10 Historical Romances Perfect for Winter Days
- Joao Nsita
- 7 hours ago
- 18 min read
There's a unique and delicious magic that descends when the world outside is silenced by a blanket of snow. The familiar landscape is transformed into something new and otherworldly, and the instinct to retreat, to get cozy, and to journey inward becomes irresistible. In these quiet, snowbound moments, our souls often crave a specific kind of escape—a total transportation to a world of sweeping emotion, timeless elegance, and passionate love. And while many stories offer a break from reality, it is the historical romance that provides the ultimate winter sanctuary.
The allure of the historical romance is more potent than ever, a phenomenon amplified by the global success of shows like Bridgerton and the rise of aesthetic-driven communities on Pinterest and TikTok. The #HistoricalRomance and #Regencycore trends have created a powerful craving for stories set in gaslit ballrooms, windswept Scottish castles, and grand, snow-dusted manors. This isn't just about corsets and dukes; it's about a deep yearning for a world of heightened emotion, witty banter, and grand, all-consuming love stories. This guide is your hand-picked invitation to the very best of these literary escapes, the perfect reads for a long winter’s night.
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10. A Holiday By Gaslight by Mimi Matthews
The Vibe: We begin our cozy winter reading list with a story that is the literary equivalent of a warm, spiced gingerbread cookie. A Holiday By Gaslight is a short, sweet, and utterly charming Victorian Christmas novella. It’s a gentle, low-stakes romance that perfectly captures the nostalgic, almost magical feeling of a traditional English Christmas. It’s a story about duty, second chances, and the quiet, simmering love that can blossom amidst the festive chaos of a family holiday.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Read: This novella is the perfect, bite-sized introduction to the world of historical romance and a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season. The Victorian Christmas setting is incredibly atmospheric, filled with cozy details of roaring fires, festive decorations, and snowy landscapes. It’s a beautiful second-chance romance, a trope that feels particularly poignant and hopeful during the reflective holiday season. The story is a quick, satisfying read that you can easily devour in a single, cozy afternoon. It’s all of the charm and warmth of a classic Christmas story, with a swoon-worthy romance at its heart. For more stories that are perfect for the festive season, check out our guide to 14 Holiday Rom-Coms Books That Spark Warm Feelings.
Book Details: Sophie Appersett is facing a bleak Christmas. She needs to secure a wealthy husband to save her family from financial ruin. Her parents hope she will accept the proposal of the stuffy and eminently suitable Mr. Edward Sharpe. But her heart still secretly belongs to her childhood friend, Ned, a man she was forced to turn away years ago. When Ned unexpectedly returns for the holidays, Sophie is torn between her duty to her family and the enduring love she has never been able to forget.
How to Enjoy It: This is the perfect book to read while you are decorating your own Christmas tree. Put on a playlist of classic carols, pour a mug of hot cocoa, and let yourself be transported to a charming Victorian Christmas. For more on the history and traditions of a Victorian Christmas, you can explore the archives of English Heritage.
🔹 Buy it now on Amazon → A Holiday By Gaslight by Mimi Matthews
9. An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole
The Vibe: A groundbreaking, intelligent, and thrilling historical romance that proves that the genre can be as powerful and thought-provoking as it is romantic. An Extraordinary Union is the first book in the acclaimed Loyal League series, a story of espionage, danger, and a passionate, forbidden love set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. It is a book that is both a swoon-worthy romance and a vital, meticulously researched piece of historical fiction.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Read: While not a "cozy" read in the traditional sense, this book is an incredibly compelling and immersive escape, perfect for a long winter when you are craving a story with real substance and high stakes. The themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and fighting for a cause greater than oneself are incredibly powerful and moving. The central characters, Elle and Malcolm, are two of the most intelligent, capable, and unforgettable protagonists in the genre. Their relationship is a true partnership, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to justice. Alyssa Cole is a trailblazer in the historical romance genre, and this book has been widely praised for its brilliant writing and its important, nuanced portrayal of a vital and often-overlooked part of American history. For more on the author and her work, you can visit her official website.
Book Details: Elle Burns is a former slave with a photographic memory, a brilliant mind, and a dangerous secret: she is a spy for the Union Army, working undercover in a Confederate household in Virginia. Malcolm McCall is a detective for the Pinkerton agency, also working undercover in the same city. When their missions intersect, they are forced to form a reluctant and dangerous alliance. As they work together to unravel a plot that could change the course of the war, they find themselves drawn into a passionate, forbidden love affair that could cost them both their lives. The high-stakes, life-and-death nature of their romance is as compelling as any epic war film, a theme we explored in our review of Tom Hanks' 10 Best Movies, Ranked.
How to Enjoy It: This is a book that will make you think and feel deeply. It’s a perfect read for a quiet, contemplative winter day when you are in the mood for a story with both a brilliant mind and a huge heart.
🔹 Shop this deal now on Amazon → An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole
8. The Governess Game by Tessa Dare
The Vibe: A sparkling, witty, and utterly delightful Regency romance from one of the undisputed queens of the genre. The Governess Game is a charming and hilarious take on the "governess and the rake" trope that feels like a warm, funny, and deeply satisfying hug. It’s a story that is less about stuffy ballrooms and more about the chaotic, beautiful mess of a found family. It is a book that is bursting with heart, humour, and the kind of lovable, eccentric characters that will stay with you long after you've finished.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Read: This book is a pure, unadulterated mood-booster, a perfect antidote to the winter blues. The majority of the story is set within the cozy confines of a grand London house, creating a wonderful, intimate atmosphere. The book is a masterclass in the found family trope, as the prickly, isolated hero and his two orphaned, hell-raising wards are slowly and beautifully tamed by the love of a determined and kind-hearted heroine. The banter is top-tier, the romance is both sweet and steamy, and the antics of the two young children are consistently hilarious. It’s a book that will make you laugh out loud and leave you with a warm, contented feeling. For a similar feel-good experience, you might also enjoy our review of the charming small-town romance, The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore.
Book Details: Alexandra Mountbatten is a clockmaker's daughter with a passion for her craft and a need for a job. Chase Reynaud is the handsome, reclusive Duke of Wakefield, who has just become the guardian of two of the most badly behaved orphans in London. After a series of disastrous governesses, Alexandra, through a case of mistaken identity, finds herself in the role. She is determined to bring order to the chaotic household, a task that involves not just taming the two little hellions, but also the heart of their guarded, grumpy guardian.
How to Enjoy It: This is the perfect book to read by a crackling fireplace with a cup of hot tea. The warmth and humour of the story are a perfect match for a cozy winter's night.
🔹 Buy it here on Amazon before it sells out! → The Governess Game by Tessa Dare
7. Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore
The Vibe: A smart, feminist, and incredibly romantic debut that is a perfect blend of a classic historical romance and the "dark academia" aesthetic. Bringing Down the Duke is the first book in the wildly popular "A League of Extraordinary Women" series. It’s a story about a brilliant, trailblazing woman fighting for her right to an education and a powerful, stoic duke who finds his carefully ordered world turned upside down. It is a book that is as intellectually engaging as it is passionately romantic.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Read: The setting of Oxford University in the late 19th century is the ultimate cozy, autumnal, and wintery backdrop. The book is filled with atmospheric descriptions of ancient libraries, rainy cobblestone streets, and cozy, fire-lit dorm rooms. The "dark academia" aesthetic, which is a huge trend on TikTok and [suspicious link removed], is perfectly captured. The novel is a fantastic enemies-to-lovers romance, with a slow-burn tension that is incredibly satisfying. It’s a story that celebrates female intelligence, friendship, and the fight for women's rights, giving the classic romance a powerful, modern, and feminist depth. For more on the history of the women's suffrage movement in England, you can explore the archives of the British Library. The book's academic setting and smart, ambitious heroine are themes we also love in our review of The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood.
Book Details: Annabelle Archer is the brilliant but impoverished daughter of a country vicar who has earned a rare scholarship to attend Oxford University, as one of the first female students. In exchange for her scholarship, she is required to secretly join the women's suffrage movement. Her first assignment: to persuade the cold, powerful, and influential Duke of Montgomery to support their cause. The Duke is a man who is the very embodiment of the tradition and patriarchal power she is fighting against, but the intellectual and emotional spark between them is undeniable.
How to Enjoy It: This is the perfect book to read on a rainy, gloomy day. The moody, intellectual atmosphere is best enjoyed with a cup of strong tea and a sense of intellectual curiosity. For another story set in a college environment, you might also enjoy our list of 11 College Romances to Read During Fall Semester.
🔹 Shop this deal now on Amazon → Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore
6. The Secret by Julie Garwood
The Vibe: A true, classic, and beloved masterpiece of the historical romance genre. The Secret by the legendary Julie Garwood is a sweeping, passionate, and often hilarious medieval romance set in the beautiful and treacherous Scottish Highlands. It is a story of two warring clans, a secret that could unite them, and an arranged marriage between a fierce Scottish laird and a gentle but surprisingly strong English lady. It is a book that is packed with adventure, emotion, and the kind of epic, all-consuming love story that has made Garwood a legend.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Read: There is something about the rugged, windswept, and often-snowy landscape of the Scottish Highlands that makes it the perfect setting for a cozy winter read. This book will transport you to a world of ancient castles, roaring fireplaces, and epic love. The novel is a fantastic arranged marriage and enemies-to-lovers (or, more accurately, wary-strangers-to-lovers) story. The hero, Iain Maitland, is the ultimate alpha-Highlander—powerful, protective, and completely undone by his gentle but determined new wife. But the true star is the heroine, Judith, who wins over the fierce Scottish warriors not with a sword, but with her kindness, her intelligence, and her unwavering courage. The book is a perfect blend of high-stakes clan politics, thrilling action, and a deeply moving and passionate romance. The epic, sweeping feel of this love story is a quality we also praised in our review of Outlier by Susie Tate.
Book Details: Judith Hampton has a secret. Before she dies, her mother, a Scottish woman, makes her promise to share this secret with her childhood best friend. When her friend dies in childbirth, Judith is honor-bound to travel to the Highlands to share the secret with her friend's husband, the powerful Laird Iain Maitland. To protect her, Iain agrees to an arranged marriage, bringing the English lady into the heart of his fierce and unwelcoming clan.
How to Enjoy It: This is the perfect book to get completely lost in. It’s a long, immersive read that is best enjoyed over a long weekend, with a cozy blanket and perhaps a small glass of Scotch whisky to complete the atmosphere.
🔹 Buy it here on Amazon before the deal ends → The Secret by Julie Garwood
5. A Rogue Not Taken by Sarah MacLean
The Vibe: A sharp, witty, and incredibly fun "road trip" romance from one of the modern masters of the genre. A Rogue Not Taken is a fantastic, fast-paced, and feminist historical romance that is bursting with adventure, hilarious banter, and sizzling chemistry. It’s a story about a "ruined" lady who decides to take control of her own destiny and the infuriating rogue who finds himself reluctantly along for the ride. It is a pure, joyful, and deeply satisfying romp.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Read: While a road trip might not seem like a cozy winter read, the constant forced proximity of the journey—sharing carriages, staying at inns, and being stuck together during a snowstorm—creates the perfect, intimate, and often hilarious environment for a romance to blossom. This book is a perfect, lighthearted escape from the winter blues. Sarah MacLean is renowned for her sharp, witty, modern-feeling dialogue, and this book is a prime example. The hero and heroine are perfectly matched, and their verbal sparring is an absolute delight. It’s a book that celebrates a strong, unconventional heroine who refuses to be a victim of circumstance. It’s a fun, empowering, and incredibly entertaining read. For more on the author and her beloved books, you can visit her official website. The fun, escapist nature of this story is a quality we also love in a great feel-good TV series, like the ones on our list of 14 Feel-Good Series That Feel Like a Warm Blanket.
Book Details: Lady Sophie is the quietest of the scandalous Talbot sisters. But when her sister's jilted fiancé publishes a scathing revenge piece that implicates Sophie, she finds her reputation in tatters. Fed up, she decides to flee London and head for Scotland. Her journey is rudely interrupted by King, the Marquess of Eversley, a powerful and dangerous man who is determined to stop her. Their journey together is a chaotic and passionate battle of wills.
How to Enjoy It: This is a book to be read when you are in the mood for pure, unadulterated fun. The fast pace and the hilarious situations will have you flying through the pages.
🔹 Shop this deal now on Amazon → A Rogue Not Taken by Sarah MacLean
4. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
The Vibe: A true epic. Outlander is more than just a romance novel; it is a sweeping, genre-bending saga of history, adventure, fantasy, and one of the most passionate and enduring love stories of all time. It is a story that is rich, dense, and incredibly immersive, a true literary world to get lost in. The story of a 20th-century woman who is transported back in time to 18th-century Scotland is a masterpiece of historical fiction and a global phenomenon.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Read: There is no better book to get completely and utterly lost in during the long, dark months of winter than Outlander. At over 800 pages, it is the ultimate immersive escape. The setting of the 18th-century Scottish Highlands is breathtakingly rendered—it’s a world that is beautiful, brutal, and deeply atmospheric. The story is a grand, sweeping adventure, but at its heart is the epic, all-consuming love story between the intelligent, resourceful Claire and the brave, honorable Jamie Fraser. It is a story of a soul-deep connection that transcends time itself. The book has inspired a hugely successful Starz television series and a massive, passionate fanbase. It is a book that will ruin you in the best possible way. The sheer epic scale of this story is a quality we also celebrated in our review of 14 Epic Fantasy Films That Feel Like Winter Escapes.
Book Details: In 1945, former combat nurse Claire Randall is on a second honeymoon with her husband in Scotland. When she touches a standing stone in an ancient circle, she is hurtled back in time to 1743, a time of great danger for an Englishwoman in the Scottish Highlands. She is forced to marry Jamie Fraser, a dashing young Scottish warrior, for her own protection. What begins as a marriage of necessity quickly blossoms into a love that will change the course of both of their lives forever.
How to Enjoy It: This is a book that requires a commitment, but the payoff is immense. Clear your schedule for a weekend, get cozy, and prepare to be transported. The epic, timeless love story is a theme we also explored in our review of the music of The Beatles.
🔹 Buy it here on Amazon before it sells out! → Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
3. Devil in Winter (Wallflowers, #3) by Lisa Kleypas
The Vibe: The undisputed fan-favorite from the legendary Lisa Kleypas. Devil in Winter is the holy grail of the marriage of convenience trope, a story that is so incredibly romantic, so emotionally satisfying, and so perfectly executed that it has become a benchmark for the entire genre. It is the story of a shy, stammering wallflower who makes a daring proposition to the most dangerous and debauched rake in London. It is a book that is both incredibly steamy and profoundly moving, a masterpiece of character development and romantic tension.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Read: The very title, Devil in Winter, evokes the perfect, cozy, and slightly dangerous atmosphere for a winter read. The majority of the story takes place within the confines of a single location, a gambling hell and the apartments above it, creating a wonderful, intimate, and almost claustrophobic sense of forced proximity. The novel is a stunning portrait of two lonely, wounded souls who find an unexpected and powerful healing in each other. The transformation of the hero, Sebastian, from a cynical, selfish rake to a devoted, fiercely protective husband is one of the most swoon-worthy character arcs in all of romance. The book is a perfect blend of high-stakes tension, emotional vulnerability, and incredible steam. It is, quite simply, a perfect historical romance.
Book Details: Evangeline Jenner, the shyest of the "wallflowers," is desperate to escape her cruel relatives. She goes to the notorious rake, Viscount St. Vincent, with a shocking proposal: if he will marry her and protect her from her family, she will give him her fortune when she inherits it. Sebastian, in desperate need of money, agrees. What begins as a simple business transaction quickly evolves into something far more passionate and powerful than either of them ever imagined. The powerful, "alpha hero" archetype is a theme we also explored in our review of King of Wrath by Ana Huang.
How to Enjoy It: This is a book to be read when you are in the mood to be completely and utterly swept off your feet. It is a true page-turner that you will not be able to put down.
🔹 Shop this deal now on Amazon → Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas
2. Bridgerton: The Duke and I (Bridgerton, #1) by Julia Quinn
The Vibe: The book that launched a global phenomenon and single-handedly reignited the world's passion for Regency romance. The Duke and I is a witty, charming, and incredibly addictive romance that introduces us to the sprawling, lovable, and endlessly entertaining Bridgerton family. It is a perfect execution of the fake dating trope, filled with sparkling dialogue, a fantastic cast of characters, and a central love story that is both incredibly steamy and surprisingly emotional.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Read: Reading Bridgerton is like stepping into a beautiful, glittering snow globe of Regency London. The world of lavish balls, stunning gowns, and high-society gossip is the ultimate immersive escape for a winter's day. The story is a perfect blend of lighthearted, comedic moments and deep, emotional drama. The chemistry between the seemingly perfect Daphne Bridgerton and the brooding, tortured Duke of Hastings is absolutely electric. The book is a pure, joyful, and incredibly satisfying read that will have you immediately downloading the rest of the series. The massive success of the Netflix adaptation has made this world a cultural touchstone. It's the perfect book to read while you binge-watch the show for the third time. The show's focus on high-society drama is a theme we also explored in our review of 10 Shows to Watch if You Loved Nobody Wants This.
Book Details: Daphne Bridgerton has entered the London marriage market, but she is struggling to attract any serious suitors. Simon Basset, the handsome and commitment-phobic Duke of Hastings, is being hounded by the ambitious mothers of the ton. They strike a deal: they will pretend to be courting. Daphne will become more desirable in the eyes of other suitors, and Simon will be left alone. But their fake courtship soon starts to feel incredibly real, and they are forced to confront the secrets of Simon's past and the undeniable passion between them.
How to Enjoy It: This is the perfect book to read when you are craving pure, unadulterated, glamorous escapism. Pair it with a cup of Earl Grey tea and some delicate pastries for the full Regency experience.
🔹 Buy it here on Amazon before the deal ends → Bridgerton: The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
1. A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught
The Vibe: Taking the top spot on our list is a book that is a true, undisputed, legendary classic of the romance genre. A Kingdom of Dreams by the iconic Judith McNaught is a sweeping, epic, and incredibly passionate medieval romance. It is a story of war, betrayal, and an all-consuming, enemies-to-lovers romance that is the very definition of an epic saga. It is a book that is so powerful, so emotionally intense, and so beautifully written that it has defined the genre for generations of readers.
Why It's a Perfect Winter Read: This is the ultimate, all-consuming, snowed-in read. It is a long, dense, and incredibly immersive book that will transport you completely to another time and place. The medieval setting, with its grand, cold castles and its brutal, wintery landscapes, is the perfect backdrop for this fiery, passionate story. The novel is the quintessential enemies-to-lovers and abduction romance. The hero, Royce Westmoreland, the "Black Wolf," is one of the most iconic alpha heroes in all of romance. The heroine, Jennifer Merrick, is a fierce, proud, and incredibly resilient woman who is his perfect match. Their journey from mortal enemies to soulmates is a masterclass in romantic tension and emotional payoff. It is a book that will make you feel everything—rage, heartbreak, and a love so powerful it can conquer kingdoms. The epic, sweeping nature of this story is a quality we also praised in our review of 14 Epic Fantasy Films That Feel Like Winter Escapes.
Book Details: Jennifer Merrick is the spirited daughter of a Scottish laird. Royce Westmoreland is the feared English warrior known as the Black Wolf. When he conquers her family's castle, he takes her as his captive, intending to use her as a pawn. But Jennifer's fierce pride and unwavering courage challenge him at every turn, and their battle of wills soon ignites into a passion that will change both of their lives, and the fate of two kingdoms, forever.
How to Enjoy It: This is a book that demands your full attention. Clear your weekend, turn off your phone, and prepare to be completely and utterly consumed by one of the greatest romance novels ever written. For a full list of all of Judith McNaught's iconic books, you can visit her official website.
🔹 Shop it now on Amazon before it sells out! → A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught
Conclusion
In the quiet, introspective heart of winter, the power of a great historical romance is a special kind of magic. The ten books on this list are more than just love stories; they are portals to other worlds. They are invitations to get snowed in at a Scottish castle, to attend a glittering Regency ball, or to fight for love and justice during a time of war, all from the unparalleled comfort and safety of your own home. These stories, with their themes of enduring love, found family, and the timeless elegance of a bygone era, are the perfect literary companions for the season. May your winter be filled with warmth, comfort, and the unforgettable magic of a great love story.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the most popular subgenres of historical romance? A: The most popular subgenres are Regency romance (set in early 19th-century England, like Bridgerton), Scottish Highlander romance (often set in the medieval or 18th-century Highlands), and Victorian romance (set in the mid-to-late 19th century).
Q: I'm new to historical romance. Which book on this list is the best place to start? A: Bridgerton: The Duke and I by Julia Quinn is a fantastic and very accessible starting point, as it is witty, charming, and has a very modern feel. For a classic, trope-defining experience, Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas is a must-read.
Q: Are historical romances historically accurate? A: The level of historical accuracy varies greatly by author. Some authors, like Alyssa Cole, are known for their meticulous research. Others take more creative liberties for the sake of the romance. It's best to enjoy them as historical fiction, not as a history textbook.
Q: What does "Regency" mean? A: The Regency era in the United Kingdom was a period from 1811 to 1820. In romance novels, the term is often used more broadly to cover the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a period known for its distinctive fashion, social etiquette, and the novels of Jane Austen.
Q: Are these books spicy or "clean" romances? A: This list contains a mix of steam levels. Books by authors like Lisa Kleypas, Tessa Dare, and Sarah MacLean typically feature explicit, "open-door" scenes. Others, like Mimi Matthews' novella, are much sweeter and more chaste.
Q: I love the "dark academia" trend. Which book fits that? A: Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore is the perfect "dark academia" historical romance, with its Oxford setting and its focus on intellectual and social rebellion.
Q: Do I have to read these books in a series? A: Most of the books on this list are part of a series of interconnected standalones. This means that each book focuses on a different couple, so you can read them on their own. However, reading them in order is often more rewarding as you get to see beloved characters from previous books make appearances.
Q: Where can I find more recommendations for historical romance? A: Websites like Goodreads and book-focused blogs like Smart Bitches, Trashy Books are fantastic resources with huge communities of historical romance readers and extensive review archives.
Q: What are some common tropes in historical romance? A: Some of the most beloved tropes include dukes, rakes, wallflowers, marriage of convenience, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and arranged marriages.
Q: I've read all these! What's another classic historical romance author I should check out? A: If you love the authors on this list, you should absolutely explore the back catalogues of other legends of the genre, such as Lorraine Heath, Loretta Chase, and Eloisa James.
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