Are you in the mood for some beautiful, erotic novels, but you want a little more substance to your romance fiction?
We recommend looking into the erotic historical romance genre.
This genre is notable for its steamy scenes, interesting character development, and witty dialogue that will keep you turning page after page.
Even better, some of the best novels are able to recreate accurate historical settings so that you'll feel as if you're immersed in that time period.
Ready to give historical romance a go? Get cozy with your favorite cup of tea and a comfy blanket as we teach you everything you need to know about erotic historical romance as well as our top 10 picks!
What is Erotic Historical Romance?
Before we start off our list, it's important to know what to expect when you start reading these erotic romance books that have been around for centuries. One of the main features of these historical erotic fiction books is that they're an escape from the modern-day. You won't be experiencing any Tinder swiping, bad bar dates, and awkward taxi rides with these books.
Instead, you'll be swept along into a time in the 20th century or earlier when dating was a far more serious and prolonged affair. The setting might be in a crowded Victorian city or the windswept Scottish Highlands. Regardless of where the book takes place, the author typically tries to be as accurate to the time period as possible.
This makes erotic literature far more interesting, as you'll be learning a bit about the time along with the steamy scenes. There is also typically more build-up, plot development, and character development in-between the eroticism.
These books often feature savvy characters, witty dialogue, and fun rapport between characters that can keep you invested.
Tantalizing Historical Romance: Our Top Picks
Now that you know a little bit more about the genre, it's time to dive in with our favorite picks. These novels are notable for their interesting plots and characters. The steamy scenes are tantalizing and well-rewarded with scandalizing dialogue and descriptions. You've been warned: some of these books are almost too hot to read in public!
#1 Ask For It by Sylvia Day
This list wouldn't be complete without a book by Sylvia Day, one of the big names in the erotic historical romance genre. She has been a #1 international bestselling author for over 20 of her books. If you like one of her books, we recommend you take a look at more of the books she's written.
Sylvia's Day's Georgian series of novels is one of her most popular. Starting off with Ask For It, you follow Marcus Ashford, an ex-fiance of the heroine Elizabeth Hawthorn and a spy.
He's still in love with her and wants to win her back in any way possible. Their intense sexual attraction burns on every page until it finally spills over with descriptive love scenes that will have you flipping the pages fast.
Along with the gorgeous written sex scenes, we love how magnetic the relationship is between Marcus and Elizabeth. You'll also enjoy plenty of intrigue, angst, and even murder scenes.
We recommend this book if you're a fan of the cat and mouse game, as the majority of the book has them pulling toward each other and away again.
#2 A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare
Tessa Dare is another big name in the romance fiction genre. She's a bestselling author of fourteen historical romance novels, and she's been featured in the New York Times and USA Today. Notably, she's also been awarded the prestigious Romance Writers of America award twice.
A Night to Surrender is the first book in the Spindle Cove series. Taking place in the Recency Era, you'll follow Susanna Finch as she works at Spindle Cove, a place where upright young society ladies can chill out and be themselves. She soon meets Lieutenant Colonel Victor Bramwell of the British army who's been tasked with taking up a position on the coast nearby.
If you love humor and witty rapport in your romance, you'll love A Night to Surrender. The dialogue is hilarious and smart, making you fall in love with each and every character that graces the page. The battle of sexes at the beginning between Victor and Susanna soon breaks away to a sexy, charming romance that just makes sense.
#3 The Chief by Monica McCarty
Monica McCarty is a premier historical romance author with 36 distinctive works over several series. This means that if you're a fan of one book, you'll probably find dozens of others that you'll love just as much.
With a 4 star rating on Goodreads and over 14,000 reviews, The Chief is where you need to begin if you're a fan of historical romance but don't know where to start. This is an enthralling highlander historical romance novel that takes place in 1305 Scotland.
The harsh and battle-worn Tor MacLeod spent 20 years fortifying his clan, and he has no wish to be part of any more wars or give his heart to a woman. However, Christina Fraser is bartered to him in order to create a political alliance. Unlike Tor, Christina is sweeter and softer and wants to draw out the warmer parts of Tor, believing that they're still there.
This novel is a page-turner because you'll soon find that opposites attract. The passion between the two characters is believable but also intriguing because they're such opposites. Along with their growing romance, the novel will also keep you interested because of the well-written military and political intrigue.
The best part is that if you like this book, there are 11 others in the series to keep you preoccupied!
#4 One Good Earl Deserves a Lover by Sarah MacLean
Sarah MacLean is a New York Times, Washington Post, and USA Today bestselling author with over 27 distinct works of romance fiction. She's invested in the romance genre, as she also co-hosts the Fated Mates podcast, supporting romance and the women who read it.
One Good Earl Deserves a Lover is widely popular with a 4-star rating on Goodreads and over 24,000 reviews. If you're a fan of Belle in Beauty and the Beast, you'll instantly fall in love with Lady Philippa Marbury, the fourth daughter of a Marquess that loves books more than fashion or balls.
Before she's engaged to be married, Pippa has decided that she wants to explore the seedy underbelly of London to the fullest. To do that, she's decided to call upon Cross, the proprietor of a well-known gaming hall.
Pippa knows what she wants and she knows how she gets it, even though Cross is reluctant to "ruin" her. The banter between the two create intrigue and suspense as Cross finally decides to teach her what goes on in the marriage bed when doors are closed.
Pippa is scientific and a bit naive, while Cross is dark, brooding, and sexy. This difference in their personalities creates a rapport that makes the steamy scenes even more erotic.
If you like historical fiction but don't like being bogged down by constant historical details, the book is also good at setting the scene but also striking a good balance.
#5 Promises Linger by Sarah McCarty
If you're a fan of historical fiction but want a setting that's a little bit more modern, this one takes place in the Wyoming Territory of 1868.
Of course, any quality romance Western book is going to include a broad-shouldered gunslinger, and Promises Linger doesn't disappoint.
Asa MacIntyre is a rough and hardened gunslinger who's craving a home and a sweet woman in order to put down roots. Luckily enough, Elizabeth Coyote just experienced the death of her father and needs to marry in order to save her ranch.
Asa is an alpha that falls in love with Elizabeth, swearing that he'll protect her and help her rebuild the ranch. However, Elizabeth is a little more cautious about their arrangement. He's tender with her and once she capitulates, the sex scenes are scorching.
Even better, Sarah McCarty is talented at building the world around them so that it's immersive and believable.
When you are ready for an erotic historical romance that will leave you floating on a cloud of intimacy and desire, you simply just have to download and read Unveiled.
Unveiled watches Ash Turner chase after the man he believes ruined his family and he wants revenge 1837 England. Lady Ann Margaret is the grown daughter of the man Turner seeks to destroy.
Ash and Lady Ann Margaret may start as enemies but they don't stay that way. They soon discover that they can be intimate together and even have some fun.
Any romance reader would want to lock themselves in a room when they read this book because interruptions will not be welcome.
#7 Venus in Furs by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch
If you love erotic historical romance, you can't miss reading Venus in Furs. Not only is this romance novel filled with passion and desire, but it also addresses the issue of female sexual domination in a unique context.
Severin and Wanda have a sensual relationship built on submission and domination. The best way for Severin to demonstrate his love for Wanda is by completely giving himself to her in submission.
She looks down on him for allowing her to treat him with such disdain. Wanda continues to be brutal to him and even brings in three other women to degrade and humiliate him, too.
When Wanda meets a man that she wishes to submit to, Severin feels the ultimate in humiliation and wants to flip their roles.
This is a romance novel that will keep you on your toes wondering how their relationship will work out. Can they successfully change roles and strengthen their relationship?
#8 Scandal's Child by Sherrill Bodine
Sometimes love grows out of the most unsuspecting pairings. That is exactly what happens when Kat Thistlewait and Jules Devereaux end up in a marriage of convenience in Scandal's Child.
Kat had full intentions of following the expected code of conduct when her brother and sister make their debut to Society. Unfortunately, when she tries to save her twin brother from trouble, she finds herself in a dangerous situation.
Jules and Kat find themselves in a perilous situation when he accidentally finds himself in her bedroom. He knows he has to save her reputation by marrying her.
Who else would see past his imperfections, anyway?
#9 Sun God by Nan Ryan
Amy Sullivan knows him as Tonatiuh, but the world sees him as the half-breed Luiz Quintano. Until she returns from school, she worships him. Then a passionate night turns to violence and they become bitter enemies.
Tonatiuh seeks revenge on a family that tried to destroy him. He kidnaps Amy, a suspected traitor, but her charms are strong.
Can he resist them?
The enemies to lovers relationship will intrigue any lover of erotic historical romance. Everything seems to be set against them. They are set to break all the barriers to be together though.
Sun God by USA Bestseller author Nan Ryan definitely deserves a spot on your reading list.
#10 The Maiden Bride by Rexanne Becnel
Linnea de Valcourt is ready to save her twin sister from marriage to Axton de la Manse, who laid siege on their castle. She knows he's only out for vengeance so he can reclaim his stolen family estate.
Neither of them expects to fall in love though. She's not who he thinks she is and he's not the man she expects, either.
There are so many lies and deceptions between them.
Can their love possibly overcome them?
Secret Tip: Forever Yours by Charlotte Featherstone
Familiar with these authors and want to try out a book you may not have heard of?
Forever Yours by Charlotte Featherstone has only 200 reviews on Goodreads but a solid rating.
The plot is also different from others you may have come across, as the characters are already lovers! The Duke and Duchess of Sutcliffe are finding that their marriage lacks passion, and they want to find a way to rekindle the fire again.
The erotic game they play between each other will keep you flipping one page after another. Even better, you'll fall in love with these characters as they find love for each other again.
So if you want to read a sexy historical Novel with a special plot, do not miss Forever Yours!
Historical Erotic Romance Books: Set Your Imagination on Fire
Erotic historical romance is a titillating genre that seamlessly combines both romance and historical details for page-turning enjoyment. So for us it is not clear why there are fewer Releases in the market nowadays. Maybe we as reader just need to read more of these special and steamy novels again (Do not miss our Interview with Steamy Historical Author Tracy Sumner).
One of the best parts about this genre is the pairing between characters, as you can usually find a fun juxtaposition of personalities, character development that includes stakes that make you care, and fun, witty dialogue.
Best of all, these romance books include settings that truly immerse you in a different time and place. If you need a few moments a day to escape, you'll find that these novels may just do the trick.
Ready to read more of our top lists to keep growing your romance collection?
Check out our top lists today! You'll find a plethora of steamy reading ideas in different genres of Erotic Romance and Erotica!
Or do you look to tiptoe into the genre and search for a quality FREE Story?
And do not miss to grab your FREE copy of Forbidden Complication here!