I did say I was indecisive. After reading
over my last post I noticed that I hadn’t included any historical romance, what
an oversight! So, since it’s still Read-a-Romance Month, and will continue to
be so until the end of August, I thought I’d sneak another wee favourites post
in.
Historical romance is undoubtedly one of
my favourite sub-genres of romance and I am clearly not alone. Historical
romance takes us back to a time when the heroes were dashing, the heroines
witty and sharp and the clothes simply divine – I mean, who doesn’t love a good
cravat? Anyway, with no further ado here are (some of) my favourite historical
romance novels.
Outlander
– Diana Gabaldon:
Despite the fact that Gabaldon herself doesn’t consider her Outlander series a romance there are
many fans who would disagree, and while it may be the case that the series,
certainly in the later novels, is more easily categorised as historical
fiction, one of the mainstays of the books is the relationship between Jamie
and Claire. The unconventional beginnings and time travel elements have put
some readers off but the book is well worth persevering with, I promise. During
her second honeymoon, former World War Two nurse Claire Randall is transported
back 200 hundred years to 18th century Scotland, a country torn by
war and on the brink of rebellion.
The research Gabaldon put into her novel
is more than evident and the rich detail serve to make it one of the best
historical novels, romance or not, around. Undoubtedly the spark that ignited
the Highland Romance flame you can never beat the original. The fact that the
book is only the beginning of the series is another plus point as it gives you
eight (soon to be) wonderful novels to track Jamie and Claire after their
initial HEA, a truly epic romance. Interestingly Outlander is soon to be a miniseries on Starz (anyone else
cautiously excited?).
North
& South – Elizabeth Gaskell: I don’t think I could do any romance collection justice without
including a classic and my classic of choice is one of the best and most well
known novels by the less well known Gaskell.
Arguably an unashamed rehashing of Austen’s Pride
& Prejudice, Gaskell’s novel will be known to a few due to its hugely
successful BBC adaptation (if you haven’t seen it, go. Go now and thank me
later), but as usual the book has considerably more depth. Heroine Margaret
Hale is uprooted from her idyllic home in the south to the industrial north
where she meets mill-owner John Thornton.
North
& South is the
epitome of Victorian literature, much darker and more overtly socially
conscious than its Regency counterpart. Gaskell’s novel appeals to me more than
the traditional P&P due impart to
this social commentary. The Victorian era has always been a favourite of mine
and Gaskell highlights all that makes it both the best and worst of British
history. I also believe John Thornton and Margaret Hale to be much a more
relatable couple than Darcy and Bennet, a contentious opinion at best. If
you’re a fan of the classics and are looking for something new I heartily
recommend giving Gaskell a try, she may not beat out Austen for you but she’s
undoubtedly a change.
The Leopard Prince –
Elizabeth Hoyt: Picking a favourite from Hoyt wasn’t easy and I’ve reviewed
another contender for the top-spot here. Hoyt is, I believe, one of the better
historical romance authors out there today. Her novels manage to be both
substantial and entertaining whilst also containing some of the best love
stories. Initially weary of the plot Hoyt’s attention to detail soon won me
over and The Leopard Prince is truly
one of my favourite romance novels. Similar to Lady Chatterley’s Lover, The
Leopard Prince is the story of Lady of means, Georgina Maintland, and her
land steward Harry Pye.
Hoyt manages to bring together lush
historical pieces with enough empathy that the characters are instantly
relatable. Her novels are on the spicier side but without the seemingly
superfluous sex scenes thrown in somewhere near the middle. Despite the
somewhat difficult trope of the servant/landed classes romance, Hoyt manages to
pull it off in a realistic manner, remaining faithful to her era and her
characters. I find Hoyts novels to be a bit meatier than the likes of James and
Quinn but they still have plenty of wit and are sure to give you a wee flutter
at the resolution.
Kiss at Midnight – Eloisa
James: James is a well-established name in the historical romance genre and is
surely one of the greats. Again, picking a favourite was no mean feat and I
decided to eventually plump for Kiss at
Midnight due to the fun that James clearly had with the novel that easily
transfers to the reader (for the record the runner up was Much Ado About You). James’ novels aren’t always the best for
strict historical accuracy, but then again I’m sure that’s not her main
intention. What they are is entertaining and sexy romance reads. Kiss at Midnight is the first in James’
fairy tale series and is her twist on Cinderella.
James’ fairy tale series gives her ample
opportunity to craft a fun and sweeping romance with more than the usual
artistic license. Kiss at Midnight is
playful and witty whilst maintaining plenty of substance. All of James’ books
are entertaining and sexy but I really enjoy her fairy tale series as I feel
that they are more fun and light than the rest. Not everyone’s favourites I
know, but if you want a sweeping romance that you can loose yourself in, I
heartily recommend any of James’ novels.
The Duke and I – Julia
Quinn: Ok, so I am kinda cheating with this one, my favourite of Quinn’s novels
is pretty much the entire Bridgerton series, of which The Duke and I is the first. The Bridgertons probably don’t need an
introduction to most; Quinn’s best selling novels revolve around eight of the
most charming, alphabetically named siblings you’re likely to meet. Simon
Bassett needs help fighting off the ambitious mothers of the ton; Daphne,
almost on the shelf, needs to reignite the interest in her hand, together they
decide to stage an engagement.
Quinn is well known for her light, witty
romances and the Bridgerton series is surely the best of the best. The family
that you want to become a part of they’re all delightfully charming, amusing
and different enough to keep you enticed throughout the entire series. The Duke and I is the perfect introduction
to the family and they’re sure to worm their way into your heart as soon as you
start reading. Lighter than most, Quinn’s novels are sure to entertain and warm
the cockles of your heart.
Have you read any of my selected
historical romance novels? Let me know some of your favourites and recommend a
good historical read in the comments below.
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