Ep 238: Past and Future with Historical Romance

On this episode of Buzzing About Romance Leah and Amanda join Becky as they travel back in time to dive into the enchanting world of historical romance. From the sweeping ballrooms of the Regency era to the rugged landscapes of the American frontier, historical romance has been captivating readers for decades. 

  • The Timeless Appeal of Historical Romance 
  • Iconic Eras and Settings in Historical Romance 
  • Historical Romance Through the Decades 
  • The Current State of Historical Romance in 2025 
  • Underrated Historical Romance Authors and Hidden Gems 
  • The Idea of Near Historical.  Books that take place in 1950-2000.   
  • Vintage Romance vs Retro Romance vs Vintage Contemporary

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Book of the Week:

Thank you to Swag Pack Sponsoring Author Rebecca Gallo and Bea Gallo

Books Mentioned in this Episode:

Scottish Highlands 

  • McCabe Trilogy or The Montgomerys and Armstrongs, #1 by Maya Banks  
  • The Chief (Highland Guard, #1) by  Monica McCarty 
  • The Bride by Julie Garwood  
  • When a Scot Ties the Knot (Castles Ever After, #3) by  Tessa Dare 
  • A Gentle Feuding by  Johanna Lindsey 
  • A Kingdom of Dreams (Westmoreland, #1) by  Judith McNaught 

American West 

  • Texas Trilogy by  Lorraine Heath 
  • For the Roses by Julie Garwood  
  • Hell’s Eight by Sara McCarty  
  • Prince Charming by Julie Garwood  
  • Twin of Fire Twin of Ice by Jude Deveraux  
  • Only His by Elizabeth Lowell  

Regency 

  • The Ravenels by Lisa Kleypas 
  • The Duchess Deal by  Tessa Dare 
  • The Rake Gets Ravished” by Sophie Jordan 
  • Almost Heaven by  Judith McNaught 
  • Whiney My Love by  Judith McNaught 
  • Devil’s Bride by  Stephanie Laurens 
  • Lost Lords MaryJo Putney 

Gilded Age 

  • The Knickerbocker Club by  Joanna Shupe 
  • The Fifth Avenue Rebels by Joanna Shupe 
  • Duchess by Design by  Maya Rodale  

The Davenports: More Than This  Krystal Marquis 1910s Chicago 

Time Travel Romances-  

  • Knight in Shining Armor (Montgomery/Taggert Family, #13) by  Jude Deveraux 
  • Outlander by  Diana Gabaldon 
  • Remembrance by  Jude Deveraux 
  • Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (Regency era classic) 
  • The Duke and I by Julia Quinn (Bridgerton Series) 
  • An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole (Civil War-era romance) 
  • The Perks of Loving a Wallflower by Erica Ridley (LGBTQ+ representation) 
  • Duke, Actually by Jenny Holiday (modern voice with historical charm) 
  • A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera (Caribbean heritage in Victorian Paris) 
  • The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley (Victorian romance with neurodivergent representation) 
  • The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss (classic from the heyday) 
  • Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore (modern historical with feminist themes) 
  • Most popular HisRom- “Lord of Scoundrels” by Loretta Chase  
  • Top 3 highest reviewed-  
    “Indigo” by Beverly Jenkins 

“The Luckiest Lady in London” by Sherry Thomas

“A Week to Be Wicked” by Tessa Dare 

Jude Deveraux, The Montgomery Taggerts  

  • Mideval- THe Black Lyon  
  • The Raider- Revolutionary War  
  • Mountain Laurel – the move West  
  • Twin of Ice/Twin of Fire- The Mining in the West Co-  
  • The Awakening0 1910’s The Union Organzing of Farm Workers  
  • The Invitation –1940s  
  • The Princess- post world war 2   
  • Her- Edilean series  
    covers from – 1766- current day.   
    18th Century (1700s): Days of Gold, Promises, The Scent of Jasmine, Moonlight Masquerade  
    Contemporary (2000s): Lavender Morning, Scarlet Nights, Heartwishes, Moonlight in the Morning, Stranger in the Moonlight, Change of Heart 

Beverly Jenkins 

  • Known as the “Queen of African-American historical romance,” Beverly Jenkins writes stories that highlight Black love and history, often set during Reconstruction or the 19th century. 
  • Notable Works: Indigo, Forbidden, Destiny’s Embrace 
  • Why She’s Important: Jenkins incorporates rich historical details about Black communities and culture, educating and entertaining her readers simultaneously. 

Alyssa Cole 

  • Alyssa Cole’s historical romances often center on themes of resistance and resilience, with diverse characters navigating love and adversity in tumultuous times. 
  • Notable Works: An Extraordinary Union, A Hope Divided, The Loyal League Series 
  • Why She’s Important: Her works explore lesser-known aspects of history, such as espionage during the Civil War, through the lens of marginalized voices. 

Piper Huguley 

  • Huguley’s novels are deeply rooted in the history of African-American communities, often featuring characters breaking barriers and fighting for equality. 
  • Notable Works: The Preacher’s Promise, The Lawyer’s Luck 
  • Why She’s Important: Her stories often focus on faith, family, and community, set against the backdrop of significant historical moments. 

Sherry Thomas 

  • Sherry Thomas is an Asian-American author whose historical romances are known for their emotional depth and intelligent characters. 
  • Notable Works: The Luckiest Lady in London, My Beautiful Enemy 
  • Why She’s Important: Her writing combines lush historical settings with complex relationships and themes of self-discovery. 

Vanessa Riley 

  • Vanessa Riley’s historical romances feature Black and mixed-race characters navigating Regency-era society. 
  • Notable Works: A Duke, the Lady, and a Baby, Island Queen (historical fiction) 
  • Why She’s Important: Riley brings diversity to the traditionally Eurocentric Regency romance genre, challenging stereotypes and expanding the narrative. 

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Music by Cambo
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