Monday, December 21, 2015

The Top 20 Historical Romances



I am frequently asked what are my favorite historical romances. That’s a long list, as you know from my “best lists.” There are currently over 100 5-Star romances on my "FavoriteKeepers" shelf on Goodreads. But since you asked, I'm giving you my current top 20. Some are from new authors; some from authors who wrote decades ago. New this year on the list is Stormfire. I warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted but I cannot forget it.

These stories are the ones that have stayed with me, the ones I want to re-read. Their heroes and heroines grace my Favorite Heroes and Heroines list. It’s no coincidence that they are written by some of my favorite authors.

So tell me your all time favorite(s). One lucky commenter on this post in the next two days will win her choice of my eBooks, so make sure I have your email.

Bride of the MacHugh by Jan Cox Speas
The Silver Devil by Teresa Denys
Lady of the Glen by Jennifer Roberson
The Windflower by Laura London (aka Sharon & Tom Curtis)
The Dragon and the Jewel by Virginia Henley
Heartstorm by Elizabeth Stuart
Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss
Once in a Blue Moon by Penelope Williamson
The Passions of Emma by Penelope Williamson
Whispers of Heaven by Candice Proctor
The Wind Dancer by Iris Johansen
The Pride of Lions by Marsha Canham
Moonstruck Madness by Laurie McBain
On a Highland Shore by Kathleen Givens
Black Falcon’s Lady (formerly Nightwylde) by Kimberly Cates
Stormfire by Christine Monson
Princess of Fire by Shannon Drake (aka Heather Graham)
The Captain of All Pleasures by Kresley Cole
Dancing On Coals by Ellen O’Connell
Mountain Mistress by Nadine Crenshaw
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11 comments:

  1. JudithDecember 21, 2015 at 5:09 PM

    This is a very subjective list. They're the books that lingered strongly in my memory long after I read them. In many cases, I read them well before I'd learned enough to read critically. So, with that caveat, and strictly for fun, here are my top 20 favorite historical romances
    (in no particular order)
    Laura Kinsale—The Dream Hunter
    Teresa Medeiros—The Bride and the Beast
    Sheri Cobb South—The Weaver Takes a Wife
    Tracy Grant—Daughter of the Game (now titled Secrets of a Lady)
    Cecilia Grant—A Gentleman Undone
    Kristin Hannah—When Lightning Strikes
    Loretta Chase—Mr. Impossible
    Elizabeth Peters—All the Amelia Peabody books
    Elizabeth Hoyt—The Leopard Prince
    Rose Ayers—The Street Sparrows
    Carola Dunn—Scandal’s Daughter
    Gaelen Foley—Secrets of a Scoundrel
    Mary Jo Putney—No Longer a Gentleman
    Meredith Duran—Your Wicked Heart
    Madeleine Brent—Moonraker’s Bride
    Maggie Osborne—The Wives of Bowie Stone
    Christine Monson—Rangoon
    Eleanora Brownleigh—Heirloom
    Andrea Ashton—Cleopatra’s Daughter
    M. M. Kaye—Trade Wind
    In many cases, I could have named many another of these author's books instead of the one I did.

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    Replies
    1. Regan WalkerDecember 21, 2015 at 5:25 PM

      Oh, and Judith, do leave your email.

      Delete
    2. Regan WalkerDecember 21, 2015 at 5:26 PM

      Thanks, Judith! Some of those are new to me but Laura Kinsale, Theresa Medeiros, Loretta Chase, Elizabeth Hoyt, Mary Jo Putney, Meredith Duran, Christine Monson (including Rangoon) grace my many "best lists". I'll have to check out the others!

      Delete
  2. UnknownDecember 21, 2015 at 5:22 PM


    There's some really awesome ones I read and enjoyed back in the 80/90 that I'd read again. Some that have lost their appeal over time. But my list would be to long and I like to think of them in different eras because the ones now aren't as long. But more explicit

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    1. Regan WalkerDecember 21, 2015 at 5:25 PM

      Some of the classics were pretty explicit, Julie, but they took more time developing the love story. I'd love to know your favorites when you get a chance.

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    2. UnknownDecember 22, 2015 at 11:27 AM

      River of the wind kenn Smith
      Twin of Ice Jude Devereax
      Black Lyon Jude Devereax
      Any thing by lavyele Spencer. &
      Wynomena McGovern.
      Johanna lindsey.
      That's in no particular order just off the top of my head. I'll come back with more as I think of them






      Wynomema McGovern

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    3. Regan WalkerDecember 22, 2015 at 11:50 AM

      Julie, Black Lyon is already on one of my best lists; the other titles I don't know but will check out. Spencer and Lindsey are also on my best lists. Thanks for the list!

      Delete
    4. Regan WalkerDecember 22, 2015 at 4:42 PM

      Julie, you are the winner... name the book of mine you would like to read and it's yours!

      Delete
  3. Regan WalkerDecember 21, 2015 at 5:23 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  4. UnknownFebruary 8, 2017 at 5:36 AM

    That is a great list and much appreciated. I liked the 70's romances as they were more epic, i.e., Sweet Savage Love by Rosemary Rogers a favorite. Yes it has shocking elements compared to today's romance but an epic historical romance.

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    Replies
    1. Regan WalkerFebruary 8, 2017 at 10:09 AM

      Sounds like you and I are of a similar mind. Sweet Savage Love is on my bookshelf to read!

      Delete

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