There’s definitely a vibe among romance readers that historical romance is in a downturn. Some might even say historical romance is dead. I will admit, it seems like there are fewer and fewer historical romance novels coming out over the last few years. And some of my favorite historical authors are migrating to other subgenres. But I fully reject the notion that historical romance is dead.
There are still wonderful historical romance novels coming out every month. Furthermore, I’ve noticed historical fiction becoming more romantic (and more sexy) than it’s ever been before. I would never recommend a story here without a happy ending. But I have rounded up a mix of historical romance novels with a few deeply romantic historical fiction novels for this list. The settings and time periods range from Gilded Age New York to Regency London to Ming Dynasty China. And the spice levels range from closed door to so hot I’m blushing just thinking about them. But all of them were published or will be published in September and October of this year. And all of them, also, prove that historical romance still lives!
New Historical Romance: Fall 2026
Queen of Lombard Street by Lisa Kleypas
The queen of historical romance is back with a new book out this October. It skews more towards historical fiction, with a longer page count, more attention to side characters, and multiple plots. But it still has the red-hot romance that Lisa Kleypas is famous for among romance readers. Set in Victorian England, Reina is a brilliant female economist with a single-minded goal to open a bank just for women so female customers can own their own bank accounts. But when her mentor and financial backer is suspected of fraud, John, an undercover police detective, pretends to be a butler and applies for a job among her recently hired, and delightful, formerly-imprisoned staff. Based on real-life female trailblazers like Mary Paley Marshall and Hetty Green, this novel combines feminist values and hilarious side plots with a very, very sexy romance. prison
The Gilded Rose by Joanna Shupe
A Beauty and the Beast retelling set in Gilded Age New York City—what more could a romance reader want? Caroline loves working with her father as a rare books expert. She expects to continue working after marrying NYC’s most eligible bachelor, Orson. But the moment the wedding vows are uttered, Orson transforms from prince charming into a cruel, violent jailor, with the legal right to stop her from working or leaving the unhappy marriage. Caroline jumps at the chance to catalogue the private library of Zane, a reclusive and disfigured billionaire. Zane will do anything to protect Caroline and help her gain her freedom, but the pathway there isn’t so easy. This book is beautiful to read, but check the trigger warnings for domestic violence if that is a sensitive subject for you.
Kissing Books
Sign up for Kissing Books to receive news, book recommendations, and more for residents of Romancelandia.
Her Royal Houseguest by Jade Lee
For historical romance, there is nothing like Harlequin. This historical line is ending next year, but historical romance lovers should enjoy these books while they are still coming out. In this romance, Lady Anna is facing spinsterhood because the gentlemen of the ton all believe she is cursed. But her father’s houseguest, Prince Deva of Siam, overlooks this silly superstition and falls in love with her as she helps him navigate the confusing rules and customs of the British aristocracy. Swoon!
Strange Bedfellows by Emma Vail
When I first heard of this indie Regency romance, I was intrigued by the tagline: Bridgerton meets Heated Rivalry. Set in 1807, Ashley is the son of an earl and a secret jewel thief plotting revenge through his biggest heist yet. Henry works for the Bow Street police and is in London for the season to find a wife. But as the two keep crossing paths, they can’t deny the attraction and chemistry between them. Neither wanted to find passion like this. But it just might be worth giving up the lives they planned, for a love neither one could imagine. As a bonus, this one is available on KU for all the Kindle readers out there!
Silk and Sensibility by Mengxi Seeley
This very romantic historical fiction novel will appeal to Jane Austen lovers and fans of closed-door romances. It’s a lovely Sense and Sensibility retelling set in Ming Dynasty China. Ailin is pulled in two directions when her father dies and doesn’t know if she should marry to help support her family or her heart. Meanwhile, her younger sister, Meilin, is a true romantic but finds that her explosive passion might not be the thing that leads to her happy ending. The sisters’ love and devotion for each other also shines through, providing readers with two love stories and a truly beautiful sister story as well!
Historical romance novels aren’t dead. And the way to make sure it doesn’t die is for the people who love it to buy historical romances and reserve them at the library. I hope you love these ones as much as I did. And if you want more historical romance recommendations, take a look at this list of the best queer historical romance novels or this roundup of Jane Austen inspired historical romances.
This content contains affiliate links. When you buy through these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
:quality(85):upscale()/2026/11/02/694/n/1922564/7ea620576ae8aefbd71930.32592516_.jpg "The Fashion Collabs Our Editors Are Shopping Right Now, Including Elie Saab x H&M")
