7 best historical romance novels to read in 2025

Are you bored of reading the usual rom-com novels, where a rich CEO falls in love with an average girl or a small-town girl meets her childhood best friend after 10 years? Perhaps, it is time to travel back to the past and immerse ourselves in the realm of historical romance novels. They are filled with grand gestures, poofy gowns, secret rendezvous, and so much more. We have compiled a list of seven historical romance novels that blend the boldness of contemporary storytelling with the eloquence and charm of bygone eras.

Disclaimer: This article purely reflects the writer's opinions. If you have other suggestions, please comment down below.

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A Rogue of One’s Own by Evie Dunmore

A fresh feminist romance novel set in a time when the feminist movement originated, A Rogue of One’s Own revolves around Lady Lucie—the leader of the Oxford suffragists. The novel is part of A League of Extraordinary Women series, written by Evie Dunmore.

It narrates Lucie's struggle to get the suffragists’ report, advocating for the abolition of the Married Women’s Property Act, published in the newspaper with the help of Tristan Ballentine. His only demand in exchange—her. The novel blends historically relevant events with the slow burn that defines a good rom-com.

Price $10.95 (Amazon)

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A Lady’s Formula for Love by Elizabeth Everett

Picture Marie Curie being tasked with a top-secret mission by the Crown and falling in love with her bodyguard—intriguing, right?

Well, A Lady’s Formula for Love by Elizabeth Everett is a fun, intense, and boldly feminist novel about Lady Violet, who leads a secret society of women dedicated to practicing science. When she is given a covert assignment, she is assigned a security detail—Arthur Kneland—who also happens to be quite handsome.

Price $17.01 (Amazon)

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Aphrodite and the Duke by J.J. McAvoy

If you have been obsessed with Bridgerton, this next one might be perfect for you. Centered around Aphrodite Du Bell, the novel explores her struggle to live up to both her name and the goddess Aphrodite’s legendary beauty. However, after a failed engagement, she is called back to London to assist her sister with her societal debut—only to cross paths with her ex-fiancé, the Duke of Everely.

And though she does her best to avoid him, he has only one goal in mind: to win her back. This Regency romance delves into heartbreak, secrets, and second chances—and just how rewarding they can be.

Price $13.86 (Amazon)

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To Sir Phillip, with Love by Julia Quinn

Speaking of Bridgerton, To Sir Phillip, with Love continues the series with the story of the bold and headstrong Eloise Bridgerton.

Having reached the title of spinster among the ton, Eloise finds herself with no choice but to marry Sir Phillip, who, in turn, assumes Lady Bridgerton will be homely, demure, and perhaps even desperate for a proposal. However, he is in for a shock—and so is she—as Sir Phillip turns out to be far less of a gentleman than she expected.

A novel about embracing perfect imperfections, this one perfectly captures the scandalous allure of the Bridgertons.

Price $7.99 (Barnes & Noble)

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Windswept: A Novel of WWI by Annabelle McCormack

et during World War I, Windswept follows the story of Ginger, a wartime nurse, and Major Noah Benson, an intelligence officer from the enemy’s side. Torn between her duty to her country and the instinct to save the injured major, Ginger faces an internal battle that could change everything.

A tale of spies, drama, and adventure, this novel is the perfect steamy historical romance you’ve been looking for this weekend.

Price $18.99 (Barnes & Noble)

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The Librarian of Crooked Lane by C. J. Archer

What happens when you blend fantasy with historical fiction? You get The Librarian of Crooked Lane.

Featuring a librarian with a mysterious past, a war hero with a secret, and the daring heist of a magical painting, this novel brims with the nostalgic charm of the YA books we grew up with. Set in the Roaring ’20s, it marks the first installment in the Glass Library series by C.J. Archer. Garnering both critiques and praise, it has sparked lively discussions among Goodreads readers.

This book is filled with both lovely things and frustrating things.

This was definitely a fun relaxing read. Its a great combination of mystery and historical fiction with a very light touch of fantasy added.

Price $14.99 (Barnes & Noble)

Peony in Love by Lisa See

A departure from traditional romance, Peony in Love quite literally captures the spirit.

Set in 17th-century China, the novel explores the afterlife through the story of Peony, the sheltered daughter of a wealthy scholar who longs for passionate love. When she attends the opera The Peony Pavilion—rumored to cause lovesickness and even death—her obsession with its dramatic tale consumes her, and she wastes away, longing for love as intense as the one on stage.

Returning as a "hungry ghost," she haunts her former fiancé and uncovers the lessons she failed to learn while alive. With its profound themes and haunting narrative, the novel has received a mix of praise and critique from readers.

"The notion that 17th century Chinese characters would speak like this for the benefit of 21st century English-speaking readers is preposterous to say the least."

"Lyrical and heartbreaking, it was an epic on the many different types of love that make the human experience worthwhile."

"I wish I had more knowledge of Chinese history and customs. Unfortunately, much of what happens in the book and how it's described went over my head."

Price $15.85 (Amazon)