Historical Romance Done RIGHT | Top 7 Authors You Need To Check Out

One of my favorite romance genres is historical. There is just something so compelling about the setting, about the lords and ladies, about the rules that are both ridiculous from a modern point of view but create the most delicious tension between the characters.

But you gotta know how to write them well, you know? Same as any other genre, it's very easy to write a bad historical romance, and much harder to write an excellent one.

Here is a list of seven woman who know how to create the perfect historicals, in no particular order

Exemplary Mentions: Say Yes To The Marquess, Any Duchess Will Do, A Lady by Midnight, Romancing the Duke

This lady is one of my auto-buy authors. Whenever I need a good historical, I always check to see if there's anything new of hers I can get.

Her historicals are just so damned fun, and the swoon if off the charts! She also does sweet fantastically well, and you'll believe her damaged heroes and strong yet vulnerable heroines can heal each other without an ounce of doubt in your mind!

Exemplary Mentions: The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, The Many Sins of Lord Cameron, The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie

The Lord of Ian Mackenzie was one of the first historicals to really steal and move my heart, and made Ashley an instant buy for me. Her Highland Pleasures series (also known as Mackenzie series) is one of my favorite historicals romance. She knows how to make unique heroes (such as the titular Ian), tantalizing romances and heroines you can root for full heartily. 

I haven't read any of Ashley's contemporary or paranormal, but if they're half as good as her historical romances, they're definitely worth a shot!

Exemplary Mentions: Never Seduce a Scot, Highlander Most Wanted, Never Love a Highlander, Seduction of a Highland Lass

I have been very vocal in the past about my love for Banks' historicals. While I genuinely dislike most of the contemporary romances of hers that I've read, I love her as a romance writer. Something about the setting allows Banks to focus less on the sex, and more on the story. And when she does that, it's simply magic. I have read Never Seduce a Scot three times now, and I cry every time. 

Banks has that magical quality to make you connect to her heroines and heroes, and make you root for them to the depth of your soul. 

Also, her brand of romance happens to be the kilted kind. Yum!

Exemplary Mentions: The Duchess War, The Heiress Effect , The Countess Conspiracy 

Courtney Milan is one of the more unique authors on my list, because she really tackles tough subjects in her historicals, especially the Brothers Sinister series, although her Tuner series doesn't lack for thought provoking content. 

She looks at the historical settings through the eyes of characters that have to deal with prejudice, expectations and rules that they do not agree with. Females fighting to enter "male" professions, women who rebel against the institute of marriage, rape (although in a short novella)... So many interesting situations through the lens of the time period they're in.

And of course, the fantastic romances that will make your heart thump and swoon. 

 I found her by complete accident when The Duchess War was free on kindle and I have thanked my lucky stars since.

Exemplary Mentions: Devil in Winter, Mine Till Midnight, Married by Morning, Love in the Afternoon

Lisa Kleypas is a pretty new discovery, but boy is she a landslide. I have enjoyed every single novel that I have read by her. Some of them tackle unique situations for historical romances, such as a romance between a Gypsy and a lady, or a Governess and her lord. But she does it in such a fun, heartwarming way.

She really does write such enjoyable historicals that lighten the heart and make you smile non-stop.

Exemplary Mentions: The Viscount Who Loved Me, An Offer From a Gentleman , When He Was Wicked

Julia Quinn is the historical romance writer for you when you need a fun romance. I always know that when I want to read something fun and light (with some angst, brooding and tormented pasts), Quinn's my girl. And damn if her books are not super readable. I start them and suddenly I look up and the book is over and it's three a.m. and there's work tomorrow but oh well.

Exemplary Mentions: Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake, Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord, A Rogue By Any Other Name

Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake was the historical that made me love historicals. The romance, setting and characters proved to a judgmental me who didn't think she'd enjoy the Victorian setting and woman oppression that HISTORICALS ARE SO DAMNED WONDERFUL!

McLean's books are fun and light, but also have very deep undertones about female equality and acceptance, so they have a very nice balance to them.

What about you? What are some of YOUR favorite historical authors that you think I should check out? Did you find new authors to sink your teeth into in this list? Tell me all about it bellow! 

Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas | Book Review

Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas

The Hathaways #5

First Published: 2010

Kindle Bundle

Adult, Historical Romance

Rating:

She harbors a secret yearning.
As a lover of animals and nature, Beatrix Hathaway has always been more comfortable outdoors than in the ballroom. Even though she participated in the London season in the past, the classic beauty and free-spirited Beatrix has never been swept away or seriously courted... and she has resigned herself to the fate of never finding love. Has the time come for the most unconventional of the Hathaway sisters to settle for an ordinary man—just to avoid spinsterhood?

He is a world-weary cynic.
Captain Christopher Phelan is a handsome, daring soldier who plans to marry Beatrix's friend, the vivacious flirt Prudence Mercer, when he returns from fighting abroad. But, as he explains in his letters to Pru, life on the battlefield has darkened his soul—and it's becoming clear that Christopher won't come back as the same man. When Beatrix learns of Pru's disappointment, she decides to help by concocting Pru's letters to Christopher for her. Soon the correspondence between Beatrix and Christopher develops into something fulfilling and deep... and when Christopher comes home, he's determined to claim the woman he loves. What began as Beatrix's innocent deception has resulted in the agony of unfulfilled love—and a passion that can't be denied.

If I am completely honest - and I always thrive to be - I was surprised by how much I liked this novel. Beatrix has always been my second favorite Hathaway sibling (right after Leo) so I knew I had nothing to worry on that front, but we had very little build up toward her story in the other novels, so I wasn't sure what to expect.

What I got? Captain Christopher Phelan. I loved this guy. He returns from war a changed man, a man who no longer fits into the rule he used to occupy before, and he doesn't know what to do about it. Atop this feeling of isolation, he suffers from PTSD, which of course was a term that didn't exist at the time period of this book. So, he fears he's half mad.

The only thing keeping him going? Pru, the girl who wrote him all those honest letters while he was employed. But of course, Pru didn't write them, but Beatrix. Wonderfully free spirited, outdoorsy, compassionate and intelligent Beatrix Hathaway. 

Animals and humans alike are attracted to the unique way she looks at the world. And both cannot help but be soothed by her, which Phelan desperately needs.

The romance between them is very sweet. Beatrix is completely sure of herself and her love to Phelan. She doesn't let anything stand in the way of her showing him affection, of convincing him to take her on. To take himself on. 

And the way Phelan dotted on her was nothing short of delightful. He never spared an opportunity to show her how much he loved her once he realized who she was. Was never afraid to tell her that he did. Was never afraid to let the whole world know about it, too. 

I'm going to take myself to the corner to swoon in peace, thank you very much.

But this wonderful novel was filled with a bittersweet feeling - because I am not nearly ready to say goodbye to the Hathaways! I have binge this entire series in a week. I have become attached to this family, like they were close friends of mine. I have rejoiced in their victories and felt sorrow at their losses.

I don't want this to be the end!

Please, Kleypas, write more novels featuring this peculiar family. I will settle for stories with them as supporting characters only, anything you'd like, but give me something. I am not okay! 

Married by Morning by Lisa Kleypas | Book Review

Married by Morning by Lisa Kleypas

The Hathaways #4

First Published: 2010

Kindle Bundle

Adult, Historical Romance

Rating:

He is everything she wants to avoid...
For two years, Catherine Marks has been a paid companion to the Hathaway sisters—a pleasant position, with one caveat. Her charges' older brother, Leo Hathaway, is thoroughly exasperating. Cat can hardly believe that their constant arguing could mask a mutual attraction. But when one quarrel ends in a sudden kiss, Cat is shocked at her powerful response—and even more so when Leo proposes a dangerous liaison.
She is not at all what she seems...
Leo must marry and produce an heir within a year to save his family home. Catherine's respectable demeanor hides a secret that would utterly destroy her. But to Leo, Cat is intriguing and infernally tempting, even to a man resolved never to love again. The danger Cat tried to outrun is about to separate them forever—unless two wary lovers can find a way to banish the shadows and give in to their desires...

This book was nothing short of delightful from beginning to end. Definitely my favorite Hathaway story so far, it was everything I hoped for and more!

This story has been building up since the very first book, when we met Leo Hathaway and found a broken man who loved so fiercely he didn't know how to let go. We watched him in his lowest point, we watched him rise above it, and we watch him close his heart to the idea of love from fear afterwards.

In the following installments, we met Catherine Marks. Innovative governess, steady companion and loyal friend to the Hathaway sisters. And Leo and she hit it off immediately... by wanting to cut each other's throats out. Yes, yes, it was one of those insta hate moments, which meant we immediately knew they were meant to be.

I don't know about you, but I love relationships that start with bickering and arguing. Especially when these turn into gentle, flirtatious teasing. And guess what happens in this book? It turns into gentle, flirtatious teasing!

Seriously, their relationship? The absolute best. Because they never truly hated each other. Okay, Cat convinced herself she did, but Leo has always been fascinated by Marks. His teasing of her is so precious, especially because it's obvious as hell it's done with so much affection.

Cat takes a while longer to realize this, but not too long. If you don't consider the long two books we had prior to this one, I mean.

But while I loved Cat - and I did, she's such a sweetheart and I hate that she's been around such people in her childhood, and her love toward the Hathaways is life - Leo stole this show, big time. I have loved Leo since book one, and finally as a hero he proves I was not only right to love him, but that he is such an amazing guy.

Really. Once he kisses Marks, he's gone. And for the most part, despite his fears, he's really okay with that. So okay with that, that he will seduce Marks until she agrees to marry him and god help them all. 

I cannot explain to you all how I've waited for this novel (even though I binge read all of them) and how thrilled I am that it lived up to every single expectation I had.

Also, that epilogue? Life. 

Book Review: Tempt me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas

Tempt me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas

The Hathaways #3

First Published: 2009

Kindle Bundle

Adult, Historical Romance

Rating:

He was everything she'd sworn to avoid.
Poppy Hathaway loves her unconventional family, though she longs for normalcy. Then fate leads to a meeting with Harry Rutledge, an enigmatic hotel owner and inventor with wealth, power, and a dangerous hidden life. When their flirtation compromises her own reputation, Poppy shocks everyone by accepting his proposal—only to find that her new husband offers his passion, but not his trust.
And she was everything he needed.
Harry was willing to do anything to win Poppy—except to open his heart. All his life, he has held the world at arm’s length…but the sharp, beguiling Poppy demands to be his wife in every way that matters. Still, as desire grows between them, an enemy lurks in the shadows. Now if Harry wants to keep Poppy by his side, he must forge a true union of body and soul, once and for all...

When I started Tempt me at Twilight I was slightly disappointed to learn this was the story of Poppy, the third Hathaway sister. To me, Poppy was the least appealing Hathaway in the first two books, simply because she seemed pretty boring.

The Poppy I discovers in Tempt me at Twilight ended up being my favorite part of the novel. She was just... so great. She was brave. She didn't back down. She sees the best in everyone. She's exceptionally kind, but that won't stop her from telling some harsh truths. She is no doormat!

Then there's Harry. While I was compelled by him from the first moment, I can't say I liked him initially. His manipulative ways left a sour taste in my mouth, partly because he saw nothing wrong with them but mostly because I couldn't quite understand why Poppy brought it out of him. 

Sure, she's delightful - she's smart and inquisitive and all what I said before, but he knew her for mere minutes when he decided he wanted her. Needed her. Would "sell" the last parts of his humanity to have her.

Why?

This was a little too insta-love for my liking on that aspect. I would've liked for them to have had more talks, more interactions, before Harry decided on her so completely. Or at all, for that matter. And after they had married, I would've loved for more of those sweet small moments that explained why he (and she!) fell in love. That explained the change in Harry, which was fun to watch but done a little too quickly and drastically to be completely realistic.

They were there, it just... they weren't exactly enough.

Despite these, they were a really cute couple. I mean, really. They were funny and baffled and interesting and I just loved their interactions; how she was constantly a thing of marvel to him, how she found him both hateful and yet impossible to hate, because there was just something behind his eyes that spoke of a different story. How she made him better and he made her more daring. Made her appreciate the peculiarities of her family. Of their love.

Not to mention the hotel crew surrounding them was simply delightful. I would love for a spin-off series for Valentine, the Chef and possibly more eccentric hotel personals that we don't know yet. Make it happen, Kleypas!

So, a bit of tweaking here and there would have made this a full round four star, but in all honesty I enjoyed this greatly anyways. 

Book Review: Seduce me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas

Seduce me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas

The Hathaways #2

First Published: 2008

Kindle Bundle

Adult, Historical Romance

Rating: 

He has tried hard to forget her.
Kev Merripen has longed for the beautiful, well-bred Winnifred Hathaway ever since her family rescued him from the brink of death when he was just a boy. But this handsome Gypsy is a man of mysterious origins—and he fears that the darkness of his past could crush delicate, luminous Win. So Kev refuses to submit to temptation…and before long Win is torn from him by a devastating twist of fate.
Can she remember the man he once was?
Then, Win returns to England…only to find that Kev has hardened into a man who will deny love at all costs. Meantime, an attractive, seductive suitor has set his sights on Win. It’s now or never for Kev to make his move. But first, he must confront a dangerous secret about his destiny—or risk losing the only woman he has lived for…

This book frustrated and delighted me in equal measures, earning it a 3.5 star rating from me. If it frustrated me a little less, it would've been a four star for sure.

Frustrated for the singular reason of Kev, who would not face his feelings. He would rather play with Win as he wants her one moment then regret it the next, would rather watch her marry another man, than consider the possibility of the two of them together because she is "too good for him".

Pshaw. Let the woman decide that for herself, you rattlebrain. I mean, I love you, you are deliciously brooding, but end this back and forth before I'm tempted to throw something at you. Stop stringing her along (and yourself) with kisses. Just as Win keeps telling him.

Which brings us to our first delight - Win herself. Win is a wholesome, fragile young girl who knows exactly what she wants, even if it won't be easy to get. And that's Kev. Wonderfully opinionated and determined, unafraid where Kev is frightened, she will bring him down with the force of her love alone and god help them all. So, basically, she was a great main character.

Another reason to be delighted? The continuation (and maybe conclusion) of Kev & Cam's search of their background, as well as additional insights into Cam's head.

Most of these type of series never return into the mind of past couples, opting instead to feature them in each other's story but look at it through different eyes. Kleypas veers from that path as she lets us peek into Cam's head often throughout this story as well. And as I love Cam... I consider this a great plus.

Speaking of their background... I loved it (and suspected it), but at the same time, I felt like they tied things a little too quickly at the end there. It would've been better if it carried on to the third book, or if parts of it have been revealed sooner so it didn't feel like everything just happened at once due to a stroke of luck.

In general, a great installment in the series, and it sets up yet another future couple that ought to be so fun to explore! 

Book Review: Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas

Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas

The Hathaways #1

First Published: 2007

Kindle Bundle

Adult, Historical 

Rating:

When an unexpected inheritance elevates her family to the ranks of the aristocracy, Amelia Hathaway discovers that tending to her younger sisters and wayward brother was easy compared to navigating the intricacies of the ton. Even more challenging: the attraction she feels for the tall, dark, and dangerously handsome Cam Rohan.
Wealthy beyond most men’s dreams, Cam has tired of society’s petty restrictions and longs to return to his “uncivilized” Gypsy roots. When the delectable Amelia appeals to him for help, he intends to offer only friendship—but intentions are no match for the desire that blindsides them both. But can a man who spurns tradition be tempted into that most time-honored arrangement: marriage? Life in London society is about to get a whole lot hotter...

Lisa Kleypas is one of those authors that has been on my radar for years, as some of my favorite bloggers hail her name to the stars. But at the same time, I never seemed to quite get there. Until a bundle edition of all her Hathaways novels went on kindle sale.

Feeling in need of a good historical, I opened the bundle very shortly after buying it and embarked on Mine Till Midnight. I was almost immediately pleasantly surprised. For one, Amelia Hathaway is a strong minded young woman who is not in search of a man to complete her. Her voice is clear and clever and at times delightfully dry and snarky.

Then there's our hero, Cam Rohan. He's a Gypsy. Yes, you read that right. This is the first time I've ever encountered this type of character in a historical, which was really fun. The cultural aspect of being a Rom was fascinating, and the promise of farther exploring the Roma roots in the next novels a cause for celebration.

But that's not what won me over, but rather Cam himself. Here is a man who knows what he wants, and will not accept any other outcome. A man who always seems to be hiding a smile. Who knows how to handle himself and will do everything for the one he loves. Even if it means dealing with the unruly lot that is the Hathaways.

Then there was the romance between these two. It was the type that made me want to sigh in pleasure and say "this is how it should always be done". Because what we just witnessed is two people falling in love. No unnecessary and excessive drama. Little angst. Because at the end of the day, these two fell in love and everything else is a minor detail.

Just how I like it!

A surprising little twist to everything was the fantastical elements in this novel. I'm used to historicals never straying from the realm of reality, so the appearance of those touches was surprising. Not in a bad way, though.

And finally, Mine Till Midnight did a wonderful job setting up for the next novels. We have one future couple all ready for us to explore, and one character journey we can look forward to traveling. I know I am look forwards to both!