9 New and Anticipated Historical Fiction Books Brimming with Steamy Romance and Yearning!
Full of passion, heat and heart, these books are guaranteed to leave you starry-eyed!
Few forms of entertainment captivate like a really good story that whisks you away to another time—and historical romance delivers escape in spades. The subgenre of historical fiction and romance has long been a favorite among readers, but it’s seen a resurgence in recent years, thanks to buzzy TV shows and movies set in bygone eras like Bridgerton, The Gilded Age, The Buccaneers and the latest Wuthering Heights adaptation, which has taken the romance world by storm. From glittering Regency balls to the intrigue of the Victorian or Elizabethan eras, these stories offer a glimpse into the old days of courting and rigid rules—and they lend themselves to particularly fun tropes like marriages of convenience, reforming a rake, wallflower makeovers and sudden inheritances, oh my!
If you’re looking for a brand-new historical romance, we have you covered. We combed through dozens of 2026’s upcoming historical fiction releases and hand-picked our favorite books from bestselling authors like Vanessa Riley, Eloise James and more. Some you can read right now—others you can add to your TBR and preorder! Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the genre, these must-reads are your ticket to dazzling balls and beyond!
‘The Duke’s Got Mail’ by Samara Parish
What if You’ve Got Mail was set in the Victorian era? Samara Parish’s newest novel answers the question! Eleanor Wright is a skilled worker at a printing press, making her London’s most sought-after compositor. But rumors of a new machine that could replace her send her reeling. Then, letters to a mysterious pen pal become her only escape from her reality. Meanwhile, Peter Montgomery, Duke of Strafford, believes that same machine will rescue his debt-ridden estate and transform publishing. If only finding a wife were as simple. He longs for someone who sees the man, not the title—someone like his clever pen pal, who knows all his secrets but not his name. (Out April 28, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “This was a wonderful adaptation of You’ve Got Mail/The Shop Around the Corner. It was charming and fun and funny. I did not read the first book in the series (While the Duke Was Sleeping) but it in no way detracted from my enjoyment of this book.”
‘A Deal at Dawn’ by Vanessa Riley
Regency romance? Check! A savvy viscountess? Check! Simmering romance? Double check! Vanessa Riley’s latest historical romance in her Betting Against the Duke series follows Katherine Wilcox Palmers, the Viscountess of Hampton. As she faces losing custody of her daughter—the daughter she secretly shares with Jahleel Charles, the ailing Duke of Torrance—she’s devastated. Though the ruling was engineered by Jahleel himself, Katherine will stop at nothing to keep her child. She proposes a bargain: She will nurse Jahleel back to health and keep up appearances if he secures her a new husband to silence society. What follows is a beautiful story about getting a second chance at love and family. (Out June 30, 2026)
What readers are saying about this series: “Vanessa Riley has a style that I find intriguing. She will let the reader be out of the loop and even a little confused, but reward your patience with information throughout a book (and series) that reveals the fascinating big picture… If you love a strong family saga, you’ll love all of the books, not just this one!”
‘The Last Lady B’ by Eloisa James
In the middle of winter, Lady Genevieve Hughes (Evie) travels to a supposedly haunted abbey in the Scottish Highlands with her elderly husband and her pet piglet. Evie actually hopes to glimpse a ghost—perhaps one of her husband’s three former wives—but instead finds herself charmed by an eccentric circle of guests and unexpectedly drawn to Sir Godric Everly, a stunningly handsome and extremely grumpy solicitor who despises her husband. When old secrets surface, Godric becomes Evie’s only ally. A steamy historical romance that will capture your heart! (Out May 12, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “Eloisa James is one of my favorite historical romance writers and this time there are ghosts! This is a lighthearted, gothic romance…with secret passageways, ghost sightings, romance and a mystery to solve.”
‘Miss Wick and the Duke Dilemma’ by Violet Marsh
Fans of Evie Dunmore’s smart historical rom-coms will delight over this tale. Newly minted Duke of Foxglen Eoin Aucourte has always followed his grandfather’s rules—until now. His first mission? Find his long-lost mother. The only hitch is that he’ll need to start by visiting the notorious Black Sheep Coffeehouse, run by Hannah Wick, the feisty daughter of a pirate who despises everything he represents. Hannah cannot stand this man—especially because his family is responsible for exiling her family and setting her papa on the course to become a pirate. As secrets unravel and attraction heats up, they’ll have to decide what’s really in their hearts. (Out March 17, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “In a wonderful departure from the normal regency setting, this book takes place in 1750s London. We have aristocrats aplenty, but also middle and lower class characters and some charming animal companions as well. What a breath of fresh air! This book is the third in a series, but the books are marketed as standalones. While I do think a new reader would enjoy this book, it’s an even more rewarding read when you know the backstory.”
‘Nearly a Bride’ by Sabrina Jeffries
Filled with twists and wit, this 2026 historical fiction romance novel is sure to delight. After spending 10 years away, the Earl of Heathbrook returns to his home in London to find a fiancé and reclaim guardianship of his younger brothers. The only problem? He’s a notorious rake and everyone knows it. Elsewhere, Giselle Bernard knows she wants to marry a nobleman who can help put an end to the mysterious threats she’s been getting. Enter Heathbrook. The two begin to fake date in the hopes of getting what they want, only to discover that everything they’ve been searching for has been right in front of them. This novel is perfect for fans of Bridgerton Season 1. (Out April 28, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “This is a thoroughly enjoyable historical romance—engaging characters, a heartfelt love story, and just enough tension and surprises to keep the pages turning. The author’s notes, offering glimpses into real historical events, added depth and context that made the setting come alive. Fans of slow-burn romance and emotional family drama will find themselves deeply satisfied.”
‘A Shop Girl’s Guide to Wooing a Lord’ by Shana Galen
Opposites attract in this new Shana Galen novel. Tamsin Archer has had the worst year of her life. Not only is her father dead, but soon after, her younger siblings go missing. Desperate to find them, Tamsin disguises herself and starts to sneak into rich people’s homes to take whatever valuables she can find. Then, one night she’s caught by Garret Kildare, the second son of an earl. Shockingly, he doesn’t want to turn her in; he wants to help her. The two form a hasty alliance and soon begin to wonder if the connection between them is scarier than anything else thus far. A fun tale filled with banter and steam. (Out June 9, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “It’s been a long time since I read a historical romance and I am so glad I was able to read this one! characters. If you enjoy historical romance, yearning and banter then I definitely recommend this one!”
‘The Very Definition of Love’ by Sophia Benoit
Set in 1816, this novel follows Harriet Bancroft, a writer who doesn’t mind being on her fifth season with no marriage prospects. It’s given her more time to write her dictionary of modern slang. But when she accidentally ends up in a compromising situation with the notorious Lord Alexander Stirling, Harriet has no choice but to force him into a name-only marriage that will allow her to continue to write and him to flirt with any girl who wants. The only problem? Alexander would rather hang out with Harriet. Can she feel the same way? Only time will tell. (Out June 23, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “This gives me everything I want from a regency era novel while having the ease of use of a modern rom-com novel. I adored Harriet and Alexander. The yearning that they both exercised for one another without recognizing it in the other was delicious. The writing had so much wit and sarcasm that had me laughing out loud.”
‘The Duke’ by Anna Cowan
Fans of Francesa Bridgerton’s upcoming storyline will love this sapphic regency romance centered around a fearless royal family member. Everyone in Europe knows not to cross Kate, Duke of Howard. Consumed with anger, she avoids society and has vowed to never marry. One day Celine Genet visits Kate, only to leave with a note that proves that Kate committed treason as a child. In return for not letting Kate’s secret slip, Celine demands that the duke help her find a titled husband. The only problem? As the two begin to spend more time together, they start to connect in ways they never thought possible. (Out April 28, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “As a huge fan of historical romance, The Duke was very easily a five star read. Between various emotional gut punches, conveyed with evocative writing, and rooting for Celine and Kate, who are kind of a mess, I alternated between kicking my feet and clutching my Kindle as the story unfolded.”
‘My January Duke’ by Kate Bateman
This charming novella follows Olivia Price, a young woman whose father’s funeral is interrupted by bailiffs. To make matters worse, her handsome neighbor Devlin Hamilton, Duke of Dalkeith, shows up and demands that Olivia come live with him as payment for her father’s debt. The two clash instantly, but even disgust and anger can’t stop the chemistry between them. A spicy tale that’s filled with steamy moments and swoonworthy dialogue.
What early readers are saying: “A brooding duke, a resilient heroine, and a thunderstorm that refuses to be subtle, this one delivers exactly the kind of Regency drama readers crave. Devlin and Olivia are beautifully crafted, flawed, fiery, and impossible not to root for – their journey is handled with both tenderness and spark. A wonderfully told story from an author who continues to deliver compelling characters and heartfelt romance.”
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