historical romance starter pack
from swooning over prolonged eye contact at a ball with the ton, to intense yearning between two really good friends in 1960s New York, here are some historical romances to get you hooked on the best subgenre
created by abookishbeginning
last updated July, 2026
Comments
I have a few suggestions for good authors for a starter pack. You don't need to add to the list, but I thought to include some of my faves here:
- Lisa Kleypas (you have one I enjoyed a lot, but I am listing a few of my faves)
- Eloisa James (There are lots of good ones, and if you liked Lisa Kleypas, I think you might like that)
- Amalie Howard (I really like both the older and newer stuff)
- Evie Dunmore
- Mimi Matthews
- Alexandra Vasti
- Jenny Holiday (Earls Trip is so fun imo, but different vibes)
- Elizabeth Everett
Yessss all these authors are on my tbr!! Got any faves of Eloisa James’s you would start with?
Hardly a gentleman and not that duke are new, both are fun, depending on the vibe you are looking for.
I would agree with both of these!
Which one did you prefer
I preferred Hardly a Gentleman. It got off to such a great start, and never looked back.
I really enjoyed both for different reasons!
I was thinking it might be an easier book for someone new to HR.
Ooo awesome I’ll definitely check those out!
perhaps A Gentleman's Gentleman and A Lady for a Duke, for some trans representation?
I second both of these!
I really appreciate the diversity you've got in this list, in terms of race, sexuality, and historic period!
