12 Must-Read Historical Romance Novels to Tide You Over Until ‘Bridgerton’ Season 3!

Want to read the book before the season premiere? The fourth book in the Bridgerton series follows Colin and Penelope. When Colin Bridgerton returns to London from his travels, he realizes nothing is the same — especially Penelope Featherington. The girl who was always simply there is suddenly the girl he can’t stop thinking about. But she’s his sister’s best friend…and she’s harboring a secret that could ruin everything. Now, Colin must decide if Penelope is worth the happily ever after.

Bestselling author India Holton is known for her romantic, heart-racing capers — and her latest follows suit. Alice, known as Agent A for the Agency of Undercover Note Takers, is assigned to a case as the agency hears rumors of an assassination plot. She’ll be working with her rival Daniel Bixby, Agent B. But when they go undercover as a couple, they must ignore their chemistry and crack the case!

Readers are taken back in time in this swoon-worthy novel featuring Miss Edwina Fine — who is hiding a secret and must find a husband. So when a proposal from the Duke of Stonerick “Rick” arrives by mail, she jumps at the chance. But Rick also has a secret — and he never expected that the lady he sent his proposal to would take his breath away. As steamy chemistry soars and secrets unravel, will true love follow?

Memorable characters and steamy moments combine in this charming love story. Lucinda “Lucy” Peterson owns a Victorian apothecary. But when her perfected formula to treat croup goes missing, she blames a rival apothecary and hires a grumpy private investigator, Jonathan Thorne. As the two work side by side, their mutual attraction is undeniable. Soon, the case unravels secrets and their possible future together.

Drama, secrets and romance abound in this novel —which is the first in Krystal Marquis’ new series called The Davenports. In 1910, the Davenports are one of the few Black families of great wealth in a changing United States. The story is told from four points of view: Olivia and Helen, who are two of the Davenport children; Amy-Rose, a family friend and servant; and Olivia’s best friend, Ruby. A tale about high-society and love.

Bestselling author Beverly Jenkins’ Women Who Dare series returns with an exciting, action-packed love story. Lying and cheating is a way of life for Raven Moreaux, who comes from a line of grifters. But when a former Confederate official is suspected of stealing the Declaration of Independence, the government hires Raven to steal it back. Her partner in the investigation is Braxton Steel, and soon romantic sparks ignite.

In the second installment of The Scandalous Ladies of London, it’s one year after Valencia, the Dowager Duchess of Dedham, lost her wretched husband, and she loves her new life of freedom. That all changes when the new Duke of Dedham, Rhain, and his six sisters move into Valencia’s home. They strike a deal: Valencia will introduce Rhain’s sisters to all the eligible bachelors, and Rhain will help Valencia financially, ensuring her independence. 

Bestselling author Vanessa Riley is known for her romantic Regency-era tales, and her latest is bursting with wit and charm. When the headstrong West Indian heiress Patience Jordan questioned her husband’s eerie death, she lost everything — including custody of her son. But a secret widow’s society gets her hired as her own son’s nanny. His guardian, a rakish Duke, soon strikes a fire in Patience’s heart.

Pitch-perfect banter and sizzling scenes abound in To Woo and to Wed, the fifth and final installment of The Regency Vows series by Martha Waters. This story follows West, the Marquess of Weston and soon-to-be Duke, and recently widowed Sophie, also known as Lady Fitzwilliam Bridewell. West and Sophie are not new friends. Years ago, they were almost engaged…until West’s accident and his meddling father derailed it all. Now, they have a chance to reunite, but it’s not what it seems. What follows is a series of schemes, secrets and fake engagements and a second chance at happily ever after. This novel is sure to delight fans of Bridgerton!

In this sweeping, steamy and achingly romantic tale, bestselling author Sarah Maclean dazzles. Lady Imogen Loveless has always been seen as peculiar due to her love of experiments and explosives. If only they knew about her involvement in the vigilante group Hell’s Belles. Soon though, Imogen’s after-hours activities are discovered, and detective Thomas Peck is assigned to guard her, even if it is the last thing he wants to do. But as the two start to spend more time, together sparks fly. Will they be able to put their differences aside and live happily ever after?

In this epic WWII romance, Sarah Sundin transports readers to 1940 Netherlands. As the German army invades her town, Aleida van der Zee Martens escapes to London. But in the process, she is separated from her 3-year-old son, Theo. Then bombs set London ablaze and BBC radio correspondent Hugh Collingwood reports on the Blitz. Aleida connects with Hugh and asks for his help locating Theo. Before long, they grow closer to each other — and the answers they seek. 

In the latest novel by beloved author Karen Kingsbury, readers are taken back to 1941 during WWII. When Irvel Holland’s boyfriend, Sam, is drafted, he leaves for the war. While he’s gone, chemistry builds between Irvel and Sam’s younger brother, Hank. Then, Irvel is hired by the military as a spy. The rule: She can tell no one. With Irvel caught between two brothers thousands of miles apart, can true love find a way?