I'm in the market for some new historical romances to read -- you know, Dukes and Earls in cravats and waistcoats who smell like sandalwood and all that good stuff. I'm a huge fan of Sarah MacLean, Julia Quinn, and Lisa Kleypas, but would love to discover new authors! Any recommendations?
Has Jenn got some recommendations for you!
Maya Rodale's ladies not only rock the bodice, but HAVE JOBS. This writer sent a woman undercover into White's! Societal mores, who cares -- but she still maintains all that wonderful Regency goodness.
How about historicals with a spy twist? Lauren Willig's Pink Carnation series has both romantic and political intrigue.
For lovers of farce and longing gazes (but minimal hanky panky), Georgette Heyer is a must-read. If Jane Austen had decided to write more romancey novels, they'd read something like these. We particularly recommend the Alistair books, These Old Shades and Devil's Cub.
Sarah MacLean has gone on record that Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase is one of her all-time favorite romance novels. It's very '80s (meaning, not much agency for women and a Very Alpha leading man), but if you're interested in seeing how far the genre has come this is definitely one to pick up.
Julie Garwood writes a little bit of everything, including historicals. If you've got a yen for medieval Scotland, give The Bride and The Wedding a whirl.
Kieran Kramer is one of Jenn's early loves in the genre. Her plots are hilarious, her heroes dashing, and her heroines totally lovable -- and sometimes infuriating. Start with Cloudy with a Chance of Marriage and go from there.
Imagine The Hangover, but set in the Regency era. That's pretty much Jennifer McQuiston's What Happens in Scotland: Lady Georgette wakes up in Gretna Green with a ring on her finger, and absolutely no memory of getting married.
