Top Ten Tuesday Valentine’s Freebie: Swoon-Worthy Historical Romances

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Today was a Valentine’s Day freebie, so I decided to spotlight some of my favorite, most swoon-worthy historical romances. I’ve always been a huge fan of historical romances, and I’ve read a bunch over the past few years that have been super swoon-tastic. In no particular order, here are 10 standouts that I highly recommend if you are in the mood for some romance!

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1. A Rogue to Remember by Emily Sullivan

Series: League of Scoundrels (Book 1)

Page Length: 336

Publication Date: March 9, 2021

Publisher: Forever

Synopsis: In this irresistible historical romance debut, a seasoned spy sets out to rescue the childhood friend he once loved from a reputation-destroying rumor—only to discover that she is actually the source.

After enduring five interminable seasons, Lottie Carlisle has had enough of shallow London society, her boring little life, and her uncle Alfred’s meddling. When he demands she accept a proposal by the end of next season or else he will choose a husband for her, she devises a plan: create a scandal shocking enough to make her unmarriageable and spend her spinsterhood far enough away in the countryside where no one will ever recognize her.

Alec Gresham hasn’t seen Lottie since he left his childhood friend without a word five years ago. So he’s not surprised to find her furious when he appears on her doorstep. Especially bearing the news he brings: her uncle is dying, her blasted reputation is still intact, and Lottie must return home. As they make the journey back to her family estate, it becomes increasingly clear that the last five years hasn’t erased their history, nor their explosive chemistry. Can Lottie look past her old heartache and trust Alec, or will his secrets doom their relationship once again?

LINKS:     Goodreads    |       Amazon    |    Review

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2. Scoundrel of My Heart by Lorraine Heath

Series: Once Upon a Dukedom (Book 1)

Page Length: 368

Publication Date: April 13, 2021

Publisher: Avon

Synopsis: She is desperate to wed a duke…

Lady Kathryn Lambert must marry a titled gentleman to claim her inheritance and has finally gained the attention of a duke. Yet she is unable to forget the scandalous second son who aided in her achievement—or his betrayal.

He wants what he can never possess…

Lord Griffith Stanwick is tormented by the bitter truth that as a “spare,” he will never be able to give Kathryn what she yearns to possess. But when his father is found guilty of treason, Griff detours into the dark and dangerous corners of London, haunted by memories of the woman lost to him forever.

Love not to be denied…

As the duke’s courtship intensifies, Kathryn discovers Griff has become a man to be reckoned with. When old passions flare and new desires ignite, she must decide if sacrificing her legacy is worth a lifetime shared with the scoundrel of her heart.

LINKS:     Goodreads     |      Amazon    |   Review

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3. The Bachelor Bargain by Maddison Michaels

Series: Secrets, Scandals, and Spies #1

Page Length: 400

Publication Date: May 17, 2021

Publisher: Entangled: Amara

Synopsis: Bachelors, beware. For those who keep secrets and prey on the innocent, you will be exposed, with all your dirty little secrets laid bare to one and all. You have been warned…

Lady Olivia Haliford has had enough. Tired of seeing women lose their reputations, futures, and sometimes even their lives to scandal while the men walk free, she is ready to take back power and stand up for women everywhere. Along with her two closest friends, she plans to start an anonymous publication dedicated to dishing the dirt and exposing the secrets of society’s most eligible bachelors. But in order to do so, she will have to make a deal with the devil…

Sebastian Colver, known as the Bastard of Baker Street, is feared throughout London as the city’s most notorious gambling den owner and undisputed king of the underground. His life is nothing but darkness and danger, so he is shocked when the petite lady gracing his doorstep seems anything but frightened of him. He agrees to be a silent partner in the publishing of the Gazette if she will use her connections to sponsor his sister and launch her into Society and away from his dark world.

But exposing the secrets of the rich and powerful can be dangerous. Almost as dangerous as a lady falling in love with the king of the underground.

LINKS:     Goodreads    |      Amazon   |  Review

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4. The Ice Duchess by Tracy Sumner

Publication Date: July 22, 2021

Synopsis: A scandalous countess plays matchmaker…for a man she once longed to take for herself.

Georgiana Whitcomb, Countess Winterbourne, is known as the Ice Countess for her rebellious ways and refusal to marry again. But a scandalous Christmas wager fashioned by Georgiana’s childhood obsession changes everything.

The demanding duke needs a bride…

Dexter Munro, mere days from becoming the Duke of Markham, made a promise to his dying father to find a wife by the Twelfth Night. Except the only woman he’s ever desired has vowed never to marry again. Not even to become his duchess.

Georgiana and Dex share a sizzling attraction and a wicked past…but is their scorching passion enough to melt the Ice Countess’ heart?

If you adore sexy Dukes, feisty Duchesses, and a steamy second-chance romance set in the magnificent Regency era, The Ice Duchess is the historical for you!

LINKS:     Goodreads    |      Amazon    |   Review

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5. A Matter of Temptation by Stacy Reid

Series: A Matter of Temptation #1

Page Length: 400

Publication Date: June 28, 2022

Publisher: Entangled Pub.

Synopsis: Miss Wilhelmina “Mina” Crawford is desperate. Having been ruined in the eyes of society years ago for one foolish, starry-eyed mistake, she spends her days secreted away at her family’s crumbling estate, helping her brother manage the land but not able to truly live life the way she’s always dreamed. When her brother admits to just how dire their finances have gotten, she takes it upon herself to procure employment…but the only one who will even consider the scandalous idea of a female secretary is the brilliant, ruthless, and infuriating Earl of Creswick.

Simon Loughton, the Earl of Creswick, needs help if he wants to finally pass the reform bill he’s been championing for years and secure the vote for England’s most vulnerable constituents. Too bad help comes in the form of a woman with breathtaking nerve, fiery red hair, and a sense of humor to match.

Now temptation–disguised as a lovely, clever-mouthed devil–lives and works under Simon’s very roof. And Mina finally feels as though she’s truly living life to her wildest dreams. But even the most incendiary of kisses can’t incinerate Mina’s past…or the shocking secret that could ruin them both. 

LINKS:   Goodreads   |    Amazon   |  Review

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6. A Gentleman Will Never… Forget a Lady by Emily Windsor

Series: The Governess Chronicles #3

Page Length: 200

Publication Date: Dec. 1, 2022

Publisher: Senara Press

Synopsis: Get swept away this winter to rugged Wales…

Having lost her beloved, Lady Gwen Evans is planning a life of travel, writing books on her adventures.
But will the arrival of a dark, scarred stranger, one winter’s eve, disrupt all her plans…

A heart-warming Regency tale with sensual scenes.

LINKS:   Goodreads   |    Amazon | Review

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7. How to Woo a Wallflower by Virginia Heath

Series: Society’s Most Scandalous #1

Page Length: 288

Publication Date: Aug. 23, 2022

Publisher: Harlequin Historical

Synopsis: He could have any deb

Except his best friend’s sister…

Jasper, the Earl of Beaufort, hasn’t seen Lady Harriet Fitzroy since her serious riding accident. She has grown into a kind, spirited woman, whose sinful smile plays havoc with his jaded emotions! Hattie’s family disapprove of Jasper’s rakish past, but when she risks her reputation to help him, the least he can do is pull her from the wallflower chairs and out of the shadows…

LINKS:   Goodreads   |    Amazon | Review

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8. The Good Girl’s Guide to Rakes by Eva Leigh

Series: Last Chance Scoundrels #1

Page Length:384

Publication Date: Feb. 22, 2022

Publisher: Avon

Synopsis: In USA TODAY bestselling author Eva Leigh’s new novel a notorious rake and an innocent debutante strike a scandalous bargain…

When Kieran Ransome’s latest antics result in a massive scandal, his father issues an ultimatum: find a respectable wife or inherit nothing. But as one of London’s most inveterate scoundrels, Kieran doesn’t know any ladies who fit the bill. Or does he?

Celeste Kilburn is a society darling, beloved by influential members of the ton. But keeping a spotless reputation leaves little room for adventure and she longs to escape her gilded cage, especially with her impending engagement to a stuffy earl. When Kieran—her older brother’s best friend and an irresistibly attractive rogue—begs for her help, Celeste makes a deal: she’ll introduce him to the right social circles if he’ll show her the scandalous side of London.

In between proper teas and garden parties, Kieran escorts Celeste—disguised as “Salome”—to rowdy gaming hells, wild fêtes, and sensual art salons. As they spend more time together, their initial attraction builds to a desperate desire that neither can ignore. But when someone discovers their midnight exploits, Celeste’s freedom and reputation are endangered, and Kieran must save the woman he loves… respectable or not.

LINKS:     Goodreads    |      Amazon    |    Review

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9. A Stolen Knight’s Kiss by Melissa Oliver

Series: Protectors of the Crown #2

Page Length: 288

Publication Date: Oct. 25, 2022

Publisher: Harlequin Historical

Synopsis: Captured by a knight…

Rescued by his kiss!

When orphan Eva loses the father figure who’d protected her on the streets of London, she suspects the Knights Fortitude. But when she steals information from them, she’s caught by brooding knight Nicholas. Learning he might not be the villain after all, she puts her distrust aside to work with him, yet Eva must stay focused—and not get distracted when they share a stolen kiss! 

LINKS:   Goodreads   |    Amazon | Review

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10. Curled Up With An Earl by Amy Rose Bennett

Series: The Byronic Book Club #2

Page Length: 368

Publication Date: Feb. 7, 2023

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Synopsis: Miss Lucy Bertram is content to spend her days writing scientific articles or curling up with a Gothic romance novel. Indeed, she’d rather stick a hatpin in her eye than attend a ball. But when her father, the eccentric botanist Sir Oswald, insists she accept the suit of a wealthy but stiffer-than-a-poker industrialist to save the family from penury, Lucy decides to act. She’s certain her disowned brother, Monty, will take her side. But first she must find him in St. Giles’s cutthroat rookeries.

A covert agent for the Crown, William Lockhart, the Earl of Kyle, is on the hunt for a ruthless killer determined to destroy the Linnean Society. Sir Oswald, a botanical poisons expert, is the prime suspect. Posing as a groom in the baronet’s household, it shouldn’t take Will long to unearth the evidence Scotland Yard needs. If only the beguiling Miss Bertram wasn’t so damn distracting…

As an unexpected but undeniable passion flares between Lucy and Will, confidences are exchanged and dark secrets come to light. But will a murderer, determined to stay hidden, destroy their chances of finding a happy-ever-after?

LINKS:   Goodreads   |    Amazon | Review

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Have you read any of these? Which swoon-worthy historical romances would you recommend? Comment below!