10 Best Historical Romance Novels UK 2023

Even if you're completely new to the world of historical romance, you've probably heard of Jane Austen. Although she didn't receive a single award during her lifetime, she's one of the most renowned female writers in the world. This particular novel, which is set in Regency-era England, is a cornerstone of British literature and continues to captivate readers to this day.

Pride and Prejudice explores the turbulent relationship between middle-class Elizabeth Bennet and wealthy aristocrat Mr Darcy. Elizabeth insists on only marrying for love, while Darcy can't see past Elizabeth's low social status. Over time though, they begin to realise that they can't seem to shake the strong feelings that they have for each other. Will love triumph over all? You'll have to read this novel to find out!

A list of the best historical romance novels wouldn't be complete without an offering from Georgette Heyer as she practically created the Regency sub-genre! Her stories are known for being full of wit, comedy, and astute observations about love (without any sexual content) - and this one is no different.

In The Corinthian, Richard is forced into a loveless marriage by his family. One night, he encounters Penelope, who is in the process of escaping from her own unwanted wedding. The pair decide to run away together and eventually fall head over heels in love while encountering all sorts of troubles on the road. Light-hearted and charming, this is a wholesome read that you should definitely add to your library!

Scandalous Desires follows kind-hearted widow Silence Hollingbrook, who desperately seeks help from charming river pirate Mickey O'Connor. Mickey vowed to protect Silence and her daughter years ago, but his ruthless temperament means that he'll step on anyone and anything as he claws his way to the top rank of society. Will his love for Silence push him to give up the reckless pirate life for good?

This is a story of passion that keeps building between two people who refuse to admit their feelings - until they can't deny it any longer! Thanks to their charisma and incredible chemistry, we reckon you'll be rooting for the main characters right until the very last page.

In A Week to Be Wicked, devilish Lord Payne and spinster Minerva Highwood convince their families that they're in love and fake an elopement to Scotland. On their journey, which involves sharing a bed every night, they run into a number of troubles but always manage to escape. Along the way, their feelings towards each other grow until the reader begins to wonder - could it be that they've fallen in love for real?

One of the top-rated historical romance novels on Goodreads, this is undoubtedly a book that ticks all the boxes! It has likeable characters, hilarious dialogue, a plot that'll keep you guessing, and a whole lot of intimacy - precisely what you'd expect from this genre. 

After reuniting with her husband, Claire walks through a mysterious stone circle and is catapulted from 1946 back to 1743, where a young Highland warrior takes her hostage. What follows is a slow-burn romance between Claire and her protector Jamie - a relationship that's full of fire and danger due to the enemies pursuing them both.

Having been developed into a chart-topping Netflix series, Outlander has stolen the hearts of people of all ages. The mix of time travel, passionate characters, and an unpredictable plot makes it a fantastic historical romance novel!

Emily Brontë is one of the most famous authors in the historical romance genre, and Wuthering Heights is an absolute classic. It follows Heathcliff, who is reduced to a servant by the Earnshaw family but returns to the moors as an educated rich man seeking revenge. However, his deep feelings for Catherine Earnshaw complicate matters.

The conflict between the two families, as well as the two women who fall in love with Heathcliff, makes for a gripping ride. This is a tale of heartache, doomed romance, and social disparity that you simply must read at least once in your life!

Desperate to return home to her lover, fearless Georgina sneaks onboard a boat to America disguised as a male servant. The captain of the ship, James Malory, is a handsome ex-pirate who swears that he will never marry. As these two hot-headed characters spend more and more time together, their attraction eventually becomes undeniable.

This is the third book in the Malory-Anderson series, but it works well as a stand-alone and readers describe it as the best out of all three. The story is flirtatious, hilarious, and heartwarming, with the main characters fitting together so perfectly that it's simply a joy to read!

Mine Till Midnight is the captivating story of the explosive relationship between a wealthy aristocratic man and a sweet yet strong-willed woman. Cam is mysterious, seductive, and excites Amelia beyond her imagination, instilling a fire in her that cannot be put out. They are, after all, each other's destiny.

Lisa Kleypas has written several books in the historical romance genre, many of which follow Cam through his endless trials and tribulations. This novel is definitely one of her best - each kiss will leave you breathless, longing to know what happens next!

Jack grew up in the desolate slums of London, leading a life of crime due to desperation. He helps people in need with Robin Hood-style crimes but steers clear of the nobility, whom he deeply distrusts. All of this changes when he meets Oliver, a dashing soldier born into the upper class. These two men couldn't be more different, but they're inexplicably drawn to each other.

This novel is packed full of emotional turmoil, cheeky banter, and steamy scenes as our heroes go from enemies to lovers - it's got everything you could possibly want from this genre!

Best-selling American author Beverly Jenkins has delivered a truly enchanting historical romance with Something Like Love. Protagonist Olivia has big dreams and is desperate to escape her arranged marriage. While fleeing her hometown, her train is robbed by a handsome outlaw, sparking a dramatic love story like no other. 

We love the fact that societal roles are reversed in this tale with the woman taking the lead - Olivia is not a woman to be messed with! A total page-turner that you can easily read over a couple of days, this book is fun and thought-provoking.