“Contemporary” Historical Romance Fiction

First published in January 2005, The Duke and I by Julia Quinn enjoyed some commercial success. It wasn’t until the Netflix adaptation, Bridgerton, crashed onto the scene that Quinn became a household name and sales of the eight-book series SOARED! Sexy, smart, and controversial, the series has taken on a life of its own! Here’s a list of regency historical romance picks that are great choices for a similar-feel-but-completely-different-book-please kind of reader.

Our Dear Miss H. Is on the Case

by Violet Marsh

After taking public credit (by necessity because….society) for an incredible archaeological discover that was actually made by his cousin Georgina, Percy Harrington disappears. Georgina just knows that he is in trouble, but the only person who believes her is Percy’s handsome best friend. She finds him infuriating, but he is definitely up for the adventure.

Alexander Lovett would prefer to keep his distance from Georgina. She’s made his parents’ short list of Suitable Ladies, which has to mean that she is insufferable, just like they are. But Georgina’s boldness and desire for independence captivate him. When Percy’s kidnapping threatens the monarchy itself, Alexander and Georgina may have to let go of their developing feelings in order to save the the day. Written by a two-time Golden Heart finalist!

What people are saying:

“No reader will be able resist the joy caused by the unexpected number of chickens in this story.”―Kirkus Reviews

“The pages fly and the banter sparkles. Readers will be hooked.”-Publishers Weekly

Ne’er Duke Well

by Alexandra Vasti

Peter Kent, newly minted Duke of Stanhope, has already developed a scandalous reputation! He needs reinvent himself if he wants to gain guardianship of his half siblings after a family tragedy. He’s desperate, and he turns to Lady Selina Ravenscroft, a woman with a reputation for cleverness and deft handling of challenging circumstances.

Selina is society’s most mannered, polite, and proper debutante. When Peter asks for her help, the only solution Selina can offer is that he starts courting and marries soon a lady of umimpeachable character. Which will NOT be her, because she isn’t as perfect as everyone thinks. In fact, she runs a lending library circulating erotic books to society’s upper crust. If discovered, her reputation will be even more scandalous than Peter’s!

Matchmaking does NOT go to plan as idea after idea falls apart. There are sexy sparks between them, and Peter and Selina are finding it difficult to not act on those feelings. Reputation may not be everything, but it is enough. Are they prepared for the scandal that will ensure if they continue on a path toward each other?

What people are saying:

“A historical romance with the energy of a Parks & Recreation episode. Like the iconic sitcom, the characters in this are all so darn loveable, you can almost see the twinkle in their eyes.” –NPR

“A witty, page-turner with two adorable leads whose funny banter and chemistry is off the charts! I didn’t want their antics to end.” – Virginia Heath, author of Never Fall for Your Fiancée

“Utterly delicious and undeniably clever, Alexandra Vasti’s Ne’er Duke Well was unputdownable. I’m absolutely certain that Regency romance fans everywhere will love this warm, wonderfully witty, and oh-so-sexy novel just as much as I did. What a spectacular debut!” – Amy Rose Bennett, author of Up All Night with a Good Duke

The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right

by Suzanne Allain

Arabella Grant’s nasty aunt has finally died. Her cousin Isabelle is finally free of her mother’s taunts about her love of books, and Arabella no longer has to hear nasty jibes about her less-than-noble roots.

When an elderly relative insists that Issie travel to London for a debut that she absolutely does not want, the girls know that their short-lived relief was over. But it turns out that the old dear is nearly blind, and she can’t tell the difference between noble Issie and lowly commoner Bella, which means a societal switcheroo is possible. Now Bella can attend events that her ignoble birth would normally exclude her from, and Issie can stay in bed with her nose tucked into a book. Perfect.

Misunderstandings ensue when the irresistible Lord Brooke begins courting the person whom he this is Issie. Her cousin is suitable for a young earl, but Bella most certainly is not. She is convinced that she’s met Lord Right and lives with the terror of him discovering that the lady he is falling in love with is not the person he thinks. What is a low-born girl to do?

What people are saying:

“A cheeky look at the different expectations placed on men versus women during the Regency Era, revealing the limitations society accords individuals in terms of their family connections and personal wealth and education. Both general fiction readers and romance fans looking for a story that will transport them to another time and place, seeking new fictional friends, or hoping to watch characters grow more self-aware and compassionate will revel in this smart love story.” —Booklist (Starred Review) “Hilarious and fast-paced, Mr. Malcolm’s Listis a bright and refreshing Regency romp.” —Shelf Awareness

“Allows the author to explore a number of issues prevalent in the Regency era: the cruelty of autocratic parents, the psychological effects of insecurity and low self-esteem, the thoughtlessness of privileged males, the unkindness of the class-conscious. Since the primary point of view is that of the kind and sensible Bella, these darker elements are muted by her readiness to see the humor in awkward situations and by the comfort offered by her Cinderella story. Recommended.” —Historical Novel Society

A Duke Never Tells

by Suzanne Enoch

She and her aunt come up with an excellent plan. Meg will pretend to be Aunt Clara’s maid/companion on a trip to Earnhurst Manor. Meg can ask questions and listen to all of the gossip about the earl’s romantic trysts. No one would suspect that a maid was actually a lady in disguise!

The swap is an excellent idea. So good, in fact, that Meg isn’t the only one pretending to be someone she isn’t. Hoping to escape Aunt Clara’s nosy clutches, James trades places with Riniken, a butler in his estate house. And now everyone is falling in love with the wrong person! A great choice if you like your romance on the lighthearted side.

What people are saying:

“While Meg and James have great chemistry, the (secondary romance) is just as compelling. The novel leans more into comedy than romance, and while there is little steam, the charm and fun of the story make up for it.” – lianareadsblog

“Filled with playful scheming, whimsical mishaps, and endearingly impish characters, this sweet romance is sure to charm.”— Publishers Weekly

Trouble

by Lex Croucher

There is a new governess at Fairmont, and she is a fraud. Unbeknownst to anyone, she has no real social graces, she is not polished, and she has never taught anything to a child at any point in her life. This was supposed to be her sister Amy’s position, but Amy is unwell. Desperate to earn money for her medical care, Emily hopes to bluff her way through a few months at Fairmont. Long enough anyway to earn some wages…and long enough to slip a few expensive trinkets into her apron.

Emily TRIES to dislike Edwards children, but they are so adorable that she kind of can’t help liking them a bit. She also kind of likes her employer, the brooding, powerful Captain Edwards. Can Emily keep her lies straight? How long can this deception possibly last?

What people are saying:

“Fans of come-as-you-are romance will find this a delicious, and not too guilty, pleasure.” ––Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“If you love Regency-era romances, defiant feminist heroines, or The Sound of Music, then Trouble is the perfect book for you…the action is explosive, the sexual tension is unparalleled, and the happily ever after is incredibly well-earned.” ––BuzzFeed “Readers will revel in watching Emily learn to trust in this fun, funny and fast-paced story.” ––BookPage

Marry Me by Midnight

by Felicia Grossman

Aaron Ellenburg is a poor custodian at a synagogue with absolutely no dreams of his own. He’s too poor to bother with fantasies. But when Isabelle presents him with an incredible offer, he knows that it may be his only chance at the life he envisions for himself. If Aaron ensures that her top husbandly candidates have no hidden motivations or loyalty to the Berabs, Isabelle will provide him with an income for life. The solution to his money problems is within reach.

Aaron agrees, never expecting that the future he envisioned would include Isabelle. As the two grow closer and closer, they are always cognizant of society’s rules. Heiresses don’t marry orphans, and true love is a story for children. Will they take the leap and hope for a happily ever after?

What people are saying:

“A masterful, original take on a beloved fairytale.”―Kirkus, Starred Review

“Grossman’s choice to set [the book] at a particularly delicate time for the Jewish community in the U.K.—when legislation was being debated that would eventually guarantee Jewish men the same rights as all English men—adds a special poignancy. . . . In this troubled atmosphere, Aaron and Isabelle’s decision to choose love, courage, and kindness over everything else resonates that much louder and feels that much sweeter.”―BookPage “A captivating setting, a masterful weaving of history and romance, and an utterly besotted hero make this novel a must-read not just of the summer, but of the year.”―Vulture Magazine

Did any of your favorite historical romance reads make our list? Find more historical love stories.

Happy regency reading!