Tired of the same old Regency ballrooms and English estates? Let’s take a detour from the well-trodden paths of English historical romances and journey to some less conventional settings. From the shores of New Zealand to the bustling streets of Paris, this lists curates a collection of historical romances set outside of England that promise to sweep you off your feet with their unique backdrops and compelling narratives. Whether youโre a seasoned romance reader or a newbie, get ready to read around the world.
Ready to dive into all things historical romance? Check out our historical romance genre guide.
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15 Historical romances set outside of England
Africa
As You Desire by Connie Brockway
SET IN EGYPT
As You Desire by Connie Brockway has a blend of adventure and romance. Desdemona Carlisle, once charmed by the notorious rake Harry Braxton, finds herself unexpectedly rescued by him from danger. As old flames reignite, Harry’s mysterious life as a treasure hunter threatens their rekindled passion. This historical romance is full of wit and sizzle with a romance that challenges Desdemona’s childhood dreams, urging her to choose not just any hero, but the right man.
America
An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole
SET IN USA
In Alyssa Cole’s An Extraordinary Union, Elle, a brilliant Black woman and former slave, returns to the perils of slavery as a Union spy. Alongside Malcolm, a white detective for Pinkerton’s Secret Service, their mission intertwines and a forbidden love grows during the Civil War. If you’re after a historical romance that strays from the typical ballrooms to the front lines, this riveting tale of courage, passion, and resilience is your next must-read.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole book review
Want more badass women in history? Check out our feminist historical romance recommendations.
Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold by Ellen O’Connell
SET IN USA
Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold by Ellen O’Connell is set against the rugged backdrop of 1885 Colorado and explores the unconventional love between a defiant spinster and a man marked by his heritage. Forced into a marriage by violence, they defy their families’ prejudices to forge a deep bond. A story not just of romance but of overcoming societal rules and family expectations, a true testament to resilience.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold by Ellen O’Connell book review
Rebel by Beverly Jenkins
SET IN USA
Rebel by Beverly Jenkins takes us to post-Civil War New Orleans. Valinda Lacy is there to help the newly freed community thrive, but finds herself in danger. She meets Captain Drake LeVeq, an architect eager to rebuild his city. As they face challenges together, Valinda’s defiance against an arranged marriage back home pulls Drake deeper into a thrilling intrigue.
The Gaucho’s Lady by Genevieve Turner
SET IN ARGENTINA
The Gaucho’s Lady by Genevieve Turner sweeps us away to the rugged pampas of Argentina. In her desperate bid for freedom, Eliana Suarez turns to Juan Moreno, a gaucho on the verge of returning to California. The two embark on a journey to Buenos Aires, dodging outlaws and anarchists while navigating their growing attraction. Perfect for readers looking for a romance that marries passion with adventure.
Asia
Not Quite a Husband by Sherry Thomas
PARTLY SET IN INDIA
In Not Quite A Husband, Bryony and Leo’s story grabs you with its raw and real take on second chances. Once married and quickly parted, they are unexpectedly reunited in India. Sherry Thomas delivers a touching tale that digs deep into the challenges of rekindled love and the stunning backdrops of historical India, making it a standout read for those who love their romance with depth and authenticity.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Not Quite a Husband by Sherry Thomas book review
Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran
PARTLY SET IN INDIA
In The Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran, we follow Emmaline Martin and Julian Sinclair as they go from India to London. Emmaline, betrayed and alone, reluctantly seeks help from Julian, a duke known as much for his dangerous charm as his tarnished reputation. Duran delivers a romance set against the backdrop of a society on the brink of change, making this a standout story for anyone who loves a good historical romance with genuine stakes.
Butterfly Swords by Jeannie Lin
SET IN CHINA
Butterfly Swords by Jeannie Lin thrusts you into the lush yet perilous times of the Tang Dynasty, where Princess Ai Li, armed only with her namesake butterfly swords, must escape a betrayal. On the run, she encounters Ryam, a cynical warrior whose past battles have left him jaded. Ai Li’s unshakeable honor and purity stir a protective instinct in Ryam he’s never felt before, challenging him to keep her safe without acting on his desires. A vivid tale of danger and romance.
The Devil Comes Courting by Courtney Milan
SET IN CHINA
In The Devil Comes Courting by Courtney Milan, the fierce battle to complete the world’s first telegraphic network takes a personal twist when Captain Grayson Hunter discovers that the genius behind a groundbreaking technology is Amelia Smith, not the man he expected. Amelia, raised by English missionaries, is uninterested in Grayson’s ambitious promises. Yet, as he relentlessly seeks her collaboration, she finds herself wanting more than just professional success from himโshe aims to thaw his icy heart.
The Dream Hunter by Laura Kinsale
PARTLY SET IN SYRIA
In The Dream Hunter by Laura Kinsale, a tale of survival and hidden identity unfolds in the harsh desert landscape. Zenia, a princess disguised as a Bedouin boy, finds herself guiding Arden, Lord of Winter, on a quest for a legendary horse. Zenia wrestles with revealing her true identity, fearing the consequences but longing for Arden’s acceptance. Their journey through the desert is not just about survival but about understanding and accepting one another. Kinsale delivers an adventure romance that captures the longing and courage it takes to reveal one’s true self.
Europe
This title is currently only available on audiobook
Song of Seduction by Carrie Lofty
SET IN AUSTRIA
Song of Seduction by Carrie Lofty might be just what you need. Set in Austria in 1804, this novel follows the story of composer Arie De Voss and Mathilda Heidel, both tormented by their pasts and seeking redemption. With a backdrop of musical passion and forbidden love.
Note: Carrie Lofty’s books are currently being re-published on audiobook by Scribd. You can access them with a Scribd membership on Everand.
You can also read Flawless by Carrie Lofty, which is set in South Africa. Grab it on Amazon (currently only available in print) or read our Flawless by Carrie Lofty book review. And check out a guest post from author Carrie Lofty talking about romance book tropes.
Your Scandalous Ways by Loretta Chase
SET IN ITALY
Your Scandalous Ways by Loretta Chase sets the stage with James Cordier, a master spy weary of his double life, who must retrieve incriminating letters from the bold and scandal-surviving Francesca Bonnard. What starts as a mission quickly spirals into a tangled dance of attraction and danger. Chase expertly weaves a story where passion ignites amidst espionage, showing us that sometimes the most sinful souls find the deepest connections. Francesca’s fiery independence and James’s reluctant admiration make for a thrilling story of love and intrigue.
Grab this book on Amazon and read our Loretta Chase book reviews.
A Rogue to Remember by Emily Sullivan
SET IN ITALY
In A Rogue to Remember, Emily Sullivan reels you into the turbulent reunion of Lottie Carlisle and her childhood best friend turned rogue, Alex. Thrust back together after years, the sparksโand daggersโfly. Set in 1897, mostly in Italy, against a backdrop of espionage and peril, their journey from old companions to potential lovers keeps you hooked. Sullivan stitches together a vibrant tale of second chances, weaving suspense with sizzling romantic tension.
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A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera
SET IN FRANCE
In A Caribbean Princess in Paris by Adriana Herrera, we’re whisked away to Paris in 1889, right in the middle of the Exposition Universelle. Luz Alana Heith-Benzan, heir to a rum empire, lands in the bustling city, ready to take the business world by stormโonly to hit barrier after barrier. Why? She’s a woman, and a woman of color at that. Just as sheโs figuring out her next move, along comes James Evanston Sinclair, a charming Scottish Earl with a whisky brand and an unconventional approach to life. Their first meeting? A clash of titans. The story takes off from there, weaving through the streets of Paris, where business blends with pleasure and a marriage of convenience might just turn into something real. Adriana Herrera gives us a vibrant, feisty romance that challenges the norms and captures the spirit of an era.
Oceania
Once an Angel by Teresa Medeiros
PARTLY SET IN NEW ZEALAND
In Teresa Medeiros’s Once an Angel, you’re whisked away to the shores of New Zealand, where the exiled nobleman, Justin Connor, encounters Emily Claire Scarboroughโa spirited orphan determined to claim her rightful inheritance. Their unexpected meeting evolves into a journey that takes them from the rugged beauty of New Zealand to the bustling streets of London. Medeiros blends romance with adventure, crafting a story of betrayal and redemption. Emily’s resolve and Justin’s struggle to make peace with his past make for a heartwarming tale..
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