Tired of seeing the same old dukes and debutantes in a sea of white Regency romances? We’ve got you covered! Check out this list of diverse historical romances that will introduce you to characters of different cultures, races, and identities. Grab your favorite blanket, settle in, and get ready to fall in love with these unique love stories that prove history has a lot more flavor than just tea and crumpets.
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15 Diverse Historical Romances You Must Add to Your TBR
Ana Maria and The Fox by Liana De La Rosa
If you’re on the hunt for a historical romance that breaks the mold, Ana María and the Fox by Liana De la Rosa is a must-read. Set in Victorian England, it follows Ana María Luna Valdés, a Mexican heiress seeking refuge in London, and Gideon Fox, a British politician with abolitionist convictions. Their love story is refreshing, offering a blend of ballroom glamour and a deeper exploration of social issues of the era. Gideon stands out as a hero with his kind heart and sense of justice, while Ana María’s fiery spirit and courage make her a heroine to root for. Together, they navigate the challenges of forbidden love, clashing backgrounds, and societal expectations, creating a story that beautifully intertwines romance with a diverse cultural perspective. If you’re looking for a historical romance that offers more than just dukes and debutantes, Ana María and the Fox will sweep you off your feet!
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Ana Maria and The Fox by Liana De La Rosa book review
Want to read more books by Latinx authors? You’ll find lots of recommendations in our 25+ Latinx romance authors list.
The Viscount Made Me Do It by Diana Quincy
If you’re searching for a historical romance that takes you beyond the typical ballroom scenes, The Viscount Made Me Do It by Diana Quincy is worth a read. In this second book of her Clandestine Affairs series, Quincy introduces us to Hanna Zaydan, a bonesetter of Arab descent who’s determined to make her mark in a society that doesn’t respect her profession—or her heritage. Enter Thomas Ellis, Viscount Griffin, a man with a tarnished reputation and a dark family mystery to solve. Griff initially dismisses Hanna as a fraud but finds himself drawn to her fierce determination and undeniable skill. Their chemistry is palpable, and their journey intertwines mystery with romance as they uncover clues to his parents’ murder.
Hanna’s strength and sacrifices make her an unforgettable heroine, especially as she stands her ground against London’s male-dominated medical field. Griff, with his bad-boy reputation and hidden vulnerability, adds layers to the story, making for an irresistible pairing.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our The Viscount Made Me Do It by Diana Quincy book review
The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan
Need a historical romance with a twist? The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan delivers with a half-Chinese British duke who’s got a knack for disappearing. Jeremy Wentworth returns to the village hoping to win back Chloe Fong—his childhood sweetheart and a fierce list-maker—after vanishing three years ago. But convincing Chloe to take him seriously while revealing his title and the fact that he owns her entire village? That’s a whole other challenge. With Jeremy as a mischievous virgin hero and Chloe as a no-nonsense planner, this story packs cultural flair, humor, and a whole lot of heart.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Courtney Milan’s book reviews
The Perks of Loving a Wallflower by Erica Ridley
Looking for a Regency romance with a sapphic twist? The Perks of Loving a Wallflower by Erica Ridley brings together master of disguise Thomasina “Tommy” Wynchester and bluestocking Miss Philippa York. Tommy can be anyone she wants—a polite young lady or a bawdy old man—all in the name of solving her family’s cases. But her latest mission is personal: helping the brilliant Philippa York decode an old manuscript while also trying to win her heart.
Philippa, who doesn’t believe in love, is skeptical of relying on a man for help. So she’s relieved when the charming baron at her side turns out to be a woman—and secretly thrilled by Tommy’s smitten attention. As the two grow closer and the stakes of their investigation rise, this Regency romp delivers humor, heart, and a fresh take on love that’s bound to sweep you off your feet.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Erica Ridley’s book reviews
Aphrodite and the Duke by J.J. McAvoy
Need a historical romance with second-chance vibes and a bit of drama? Check out Aphrodite and the Duke by J.J. McAvoy. It’s all about Aphrodite Du Bell, whose beauty lives up to her name but didn’t stop Evander Eagleman, the Duke of Everely, from jilting her for another woman four years ago. Now a widower, Evander wants a do-over, but Aphrodite isn’t eager to forgive and forget.
While she’s back in London to help her sister’s debut, avoiding Evander proves impossible when old feelings resurface. But just as they start to mend the past, a dark secret behind Evander’s rejection threatens to tear them apart. With a mix of second-chance romance and high-society intrigue, this book delivers a swoony love story.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our J.J. McAvoy’s book reviews
A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall
This captivating story follows Viola Carroll, a trans woman who gave up everything to live her truth, and her childhood friend, Justin, the Duke of Gracewood. Presumed dead after Waterloo, Viola returns years later to find Gracewood drowning in grief. Determined to help him, Viola steps back into his life under the guise of a stranger, helping him find peace and purpose. But as their rekindled friendship blossoms into something deeper, Gracewood discovers his best friend isn’t gone after all. If you love historical romance and are looking for an inclusive, refreshing love story that breaks stereotypes, A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall deserves a spot on your reading list.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall book review
Self-Made Boys by Anna-Marie McLemore
If you’re looking for a fresh take on a classic, Self-Made Boys by Anna-Marie McLemore is a must-read. This YA reimagining of The Great Gatsby brings us Nicolás Caraveo, a 17-year-old transgender boy from Wisconsin, who moves to New York City to establish himself professionally and support his family. He finds himself renting a small house in West Egg, near his cousin Daisy, who’s erased all traces of her Latine heritage to pass as white. Across the way is Jay Gatsby, a mysterious young man throwing extravagant parties to win back Daisy—and who, like Nick, is also transgender.
But Nick’s mission to help Jay reconnect with Daisy gets tangled when he starts falling for Jay himself. Self-Made Boys is a refreshing, inclusive twist on a literary classic that subverts the cishet narrative, offering a vibrant, queer reimagining infused with Latinx heritage that will pull you right into the heart of the Roaring Twenties.
A Summer for Scandal by Lydia San Andres
Looking for a historical set in an unexpected time and place? A Summer for Scandal by Lydia San Andres is a perfect pick. Set in Arroyo Blanco, a fictional Hispanic Caribbean island in 1911, it follows Emilia Cruz, who writes a deliciously scandalous serial under a pseudonym, and Ruben Torres, a celebrated author struggling with writer’s block. While Ruben secretly edits a gossip paper to make ends meet, he takes special delight in critiquing Emilia’s work—unaware that she’s the author herself. As Emilia fights to keep her identity hidden and Ruben digs deeper to unmask the mysterious writer, sparks fly between them in a way that only a summer of scandal can ignite. This book offers a fresh, culturally rich twist on the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, and a romance filled with wit, tension, and irresistible chemistry.
A Gamble at Sunset by Vanessa Riley
A Gamble at Sunset by Vanessa Riley is a refreshing pick that breaks away from the usual Regency mold. Set in Regency England, it follows Georgina Wilcox, a wallflower with hidden musical talents, and Lord Mark Sebastian, a reticent composer. After a scandalous kiss in the gardens of Anya House puts them both in the crosshairs of the gossip columns, they embark on a daring fake courtship to protect their reputations.
Georgina is furious when her sister, the recently widowed Viscountess, refuses help from the Duke of Torrance, so she shocks her by kissing the first willing stranger she finds. But their staged romance takes an unexpected turn as they grow closer, finding comfort in each other’s company while facing family rivalries and societal expectations. Vanessa Riley brings cultural richness and depth to this love story, offering a blend of wit, tension, and irresistible chemistry that will leave you rooting for this unlikely couple.
The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by K.J. Charles
Gareth Inglis inherits a title and a grand estate on Romney Marsh, only to find his old lover, Joss Doomsday, leading a ruthless smuggling clan nearby. Their reunion is rocky, but soon the gentleman and the smuggler can’t stay away from each other. With danger lurking in every corner, they’ll need to trust one another not just with their hearts, but with their lives. The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by K.J. Charles is a thrilling blend of Gothic scandal and Bridgerton intrigue!
The Earl’s Governess by Celeste Barclay
In The Earl’s Governess by Celeste Barclay, Rajesh William Courtenay unexpectedly inherits the title of Earl of Devon and finds himself responsible for two young nieces. Charlotte “Charlie” Pedrick, a governess with a smuggler past, recognizes Rajesh as the man who saved her from her last lecherous employer, and their chemistry is immediate.
Despite cultural differences and secrets, Rajesh and Charlie navigate love and treachery while uncovering the truth behind the mysterious deaths in his family. With a richly diverse cast and a steamy romance, this novella promises intrigue and adventure along England’s southern coast.
The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews
In The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews, Evelyn Maltravers knows her chances on the marriage market are slim, so she pins her hopes on making a splash in haute couture while on horseback. For that, she needs a daring habit-maker. Enter Ahmad Malik, a half-Indian tailor with a flair for creating stunning riding habits. His designs turn heads on Rotten Row, but it’s Evelyn’s unbridled spirit that captures his heart.
Together, they set out to conquer London’s fashionable society, but their journey isn’t without obstacles. As they challenge conventions and push boundaries, Evelyn and Ahmad must navigate the hurdles of prejudice and societal expectations to decide whether it’s more important to make their mark or follow their hearts. Mimi Matthews weaves a captivating romance that blends the elegance of Victorian high society with the richness of diverse characters and cultures.
Indigo by Beverly Jenkins
In Indigo by Beverly Jenkins, Hester Wyatt is a dedicated conductor on Michigan’s Underground Railroad, offering escaped slaves a shot at freedom. When an injured man known as the “Black Daniel” is brought to her for help, she doesn’t hesitate, despite the price on his head. Galen Vachon, the Black Daniel, is used to luxury as a member of one of New Orleans’ wealthiest free Black families, but he’s given it all up to fight for freedom.
At first, Hester finds Galen arrogant and rude, questioning her decision to help him. But as he heals, Galen can’t turn his back on the feisty conductor caring for him. He’s determined to win Hester’s heart, but they’ll have to outmaneuver traitors and slave catchers before finding the freedom that only true love can bring. Beverly Jenkins crafts a rich, emotional romance that blends historical intrigue with an unforgettable love story.
Wake Me Most Wickedly by Felicia Grossman
In Wake Me Most Wickedly by Felicia Grossman, Solomon Weiss needs a respectable wife to repay his half-brother, but his plans are derailed when outcast Hannah Moses saves his life. Drawn to the beautiful pawnshop owner, Sol can’t resist her charm, despite the obstacles between them. Tainted by her parents’ crimes, Hannah believes no prince would choose her, so she focuses on her business—even if it means skirting the law.
Yet every meeting with Sol chips away at her resolve, and soon, their undeniable chemistry becomes impossible to ignore. But when a betrayal within Sol’s circle threatens their fragile trust, they must overcome their fears or risk losing each other. Grossman’s clever Snow White reimagining offers rich Jewish representation and a sizzling romance that will have you rooting for these two unlikely lovers from start to finish.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Wake Me Most Wickedly by Felicia Grossman book review
Once Upon a Moonlit Night by Elizabeth Hoyt
In Once Upon a Moonlit Night by Elizabeth Hoyt, Hippolyta Royle is a biracial heiress (Egyptian mother) running for her life. On a cold, rainy night, she throws herself at the mercy of a passing carriage, desperate to escape her kidnappers. Her only hope lies in Matthew Mortimer, the carriage’s handsome occupant, who reluctantly agrees to help her.
Initially, Matthew is skeptical of Hippolyta’s story, mistaking her for a beggar or actress. But as she washes off the mud and reveals her true identity, their chemistry becomes undeniable, leading to a breathtaking kiss that changes everything. With his help, Hippolyta fights to reclaim her life and find a happily ever after, despite the obstacles in her way. Hoyt masterfully weaves romance and adventure into this novella, offering a thrilling tale that celebrates diverse characters and delivers a wickedly satisfying love story.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Once Upon a Moonlit Night by Elizabeth Hoyt book review
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