I love a historical romance that will put a smile on my face and yes, a historical romantic comedy is a thing! The romantic comedies of the Historical Romance genre as it were. I know I’m not alone in this, so I have compiled a list of the historical romantic comedies that have never fail to put a smile on my face

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Historical Romantic Comedy Books

Historical romance. People outside the romance reader community give it such a bad rap. Surely it’s all purple prose and men in billowy white shirts and ladies fainting in their corsets. And well…I have read a few of those; they are ridiculous and I love them. But historical romance has more nuance than that. You can get dark and angsty, action packed and full or intrigue, or perhaps you like paranormal element thrown in, or adventures on the high seas. For me, my favourite type of historical romances are the light hearted gonna-make-me-smile ones; the historical romantic comedies. Much like their contemporary counterparts historical romantic comedies are packed with witty repartee, shenanigans and hijinks, only it’s all done in corsets. If you are here because you finished binging the Bridgertons on Netflix and need more historical romances to read after the Bridgertons, then we’ve got the perfect group of books for you.

The Perfect Rake by Anne Gracie

If there’s one thing I love in a romance book, it’s when a previously overlooked plain Jane/wallflower heroine has the sexiest guy in the room head over heels for her. Yet she is oblivious. I know, I know, it’s a very specific trope (if you know of any books that have this, please let me know in the comments! I rarely come across it) but I lap it up.

But that is just one of the reasons I love The Perfect Rake so much. Another reason is because it’s light hearted and cute, making this historical romantic comedy perfect for a relaxing easy read

Truce by R.L. Mathewson

The Neighbor from Hell series is actually contemporary romance that follows the Bradford family. But in book 4 Truce we go back in time and meet the Bradford’s ancestors and see how they came over to America. As that’s the case, you don’t need to have read any of the previous books in the series, it can standalone

If you’ve read Mathewson before you know what to expect. If you don’t expect to find sarcasm and barbed humour. And amazing heroines that take delight in torturing the hero. It shows that Mathewson can nail not only contemporary romantic comedy but historical romantic comedy as well!

The Perfect Wife by Lynsay Sands

Our heroine is worried that her soon-to-be-husband, a man who will meet her for the first time at the altar. She isn’t slender and pretty like her sister, she’s kind of plump and plain. But, she’s determined to be the perfect wife. Accidentally setting fire to her new husband on her wedding night probably wasn’t the best start…

Historical romance isn’t a genre you would typically associate with slapstick comedy and yet, here we have it: The Perfect Wife. The slapstick, slip-on-a-banana-peel side of historical romance. This book made me full out belly laugh. It’s completely ridiculous and over the top and I loved every second.

Must Love Dukes by Elizabeth Michels

I first picked up Must Love Dukes on a whim looking to try a new historical romance author and I immediately fell in love.  I’ve continued reading this author but this remains my favorite series because it has that fun and light hearted elements that you can expect from a historical romantic comedy.

Lady Bridget’s Diary by Maya Rodale

This book was inspired by Bridget Jones Diary and Pride and Prejudice (I know, I know Bridget Jones Diary is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice!). But in Lady Bridget’s Diary Maya Rodale pops it into a historical setting and created Lady Bridget and Lord Darcy. Bridget is clumsy, new to the world of the ton and doesn’t know how to fit in, despite desperately wanting to find her place. Darcy is the perfect English gentleman, aloof, with impeccable manners and the ability to look down his gorgeous nose at everyone else.

Need I say more? This historical romantic comedy is both hilarious and delicious.

A Duke in Shining Armor by Loretta Chase

Let me tell you about this book, we have…

…one wallflower, voted the most boring girl in the ton.

…a wedding where the heroine, who happens to be the bride, gets a little tipsy before the trip down the altar and decides to climb out the window to get away.

…to be pursued by the best man, a duke of course, with the nickname Dis-Grace.

Shenanigans and antics ensue as they traipse around London together, which as the reader, we get to enjoy.

Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean

This is one of my favourite historical romance books ever. There’s something so human and relatable about Callie. No matter what Maclean writes, and she writes some amazing books, with modern super competent paragons of womanhood as heroines. However, for me they have lost a little of Callie’s fallible humanity. And boy, is Callie fallible often in hilarious ways. The mixture of romance, laughs and the relatable and aspirational motif of this book has it firmly stacked on my favourites shelf.

Lord Holt Takes a Bride by Vivienne Lorret

Francesca has long been a fan of Vivienne Lorret, but for me [Suzanne] this is my first ever book from her. And boy, have I been missing out! A book where a group of ladies accidentally kidnap the hero…I’m all for it. This was a great mix of physical comedy and wit and I now have a new author’s back list to delve in to.

The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare

Pick a Tessa Dare book…any Tessa Dare book and you will find a witty historical romantic comedy that transforms you into that weirdo on the bus that chuckles to themselves.

The Girl Meets Duke series is Dare’s latest offering to the historical romance genre and it’s a doozy. Smart and funny, with heroines who know exactly what they are about, it’s perfect for the modern romance reader.

How to Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreiling

Regency England meets reality TV vibes, think “The Bachelor” meets “Millionaire Matchmaker.” Tristan, a duke, is looking for a wife without the hassle of traditional dating. Tessa, a sharp matchmaker, steps in with a plan and a list of candidates. But as she works her matchmaking magic, Tessa finds herself in an unexpected role—Tristan’s top choice.

It’s a fun mix of genuine laughs, sweet surprises and spontaneous romance. If you like the idea of a historical romance with a twist of reality show drama, this book is for you.

The Duke Heist by Erica Ridley

This book, with its gorgeous cover that first caught my eye, introduces us to Chloe Wynchester, a woman from a family society looks down on. She’s on a mission to cozy up to a duke, not for love, but to steal back a painting her family claims. The duke, in need of funds, is an unlikely match for her on paper. However, as the story unfolds, their initial motives give way to a deeper connection, revealing a perfect match.

The pace of the book starts slow but it builds up to a fun and heartwarming story. What really sticks with me is how Ridley makes Chloe and the duke’s evolving relationship feel genuine and how this book sets the stage for more exciting stories about the Wynchester siblings. It’s a light-hearted read that leaves you curious and wanting more.

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

If you want a series that will leave your heart brimming with the warm fuzzies, then you have to try the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn. It’s a finished series about a group of siblings, with each book following the romance of one of the Bridgerton brood. Although you will inevitably have your favourites in this series, each book is packed with warmth and humour and leave you longing to be part of the loving embrace of the Bridgerton family.

But, lets talk about Netflix! I was both excited and nervous as hell to see my favourite fictional family depicted on screen. How would it turn out? Would it awful!? Would it be wonderful? Personally, for me, there’s something both wonderful and awful seeing my favourite fictional family on screen. But, I know they would never please me 100%. Overall though I think they have done a great job of bringing out the feel of the Bridgerton books.

To Have and To Hoax by Martha Waters

When Violet and her estranged husband James find themselves in a ridiculous standoff after a misunderstanding, they decide the only logical step is to outdo each other in an escalating series of deceptions and pranks. What starts as a game to provoke reconciliation quickly turns into a humorous journey of rediscovery. Waters crafts a story filled with witty banter and the kind of laugh-out-loud moments that make you wish you could join in their schemes.

It’s a refreshing take on the historical romance genre that proves love isn’t just about the grand gestures but also the laughter shared along the way. If you’re up for a romance that feels like a clever game of chess with a heart, this book’s for you.

Historical Romantic Comedy with a Twist: Alternatives to Traditional Regency Romances

Venture beyond the ballrooms and bonnets with our recommendations of the best historical romantic comedy with a twist. Perfect for fans who adore the humor and charm of the Regency era but crave something a little out of the ordinary, these alternatives to traditional Regency romances blend the best of both worlds.

Soulless by Gail Carriger

Alexia Tarabotti, a woman who lacks a soul but certainly not spirit, in “Soulless.” Set in an alternate Victorian London where vampires and werewolves roam society, Alexia’s life takes a thrilling turn when she accidentally kills a vampire, sparking a chain of events that leads her into a world of intrigue, parasols, and unexpected romance. It’s a witty, fast-paced adventure where etiquette is just as important as surviving supernatural shenanigans. Perfect for those who love their historical romance with a side of paranormal fun.

A Brazen Curiosity by Lynn Messina

Follow Beatrice Hyde-Clare as she stumbles upon a dead body during a high society house party, and takes it upon herself to solve the mystery. Armed with her sharp wit and keen observation skills, Beatrice navigates through the ton’s most elite (and some not-so-elite) to find the murderer, all while sparring and eventually partnering with the dashing Duke of Kesgrave. This series is a delightful mix of mystery, humor, and romance, offering a fresh take on the Regency era for readers looking for laughs and love with their sleuthing.