Here is a selection of underrated historical romance books that should definitely be on your reading list!
A lover of the romance genre? You might have a lot of knowledge about books that can make your heart pound for the one that you always want to spend eternity with. Classics like Pride and Prejudice and The Notebook might come to mind. However, there are still less known historical romance novels that are worth the read.
Here are 10 underrated historical romance books you should have an eye on:
Jeremiah’s Journey
Eileen Kirksey Triplett
Jeremiah’s Journey is a historical romance book about perseverance in the face of adversity. Jeremiah is a young man who struggles with the changes happening in his life. With this, he begins searching for answers and seeking the love of his life. In his quest for answers, he joins a community of Native Americans who welcome him. He meets a girl who captures his heart, letting him aim to build a new life for himself, his future, and his love. If you are looking for underrated historical romance books, this one is a gem!
Mrs. Mike
Benedict and Nancy Freedman
Underrated historical romance books have the power to take you back to the time when love seemed so powerful and true. Mrs. Mike is a book in this list that should let you believe in love. This book follows Katherine Mary O’Fallon, an Irish girl from Boston, and Sergeant Mike Flannigan of the Canadian Mounted Police. The lovers meet, court, marry, and dream of the family together. This story transports its readers to an era where the protagonists face various challenges in life, including the struggles of being immigrants, whooping cough, and fires.
The Diary of Mattie Spenser
Sandra Dallas
The Diary of Mattie Spenser is one of the underrated historical romance books that you should also have on your reading list. This book follows Mattie Spenser, who is so surprised when the greatest catch of their small Iowa town, Luke Spenser, asks to marry him. Mattie writes her frustrations and joys in her diary, which slowly uncovers truths about her mysterious husband and the girl he has left behind.
The Suffragette Scandal
Courtney Milan
If you are looking for underrated historical romance books, you should check out Courtney Milan. The Suffragette Scandal (book 4 of her The Brothers Sinister series) compels its readers through the protagonist’s experiences in seeking support for women’s rights. Miss Frederica “Free” Marshall refuses to let her enemies win and destroy her business. She meets a scoundrel who tries to deceive her, but through her charm and power, the scoundrel Edward Clark falls in love with her.
Agnes Moor’s Wild Knight
Alyssa Cole
Alyssa Cole’s book is for those who are serious about looking for underrated historical romance books. Agnes Moor’s Wild Knight brings you back to the era of wild knights and kings. In this story, readers follow Agnes Moore, who knows her place in the court of King James IV. The king makes Agnes’s kiss the prize of a tourney. This circumstance lets the nervous Agnes meet a mysterious knight who plows through his opponents to claim it. This knight is not only after Agnes’s kiss, but he is also after the most elusive prize of all – her heart.
Butterfly Swords
Jeannie Lin
Underrated historical romance books don’t only delve into Western stories. Some of them, like Butterfly Swords, follow the story of a girl during China’s Tang Dynasty. Princes Ai Li flees before her wedding. Princess Ai Li is not only a Princess. She is a warrior with butterfly swords she uses for combat. Ryam, a battle-scarred man who sees his life at a cheap value, meets the stubborn and honorable royalty, making him fall for her and swears to protect her with his life.
Dragonwyck
Anya Seton
Dragonwyck brings you back to the 19th century following Miranda, an 18-year-old woman who was bored with her suitors. When her family receives a letter from the wealthy landowner, Nicholas Van Ryn, Miranda takes a leap of fate and falls for the spell of both the master and his mansion.
Jezebel
Koko Brown
Set in 1938, Celeste Newsome is a beautiful dancer with personal demons. She spends her night with plenty of alcohol and a company of men. She is protective of her bad-girl image until Shane Brennan walks into her life. Shane is a prizefighter who doesn’t give up easily. Celeste never knew Shane could tame her wild heart. This book is one of the most underrated historical romance books you would never want to miss.
The Duke of Shadows
Meredith Duran
he story is set in 1857 in India, following Emmaline Martin, an Englishwoman who falls in love with the future Duke of Auburn, Julian Sinclair. Here’s the catch: In London, Sinclair is celebrated. In India, people call him a traitor. When Emmaline is betrayed by her fiancé, she turns to Sinclair, whom she should not trust. Julian Sinclair is the dangerous and dazzling heir to the Duke of Auburn.
Forbidden
Beverly Jenkins
Some underrated historical romance books involve biracial relationships. Forbidden is book 1 of Beverly Jenkins’s Old West series. It follows Rhine Fontaine, a person who depends on a life passing as White. With this, he enjoys the privilege of living without racial discrimination. He meets Eddy Carmichael, a beautiful young woman of color, who makes him think of stepping out behind his façade.
This book shares a similar theme with Jeremiah’s Journey by Eileen Kirksey Triplett, where the main character falls in love with a woman from a group of what’s considered a minority in the current society. Check out the book on Amazon.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This list might not have your favorite books, but you may add some of the stories here to your reading collection. Check out these books and delve into a romance set in historical eras.
When looking for underrated historical romance books, what are the qualities are you looking for?
