Looking for a trip down memory lane with some classic love stories? Our list of vintage romance books is just what you need! From passionate highland lairds to brooding billionaires and everything in between, these stories have stood the test of time. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to these old-school gems, get ready to fall in love all over again with these timeless tales of romance.
Tune in and watch to our podcast episode recommending these books
An episode of the Reading Under the Covers Podcast featuring a bookish chat with Bookstagrammer Cheyenne (@readwithchey) about our favorite vintage romance books perfect to have a Hot Grandma Summer!
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15 Must Read Vintage Romance Books
Vixen by Jane Feather
Vixen by Jane Feather is a classic tale of opposites attracting with plenty of sparks. Chloe Gresham, a spirited orphan, finds herself under the care of Sir Hugo Lattimer, a brooding nobleman with a past. Hugo isn’t thrilled about his new role as guardian, but Chloe’s beauty and fiery nature make her hard to ignore. Determined to turn her into a proper lady and marry her off, Hugo is constantly tested by Chloe’s rebellious streak. Amidst dark secrets and looming danger, their fiery clashes and undeniable chemistry make for a captivating read filled with humor, passion, and the classic guardian-ward trope.
The Bride by Julie Garwood
The Bride by Julie Garwood brings together the best of Scottish historical romance with an arranged marriage and fiery passion. Alec Kincaid, a powerful Scottish laird, must marry an English bride by the king’s decree. He chooses Jamie, the spirited and beautiful youngest daughter of Baron Jamison. Alec is determined to possess and tame Jamie, but she sees him as a highland barbarian and vows never to surrender. With his rugged looks and commanding presence, Alec is everything Jamie’s heart warns her against. Despite their clash of wills, Alec’s scorching kisses ignite a fire within her. As their attraction grows, Jamie’s resistance falters, leading to a captivating blend of tension, desire, and the classic enemies-to-lovers trope.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our The Bride by Julie Garwood book review
Amanda by Kay Hooper
Amanda by Kay Hooper is a gripping tale of suspense and mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The story kicks off with the arrival of a confident woman claiming to be Amanda Daulton, the long-missing heiress to a multimillion-dollar fortune. While the family patriarch immediately accepts her as his granddaughter, others at the grand Southern estate, Glory, aren’t so easily convinced. As suspicions rise, Amanda faces a chilling attempt on her life and begins to experience haunting visions of the past. Unraveling the mystery of what happened twenty years ago leads to shocking secrets and dangerous revelations. This novel combines suspense, passion, and a touch of Southern gothic charm.
To Die For by Linda Howard
To Die For by Linda Howard is a thrilling mix of suspense and romance that will keep you hooked. Blair Mallory has it all—she’s confident, successful, and runs an upscale fitness center. But her life takes a dark twist when a club member obsessed with imitating her is murdered, and Blair witnesses the crime. Enter police lieutenant Wyatt Bloodsworth, a no-nonsense cop who clashes with Blair’s determination to investigate on her own. As the media swarms and threats against Blair escalate, Wyatt starts to think the murder might have been a case of mistaken identity—with Blair as the real target. Their fiery chemistry and constant bickering add a layer of tension and excitement to the story, making it a captivating read filled with danger and passion.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our reviews of Linda Howard books.
Second Sight by Amanda Quick
Second Sight by Amanda Quick kicks off the Arcane Society series with a thrilling mix of Victorian adventure, romance, and mystery. Venetia Milton, a talented photographer with a unique ability to see beyond her subjects, cherishes the memory of a passionate night with Gabriel Jones, only to hear of his death shortly after. Assuming the guise of his widow, Venetia starts a new life in London. Her career takes off, but complications arise when Gabriel, very much alive, reappears. As Gabriel tracks a dangerous enemy obsessed with an ancient secret, Venetia finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue and peril. Their rekindled passion and the high-stakes hunt for the secret make for a gripping read. This story blends the best of historical romance with a dash of the supernatural, keeping you hooked from start to finish.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our reviews of Amanda Quick books.
Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts
Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts kicks off an enthralling trilogy about three brothers bound by fate, blood, and a timeless enemy. In Hawkins Hollow, strange things happen every seven years on the seventh day of the seventh month. Caleb Hawkins, along with his best friends Fox and Gage, first encountered this evil during a childhood camping trip at The Pagan Stone. Now, twenty-one years later, Cal senses the stirrings of this ancient terror once again. He knows he’ll need Fox and Gage to face it, but he also finds unexpected help from Quinn Black, a reporter drawn to the town’s eerie happenings for her new book. As Quinn and Cal connect, their mutual attraction adds another layer to the fight against the darkness. With supernatural elements and a simmering romance, this story blends suspense, mystery, and love, making it a compelling read from start to finish.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts book review
Naked in Death by J.D. Robb
Naked in Death by J.D. Robb kicks off the beloved In Death series, blending futuristic crime-solving with steamy romance. Set in 2058, technology rules the world, but for New York City Detective Eve Dallas, passion still drives the heart. As Eve hunts a ruthless killer, her instincts—honed over a decade on the force—are her greatest asset. Enter Roarke, an enigmatic Irish billionaire who becomes a suspect in her investigation. Despite every warning, Eve finds herself irresistibly drawn to him. As their mutual attraction sizzles, Eve must navigate the dangerous waters of desire while solving a high-stakes murder. This book is a thrilling mix of suspense, romance, and futuristic (remember it was written in 1995!) intrigue that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Naked in Death by J.D. Robb book review
The Unsung Hero by Suzanne Brockmann
The Unsung Hero by Suzanne Brockmann kicks off the Troubleshooters series with a gripping blend of adventure and romance. Navy SEAL lieutenant Tom Paoletti, recovering from a near-fatal head injury, spots an international terrorist in his New England hometown. When the Navy dismisses his warning as a hallucination, Tom forms his own counterterrorism team with a mix of loyal officers, two elderly war veterans, a couple of misfit teenagers, and Dr. Kelly Ashton. Once the town’s bad boy, Tom has always harbored feelings for Kelly, the sweet girl next door who has blossomed into an extraordinary woman. As they race against time to prevent disaster, Tom seizes his last chance to win Kelly’s heart and prove himself a hero. This story combines high-stakes action with heartfelt romance.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our reviews of Suzanne Brockmann books.
Black Ice by Anne Stuart
Black Ice by Anne Stuart kicks off The Ice Series with a thrilling tale of danger and passion. Chloe Underwood, an American book translator living in Paris, craves excitement and adventure. When she’s offered a well-paid weekend gig translating at a business conference in a remote chateau, she jumps at the chance. However, Chloe quickly discovers her employers are illegal arms dealers, and she knows too much. Bastien Toussaint, one of the criminals, is ordered to kill her, but instead, he whisks her away. Suddenly, Chloe finds herself on the run with the most terrifying—and seductive—man she’s ever met. Their journey is packed with suspense, danger, and intense attraction, making this book a gripping read from start to finish.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Black Ice by Anne Stuart book review
Alligator Moon by Joanna Wayne
Alligator Moon by Joanna Wayne takes you deep into Cajun country with a gripping blend of suspense and romance. John Robicheaux is determined to uncover the truth behind his brother’s mysterious death in the bayou. His investigation leads him to a shady medical clinic and a powerful plastic surgeon with a dark secret. Enter Cassie Havelin, a local magazine reporter looking into the same clinic, whose own investigation gets tangled with her mother’s sudden disappearance. As Cassie and John join forces, their quest to uncover the truth pulls them closer together, but also deeper into danger. Together, they must navigate the murky waters and shadow a sinister killer before they become victims themselves.
Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie
Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie is a fun rom-com with a clever twist. Minerva Dobbs, practical and skeptical about love, ends up on a date with Calvin Morrisey, who only asked her out to win a bet. Despite his charm and good looks, Minerva isn’t falling for it. Cal, who avoids commitment, finds himself unexpectedly intrigued by Minerva’s fiery personality. As fate keeps throwing them together, they deal with jealous exes, Krispy Kreme donuts, and even a smart cat.
Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase
Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase is a witty and fiery romance. Jessica Trent wants to save her brother from the notorious Marquess of Dain, Sebastian Ballister. She never expects to be attracted to the arrogant rake. When their passionate encounter leads to a public scandal, the only reputable solution is for Sebastian to marry her. Their relationship is a battle of wills, filled with sharp banter and sizzling chemistry. As Sebastian tries to maintain his distance, he finds himself falling for the headstrong Jessica.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase book review
The Captain of All Pleasures by Kresley Cole
The Captain of All Pleasures by Kresley Cole delivers high-seas adventure and steamy romance. Nicole Lassiter, raised on her father’s clipper ship, is a free spirit who meets her match in Captain Derek Sutherland. After a night of passion turns sour, Nicole vows revenge by helping her father win a race against Sutherland. But when her father is imprisoned, Nicole takes command, only to end up as Sutherland’s captive after a storm. Torn between escape and surrender, Nicole’s fiery spirit clashes with Derek’s dominance. It’s like Immortals After Dark but with pirates instead of lykaes!
Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips brings together a former football star and a determined wallflower in a small-town romance full of humor and heart. Gracie Snow is on a mission to bring ex-jock Bobby Tom Denton back to Heaven, Texas, to start his movie career. Despite his good looks and charm, Bobby Tom isn’t keen on becoming a movie star, especially not for a prim and bossy woman who’s impossible to ignore. Deciding to have a little fun, he sets out to transform Gracie from a plain Jane into a Texas wildcat. But in the process, he discovers that nothing is more dangerous—or captivating—than a wildcat with an angel’s heart.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips book review
Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips throws together a flighty socialite and a stoic stranger in a modern-day arranged marriage. Daisy Devreaux must choose between jail or marrying the man her father picked for her. Enter Alex Markov, a deadly handsome but humorless man with no interest in being a loving husband to a spoiled girl. He whisks Daisy away from her glamorous life to a rundown traveling circus, determined to break her spirit. But Alex soon finds that Daisy, with all her heart and charm, is a force to be reckoned with.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips book review
We want to thank Cheyenne for chatting with us on the Reading Under the Covers Podcast and sharing her love for old school romances. If you want to follow along with her Hot Grandma Summer and get even more amazing recommendations, go give Chey a follow on Instagram. And here are some of the recs she shared in the episode.
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