I’m excited to share some feel-good historical romance recommendations.
While I have focused on a specific author Jane Austen, I know many of you are craving historical romances that are equally low-angst, funny, and heartwarming.
Historical romances have a unique charm that can transport you to a different era while still delivering the same warmth and joy. So, if you’re looking for some delightful reads that will make you smile, here are my top picks.
Love is Blind by Lindsay Sands
First up is “Love is Blind” by Lindsay Sands. This book might not be as well-known, but it’s a gem. It was one of the first historical romances I read, and I absolutely fell in love with it.
Plot Summary: Our heroine is awkward mainly because she wears glasses, which makes her stand out in a not-so-flattering way.
Her family insists she shouldn’t wear her glasses during the season when meeting potential suitors. This leads to a lot of comedic situations as she trips over things and steps on people’s toes. Enter our dark and mysterious hero, who has his own secrets and could possibly become blind too.
Why I Recommend It: This book is clever, funny, and heartwarming. It was one of those reads that made me smile from start to finish. If you haven’t read it yet, definitely give it a try.
A Duke in Shining Armor by Loretta Chase
Next is “A Duke in Shining Armor” by Loretta Chase. This one was a delight!
Plot Summary: Our heroine is in a marriage of convenience and is supposed to marry a Duke she despises because of his womanizing reputation.
On her wedding day, she gets drunk and tries to run away. The Duke’s best friend ends up chasing after her to protect her. This creates a bit of angst since he’s trying not to offend his best friend while realizing he has feelings for her.
Why I Recommend It: This book is fun with a lot of trouble and antics. The hero’s pursuit of the heroine is both charming and entertaining. If you enjoy a forbidden romance with light angst, this is for you.
The Scoundrel Falls Hard by Sophie Jordan
“The Scoundrel Falls Hard” by Sophie Jordan is another great pick, part of the Duke Hunt series.
Plot Summary: Our hero is a con artist who gets caught by a village and is about to be hanged for his crimes.
The heroine, a female blacksmith, saves him by claiming he is her betrothed. They have to navigate a fake marriage while dealing with the hero’s past and the chemistry between them.
Why I Recommend It: This book is intriguing with its unconventional heroine and the fake marriage trope. It’s a quick, enjoyable read with plenty of chemistry between the characters.
The Wrong Marquess by Vivienne Lorret
Another recommendation is “The Wrong Marquess” by Vivienne Lorret.
Plot Summary: This story involves unrequited love where the hero is in love with the heroine, but she loves someone else.
Throughout the book, the hero tries to prevent her from spending time with the other man, hoping she’ll realize he’s the right one for her.
Why I Recommend It: The hero is charming and flirty, but only for the heroine. The story is sweet and entertaining as the heroine slowly realizes who she truly loves.
Tall, Duke, and Dangerous by Megan Frampton
Next is “Tall, Duke, and Dangerous” by Megan Frampton, part of the Hazards of Dukes series.
Plot Summary: Our hero is a brute and considered dangerous because he fights a lot. However, he has a soft spot for the heroine, who is a servant-turned-lady in training. Their relationship blossoms as he becomes very protective of her.
Why I Recommend It: I love stories with alpha heroes who are misunderstood teddy bears. This book has a light, comedic feel and is really cute.
Four Weeks of Scandal by Megan Frampton
Another great read is “Four Weeks of Scandal,” also by Megan Frampton and part of the Hazards of Dukes series.
Plot Summary: The heroine inherits a property from her father, but the hero claims he won it in a gambling bet. They have to live together in the estate and figure out who the rightful owner is. This leads to fun banter and an enemies-to-lovers situation.
Why I Recommend It: The forced proximity and the playful banter between the characters make this book a fun read. It’s low-angst and very enjoyable.
The Rake Gets Ravished by Sophie Jordan
Lastly, “The Rake Gets Ravished” by Sophie Jordan, part of the Duke Hunt series.
Plot Summary: The heroine’s brother gambles away the ownership papers to their property. She sneaks into the gambling den to retrieve them and meets the hero, who is the owner.
They have an intimate moment, but when he realizes she stole from him, he hunts her down.
Why I Recommend It: The hero is unexpectedly caring and soft towards the heroine. This slow-burn romance is sweet and comforting.
Conclusion
These are my top historical romance recommendations that are sure to make you feel good. Each book offers a unique story with engaging characters and heartwarming romance.
I hope you find some new favorites to add to your reading list. Let me know in the comments if you have any historical romance recommendations or if you’ve read any of these books. Happy reading!