25 Steamy Historical Romance Novels To Read In 2024

Get Lost in These Hot and Steamy Historical Romance Novels

I absolutely adore smutty historical romances for their quick-moving plots, clever banter, and intense chemistry. The main characters usually meet at fancy gatherings or the opera, where their romantic moments range from sweetly charming to boldly spicy. From the Victorian to the Regency era, these novels feature meticulously researched, beautifully written love stories with standout characters. And if you love reading them like I do, you’ll love this list. These steamy historical romances are sure to make you blush!

Eras and Time Period in Steamy Historical romance Books

Historical romance novels are set in a variety of eras and time periods. In this list of hot and spicy historical romances, you will find love stories set in these particular time periods!

• Viking (AD 793- 1066)
• Medieval (938 and 1485)
• 17th Century Scottish Highlands (1300’s to the 1700)
• Georgian Era (1714 – 1830)
• Regency (the early 1800’s)
• Victorian (1832 and 1901 England)
• Western (1800s)
• American Civil War ( 1861-1865)
• Early 20th Century

So now that you’ve familiar with the prominent time periods in historical romance novels, let’s get started with the hot novels featuring spicy love scenes.

Steamy Historical Romance Novels

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

The first book in Julia Quinn’s wildly popular Bridgerton series, The Duke and I introduces us to the Regency-era story of Daphne Bridgerton. Set in London, Daphne is a character who doesn’t fit into the expectations of a young woman at this time.

When she agrees to a fake courtship with the Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset to help him avoid marriage, she sees the chance to see her social status soar. While at first things appear to be working out for the fake couple, real feelings can’t stay hidden for long.

If you’re looking for steamy regency romance audiobooks with engaging plots, Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series is an exceptional choice. 

Want to read more books like Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series? Check this post- 13 Charming Novels To Read If You Loved “Bridgerton”

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Married to the Mysterious Highlander by Lydia Kendall

This is the first title in Kendall’s Conquering the Scots series. This Medieval historical romance audiobook follows the story of Lady Summer. She pretends to be betrothed to a Scottish Laird to avoid ridicule.

This plan seems foolproof until the real-life Laird Oskar shows up looking to make the false betrothal a reality. When Lady Summer’s father offers her to Oskar to avoid the potential scandal, the two begin to fall for one another for real.

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Wicked in Winter by Scarlett Scott

Want to enjoy a story of a sexy couple, set in England, this might be it.

.This book starts with  the story of Lady Emilia King. She is committed to remaining unwed in a time when this is far from the norm. This lasts until the reviled Devereaux Winter wins her hand in marriage from her father in a game of chance. While Lady Emilia tries her best to avoid the commitment, Devereaux is not used to taking no for an answer.

As he persists in his pursuit of his possible bride, she begins to realize that she may want Devereaux in her life after all.

If you want to read more historical fiction novels set in England, check this post->29 of The Best Historical Books Set in England

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Flowers For The Devil by Vlad Kahany

It’s not always that you get to listen to a dark Victorian romance audiobook filled with passionate and sensual love story. 

The story takes place in the 1850s, London and follows Countess Alina Bronskaya. She is caught in the middle of a crime scandal and is one of the very few who knows what transpired.

The issue is, the criminals at hand are 2 men who have given their hearts to Alina. Ultimately, Flowers for the Devil is a tale of redemption and tells the story of how love can both ruin and redeem.

This story is full of spicy, forbidden love along with deep sadness that might hurt your heart. 

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Project Duchess by Sabrina Jeffries

From New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries comes a regency romance audiobook with a murder mystery twist.

The first Duke Dynasty regency follows Fletcher “Grey” Pryde , the 5th Duke of Greycourt.  Despite  his vast wealth and roguish reputation, he also has a guarded heart.

While not interested in love or marriage, Grey’s life is turned upside down when he encounters Beatrice Wolfe. Although Beatrice also isn’t looking for romance, she begins to question her feelings.

Will the two of them be able to overcome their reservations surrounding love?

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Bombshell by Sarah MacLean

New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean is the queen for feminist historical romance series.

Now  kicking off Maclean’s Hell’s Belles series with a bang, Bombshell follows Lady Sesily Talbot and her bad reputation. While she’s known for her numerous trysts, Caleb Calhoun sees her as having much more to offer than a simple one-night fling.

After sharing their first kiss one fateful night, Caleb’s desperate to forget about Lady Talbot. However, the more time he spends with her, the more he realizes that’s something easier said than done.

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Unveiled by Courtney Milan

Ash Turner has dedicated his life to exacting revenge on those who ruined his family.

His chance comes at Parford Manor when Turner has the chance to reclaim his spot as the rightful Duke. This is until an unexpected beauty leads to his plans being derailed. Lady Margaret has every reason to despise Turner for his part in taking over her father’s wealth and title.

However, the more time the two spend in each other’s presence, the more their loyalties are tested in the face of undeniable passion.

Unveiled is a beautifully written, enemies to lovers historical romance set in the regency era. 

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The Devil Is a Marquess by Elisa Braden

Benedict Chatham, despite being the Marquess of Rutherford, has a rakish reputation that precedes him.

Because he’s squandered his entire fortune, he needs to marry into a wealthy family, or he will otherwise be ruined. This leads him to Miss Charlotte Lancaster, the heiress of her family’s fortune.

Unfortunately for her, her father is inclined to trade her dowry for a title, which leads him to the Marquess of Rutherford. While Charlotte isn’t inclined thrilled about becoming the wife to a rake like Benedict, his undeniable charm leads to her slowly falling for him.

With Benedict behaving like a perfect gentleman, Charlotte wonders, is this all an act to get her family’s money, or has he really changed his ways?

The Devil Is a Marquess is a good choice if you’re looking for historical romance novels with steamy love scenes. It’s also a face-paced story with an addictive plot. 

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The Reluctant Countess by Eloisa James

Eloisa James’ Would-Be Wallflowers Series is a Georgian romance series that has captivated the readers for its sensual love story and dazzling wit.

Now the second book in the series comes , featuring the romance between a proper earl and an entirely improper lady.  The Earl of Lilford, Giles Renwick is not the type to fall head over heels for a woman. That is until he meets Lady Yasmin Regnier.

Especially with marriage seemingly being out of the question for her undignified manners, why is it that Renwick can’t keep her out of his head?

While the two seem like a completely imperfect pair, what happens when Renwick risks his reputation with a proposal to Lady Yasmin?

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Her Baseborn Bridegroom by Alice Coldbreath

Lady Linnet Cadwallader thinks of herself as little more than a helpless invalid.

Being raised a recluse, her unique appearance has left her convinced she’s hideous to the rest of the world. She’s set up for a marriage of convenience with Sir Roland, but things get interesting when his brother Mason Vawdrey shows up in Roland’s place.

Will Mason’s presence help Linnet realize she has much more to offer than wasting her days alone, or will she spend the rest of her life a recluse?

Read this medieval historical romance novel with arranged marriage is perfect for you if you’re looking for something light and engaging. 

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Highlander’s Game Of Shadows by Ann Marie Scott

This steamy Scottish medieval historical romance follows a sort of female Robin Hood named Fenella Mcpherson. Because Fenella is suspicious of anyone in a position of power, she is resistant when she is arranged to marry Laird Aleck Campbell.

While Aleck immediately falls for the beauty and strength of his bride-to-be, it will take some convincing to win Fenella’s heart.

While Aleck tries to show Fenella that he is a worthy husband, a series of events lead to the young couple being tested before genuine trust can be established. Will they be able to overcome their differences and learn to work together, or will their relationship fall apart before it can even begin?

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Into the North by Amber Huxley

Into the North is an ancient historical romance audiobook that narrates the tale of Marcus and Agnar, who form an unlikely bond despite being sworn enemies. Marcus is a Roman taken prisoner by the Barbarian Agnar.

While Agnar never thought he could find love again after the death of his wife, everything changes when he lays eyes on Marcus. Both Agnar and Marcus are forced to question their loyalties when faced with the prospect of a once-in-a-lifetime romance.

This dark MM romance is a beautiful love story, that you wouldn’t be able to put down. 

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Leave a Widow Wanting More by Charlie Lane

Steamy regency romance novels aren’t always known for its emotional depth, but unlike others Leave a Widow Wanting More will hook you from the first page for its emotional death and fascinating character.  

Sarah Pennington is no stranger to poverty, and when she loses her job at Hopkins’ Bookshop, she’s rapidly approaching a life of struggle once again. This is until she learns of a rare copy of Gulliver’s Travels which, if found, could secure her a fortune. Her competitor, Baron Eaden, Henry Cavendish.

Cavendish proceeds to propose a marriage of convenience to Pennington. He’ll get to keep the book, and she’ll have the stability of marriage to a Baron. Unfortunately for Cavendish, Sarah isn’t going to accept this so easily. If she can’t have the book for herself, she wants the Baron’s heart in its place.

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The Highwayman by Kerrigan Byrne

Dorian Blackwell has the reputation for being a ruthless villain. With his vast fortune, he pursues vengeance on those who wronged him with a ruthless passion.

He’s used to getting everything he wants, and when he sets his sights on Farah Leigh Mackenzie, he’s ready to stop at nothing to make her his. Farah proves to be less malleable than Blackwell is expecting, and he finds her harder to control than he expected.

When the two realize a marriage may serve to be mutually beneficial, will they be able to create a relationship based on more than convenience? The Highwayman is a debut Victorian romance with a marriage-of-convenience theme. 

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Workhouse Girl’s Christmas Dream by Rosie Swan

Amanda Wood’s father was taken from her at a young age, leaving her in a Victorian world that couldn’t care less about a young girl’s heartbreak.

She once helped a man named Cecil Miller escape his pursuers, and years later he is wondering where that mysterious young girl is now. Will the couple be able to find each other in a world where the odds seem stacked against them, or will they be forced to spend the rest of their lives searching for each other?

This Victorian historical Christmas romance is a celebration of true love 

Find more Christmas themed romance books – 22 Best Christmas Romance Books Guaranteed To Get You in the Holiday Spirits

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A Passion for Him by Sylvia Day

The hero of Sylvia Day’s  Georgian-era romance novel has sworn off any hope of finding love again in the wake of her beloved Colin’s death.

And when a masked man follows her into a moonlit garden in the middle of the night, she begins fearing for her safety as well. That is until he sweeps her off her feet into a single, passionate kiss before disappearing into the night. This moment rekindles her lost passion, as she dedicates herself to discovering the mystery man’s true identity.

Will she be able to discover who he is, or will she be left with nothing more than their single moment of passion?

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Breaking Josephine by Brooke Stanton

Jack Harrington is looking for a strong young man to help work his farm, instead, he gets a girl from the city, Josephine Taylor.

While Jack wants to send her packing, she manages to strike a deal with him to prove her worth. Jack warns her that he runs a strict household and that she will be harshly punished for any slip-ups.

Jo, however, is up for the challenge, and the longer she stays with Jack, the further she finds herself falling for her guarded boss.

The only question is, does he feel the same way about her? If you’re into steamy historical western forbidden romance novels, you’ll love Breaking Josephine. 

If you’re a fan of hot cowboy romance novels check this post->28 Hottest Cowboy Romance Novels That Are Guaranteed To Make You Sweat In 2023

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Moonstone Obsession by Elizabeth Ellen Carter

Moonstone Obsession is an 18th century romance novel with a fascinating historical setting. 

We follow Selina Rosewall, for whom love is the furthest thing from her mind. While focussing on helping her brother’s merchant fleet business she comes  in close contact with the Lord of Penventen, Sir James Mitchell. Although the two are immediately attracted to each other, Selina doesn’t expect James to fall for her as quickly as he does.

James is left caught between his dangerous line of work and his undeniable attraction to Selina.

Will he be able to balance his lifestyle with his newfound love for Selina, or will it prove too much to handle for the dashing Lord? 

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Surrender the Wind by Elizabeth St. Michel

Set during the Civil War, Surrender the Wind tells the tale of a Yankee heiress falling for a Confederate soldier.

When General John Daniel Rourke is wounded and left for dead, he is saved by Catherine Fitzgerald. As she nurses him back to health, neither person is aware of the other’s true identity.

As they begin to learn about each other, their newfound relationship is put to the test by the allegiances which define them.

Surrender the Wind tells the age old tale of lovers from opposing clans transcending their differences to find true meaning behind all the conflict.

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The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare

The Duke of Ashbury needs an heir, and to make this happen, he needs a wife first.

This leads him to Emma Gladstone, who seems like a fine candidate. Unfortunately, the two have very different expectations for their newfound relationship. While the Duke wants little more than a woman to bear his child, Gladstone wants a man to love and cherish.

This sets Emma on the mission to win the cold Duke’s heart.

This regency romance has got everything that you look for in a steamy historical fiction- pure romance, richly nuanced characters and spicy love scenes. 

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The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite

The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics is a charming lesbian regency romance in which we  follow Lucy Muchelney who ends up helping the Countess of Moth translate a French astronomy text.

While she was expecting a simple job, she wasn’t expecting to fall for the charming Countess, Catherine St Day. Catherine also wasn’t expecting to find herself having feelings for the young woman she hired, but as the two work in close proximity, their passion for each other is undeniable. Although things seem meant to be, the two have plenty of old wounds they will have to work through to make things work.

Do the two just have passing feelings for each other, or has their burgeoning relationship been written in the stars?

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The Bride Goes Rogue by Joanna Shupe

Katherine Delafield had been set up with the tycoon Preston Clarke years ago by her father, the only issue is that Clarke refused to go through with it.

Katherine moved on to live an exciting life in New York, putting all notions of marrying Preston behind her. That is until Preston and Katherine reencounter each other at a masquerade.

This leads Preston to realize what he had been missing out on for all these years.

This hot and spicy romance novel is perfect for the fans of steamy Gilded Age romances. 

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The Beast of Beswick by Amalie Howard

The Duke of Beswick, Lord Nathaniel Harte is downright despicable and reviled.

With his disfigured face, he sees the world through a warped and cruel lens. When smart-mouthed Lady Astrid Everleigh appears at his door, he wants nothing to do with her. To protect her younger sister she offers herself up to Nathaniel, who is known as the Beast of Beswick.

The last thing she’s expecting is to actually fall for him. Combining Beauty and the Beast and Taming of the Shrew, The Beast of Beswick is a hilarious and tender romance set in the Regency era. 

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Forbidden by Beverly Jenkins

This is the first book in Jenkins’ Old West series. This American historical romance follows the story of Rhine Fontaine.

While Rhine’s successful life relies largely on him passing for white, he’s willing to risk his fortune for Eddy Carmichael. He rescued the young woman in the desert and is ready to give up everything he’s worked so hard for to have her in his life.

Eddy has her heart set on moving from Nevada to California and is not willing to let Rhine stand in her way.

Although their love is strictly forbidden and could ruin both of them, it may be too tempting to resist.

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In Bed with a Highlander by Maya Banks

Probably one of the sexiest historical romance novels, In Bed with a Highlander, follows the story of Ewan McCabe.

The first book of Banks’ McCabe trilogy is a steamy historical highlander romance novel as well.

While Ewan is preparing for a battle that will crush his enemies, a woman named Mairin enters his life. While Ewan’s life is preoccupied with vengeance, Mairin may help him realize what matters most. Mairin is forced into marriage with Ewan but quickly falls in love with the rough and charismatic nature belonging to her new husband.

With war rapidly approaching, Mairin’s love for Ewan works to change his perspective on the world. Will she be able to make her love see that there is more to life than vengeance, or will he not realize what he has until it’s too late?

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There you have the list of steamy historical fiction books to enjoy in 2024

Are you a fan of historical fiction set in different time periods? What are your favorite period in the historical fiction genre?

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