Everyone loves a good romance, and the Regency era, with its elegant ballrooms and dashing lords and ladies, offers the perfect backdrop for love stories that captivate the heart. Set in a time when manners and grand events were the order of the day, Regency romance books whisk readers away to a world of stolen glances, witty banter, and, of course, true love. In this article, we’ve gathered some of the best titles that transport readers to this charming period, full of intrigue and passion.
Whether it’s the tale of a duchess finding love in the most unexpected places or a gentleman realizing that love was right in front of him all along, these books promise delightful stories and unforgettable characters. For fans of romance and historical settings, this list of Regency romance books is a treat waiting to be discovered.
Best Regency Romance Books
Arlem Hawks
Georgana’s Secret
Georgana's Secret by Arlem Hawks is a captivating historical romance novel. The story follows Georgana Woodall, who has been living as a cabin boy named "George" on her father's ship. However, hiding her true identity is becoming increasingly challenging, and she longs to escape her life at sea. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Dominic Peyton, dedicated to his role in the Royal Navy, takes Georgana under his wing when he witnesses her being mistreated by the crew. As Georgana develops feelings for Dominic, she struggles to maintain her disguise. This heartwarming tale explores the desire for freedom and the possibility of finding true love.
Ashtyn Newbold
The Earl Next Door
"The Earl Next Door" by Ashtyn Newbold is a charming historical romance novel set in Bath. When Miss Henrietta Dixon's plan to reunite her sister with her true love is thwarted by the arrival of the Earl of Guildford, she is determined to drive him out of town. Meanwhile, the Earl, Charlie, is desperate to secure a marriage with an heiress to save his sister from an unwanted union. As Henrietta and Charlie engage in a battle of wits and schemes, they find themselves unexpectedly drawn to each other. Will they be able to resist their growing feelings and keep their hearts intact?
Audrey Harrison
Lord Livesey’s Bluestocking
In "Lord Livesey's Bluestocking" by Audrey Harrison, Miss Phoebe Westbrook reluctantly attends Lord Livesey's House Party. She overhears Lord Livesey's negative opinion of her, but still decides to make the most of her time there by exploring his library. As she becomes more involved in the lives of Lord Livesey and his children, she discovers that he has been living a lie and his marriage was not a love match. When a unique marriage proposal arises, their values and emotions are put to the test. Both Phoebe and Lord Livesey will face unexpected challenges, but their lives will never be the same again.
Christina Dudley
Tempted by Folly
"Tempted by Folly" by Christina Dudley is a heartwarming tale about Florence Ellsworth, a woman who longs for respectability, and Robert Fairchild, a honorable lawyer. Florence reluctantly agrees to an engagement with a clergyman to maintain propriety, but her plans are disrupted when her father's attorney, Robert, enters her life. Despite their growing feelings for each other, Florence is already promised to another man, and Robert fears confessing his interest would be dishonorable. As they navigate their complicated emotions, both Florence and Robert must find a way to overcome obstacles and find their happily ever after.
Dana LeCheminant
What Dreams May Come
"What Dreams May Come" by Dana LeCheminant is a captivating historical romance novel. The story follows governess Lucy Hayes as she tries to escape the unwanted attention of a man she doesn't love. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when she gets stranded in a storm. In a desperate situation, she agrees to a risky plan proposed by a charming stranger named William. When William falls ill, Lucy finds herself mistaken for his betrothed and is welcomed into his family's home. Despite knowing she should tell the truth, Lucy is drawn to William's older brother, Simon Calloway. As their connection grows, so does the danger from Lucy's unwanted suitor. Lucy must find a way to protect herself and avoid falling in love with a man she can never be with.
Esther Hatch
A Proper Charade
"A Proper Charade" by Esther Hatch is a delightful historical romance novel. Lady Patience Kendrick, a spirited young woman, is under pressure to conform to society's rules during the London Season. In an effort to prove her brother wrong, she disguises herself as a maid and takes on a job in her brother's former general's household. However, Patience quickly realizes that working hard is not as easy as she thought, especially with the charming son of the house distracting her. As her plans unravel, Patience is determined to prove herself and find love, even if it means breaking the rules.
Esther Hatch
For Letter or Worse
"For Letter or Worse" by Esther Hatch tells the story of young Harrison Chase, who leaves his peaceful country life to work in a London factory in order to make his fortune and win the heart of Christine Stone. However, as time goes on, Harrison realizes that there are more important things in life than unrequited love. While he is busy working to make food affordable for struggling families, his housekeeper accidentally mails a six-year-old love letter to Christine. Panicked, Harrison returns to his childhood home to retrieve the letter before Christine reads it and discovers his foolishness. However, he faces a dilemma - should he wait with Christine and risk falling in love with her all over again, or should he return to London without the letter, knowing that he can never face her again once she reads it?
Esther Hatch
A Proper Scoundrel
In "A Proper Scoundrel" by Esther Hatch, Diana Barton, the successful owner of multiple railroad lines, is tired of fending off suitors who only want her wealth. To scare them away, she devises a plan to involve the notorious rake, Baron Lord Bryant, in a scandal that would ruin her reputation. However, when Lord Bryant is approached by Diana's younger sister, he reluctantly agrees to help after witnessing the challenges she faces. As they pretend to be a couple, their feelings become more complicated, putting both their plans and Diana's business at risk.
Heidi Kimball
The Managing Miss
In "The Managing Miss" by Heidi Kimball, Lavinia Harcourt takes on the task of finding a suitable match for her cousin. With limited resources, she brings her household and their two exotic pets to London for the Season. Lavinia comes up with a clever plan involving her late father's memories, a fake letter, and an earl. Reluctantly, the Earl of Carlton agrees to help when Lavinia presents him with the letter. As Lavinia unintentionally involves Lord Carlton in her family affairs, she charms him with her honest and open nature. However, when she realizes her own feelings for him, she worries that the forged letter may be the very thing that keeps them apart.
Joanna Barker
A Game of Hearts
"A Game of Hearts" by Joanna Barker is a captivating story about Marigold Cartwell and Tristan Gates, two archery rivals. Marigold is determined to defeat Tristan, but the local bowmen's society won't allow women to compete. In response, Marigold starts her own society, with a strict rule of no men. Tristan, used to Marigold always getting her way, is not surprised by her actions. However, as they face a scandal and get to know each other better, their tension turns into attraction. With an important archery competition approaching, they find themselves on opposite sides, and winning could potentially tear them apart.
Joanna Barker
A Heart Worth Stealing
In "A Heart Worth Stealing" by Joanna Barker, set in Little Sowerby, England in 1802, Miss Genevieve Wilde is determined to face life's challenges independently, following her late father's teachings. When her father's pocket watch is stolen and the local authorities prove ineffective, she takes a chance and contacts a thief-taker named Jack Travers. However, Jack's flirtatious and unpredictable nature makes Ginny question her ability to resist him. As Ginny realizes that the stolen watch is part of a larger plot against her, she enlists Jack's help. To protect her home and reputation, they pretend to be cousins and begin investigating together. As they unravel the mystery, Ginny finds herself falling for Jack, putting both her heart and life in danger.
Josi S. Kilpack
Love and Lavender
Love and Lavender by Josi S. Kilpack is a heartwarming story about Hazel Stillman, a woman with limited opportunities due to her clubbed foot. She devotes herself to teaching at a private girls' school, believing that marriage is unlikely for her. However, when her uncle offers her a substantial inheritance if she marries, Hazel is offended. Duncan Penhale, a man who thrives on order and process, also receives a similar offer from his guardian's brother. They both see an opportunity to solve their problems by marrying each other, claiming their inheritances, and then going their separate ways. However, Uncle Mayfield adds a condition that they must live together as a couple for one year. As time goes on, their marriage of convenience becomes more appealing than they expected. Will they choose to part ways at the end of the year, or could this unlikely marriage lead to unexpected love?
Julia Quinn
The Duke and I
"The Duke and I" by Julia Quinn is a delightful historical romance set in London in 1813. The story revolves around Simon Basset, a charming duke, and Daphne Bridgerton, a young woman who is considered almost past her prime for marriage. To avoid the pressure from society's matchmaking mothers, Simon and Daphne pretend to be in love. However, as they spend more time together, their fake courtship starts to feel real. Daphne finds herself falling for the handsome duke, and now she must convince him that their scheme should be altered to include true love.
Julianne Donaldson
Edenbrooke
Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson is a captivating novel about Marianne Daventry, who is desperate to escape the dullness of Bath and the unwanted advances of a suitor. When her twin sister invites her to a grand country estate, Marianne sees it as an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the English countryside. However, her plans take an unexpected turn as she becomes entangled in a thrilling adventure filled with romance and intrigue. Will Marianne be able to control her feelings, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something more exciting than a peaceful summer in store for Marianne at Edenbrooke.
Kasey Stockton
Properly Kissed
In "Properly Kissed" by Kasey Stockton, Jane Palmer is recently out of mourning and is determined to fulfill her late father's marriage contract by becoming engaged to Lord Hammel. However, there is a complication - Ewan Lennox, the man she has secretly loved, will also be attending her family's annual house party. Although Ewan has never shown any indication of reciprocating her feelings, he suddenly declares his intention to fight for her hand in marriage. Jane must decide if she should follow her heart and risk losing her home, fortune, and everything her family holds dear.
Laura Rollins
The Dauntless Lady Susan
"The Dauntless Lady Susan" by Laura Rollins is a charming historical romance novel. Lord William Blackmore realizes that Lady Susan sees him only as a friend, while he is deeply in love with her. Despite their complicated history, William seeks Susan's help in winning the affections of another woman. Little does Susan know that William's true desire is to capture her heart. As their friendship hangs in the balance, William must decide whether to risk losing Susan completely by confessing his true feelings or to settle for just being friends.
Leah Garriott
Promised
In "Promised" by Leah Garriott, Margaret Brinton is determined to protect her heart after being fooled by love in the past. She attends a matchmaking party with the intention of finding a convenient marriage that won't affect her emotions. She meets Mr. Northam, who seems perfect, but his cousin Lord Williams constantly interferes. Lord Williams insults and lectures Margaret, ultimately ruining her chances of finding a good match. Margaret returns home to find out that her father has promised her hand in marriage to Lord Williams. Margaret refuses to marry him, but as Lord Williams becomes more involved in her life, she realizes he may be the kind of man she had hoped to marry. Margaret must decide whether to keep her promises or take a chance on love again, knowing that her heart may be at risk.
Lenora Bell
What a Difference a Duke Makes
"What a Difference a Duke Makes" by Lenora Bell is a captivating historical romance novel. Edgar Rochester, the Duke of Banksford, is in need of a governess for his unruly children. However, the children have scared away many potential candidates. That is until Miss Mari Perkins arrives. Mari is clever, bold, and incredibly enticing. She knows how to handle even the most rebellious children, but she finds it difficult to control her own heart when she's around the handsome and arrogant duke. As an employee, Mari is strictly off-limits for Edgar, but they can't deny the forbidden passion that ignites between them. In this game of governess versus duke, Edgar struggles to maintain his defenses against the tempting beauty who is breaking all his rules.
Martha Keyes
Unrequited
In "Unrequited" by Martha Keyes, Elena MacKinnon has spent years preparing to be a proper English lady. However, when her childhood friend Captain Theo Donovan returns from the Navy, he brings back the humiliation of ignoring a love letter she wrote him. Elena is determined to prove herself as a refined English lady and make Theo regret overlooking her. The only issue is that she is actually a proud Scot, and her feelings for Theo may be stronger than ever.
Megan Walker
Miss Newbury’s List
"Miss Newbury's List" by Megan Walker is a charming historical romance set in 1820 England. Rosalind Newbury is eagerly awaiting her arranged marriage to the Duke of Marlow, but before she ties the knot, she is determined to complete a list of ten things she had created as a child. With the help of her best friend Liza and Liza's cousin Charlie, Ros embarks on a secret adventure to check off each item on her list. As they spend more time together, Ros finds herself falling for Charlie and his kind heart. However, with her wedding approaching, Ros must make a difficult decision between following her heart or fulfilling her family's expectations.
Megan Walker
Lakeshire Park
"Lakeshire Park" by Megan Walker is set in Brighton, England in 1820. The story follows Amelia Moore, who is concerned about her and her sister's future. With their stepfather's impending death, Amelia knows they will soon be left with nothing. When they receive an invitation to a house party at Lakeshire Park, Amelia sees an opportunity to secure a match for her sister, Clara, with Sir Ronald. However, she soon discovers that another guest, Mr. Peter Wood, has the same goal for his sister. A rivalry ensues between Amelia and Peter, starting with a disagreement over a glove. As they compete against each other, Amelia realizes she may be risking her heart in the process.
Sally Britton
Letters for Phoebe
"Letters for Phoebe" by Sally Britton is a charming romance novel about Phoebe Kimball, a practical young woman searching for a husband in London. When she starts receiving anonymous letters warning her about unsuitable suitors, she forms a connection with the mysterious writer. Meanwhile, Griffin Fenwick, a man who usually avoids marriage-minded women, becomes intrigued by Phoebe's wit and company. As their relationship develops, Griffin wishes to be more than just her anonymous correspondent. However, when Phoebe discovers Griffin's true identity, she must decide whether to follow her practicality or embrace love.
Sally Britton
A Duchess for the Duke
In "A Duchess for the Duke" by Sally Britton, a young duke named Gregory Dinard seeks a practical match rather than a love-filled one. He wants a companion to help him navigate his new role as a duke. Lady Cecilia, a woman of grace and intelligence, never expects to catch the duke's eye. However, she agrees to the arrangement as it allows her the freedom to pursue her love of architecture. As they start their new life together, Gregory finds himself developing affection and attraction towards his wife. Will their practical marriage turn into something more, or will Gregory be left with unrequited love for his duchess?
Sally Britton
Romancing the Artist
"Romancing the Artist" by Sally Britton is a heartwarming story about Caroline Clapham, a talented artist who dreams of seeing the world. When she meets Edward Everly, they agree to fake a courtship, but their relationship soon becomes more than just a ruse. As Edward faces the pressure of his family's expectations, Caroline's dreams are on the verge of coming true. Will their pretend courtship turn into something real, or will they have to sacrifice their own happiness for the sake of others?
Samantha Hastings
Secret of the Sonnets
In "Secret of the Sonnets" by Samantha Hastings, Miranda Hatch, a scholarly woman in her late twenties, is determined to find the lost manuscripts of William Shakespeare. She discovers a connection between the famous playwright and Lord Robert Hamilton, a charming marquess in her local area. Miranda writes a letter to Lord Hamilton, requesting access to his ancestral papers in hopes of securing her academic success. Lord Hamilton, burdened by debt and the need to save his family home, initially dismisses Miranda's letter. However, he soon realizes that granting her request may have financial benefits. To their surprise, Miranda and Lord Hamilton join forces to solve a centuries-old mystery, all while their attraction to each other grows. But they must be cautious, as someone else is also after the valuable papers and will stop at nothing to claim them.
Sarah M. Eden
Drops of Gold
When Marion's father dies and leaves her with nothing, she decides to start a new life as a governess named Mary Wood. With a fake letter of recommendation, Marion takes on the role of teacher and caretaker for Miss Caroline Jonquil. However, Marion soon discovers that Caroline is in desperate need of hope and that the house is haunted by sorrow. With her positive attitude, Marion brings joy back into their lives. Layton Jonquil, Caroline's father, is haunted by the lies surrounding his late wife's death but finds himself drawn to the beautiful governess. Despite the social boundaries, Layton believes Marion is the woman he's meant to love. However, when Layton's fears and the lies they are entangled in threaten their relationship, will their love be strong enough to overcome it all?
Sarah M. Eden
Friends and Foes
In "Friends and Foes" by Sarah M. Eden, Philip Jonquil, Earl of Lampton, is a spy tracker who is on the hunt for his final target. However, his plans are disrupted when he meets Sorrel Kendrick, a beautiful and outspoken young lady who is unimpressed by him. Despite their initial animosity, Philip and Sorrel find themselves drawn to each other. As they navigate their growing attraction, they also become involved in a mission to catch a French spy. Will they be able to put aside their pride and work together to achieve their goals?
Sian Ann Bessey
The Unassuming Curator
"The Unassuming Curator" by Sian Ann Bessey is a charming historical romance novel set in London. The story follows Emily Norton, a book lover who is anxious about entering Society during the London Season. However, her worries are momentarily forgotten when she encounters a mysterious gentleman digging up flowers in a hedgerow. Before she can learn more about him, she is whisked away to London. The gentleman, Henry Buckland, is the curator of natural history at the British Museum and has a secret: he struggles to distinguish certain colors. Despite this, he finds himself drawn to Emily and they bond over their shared love of science and nature. However, their budding romance is threatened by competition and tensions at the museum. As danger looms, Henry must fight to protect his livelihood and win Emily's heart.
Sofi Laporte
Miss Hilversham and the Pesky Duke
In "Miss Hilversham and the Pesky Duke" by Sofi Laporte, a strict schoolmistress named Miss Eleonore Hilversham finds herself in a battle with the degenerate Duke of Rochford. The duke, tired of his decadent lifestyle, arrives in Bath with the intention of turning over a new leaf. However, when Miss Hilversham opposes his presence, he decides to turn his new house into a gambling den just to annoy her. As their conflict escalates, both Miss Hilversham and the duke reveal hidden sides of themselves. Amidst tragedy, they question their preconceived notions about each other. Can love overcome their differences and conflicting goals?
Tiffany Odekirk
Summerhaven
"Summerhaven" by Tiffany Odekirk tells the story of childhood friends Hannah Kent and Oliver Jennings. Hannah is excited to spend the summer at Oliver's family's country estate, hoping to finally marry him. However, things take an unexpected turn when Oliver seems uninterested and Damon, Oliver's older brother, is determined to avoid marriage. Despite her dislike for Damon, Hannah agrees to a plan that involves pretending to be in love with him. As the lines between pretense and true love blur, Hannah must navigate her feelings and make a choice.
