Group avatar

Historical Romance

For all those who love to read Historical Romance novels.

Feel free to discuss or recommend a book. Questions about HR novels are also welcome.
  • Category: Genres | Started Monday, July 2 2007

« more discussions

  • Kelly B

    Of All the Romances You've Read, What is Your Favorite?

    When ever I'm done reading a book, I always find myself thinking about certain parts of a book and wanting to go back and re-read them. One of my favorites right now is 'The Queens Lady' by Shannon Drake. I love when books end with an update of their lives, a look into the future of what their lives are like. I also find myself going back to 'Heart of Fire' by Kat Martin. It's actually part of the Heart Trilogy, though I didn't know it at the time, and I haven't read any of the other books yet.
    Kelly B started this discussion 3 months ago. ( reply )

53

replies
expand replies 
Sign in to participate in this discussion.
  • Cindy W

    Cindy W 

    I can't, just can't pick one.

    Julie Garwood
    Honor's Splendour
    The Prize
    Saving Grace

    Lisa Kleypas
    Sugar Daddy

    Paula Quinn
    Laird of the Mist

    Lynsay Sands
    The Key
    posted 3 months ago. ( reply )
    show 5 replies
    • Evangeline C

      Evangeline C 

      Well....I can narrow it down to two.

      Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas and Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase.
      posted 3 months ago. ( reply )
    • Evangeline C removed this reply 3 months ago.
    • Tessa

      Tessa 

      I've never read Lynsay Sands. I see so much about her on here that I ordered a copy of The Key. It's shipping out to me today, so hopefully, I'll get it soon.
      posted 3 months ago. ( reply )
    • jerrica k

      jerrica k 

      Hi! I'm new to the board, but I thought i would chime in :) I have a lot of the same favorites: Devil in Winter, Romancing Mr. Bridgerton and Catherine Coulter's Bride Trilogy are at the top of my list. I'm a big fan of Sabrina Jeffries and Stephanie Laurens as well - it's hard to narrow it down!
      posted 2 months ago. ( reply )
    • ancestorsearch

      ancestorsearch 

      Love Honor's Splendour, have the other 2 by Garwood in my TBR looking forward to reading them someday.
      posted 9 days ago. ( reply )
  • rainlily

    rainlily 

    Right now, it's Highland Wolf by Hannah Howell and Midnight Warrior by Iris Johansen. :) I just love both of these books. The characters, the locations, the plots. So incredibly good. lol
    posted 3 months ago. ( reply )
    show 2 replies
    • Leigh Ann B

      Leigh Ann B (edited)

      I can't pick just one either. Several Kathleen Woodiwiss books come to mind straight away--A Rose in Winter, Ashes in the Wind, The Wolf and the Dove, etc.

      I recently read Devil in Winter, It Happened One Autumn and Scandal in Spring by Lisa Kleypas and they were outstanding and are now marked as favorites. I haven't read a Karen Marie Moning or Kinley MacGregor that I haven't liked either.


      I love Kresley Cole's historicals too.
      posted 3 months ago. ( reply )
    • Tania B

      Tania B 

      I would have to say that Diana Gabaldon is the best romance series that I have read
      posted 3 months ago. ( reply )
  • Grain de Beaute

    Grain de Beaute 

    Julia Quinn- The Viscount Who Loved Me, Romancing Mr.Bridgerton
    Julie Garwood- The Gift, Ransom, The Wedding, The Bride, The Secret
    Judith McNaught- Paradise, A Kingdom of Dreams, Once and Always
    Lisa Kleypas- Devil in Winter
    posted 3 months ago. ( reply )
    show 2 replies
    • KayleeNY

      KayleeNY 

      Cool faves! You should definitely check out Eloisa James. If you love Julia Quinn and Lisa Kleypas I think you'd really enjoy her as well.
      posted 2 months ago. ( reply )
    • Grain de Beaute

      Grain de Beaute 

      I will check out her out KayleeNY! A friend of mine recommended some of her back list to me.♥ Eloisa James seem to be a favorite to a lot of romance readers. ^_^

      By the way, what's your favorite Eloisa James novel?
      posted 2 months ago. ( reply )
  • Gillybags

    Gillybags 

    Wow - you do ask difficult questions don't you? Just one favourite? I couldn't - really!
    Some of my absolute favs (the ones I literally couldn't live without are:-
    Then Came You - Lisa Kleypas
    Lord of Scoundrels - Loretta Chase
    Ransom - Julie Garwood
    Flowers from the Storm - Laura Kinsale
    The Secret Pearl - Mary Balogh
    posted 3 months ago. ( reply )
    show 4 replies
    • joannarem

      joannarem 

      I really, really want to read Ransom!!!!! But I can't find any here in the Philippines and I don't have any credit card or whatever......!
      posted 2 weeks ago. ( reply )
    • Gillybags

      Gillybags 

      One of the reasons I love 'Ransom' so much is that the heroine has the same name as me - Gillian (in my case pronounced with a hard 'g')
      posted 2 weeks ago. ( reply )
    • Gillybags removed this reply 2 weeks ago.
    • Gillybags removed this reply 2 weeks ago.
  • dreamertambien

    dreamertambien 

    Kadine, by Beatrice Small
    posted 3 months ago. ( reply )
    show 8 replies
    • Kelly B

      Kelly B 

      I absolutely love that book! Have you been able to kind other books along that story like? I've found a few, but none like Kadine.
      posted 3 months ago. ( reply )
    • dreamertambien

      dreamertambien 

      Hi, Beatrice small wrote several others that continued the story to the next several generations, but Kadine was certainly the best. Happy reading
      posted 3 months ago. ( reply )
    • Kelly B

      Kelly B 

      I picked up a few Beatrice Small books. I just finished reading Innocent, and now I am reading Philippa. I think she may become my favorite author.
      posted 3 months ago. ( reply )
    • dreamertambien

      dreamertambien 

      kelly, those are two i have not read, will have to try and find them
      posted 2 months ago. ( reply )
    • doughgirl5562

      doughgirl5562 

      The Kadin is one of my favorite books - an epic historical romance. I
      posted 2 months ago. ( reply )
    • dreamertambien

      dreamertambien 

      Ya this book got me interested in the Ottomans a part of history i had not read much about. But is my all time favorite romance story. since i also like scottish books too was a double header. Take care, j
      posted 2 months ago. ( reply )
    • Kelly B

      Kelly B 

      Dreamertambien, what other ottoman books have you found?
      posted 2 months ago. ( reply )
    • dreamertambien

      dreamertambien (edited)

      Mostly history things from library, i will have to look up, as i read them more than 10 yrs ago. I am at work at he moment so later tonight, OK
      posted 2 months ago. ( reply )
  • Fraoch

    Fraoch 

    If you mean just romance historicals then I think I would have to say one book that I have read over and over and enjoyed is May McGoldrick's HEARTS OF GOLD, but my all time favorite trilogy/series the Beloved series by Mallory Burgess: BELOVED KNIGHT, BELOVED HONOR and BELOVED LORD.

    Straight historicals ( with romantic elements) KATHERINE by Anya Seton, THE WINTER SEA by Susanna Kearsley, KINGDOM OF SHADOWS by Barbara Erskine and HERE BE DRAGONS by Sharon Kay Penman. There are many more as well but these are re-read once a year.
    posted 3 months ago. ( reply )
  • Jen D

    Jen D 

    i dont think i could pick just one...

    julie garwood The Bride
    leigh greenwood The Captains caress
    johanna lindsey Pirates Love
    connie mason The Pirate prince and the pirate
    margaret moore The overlords bride
    virginia henley temptation

    and many more lol... I guess it depends what you want as far as plot or setting :P
    posted 3 months ago. ( reply )
    show 3 replies
    • Debbie S

      Debbie S 

      Hi everyone,
      I'm new here and it looks like a lot of my favorites were already mentioned. I love Julie Garwood-my faves are The Secret and Saving Grace.
      Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series-my fave is The Viscount Who Loved Me and Romaning Mr. Bridgerton
      Stephanie Laurens-I'm reading Edge of Desire right now and am enjoying it. I like her Cynster series.
      Johanna Lindsey's Mallory series
      posted 1 month ago. ( reply )
    • Kelly B

      Kelly B 

      Hi Debbie,
      I've read all the Mallory series except maybe the most recent books she's written for the series. She had stopped writing Mallory stories until recently and I have not had a chance to pick them up yet, but they are on my list and I look forward to reading them!
      posted 1 month ago. ( reply )
    • Sheila Smith

      Sheila Smith 

      It's great to see other enjoy my faves too. Anything by Julie Garwood but I loved The Bride and The Wedding. I also enjoy Johanna Lindsey and Virginia Henley The Pirate and The Pagan.

      Thanks for the list, now I have a few more books to read...
      posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )
  • Corinne S

    Corinne S 

    Hello everyone. I'm new to the list.
    I'm surprised not to see my absolute favorite book of all time in this discussion:

    Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon.

    I have read these books 3 times and constantly listen to them on audio.

    Well i've written down some of the favorites mentioned here and i'm gonna give them a read.
    posted 3 months ago. ( reply )
  • cathysdesigns

    cathysdesigns 

    Two of the books I like to reread are Scandal - Amanda Quick and So Speaks the Heart - Johanna Lindsey. I have over 2,000 books waiting to be read and when I just need an old friend I pull out 1 of these.
    posted 3 months ago. ( reply )
    show 5 replies
    • Kelly B

      Kelly B 

      WOW! You have over 2000 books? Do you actually own them, or is it just your want list that is that long?
      posted 3 months ago. ( reply )
    • admanalang removed this reply 3 months ago.
    • admanalang

      admanalang (edited)

      I love Amanda Quick's business-minded femmes such as Emily Farringdon (Scandal), Charlotte Arkendale (Affair), and Emma Greyson (I Thee Wed). I run a small business now and it's great to escape to I Thee Wed and The Rake (MJ Putney) once in a while.
      posted 3 months ago. ( reply )
    • cathysdesigns

      cathysdesigns 

      Well, according to my Book Collectorz program, I have 2,463 in my home right now. About 300 are reference books I won't trade, but yeah I have that many to read and I just sent 11 out the door today, but picked up 15 on Thrusday. I have read and gotten rid of over 5,000 books in the last 20 years. My wishlist is close to 500. I've started listening to audio while I work and drive, just to make a bigger dint in the pile!
      posted 3 months ago. ( reply )
    • Kelly B

      Kelly B 

      Well all I have toi say is Holy Cow and good for you! I have about 250 books in my house that I've read and can't seem to part with, though I know I should. To have over 2500 books makes me very jealous. I've always wanted a real mini library in my house, with shelves and everything, but I have no room for something like that. It sounds like you do though!
      posted 3 months ago. ( reply )
  • admanalang

    admanalang 

    Top picks:
    I Thee Wed (Amanda Quick)
    The Rake (Mary Jo Putney)

    Runners up: Shattered Rainbows, The Bargain (Mary Jo Putney); The Paid Companion, Mystique (Amanda Quick)
    posted 3 months ago. ( reply )
  • KayleeNY

    KayleeNY 

    It's definitely difficult to pick just one. A few of my favorites that I get a craving to reread every few months are Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn, The Sherbrooke Bride by Catherine Coulter, The Gift by Julie Garwood, and Pleasure for Pleasure by Eloisa James.
    posted 2 months ago. ( reply )
    show 1 reply
    • Grain de Beaute

      Grain de Beaute 

      Hey KayleeNY!

      We almost have the same favorites except Catherine Coulther and Eloisa James but only because I haven't read a book by those authors yet. ^_^

      I love The Gift and Romancing Mr.Bridgerton. They are among my DIKE books. I just love them.♥

      Happy reading!
      posted 2 months ago. ( reply )
  • jerrica k

    jerrica k 

    Oh, and I can't forget Lauren Willig - The Secret History of the Pink Carnation is probably my number 1!
    posted 2 months ago. ( reply )
  • gatadelafuente

    gatadelafuente 

    Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase is still my favorite. It's got every thing I need in a romance. The only thing I don't like is that it had to end.
    posted 2 months ago. ( reply )
  • Luella S

    Luella S (edited)

    Right now, "The Silver Devil", by Theresa Denys. Most of Julie Garwood, and Madeleine Brent. Jayne Ann Krentz.
    (typo)
    posted 2 months ago. ( reply )
  • Jeanette S

    Jeanette S 

    My 2 alltime favorites are
    Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon
    Kushiel's Legacy series by Jacqueline Carey
    posted 2 months ago. ( reply )
    show 1 reply
    • Brigade

      Brigade (edited)

      What a coincidence Luella, I just finished rereading that book a couple of days ago. Her first name is Teresa.

      Some of my favorites are :
      -After Innocence/Secrets/The Fires of Paradise/Firestorm by Brenda Joyce
      -The Fulfillment by LaVyrle Spencer
      -Alyx by Lolah Burford (not a romance)
      -STORMFIRE by Christine Monson
      -The Portrait by Megan Chance
      -Night Fire/The Rebel Bride/Devil's Embrace by Catherine Coulter
      -Courtney's Cowboy by Susan Macias (Susan Mallery)
      -Michael's Father by Dallas Schulze
      -Wideacre by Philippa Gregory (not a romance0
      -Jemma by Beverly Byrne
      and the list goes on........

      posted 1 month ago. ( reply )
  • Dangerbabe

    Dangerbabe (edited)

    hey guys am not bragging but i think i've read the best of the best. u want to read good books try out books from julie garwood, barbara cartland, johanna lindsey, sara woods, shannon drake, and jude deveraux and that just listing some of the few. the best book i've read so far is rainbow's end by Rebecca Brandewyne
    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )
  • Kelly B

    Kelly B 

    I've recently found Bertrice Small. I think she has been writing romance novels for a long time because some of her books are really hard to find. I started out with the Kadin (I think I've mentioned, or commented on this book somewhere below), but I’ve also branched out to her other books, some single stories, and some in saga's. I absolutely love her! She is the only romance author I am reading right now and any book of her's I can get my hands on, I read.
    posted 1 month ago. ( reply )
    show 1 reply
    • Erin Quinn aka Erin Grady

      Erin Quinn aka Erin Grady 

      Oh, there's some here that I haven't read yet but I will soon. My favorites are Outlander, Diana Gabaldon
      The Bride, Julie Garwood
      The Smoke Thief and Dream Thief, Shana Abe
      Bet Me, Jennifer Crusie
      posted 1 month ago. ( reply )
  • Brenda R

    Brenda R (edited)

    Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon is my absolute favorite (the first book is the one I like the most).
    For strictly historical romances, Lynn Kurland has some great ones, my favorite being "This is All I Ask", the story of Christopher of Blackmoor & Jillian of Werwyck
    I also love Mary Balogh's Bedwyn series, my favorite being "Slightly Dangerous", about the Duke himself.
    posted 3 weeks ago. ( reply )
  • Krista H

    Krista H 

    Betrice Small: The Khadin
    Virginia Henley: A Woman of Passion

    Both of which are appealing in an Epic sort of way, these books show you the lifetime of a woman, and not just a sliver.

    Karen Marie Moning: All her works
    Catherine Coulter: Song-Series
    Laurell K Hamiltons: Gentry Series
    posted 2 weeks ago. ( reply )
  • joannarem

    joannarem 

    Julie Garwood:
    The Gift
    Honour's Splendour
    The Wedding

    Susan Elizaberh Phillips:
    This Heart of Mine
    Breathing Room

    Judith McNaught:
    Paradise

    I forgot some others... ^^
    posted 2 weeks ago. ( reply )
    show 1 reply
    • Grain de Beaute

      Grain de Beaute 

      OMG~! Your JG and JM picks are my favorites too.♥
      posted 6 days ago. ( reply )
  • ancestorsearch

    ancestorsearch 

    Wow, I can name several:

    Jane Austin: Pride & Prejudice
    Diane Gabaldon: All the books in the Outlander Series
    Paullina Simons: The Bronze Horseman, Titiana & Alexander
    Judith McNaught: Something Wonderful & Whitney, My Love
    Johanna Lindsey: Marriage most Scandalous
    Lisa Kleypas: Stranger in my Arms
    Christina Dodd: Lost Princess Series
    Elizabeth Chadwick: All her books
    Julie Garwood: Honor's Splendour

    My newest favorite: The Bride Finder Susan Carroll

    I do have more but thought I should stop


    posted 9 days ago. ( reply )
    show 1 reply
    • delia A

      delia A 

      I can't just choose one as the best because I have several "best novels.My favorite historical romance novels are:

      1) Judith McNaught - The Kingdom of Dreams, Almost Heaven, Whitney My Love
      2) Johanna Lindsey - Secret Fire, A Heart So Wild, The Magic of You, The Devil Who Tamed Her, The Pursuit
      3) Julie Garwood - Honour's Splendor, The Secret, For the Roses
      4) Jude Deveraux - Knight in Shining Armor, The Legend,
      posted 8 days ago. ( reply )
  • cutiediva

    cutiediva 

    Judith McNaught : Whitney, My Love, A Kingdom of Dreams, Something Wonderful, Once & Always, Paradaise, Perfect

    Stephanie Laurens : Devil's Bride (my favorite among the Cynster series)

    Johanna Lyndsey : Gentle Rogue, The Magic of You, Say You Love Me, Hearts Aflame,

    Nora Roberts/J. D. Robb : In Death series (of Eve & Roarke), The MacGregor Brides, The MacGregor Grooms

    Suzanne Enoch : Flirting with Danger, Don't Look Down, Billionaires Prefer Blonde, A Touch of Mix

    Julie Garwood : Rebellious Desire, The Gift, Castle

    Bertrice Small : Skye O'Malley, This Heart of Mine

    Catherine Coulter : Devil's Embrace, Devil's Daughter

    Linda Howard : Mackenzie's series



    posted 8 days ago. ( reply )
  • book-of-secrets

    book-of-secrets 

    Ransom by Julie Garwood is my all-time favorite. It will never leave my bookshelf! I'm happy to see it came up as other readers' favorite too!
    posted 5 days ago. ( reply )
  • To reply to this discussion, please sign in or join now.

Return to top
© 2008 Tastemakers, Inc. | Portions of Shelfari.com are Copyright © 1996-2008 Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy