Best Victorian Historical Romance Books of 2025

A Most Intriguing Lady by Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, is a captivating historical novel about Lady Mary Montagu Douglas Scott, a Duke's daughter who is an amateur sleuth for high society's inner circle. Set in Victorian London, Lady Mary and Colonel Walter Trefusis, a distinguished war veteran, team up to solve a series of audacious crimes while indulging in a highly charged romance. The book is well-written, fast-paced, and full of passion, making it a fantastic read for fans of historical fiction and mystery genres. Overall, A Most Intriguing Lady is a triumph and a unique addition to the women's friendship fiction books category.

The Secret Service of Tea and Treason is a thrilling romance novel that follows Agent A and Agent B, two rival spies who must work together to prevent an assassination plot against the Queen. The book is filled with action-packed scenes, witty banter, and steamy romance. The unique premise of the book, along with its well-developed characters and immersive writing style, makes it a must-read for fans of the genre. Overall, India Holton's latest installment in the Dangerous Damsels series is a pitch-perfect addition that will leave readers wanting more.

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels (Dangerous Damsels) by India Holton is a New York Times Notable Book of 2021 that combines Victorian wit and humor with a fantastical historical romance. The story follows Cecilia Bassingwaite, a lady thief, who must team up with Ned Lightbourne, a charming henchman, to save her aunt and the Wisteria Society from a crazed pirate and his gothic abbey. This book is a rollicking adventure filled with humor, melodrama, and emotional moments that cut to the quick. India Holton's writing is a fun and entertaining ride that is sure to delight readers.

To Sir Phillip, With Love: Bridgerton (Bridgertons, 5) by Julia Quinn is a New York Times bestseller and the fifth of her beloved Regency-set novels featuring the charming, powerful Bridgerton family. The story follows Eloise Bridgerton, a spinster, who unexpectedly finds herself attracted to Sir Phillip, a large brute of a man, rough and rugged, and totally unlike the London gentlemen vying for her hand. Despite their differences, Eloise can't help but wonder if this imperfect man could be perfect for her. The book is simply delightful, filled with charm, humor, and wit, making it a perfect feel-good fiction book.

Bridgerton [TV Tie-in] is a delightful Regency romance novel featuring Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. Written by Julia Quinn, this book follows the Bridgerton family as they navigate the complex social rules of Regency London. Daphne and Simon agree to a fake courtship to avoid unwanted attention, but as they spend more time together, they realize their feelings are not so fake after all. This novel is a #1 New York Times Bestseller and the basis for the popular Netflix series. Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of romance novels, with a charming cast of characters and a captivating storyline.

On the Way to the Wedding: Bridgerton (Bridgertons, 8) by Julia Quinn is a New York Times bestselling romance novel that tells the story of Gregory Bridgerton and his quest for true love. In this final installment of the Bridgerton series, Gregory falls for Miss Hermione Watson, who is in love with another man. Lady Lucinda Abernathy, Hermione's best friend, offers to help Gregory win her over, but in the process, she falls in love with him. This novel is a delightful read, filled with charm, humor, and wit. Quinn is a master storyteller and has created a family so likable and attractive that readers will want to know them.

It's in His Kiss: Bridgerton (Bridgertons, 7) by Julia Quinn is a charming Regency-set novel featuring the Bridgerton family. The story follows Hyacinth Bridgerton, a fiendishly smart and devilishly outspoken heroine, who offers to translate Gareth St. Clair's old family diary written in Italian. As they unravel the secrets of the diary, they discover something unexpected about each other. Quinn's prose is spry and assured, creating indelible characters that make the reader want to crawl into the pages and know them. Simply delightful, filled with charm, humor, and wit, this book is a must-read for romance novel fans.

The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a complex and riveting masterpiece that combines a character study, a murder mystery, and an examination of man's morality and God's existence. The novel tells the story of four brothers, each with their unique personalities and flaws, who become involved in the brutal murder of their own father. Dostoyevsky's storytelling is powerful and thought-provoking, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in classic literature. The Signet Classics edition, translated by Constance Garnett and edited by Manuel Komroff with an afterword by Sara Paretsky, is a great addition to any bookshelf.

Wuthering Heights, a classic masterpiece by Emily Brontë, is a heart-wrenching tale of love, jealousy, revenge, and the destructive effects they have on individuals and their communities. The novel follows the story of Heathcliff and Catherine, two passionate lovers caught in a web of betrayal and revenge. Brontë's vivid descriptions and complex characters make this book a must-read for all literature enthusiasts. Overall, Wuthering Heights is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its raw and powerful storytelling.

A Sinister Revenge (A Veronica Speedwell Mystery) by Deanna Raybourn is a thrilling historical mystery that follows Veronica and her beau, Stoker, as they investigate a series of murders among a group of old friends, the Seven Sinners. With danger lurking in the darkness of the forest, the two sleuths must uncover a shared past among the Sinners that has led to the fatal present. Raybourn's vivid descriptions of Bavaria and her characters' complex relationships make for an engaging read. Fans of historical mysteries will not be disappointed.