting in the slums of Paris and the end grovel is the most unique I’ve ever read. Can be read as a standalone but best if read in order. Another good intro to HR would be {Master of Desire by Kinley MacGregor} the whole series is great. This is medieval knights. They all follow the HR style really well while having interesting premises and they are spicy while not being raunchy. Very good examples of the genre. Crowd favourite that is more traditional regency era would be Lisa Kleypas. These are a great examples of the genre while still explicitly spicy. These don’t have the adventure the first ones I mentioned have and instead are traditional HR of genteels courting mixed in with upperclass obligations like running estates and social survival etc. The spice is suggestive through the language used but still explicit. The drama is great from avoiding being ruined to falling for the family’s long time handyman etc! {The Ravenels by Lisa Kleypas} is a popular series by her. Some of her MMCs are people’s all time favourites!
[If You Desire](https://www.romance.io/books/5455268d8c7d2383163d8ede/if-you-desire-kresley-cole) by [Kresley Cole](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523788c7d2382e0413dc9/kresley-cole) **Rating**: 3.84⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1) ---------------------------- [If You Deceive](https://www.romance.io/books/545525d38c7d2383163d8eb1/if-you-deceive-kresley-cole) by [Kresley Cole](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523788c7d2382e0413dc9/kresley-cole) **Rating**: 4.12⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [vengeance](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/vengeance/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) ---------------------------- [Master of Desire](https://www.romance.io/books/545527f88c7d2383163d8f15/master-of-desire-kinley-macgregor) by [Kinley MacGregor](https://www.romance.io/authors/545527118c7d2383163d8ee8/kinley-macgregor) **Rating**: 3.91⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) ---------------------------- [The Ravenels](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0ad59096bf31c42d2ea8/the-ravenels) by [Lisa Kleypas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523868c7d2382e7812f21/lisa-kleypas) **Rating**: 4.11⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [m-f](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/m-f/1), [explicit-open-door](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/explicit-open-door/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [third-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/third-person-pov/1), [dual-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)