8 Historical Romance Novels To Read In 2025

For readers who long for a journey through time while experiencing unforgettable passion, these novels deliver tales of love that defy eras and conventions. Below is a list of 8 historical romance novels that not only captivate the imagination but linger in the heart long after the final page is turned.

1. The Secret by Julie Garwood

Julie Garwood’s The Secret is a heartwarming and humorous Scottish Highlands romance that has enchanted readers for decades. Lady Judith Hampton travels to the Highlands to be with her best friend during childbirth but finds herself drawn to Iain Maitland, a powerful and stoic laird. Garwood’s signature blend of strong heroines, noble heroes, and emotional depth makes this novel a timeless favorite. With its sweeping setting and lovable characters, The Secret is a delightful blend of historical richness and heartfelt romance.

2. The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons

The story follows Tatiana Metanova, a young woman caught in a crumbling world, and Alexander Belov, a Red Army officer with a dangerous secret. Their love blossoms amidst starvation, war, and political terror. Simons paints a vivid portrait of wartime Russia, crafting a romance so powerful that it endures unthinkable trials. The emotional depth, historical richness, and unrelenting passion between Tatiana and Alexander make this novel a gripping and unforgettable journey through resilience and devotion during humanity’s darkest hours.

3. Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught

Whitney, My Love is a sweeping tale of transformation, heartbreak, and redemption set in the glittering world of Regency England. Whitney Stone, once a wild and willful girl, returns from Paris as a sophisticated young woman determined to win the man she loves. Instead, she becomes entangled with Clayton Westmoreland, the arrogant and passionate Duke of Claymore. Their relationship is complex, fraught with misunderstanding, but deeply emotional. McNaught’s writing brims with elegance and drama, bringing her characters’ internal battles to life. This emotionally intense story redefined the modern historical romance genre and remains a beloved classic for countless readers.

4. A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught

Judith McNaught’s A Kingdom of Dreams transports readers to the rugged world of medieval England and Scotland, where clan loyalties clash and love is forged in fire. Jennifer Merrick, a spirited Scottish noblewoman, is abducted by Royce Westmoreland, the feared English warrior known as the Duke of Claymore. Their animosity gives way to intense passion and understanding, creating a deeply emotional and layered romance. McNaught’s storytelling is rich with dramatic tension, historical atmosphere, and complex characters. The novel beautifully captures the tension between duty and desire, crafting a compelling enemies-to-lovers arc that remains a classic in historical romance literature.

5. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Gone with the Wind is an epic tale of survival, love, and transformation set during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. Scarlett O’Hara, a headstrong Southern belle, is entangled in a tumultuous relationship with the enigmatic Rhett Butler. Their love is as volatile as the times they live in, marked by pride, tragedy, and missed opportunities. Margaret Mitchell’s only novel, it spans decades and delves into themes of power, loss, and the decay of Southern aristocracy. While controversial for its portrayal of race and history, the novel remains a monumental work of American literature and a cornerstone of historical romance.

6. The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

The Winter Sea intertwines two timelines in a beautifully written tale of love, memory, and destiny. Modern-day writer Carrie McClelland travels to Scotland to research a novel and begins to experience vivid memories of a woman named Sophia during the 1708 Jacobite uprising. As Carrie uncovers Sophia’s love for a rebel soldier, the lines between past and present blur. Kearsley’s lush, poetic prose and atmospheric setting create an enchanting narrative that captures the essence of timeless love.

7. The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare

Emma Gladstone, a vicar’s daughter turned seamstress, boldly proposes marriage to the scarred and brooding Duke of Ashbury, who needs an heir. Their practical arrangement soon becomes emotionally complicated as walls come down and affection blossoms. Dare balances humor with heartfelt emotion, crafting characters who are deeply relatable despite their aristocratic world. The novel subverts traditional romance tropes with a modern twist, making it both refreshing and deeply romantic.

8. An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole

Set during the American Civil War, An Extraordinary Union offers a powerful blend of romance, history, and social justice. Elle Burns, a formerly enslaved woman with a photographic memory, goes undercover as a spy for the Union Army. She meets Malcolm McCall, a white detective also working for the Union, and their mission soon gives way to a forbidden yet undeniable attraction.

Why These Novels Continue to Resonate

Each of these historical romance novels offers more than just a love story — they immerse readers in another time, where passion collides with cultural norms, class divisions, war, and personal duty. The best historical romances balance intense emotion, compelling characters, and vivid historical detail, creating stories that remain relevant and deeply moving, regardless of era.

Whether you're looking for steamy Highland warriors, Regency-era nobility, or star-crossed lovers in wartime, this list presents a rich tapestry of narratives designed to make hearts race and imaginations soar. These are not just love stories — they are sagas of strength, survival, and soul-stirring connection.