These Historical Romances Will Sweep You Away

Is the modern age getting to be a bit much? We have a solution. Curl up with a cozy throw blanket, and crack open a romance novel that combines sexy tales and historical fiction. Soon enough, you'll be swept up into a world of duchesses in big dresses and charming rakes with winks in their eyes. In this version of the past, everyone gets a happy ending.

While the landed gentry of Regency England have certainly claimed a lot of the historical romance genre's real estate—including the basis for the Bridgerton series on Netflix, adapted from Julia Quinn's novels—there are lusty stories set in every era. Even tense ones, like King Henry VIII's court or the Civil War, can be the backdrop for people coming together. These well-researched books are steeped in the details of another time, so you'll pick up on the realities of life in Colorado in the 1870s, or Han Dynasty China. The settings differ, but the potency of the characters' connection stays the same—after all, love is universal.

Another characteristic of the historical romance genre is abundance. Many of these books are part of a series, meaning you don't really have to leave your literary friends (or the writing style) behind.

Finally, a note: Since the historical romance world is so sprawling, forgive us if we left your faves off the list. Let us know in the comments which books you're passionate about, as we'll be updating this story.