8 Best-Selling Historical Romance Books Millions Love

Explore best-selling Historical Romance books recommended by Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Watson, celebrated for their rich storytelling and emotional depth.

Jennifer Lawrence
Emma Watson
Updated on June 28, 2025
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3 of 8 books have Audiobook versions

There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, and Historical Romance is no exception. Millions have been captivated by tales that blend rich history with heartfelt passion, proving that this genre continues to enchant readers seeking immersive emotional journeys. Today, the appeal of Historical Romance is stronger than ever, offering compelling narratives that transport you to vivid eras filled with love, conflict, and resilience.

Experts like Jennifer Lawrence, known for her nuanced portrayals of complex women, and Emma Watson, a passionate advocate for women’s stories and historical accuracy, have highlighted several standout Historical Romance novels. Jennifer Lawrence's endorsement of "The Other Boleyn Girl" and Emma Watson's recommendation of "The Constant Princess" have helped these books gain widespread acclaim, showcasing how expert recognition aligns with popular reader enthusiasm.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks for enjoying Historical Romance, readers seeking content tailored to their specific interests might consider creating a personalized Historical Romance book that combines these validated approaches. This blend of expert guidance and customization offers a unique way to dive deeper into the themes and settings you love most.

Best for Tudor romance enthusiasts
Audiobook version available
Jennifer Lawrence, acclaimed American actress known for her deep connection to complex female roles, endorses this novel, reflecting her appreciation for stories that combine romance with historical depth. Her recommendation aligns with the widespread admiration from readers who value richly woven narratives set in the Tudor era. Given her background in portraying nuanced characters, her endorsement highlights the book’s ability to bring history to life through emotionally compelling storytelling, making it a credible choice for lovers of historical romance who seek both drama and authenticity.
JL

Recommended by Jennifer Lawrence

American Actress

The Other Boleyn Girl book cover

Philippa Gregory

2002·664 pages·Historical Romance, Tudor History, Court Intrigue, Royalty, Family Drama

Philippa Gregory draws you into the turbulent world of the Tudor court with a story that balances political ambition and personal desire. You witness Mary Boleyn's transformation from an innocent teenager to a woman navigating the dangerous games of power, love, and betrayal, illuminated through vivid character studies and gripping chapters on court intrigue. The book explores how personal relationships intertwine with historical events, offering insights into the precarious roles women played behind the throne. If you’re intrigued by layered characters and want to understand the emotional stakes behind history’s headlines, this novel provides a rich and immersive experience that’s as much about survival as it is romance.

New York Times Bestseller
Adapted into major film
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Best for political intrigue fans
Audiobook version available
Emma Watson, known for her activism and nuanced appreciation of women's stories, endorses this novel, highlighting its appeal beyond mere romance to the intricate power struggles of Tudor England. Her recommendation aligns with the book’s widespread popularity among those who value historical accuracy combined with compelling character depth. Watson’s background in championing women's rights adds weight to her appreciation of Katherine’s resilience and strategic mind, making this book a credible choice for those seeking a richly textured historical romance.
EW

Recommended by Emma Watson

British actress and UN Women ambassador

The Constant Princess book cover

Philippa Gregory

2005·393 pages·Historical Romance, Royalty, Political Intrigue, Tudor History, Court Life

Unlike most historical romance novels that focus mainly on courtship, Philippa Gregory dives deep into the political and personal struggles of Katherine of Aragon, weaving history and emotion into a gripping narrative. You’ll gain insight into the Tudor court’s intricate power plays and Katherine’s resilience in the face of betrayal, poverty, and loneliness, especially during her years waiting to marry Henry VIII. Chapters vividly portray her strategic maneuvering against spies and her role defending England against the Scots, offering a layered view beyond typical romance plots. This book suits you if you appreciate richly detailed historical settings blended with strong female protagonists navigating complex political landscapes.

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Best for custom romance plans
Audiobook version not available
This AI-created book on historical romance is crafted based on your background, interests, and goals within the genre. By sharing what aspects of historical romance you want to explore and your reading experience, this book is created to focus on what matters most to you. It offers tailored guidance that connects proven romance methods with your personal tastes, making your journey through historical love stories more engaging and relevant.
2025·50-300 pages·Historical Romance, Romantic Conflict, Character Development, Period Settings, Narrative Techniques

This tailored Historical Romance Blueprint explores the timeless appeal and storytelling techniques of historical romance novels, focusing on your individual interests and reading background. It examines the genre's rich settings, character archetypes, and emotional themes, while personalizing insights based on what millions of readers have embraced. This book reveals how romantic tension, period-accurate details, and compelling conflicts craft unforgettable love stories. By concentrating on your specific goals, it connects classic narrative elements with your preferred subtopics, offering a unique blend of proven romance methods and tailored insights that deepen your appreciation and understanding of historical romance storytelling.

Tailored Guide
Romance Narrative
1,000+ Happy Readers
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Best for layered character drama
Audiobook version available
Entertainment Weekly, a respected voice in entertainment critique, highlights how Lisa Kleypas crafts "a charming, amusing, heartfelt tale" that stands out in historical romance. Their praise reflects the book’s blend of wit and emotional complexity, showing why so many readers find themselves drawn to this story. This endorsement aligns with the widespread appreciation from other reviewers like Publisher's Weekly, who admire its balanced plot and dynamic characters, making it clear this novel resonates well beyond just dedicated genre fans.

Recommended by Entertainment Weekly

Lisa Kleypas offers up what just might be the best of the bunch—a charming, amusing, heartfelt tale. Kleypas is a romance gem, a queen among a vast royal court of historical romance authors, and Chasing Cassandra is a welcome star in her brightly twinkling constellation of interstellar romantic achievements. (from Amazon)

2020·272 pages·Romance, Historical Romance, Character Development, Relationship Dynamics, Social Class

Lisa Kleypas’s decades of experience writing historical romance informs this engaging novel that explores the tension between power and love. In Chasing Cassandra, you’ll witness a rich railway magnate determined to win the heart of a strong-willed woman who refuses to marry without love, revealing the complexities of relationships amid societal expectations. The book delves into character-driven conflicts and sharp dialogue, especially notable in chapters that highlight the couple’s wit and emotional struggles. If you appreciate layered characters navigating passion and pride in a richly rendered historical setting, this story offers both charm and depth.

One of Oprah Mag's Best Romances of 2020
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Best for time travel romance lovers
Audiobook version not available
Linore Rose Burkard’s "Forever, Lately" offers a captivating journey into Regency England with a twist of time travel that has resonated widely among historical romance readers. The story centers on Claire Channing, a writer who unexpectedly crosses into the world she’s creating, blending modern perspective with period intrigue. This approach brings a fresh energy to the historical romance genre, appealing to those who crave love stories grounded in richly detailed settings and complex characters. The book stands out for its mix of humor, suspense, and heartfelt moments, making it an engaging choice for anyone drawn to historical romance with imaginative storytelling.
2019·313 pages·Romance, Historical Romance, Time Travel, Period Drama, Character Development

What draws you into "Forever, Lately" is how Linore Rose Burkard blends time travel with Regency-era charm, crafting a story that feels both fresh and familiar. Burkard, known for her meticulous research, invites you to step into the shoes of Claire Channing, a modern-day author who unexpectedly finds herself entangled in the very world she’s writing about. You’ll explore themes of love, loyalty, and the clash of centuries, with vivid settings that bring 1816 England to life, especially through the complex character of Julian St. John. This book suits you if you enjoy romance that mixes history with a twist of fantasy, offering suspense and emotional depth without losing its wit.

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Best for emotional depth seekers
Audiobook version not available
The Perfect Debutante offers a distinct take on historical romance by delving into the intricacies behind a seemingly perfect debutante’s facade. Annabelle Anders presents a narrative that resonates with readers drawn to stories where love contends with personal scars and societal expectations. This independently published work has found its place among those who favor romantic tales steeped in emotional complexity and Regency-era ambiance. The book invites you to witness a marriage shaped by duty and surprise, where the characters’ vulnerabilities challenge traditional notions of perfection and romance.
The Perfect Debutante (The Perfect Regency Series) book cover

Annabelle Anders

2019·324 pages·Historical Romance, Arranged Marriage, Character Development, Emotional Resilience, Society & Class

Annabelle Anders crafts a story that quietly challenges the polished veneer often found in historical romance. Through Louella Rose’s journey, you explore themes of hidden pain and societal pressures wrapped in the guise of perfection, particularly in the delicate dance of arranged marriages among the aristocracy. You’ll find yourself drawn into Stanton’s conflicted emotions as he navigates the unexpected reality behind his bride’s flawless appearance, revealing the complexities beneath surface-level charm. This book suits you if you appreciate character-driven narratives that probe emotional scars and the resilience needed to overcome them, rather than just idyllic romance.

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Best for rapid storytelling mastery
Audiobook version not available
This AI-created book on historical romance writing is crafted based on your background and storytelling goals. You share which aspects of historical romance intrigue you most, your experience level, and what you aim to achieve. The resulting book focuses precisely on helping you master rich narratives and authentic settings quickly, blending popular techniques with your unique interests for an efficient, enjoyable learning journey.
2025·50-300 pages·Historical Romance, Character Development, Story Structure, Period Accuracy, Romantic Tension

This tailored book explores the art of mastering Historical Romance through step-by-step plans designed to match your unique background and goals. It reveals how to weave rich storytelling with authentic historical settings, focusing on your interests and pacing for rapid skill development. By personalizing insights from beloved classics and reader-validated knowledge, it examines key elements like character depth, period accuracy, and romantic tension, helping you craft compelling narratives. Combining proven popular approaches with your specific storytelling ambitions, this book offers a focused learning experience that unlocks your creative potential in historical romance writing, making complex themes accessible and engaging.

Tailored For You
Narrative Crafting
1,000+ Happy Readers
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Best for Scottish Highland romance
Audiobook version not available
Miriam Minger is the bestselling author of sweet to sensual historical romances spanning Viking times to Regency England and the American West. With multiple Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards and two RITA Award finalist honors, she brings a proven track record to her storytelling. This book benefits from her deep knowledge of historical periods and ability to weave compelling romance, making it a strong choice for anyone drawn to passionate tales set in the Scottish Highlands.
My Highland Warrior book cover

Miriam Minger·

2021·240 pages·Historical Romance, Scottish Clans, Family Curse, Romantic Conflict, Character Development

What happens when a seasoned storyteller dives into the rugged world of Highland clans? Miriam Minger crafts a tale where duty clashes with desire, centering on Gabriel MacLachlan, a laird bound by a family curse and desperate to save his people. You’ll find yourself navigating vivid scenes of clan politics and ancient superstitions, while also witnessing Magdalene’s fierce spirit challenge expectations. This book reveals the delicate balance between power and vulnerability, making it ideal if you enjoy character-driven stories set against richly drawn historical backdrops.

Winner of Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards
Two-time RITA Award Finalist
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Best for adventurous historical romance
Audiobook version not available
Glynnis Campbell is a USA Today bestselling author known for over two dozen action-adventure historical romances, mainly set in Scotland. With a background that includes being in a CBS Records all-girl band and voiceover work, she brings a unique storytelling flair. Campbell’s books transport you to eras where flawed heroes and resilient women meet amid chivalry and danger, making MacFarland's Lass a vivid invitation to that world.
MacFarland's Lass (Scottish Lasses) book cover

Glynnis Campbell·

2016·384 pages·Historical Romance, Adventure, Strong Women, Scottish History, Highland Romance

When Glynnis Campbell crafted MacFarland's Lass, her deep affection for Scottish history and romance shines through vividly. You find yourself immersed in a tense tale of Florie Gilder, a young jeweler falsely accused and on the run, who must navigate danger alongside Rane MacFarland, a conflicted huntsman torn between duty and desire. The narrative explores themes of trust, survival, and love under pressure, with chapters that deftly balance action and emotional tension. If you appreciate strong heroines woven into richly detailed historical settings, this story offers a gripping journey into 16th-century Scotland's turbulent times.

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Best for witty Regency romance
Audiobook version not available
What makes "Grace (The Shackleford Sisters Book 1)" stand out in the historical romance genre is its blend of sharp wit and the unconventional antics of the Shackleford sisters. This independently published work has earned widespread reader acclaim, topping Amazon's Regency Historical Romance charts. The story centers on societal expectations turned on their head, with a humorous take on the marriage market and the challenges faced by its characters, particularly the spirited Grace and the haunted Duke of Blackmore. Fans of Regency romances with a comedic twist will find this book both engaging and entertaining.
Grace (The Shackleford Sisters Book 1) book cover

Beverley Watts

2022·186 pages·Historical Romance, Regency Era, Romantic Comedy, Character Development, Societal Norms

Beverley Watts approaches Regency-era romance with a fresh sense of humor and character-driven storytelling. In "Grace," you explore the chaotic lives of the Shackleford sisters, whose unconventional attitudes clash with the rigid expectations of their society. You learn not just the nuances of Regency social customs but also how wit and wit-driven conflict can enliven romantic plots, especially through the interactions between the fiercely independent Grace and the brooding Duke of Blackmore. If you enjoy character quirks that challenge traditional roles and appreciate a story that balances humor with emotional depth, this book offers a lively glimpse into that world.

Amazon #1 Bestseller in Regency Historical Romance
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Conclusion

The collection of these 8 best-selling Historical Romance books highlights clear themes: rich historical detail, complex characters navigating societal pressures, and enduring love stories that resonate across time. These narratives offer proven storytelling frameworks that have captured the hearts of millions.

If you prefer proven methods, starting with "The Other Boleyn Girl" and "The Constant Princess" will immerse you in Tudor court intrigue and romance. For those drawn to spirited character dynamics and humor, "Grace" and "Forever, Lately" provide engaging, witty tales. Combining books like "Chasing Cassandra" and "My Highland Warrior" offers a balance of emotional depth and rugged historical settings.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Historical Romance book to blend proven methods with your unique preferences. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in finding stories that truly captivate and inspire.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "The Other Boleyn Girl" if you love Tudor history and drama, or "Grace" for a witty Regency romance. Both have expert backing and offer engaging introductions to the genre's depth and style.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Historical Romance?

Not at all. Many, like "Forever, Lately" and "Grace," are accessible and enjoyable for beginners, while still offering rich historical settings that welcome new readers without overwhelming them.

What's the best order to read these books?

There's no strict order. You might begin with Tudor dramas like "The Constant Princess," then explore Scottish romances such as "MacFarland's Lass". Mix and match based on your era or theme interests.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Both have value. Newer releases like "Grace" offer fresh perspectives, while classics like "The Other Boleyn Girl" provide timeless narratives. Choose based on your mood and what intrigues you most.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can certainly pick one that speaks to your interests. Each book stands strong on its own, but exploring multiple can give you a broader view of the genre's range and styles.

Can I get a Historical Romance book tailored to my specific interests?

Yes! While these expert-recommended books offer proven storytelling, you can also create a personalized Historical Romance book that fits your unique preferences, blending popular methods with your individual taste for a focused experience.

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