Make your summer even hotter with these sizzling Regency Romances!
If there is one thing I love in the summertime it's indulging in my guilty reading pleasure, Historical Romances *sigh*. There are several genres within historical romance, but perhaps the most famous one is Regency Romance - which also means that there are so many great series to dive into!
The Regency period refers to the period in British history where George III was deemed unfit to rule (due to madness) and his son, The Prince Regent (hence, Regency), the later George IV, ruled in his place. The period lasted from 1811 until the King's death in 1820.
This period is perhaps the most popular in Historical Romance because it is also the period where many of Jane Austen's novels are set. So you get the distinguished airs of Pride and Prejudice but also spicy, naughty under-the-bodice action. What's not to like?!
If you're new to the genre, I recommend the following 8 series to give you the perfect entryway into Regency Romance.
Bridgertons by Julia Quinn
Books in series: 8
The stars of this series are the eight children, alphabetically named, of the late Viscount of Bridgerton. These siblings are fierce individuals who joke, laugh and strive for better - but they always protect each other.
For me, this series is one of the very best when it comes to Regency Romance. It just has it all, from romance and erotica to quirks and cuteness. These books are light and easy to get through, there's no darker side to them, so they're the best way to just unwind after a long day. As an added bonus there are loads of novellas as well as a prequel series called The Rokesbys set in the late 18th centruy. Also, this series is currently being adapted as a Netflix series!
Read them if you like: Siblings who love each other, light and airy romance, quirky characters
Besotted Scots by Anna Bradley
Books in series: 3
What could make racy historical romance just a little bit better - highlanders of course! With this series, you get adorable Scottish brogue, kilts and dashing heroes - even a bit of M/M romance if that's to your liking.
I only recently tripped over this series but it struck me hard instantly. I love how strong and amazing the female characters are as well as how charming and debonair the male characters are. If you're a bit more experienced with Regency Romance, this series might add something new to the experience for you, it has that original feeling of a series trying to turn things around.
Read it if you like: Scottish heroes and heroines, M/M romance, lovable characters
Spindle Cove by Tessa Dare
Books in series: 5
Spindle Cove is a peaceful corner of England that is famous for its abundance of unwed women - giving it the nickname of 'Spinster Cove'. But how long will these women remain unwed when handsome men come to town?
Tessa Dare is one of the queens of Regency Romance - whatever series of hers you pick up, you're bound to like it! However, my favourite it definitely Spindle Cove. It has so many amazing female characters, who are both strong and independent but also fragile in each their own way.
Read it if you like: Strong women, spinsters who fall in love, military men
The Turner Series by Cat Sebastian
Books in series: 3
Looking for your historical romance to be steamy and queer? Look no further than this series consisting of three M/M romance novels. These men are both handsome, strong and vulnerable.
Sadly, queer historical romance is still not that popular and few authors have ventured into this subgenre. One who has - and who has done it amazingly - is Cat Sebastian. She focuses mainly on M/M romance, meaning man/man romances, so if you're looking for female love, you'll have to go elsewhere. But if men getting it on in regency England sounds like something you'd enjoy, definitely dive into this series head first!
Read it if you like: M/M romance, overcoming obstacles, secret love
Fairy Tales by Eloisa James
Books in series: 5
What do you get if you combine fairy tales and historical romance? Answer - this series! See how all your favourite fairy tales would pan out if they took place in Regency England.
I absolutely love fairy tale retellings, so when I found this series, I felt as if the gods had answered my prayers. You will recognize parts of the different fairy tales, but you will also read sides of them, that you didn't anticipate. And honestly, who among us wouldn't like our fairy tales a bit sexier?
Read it if you like: Fairy tale retellings, damsels who save themselves, sweet love
Lords of the Armory by Anna Harrington
Books in series: 2 (ongoing)
A secret organisation has infiltrated British society as well as parliament. They work towards overthrowing the government and lead Britain into another Civil War. Luckily, the Lords of the Armory are onto them and hellbent on stopping them.
This is a brand new series, just out in Februaru 2020, so as of yet, there is only one released book. Still, I am so excited for the continuation! Usually, historical romance is, of course, all about the romance. If there is a second plot, it is probably sort of half-arsed or at least predictable - but that is not the case here. So if you're looking for something more than just romance, you have found it here.
Read it if you like: mystery and intrigue, sinister plots, heroines who don't let the heros do all the fighting
12 Dukes of Christmas by Erica Ridley
Books in series: 12
In the snow covered, picturesque town of Christmas, the spirit of Christmas lives strong all year long. The inhabitants embody the Christmas virtues and the town is a treasured vacation destination for many, including 12 dukes, who come for their own reasons, but who all find something they did not expect.
Where The Lords of the Armory was more than just a romance series, 12 Dukes of Christmas is 100% romance. It is light, romance packed and perhaps a bit predictable at times. The characters are enjoyable and the plots are cute, so if you're after a sweet, quick read, this is the series you turn to.
Read it if you like: Christmas all year round, loads of romance, easy and quick reads
Nvengaria by Jennifer Ashley
Books in series: 4
Nvengaria is a mysterious country that not a lot of people have heard about, but when a prince from Nvengaria comes to London, British Society takes notice of this small country. But the people of this country, including their prince, are not like the British.
I love the historical romance novels of Jennifer Ashley and this series was actually one of the first ones, that made me fall in love with the genre. However, this is not a purely historical romance novel - it has elements of fantasy and paranormal romance. It features shape shifters and magic, which turns this into a very different reading experience. So if you're feeling exotic, look no further!
Read it if you like: Paranormal romance, magic and prophecies, fairy tales