All bookworms love tea, but some like it steamy!
We all adore historical romance, but by adding the steamy element to the mix it creates a truly irresistible combination.
The traditional male lead is insanely attractive. And how couldn't he be when he is literally conjured by the women who intimately comprehend the female fantasy? Who wouldn't want to be swept off their feet by a sensual and charming stranger and led into tales of passion, lust and eternal love?
In historical steamy books, the past blushes with tales of passion, from lavish ballrooms to hidden alcoves and secret rendezvous spots, where love blossoms amidst the intricacies of a time gone by.
Through historical romance stories, we explore the customs and societal norms of the era, but the focus always remains on the tension and undeniable attraction between the main characters. The explicit sensual content along with the endless twists and the drama make for a captivating experience.
Wanna explore some really interesting titles in historical romance? And by “interesting” we mean STEAMY.
So take your cold beverage and let’s get sizzling.
With an enemies to lovers plot, Joanna Bourne’s The Spymaster’s Lady consists of huge twists which will make you want to throw the book away—but then pick it up as soon as possible to get back to reading! Bourne offers an innovative and intriguing perspective of Napoleonic wars, adding to excitement with dark humor and really good steamy scenes.
Spies are looming everywhere, traveling back and forth carrying valuable information and sometimes even traitors to be questioned. Annique Villiers is a French spy, the greatest at what she does, never afraid to take upon a challenge. She knows how to adapt and play the role that serves her best interest at any given moment. But she is destined to find her equal in wits, when she is captured and thrown in the same cell as Robert Grey.
That’s not even the fun part… This fellow is an English Spymaster and wants to drag her back to England for questioning. You will be delighted as his mysterious demeanor slowly unravels and his biggest secret is about to be revealed!
Bombshell by Sarah MacLean brings to you the fab and glam of 1820s London! And romance of course…
Lady Sesily Talbot is the most scandalous young lady. She is a femme fatale, a seductress and most men, upon meeting her, fall to her feet. Even Caleb Calhoun finds himself hopelessly drawn to her compelling energy. However, our heroine has more than her sexappeal to be proud of, she is part of a group that sees to women in need.
Some would consider it to be a reversed dandy story, where Caleb will try to make her change her ways for him. But he falls first and will fall harder for her in the process.
Sarah MaClean takes her time to explore girl bonding and she talks about fashion and anything else that might interest the young socialites. It’s refreshing, we shall say, that there is not the usual stronger male lead. Caleb is confident enough and he admires the determination of his determined woman!
Sounds a lot like a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. You bet! When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Eloisa James is an exciting and intriguing plotline that follows the tropes of our beloved fairy tale. And in a historical setting!
Miss Linnet Berry Thrynne is betrothed to the Earl of Marchant. Of course, she is not at all happy with that, not when rumor has it that he is a brute. The Earl, Piers Yelverton, lives in a castle in Wales, and he is not spending his time doing Earl-stuff. He is an actual doctor!
Linnet swears she will make him fall for her in two weeks. There is a lot more going on till we get to the end, though. Eloisa James knows just the perfect balance between dukedom, romance, humor and trauma. Linnet won’t back down, believe us. She will tame the beast, finding the thorn that is stuck on its heart.
It checks everything on a list for a great historical romance book: Grumpy/Sunshine, forced marriage, and, of course, a happy ever after… Did we mention the exciting sub-plots? The chances are that you will adore those characters. This book will be your best friend this year!
Part of a delicious Scottish steamy series, In Bed with a Highlander, takes us through the vast landscape of the Highlands. What? You thought that only the English knew how to have a good time? Yeah right… The Highlanders can be really passionate and full of pleasant surprises. Maya Banks will make sure you understand why with this first book of the romance series The McCabe Trilogy.
Characters are driven by revenge, mistrust, betrayal and a deep need to be loved by one another. Destiny brings together the vengeful warrior, Ewan McCabe, and Mairin, the illegitimate child of the king. Ewan wants to take revenge on all those who have wronged his family, including Mairin’s clan. However, she is nothing but a pawn, and a marriage of convenience is the last thing she desires.
Or so she thought before she met her future husband. As they get closer, he will make her feel like she has never felt before. Her body is on fire and her mind absent every time he touches her.
This steamy story will certainly blow your mind, as the characters have a long way to go to discover they can fight their demons together. Love is always sweeter than revenge.
Coldbreath’s The Unlovely Bride is a book that explores and questions beauty and appearances. How would a young lady that all her life depended on her looks, react when suddenly she loses all her beauty? There are no wicked witches, nor dark curses or a magic potion. Just life…
Living in the fictional city of Karadok, Lenora is leading a peaceful life, following her rightful path as a woman of her age. Her beauty always opens doors for her, and she seems satisfied being just the eye candy she is.
She sounds kinda shallow, but she really is not! And you will find out more about the depth of this character when…
After she is afflicted by redpox, she is left for dead in the crypts. Umf! Her sheer determination is the only thing that helps her survive. When she returns, though, she will not only face her parents’ rejection, but her repulsive illness-affected features too. With nothing left for her to do, she decides to flee. Not alone, though…
Garman Orde is the knight who agrees to help Lenora in many ways (if you know what we mean). The most important part is that the girl matures and finds herself through the journey they start together. Some food for thought! One of the loveliest love stories for sure.
Peckam’s The Lord I Left creates a mysterious atmosphere—not only for dark-romance lovers. There is a religious-taboo theme in the story that some of us find quite spicy and intriguing. It’s the all-time-favorite opposites-attract trope, forbidden love, but darker and more… hot!
The main character is an Evangelical Christian who looks into vice, especially prostitution in London. On the other hand, Alice Hull is an apprentice to London’s most notorious governess in a whipping house. Things happen and she must get on a ride with him to reach her dying mother. He will try to talk her out of her sinful life, but she is about to introduce him to a different aspect of life; one that is more daring and free-spirited (to put it humbly).
Every touch is burning, every glance is torturing. What we should really focus on, though, is how these different personalities collide but in the end they are not forcing their beliefs on one another. Oh! Here is an interesting TMI: he is inexperienced… in bed. Some interesting sex scenes in this must-read historical romance are waiting for you.
While Julia Quinn introduced us to the high society of the Bridgertons, in Elizabeth Hoyt’s Wicked Intentions, we follow a vigilante in 18th-century London slums. Lazarus Huntington is in search of a fearsome murderer hiding in the notorious St. Giles district. He needs someone to guide him through its dark streets though.
Temperance Dews is the right person for the job as she knows the district like the back of her hand. But her priority is to keep a founding home running. So, what else could our heroine do other than find a handsome, mysterious and haunted vigilante to strike a deal with? That’s when the fun begins.
The two protagonists seem very different at the beginning, but in the end… Well, let’s not spoil that. Let’s just say that they are driven by the same motives at the end of the day.
It’s a second chance to love, redemption and healing themed book that will capture your hearts. And definitely a not kid-friendly storyline of historical fiction.
Oof! It was really hard to pick just one title under the name of Tessa Dare! Anyway, we made a pick for you: When a Scot Ties the Knot. Yep, I’m going to talk again about those dreamy and sexy Highlanders.
In this erotic romance, Miss Madeline Gracechurch is a heroine that anyone could relate to. She is dreaming and romanticizing a perfect match in her effort to stop thinking about any marriage of convenience her family will probably force her into. She actually writes letters and sends them to her imaginary Captain MacKenzie, a Scotsman who is supposed to be giving his life in the battlefield.
All that Madeline asks for is to avoid courting and marriage in real life, anything that the London society expects from her. Imagine her face when one day, a real Captain appears at her doorstep! Will she laugh or cry? I’m not even sure because the Captain is nothing like she had in mind.
Let us introduce the first book of the Victorian Rebels by Kerrigan Byrne, The Highwayman. And it’s located, where else? In the Scottish Highlands!
The storyline follows Farah, who after the loss of her parents lives in an orphanage and forms her first romantic relationship with a fellow boy, Dougan Mackenzie. However, after a tragic event they are separated and Farah will become part of the Scotland Yard. There, she will face the king of the underworld, Dorian Blackwell. He is intimidating and dangerous, but behind his scars, his kind eyes tell a whole different story.
And as a man does, he kidnaps her…
As they reach his house in Highlands, though, Farah will find out his motives and a secret that no one could have expected!
The dialogues and the love scenes are a chef’s kiss. How could anyone ever be bored of a dark, scarred villain?
In Sumner’s The Brazen Bluestocking, we meet two equally capable and smart characters, ambitious and fiery, each one committed to their dream in the regency era. Lady Hildegard Templeton has created an emboldened organization for the women about to get married, The Duchess Society. Tobias Streeter keeps building his empire as the king of London’s sordid streets.
When Tobias seeks help from the society in order to find a wife to ensure his place in London, a rollercoaster ride awaits the reader. Hild and Todias are clearly attracted to one another but their ambitions are so different, it seems impossible to have a happy ending.
Another historical romance series unfolding in the salons of high society and another bad boy who will stop on his tracks for the heroine. What makes this book a part of this list? Its excellence. We all love the witty dialogues, the unspoken desires and the wicked glances while people are watching. It’s scandalous and refreshing.
The first time-travel romance on our list is Jude Deveraux’s A Knight in Shining Armor. Some of you would wonder why bother recommending any title rather than Outlander with… No better time than the present to give a chance to a different voice here.
It’s light-hearted and more like a rom-com, if we compare it to the previous titles at least. Dougless Montgomery is a cute young woman who, one day, will encounter her knight in shining armor. Literally… The dude time-traveled in front of her crying over a tombstone. Great timing!
Dougless now has to help him adjust to the modern society she lives in. Prepare to have a really good laugh! And then try not to blush away when Nicholas… ahem. It is an erotic historical romance, we won’t deny it.
A book to enjoy when you feel like you can’t handle any more drama for a while. Go to vacation and take this book to keep you company.
If you are interested in discovering more books that remind us of Outlander, you can find this list with 13 captivating books like Outlander.
A little bit of paranormal, a little bit of gothic and a little bit of spice combined with romance created The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller. It’s a second chance love, set during the Gilded Age in New York City. Your perfect chance to explore the US if you are tired of the old English glory (as if).
After her husband’s death, Alva Webster moves to a haunted mansion. It’s the 80s, and it’s not easy for a woman to run and restore the dilapidated Hyde Park. Not when she is too afraid to trust anyone, especially a man. However, her situation is urgent and a terrifying spirit needs its ghostbuster.
Professor Samuel Moore, an eccentric, brilliant and very handsome specialist, comes for the rescue. Of course, he is not only interested in finding the ghost haunting the mansion, but also the demons of Alva’s past. He wants her heart and, between us, he is more than capable of succeeding.
Since we are talking about a classic book, in Kathleen E. Woodiwiss’ The Flame and the Flower the heroine is known for her pureness while the hero is notorious for his lustful and free spirit.
In an effort to flee from her home, Heather Simmons is captured by Captain Brandon Birmingham. The landscape is just ideal for romance as they travel through the vast sea. The story is full of romantic cliches that we all love but they are written in a different refreshing perspective. We promise you won’t be disappointed!
Woodiwiss was one of the first romance authors who developed the character’s sexual relationship as an essential part of their emotional one. Remember, we are talking about the 1970s, the actual author’s time period.
May her soul rest in peace, but her memory is undying. More than a few have called her the queen of historical romance and Kathleen E. Woodiwiss proudly wears her crown.
Joanna Shupe is one of everyone’s favorite authors in historical romance. So, we chose her most iconic story. Her best book (in our opinion), The Lady Gets Lucky has the wallflower and rake combination we all love.
Alice Lusk is a heiress and she needs to find a perfect match before her parents force her into an unloving marriage. The thing is, even though Alice is terrified of a marriage of convenience, she is too shy to engage herself in conversation with any promising bachelor.
On the other hand, Kit Ward is her exact opposite. He is flirty, the life of the party and ambitious. His current dream is to open a club in New York City.
How could these two possibly come together?
Since Alice has some acquaintances that Kit may be interested in, she could ask for something in return… And what is the best thing Kit can provide? Ahem… LESSONS for the art of seduction.
Practicing on a bed, though, could be tricky, as uncomfortable emotions threaten to consume them both. Especially when their little secret comes out.
Another retelling of Beauty and the Beast? Well, definitely Howard’s The Beast of Beswick transforms the tale into a realistic story, presenting the characters as close to brutal life as possible.
Thane is our dark, scarred anti-hero and Astrid is the loyal, strong female character with a sharp tongue and a lioness spirit. It was her idea to strike a deal with the beast, walking willingly toward a marriage of convenience, her own emotional death.
Thane suffers from war-trauma, having served his duty during the Napoleonic wars. So, his anger, beastly behavior and appearance have created an ugly rumor about him. His need for acceptance and love is profound.
Their chemistry is on another level and there is always a witty and sharp banter. There is a lot of back and forth as it is naturally difficult to heal a scarred soul. Their romantic relationship may take time to develop but their sexual one… You must see for yourselves! An enemies to lovers, arranged marriage and opposites attract kind of book.
The first book of Milan’s The Brothers Sinister series, The Duchess War, features a couple of misfits. Interesting right?
Minnie has a unique, tomboyish personality, and she is forced to hide it in order to make herself a promising match for a wealthy bachelor. At least, that is what everyone expects from her. Everyone but the Duke of Clermont, who at first sight he can see through her. In a way, we can say that he can see himself through her eyes. Deep stuff.
Definitely, Robert is intrigued by her quiet demeanor, when he can see her blood burning through her veins. Did we mention his radical thoughts? This fellow doesn’t appreciate nepotism. That’s bold for a duke that is actually filthy rich!
They are both seeking integrity, no matter the cost. As for love, they need to feel worthy of it too. It’s magical how these characters are so similar in many ways, even though they are presented as complete opposites at first.
Ow! Take it easy, bro, I’m sure she is yours anyway.
Lorret’s The Debutante Is Mine introduces a rather… possessive male. Where are our possessive-kink friends? No red flags here, it’s a romance. And a regency one!
Lilah Appleton finds herself in a very difficult position. She must find a husband during this Season or she will be forced to marry her wretched cousin. Sister gotta do her best, so she seeks for a master of seduction in order to make her desirable. You all see where this is going, right?
This time, our hero is a self-made man, a bastard son. Not what a lady is looking for… at first. His charms are for the one who dares to look deeper and Lilah is ready for a dive!
Of course, their connection is palpable and Jack Marlowe is happy to have created a masterpiece of a woman.
But, then, why is he angrily looking at anyone flirting with her in the ballroom?
Let’s discover Cabot’s Educating Caroline, a hidden gem of historical romance. It’s a perfect grumpy-sunshine trope with a reformed rake hero and a virginal, super innocent heroine. Don’t walk, RUN to your bookshop.
In Victorian London, an affair is going on during a party. Caroline is in the unfortunate position to witness her fiance in bed with another woman. Oh my!
And that’s not even the worst part. The notorious gunsmaster of the city, the baseborn, Braden Granville, is looking for his fiance at the same time. Where is she and with whom?
Take a wild guess.
Caroline is afraid that he will kill her fiance in cold blood if he finds out. So, she keeps it for herself, but she will use it to her advantage later. Believing it’s her lack of experience that drove her fiance in the arms of another woman, she convinces Braden to teach her the art of seduction. In exchange, she will testify that Braden’s fiance cheated on him. Caroline’s eagerness will surprise you. Braden’s jaw dropped, for the fact’s sake.
Giving a glorious ending to this list, we present the famous and all-time favorite Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas.
Jack Devlin is a publisher, the best in England. There is an author, though, that he dies to contact. So, when an acquaintance gives him the novelist Amanda Briar’s address, he just can’t resist. He finds himself at her house and what is waiting for him behind the door intrigues him like hell!
Amanda is in the middle of an existential crisis. She’s turning 30 and she is still a virgin. As she can’t take this calmly, she hires a man to spend her night with. When her doorbell rings, she is ready to have the most significant night of her life.
No, she doesn’t know who is at her doorstep… And then in her bed! But she is about to find out, when she goes to sign a contract with Jack’s publishing house. They will decide to keep it extremely professional with each other.
A not-so-much-of a chance encounter, a hot, first lovemaking, and a business proposal. Give an applause to Ms. Kleypas because here we have a hilarious and completely romantic slow-burn plotline… the steamiest plotline.
Wrapping up this little, steamy list, historical romance, and especially steamy, has a very dedicated fanbase, and with good reason; with many variations and subgenres you are bound to find your favorite cup of tea. Something to talk about with your friends in the book club.
Be it Scotland, England or New York City, we just love the erotic scandal and tangled scenarios that will stimulate your imagination and leave you wanting more. There are more hidden gems to explore in historical steamy romance, and, trust us, you will find the tropes and themes just for you! So open your kindle and start downloading, or place an order in your favorite bookshop.
A steamy book goes under the umbrella of the romance genre, and engages scenes with physical touch and more explicit sexual content. Usually, a steamy book contains up to two sex scenes, but overall they are emotion-based.
Some of the best historical romance writers are:
The best romance novels for teens are:
Some of the best romance novels of all time are:
Some of the most popular subgenres of romance are contemporary romance, historical romance, regency, paranormal, fantasy, science fiction, erotic, young adult, LGBTQ+ and second chance romance.
Nikki Sheryee insists that she’s “up to no good” whenever she’s in the company of books. Armed with a degree in English Language and Literature, she wields the power of words like a mischievous wizard. Her lifelong dream? To be the editor who sprinkles magic dust on manuscripts! To Nikki, a book is more alive than a caffeinated squirrel on roller skates. Readers nurture it, cuddle it, scold it, and occasionally challenge it to a duel! But in the end, a book does its own thing, pulling at our heartstrings and revealing our inner human-ness. Nikki’s favorite pastime? Well, it’s none other than the noble art of daydreaming! And she wears her daydreamer’s badge with pride, sharing this delightful delusion with the crème de la crème of her friends.
