Discover other authors like Tessa Dare, and find out what books to read next if you’re a fan of historical romance novels.

Tessa Dare is a USA TodayandNew York Timesbestselling author whose fans love the pacy plots and memorable characters in her historical romance novels, such asThe Duchess Deal**, and the books forming part of theSpindle Cove*series. Dare started her writing career penning Jane Austen fan fiction before signing to Ballantine, who published her debut novel,Goddess of the Hunt. If you’ve read all of Dare’s books and are keen to find similar fare, we’ve done the legwork for you!

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Must-Read Authors Like Tessa Dare

1. Julia Quinn, 1970 - Present

Julia Quinn’s historical romance novels have made it onto the New York Timesbestseller list nineteen times to date and have been translated into forty-one languages. She’s also the pen behind the*Bridgerton *series, which was made into the smash-hit Netflix show.

If you’ve worked your way through all of Tessa Dare’s novels and are looking for your next favorite read, curl up with a copy of [Bridgerton:The Duke and I](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063078902? tag=work089-20), the first book in Quinn’s beloved regency romance series. There is also theRokesby*collection to enjoy, a prequel series that tells the story of the generation that came before the Bridgertons - which is just as binge-worthy as the original tv show.

“The Duke of Hastings. Daphne decided then and there that she’d be a fool if she didn’t fall in love with him.”

Julia Quinn, Bridgerton: The Duke and I

2. Lisa Kleypas, 1964 - Present

Former Miss Massachusetts Lisa Kleypas sold her first novel in 1985 at the age of just twenty-one. Like Tessa Dare, Kleypas is best known as a popular historical romance author), although she has also written in the contemporary romance genre.

If you’re new to this author, Midnight Angel, the first book in theStokehurstsseries, is a great place to start: Russian noblewomen Anastasia Kaptereva decides to fake her own death in a bid to escape the gallows and finds unlikely refuge in the form of an arrogant - but decidedly handsome - English lord. In 2006 Kleypas announced she’d be taking a temporary break from writing historical romance to turn her hand to contemporary romance novels).

“I don’t need any trinkets or pictures to remind me of my faith—all I need to do is stare out the window at the woods, and see how beautiful they are.”

Lisa Kleypas, Midnight Angel

3. Sarah Maclean, 1978 - Present

Fans of Tessa Dare’s ‘girl meets Duke’ stories will relish the steamy historical romance novels of Sarah Maclean. [Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake](https://amazon.com/dp/0063230356? tag=work089-20), the first book in theLove by Numbersseries, is an Amazon Goodreads choice and introduces readers to the fierce and fabulous heroine Calpurnia Hartwell. Fed up with living by the rules, Callie enlists the help of Gabriel St. John, the Marquess of Ralston. This breathtakingly handsome rogue is more than happy to help her break a few of the rules governing Callie’s life. Maclean is also the co-host of theFated Meetspodcast, which aims to analyze tropes within the romance genre.

“I’ve spent twenty-eight years doing what everyone around me expected me to do…being what everyone around me has expected me to be. And it’s horrid to be someone else’s vision of yourself.”

Sarah Maclean, Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake

4. Courtney Milan, 1976 - Present

Looking for new romance books with a historical flavor? Courtney Milan could be the solution! This bestselling author started reading romance novels as a break from her work as a law clerk. The skills in fine toothcomb research required as part of her role made the transition to writing historical romances herself a natural one.

Although Milan originally went down the ‘traditional’ publishing route, she switched to self-publishing in 2011, and this move was so successful that Milan was able to quit her job shortly after. Milan received the RITA Award in 2017 for her novella, *Her Every Wish.*Try Once Upon a Marquess, the first installment in the Worth saga collection, to see what you’ve been missing if you’re new to Courtney Milan’s books.

“But here’s the thing about having been in love that first time: I always knew, every time after, that what I was faced with was a pale imitation. I never found someone else I could trust with my soul. After that first time, nothing else was acceptable.”

Courtney Milan, Once Upon a Marquess

5. Elizabeth Hoyt, Active 2006 - Present

The bestselling author of romantic historical fiction Elizabeth Hoyt published her first book, [The Raven Prince](https://amazon.com/dp/0446618470? tag=work089-20) in 2006, which became the first book inThe Princes trilogy comprised of a further two novels and a novella. Hoyt has written twenty-three books to date, includingWicked Intentions, Duke of Midnight, and When a Rogue Meets His Match. She was awarded the RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award for Historical Romance in 2018. Her new novel,No Ordinary Duchesswill be released in 2023. Hoyt also writes popular contemporary rom-com novels under the pen name Julia Harper. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and three dogs.

“A smile flickered across Coral’s face. ‘Have you ever noticed that once you have had a taste of certain sweets—raspberry trifle is my own despair—it is quite impossible not to think, not to want, not to crave until you have taken another bite?’”

Elizabeth Hoyt, The Raven Prince

6. Eloisa James, 1962 - Present

Eloisa James is the pen name of Mary Bly, bestselling author of romance novels set in the Regency and Georgian periods. She’s also the author of the memoir, Paris in Love, which describes her family’s experiences living in France for a year. James’s books have sold over seven million copies worldwide, and have been translated into more than thirty languages - literature is in this writer’s blood: her father was the poet Robert Bly, and her mother was the short-story author Carol Bly.

If you’re a fan of Tessa Dare and looking for a similar read, try James’s Would-Be Wallflowersseries. The first book in the collection, How to Be a Wallflower, tells the story of what happens when Regency-era heiress Cleopatra Lewis, makes a daring wager with the charismatic, powerful American-in-London Jacob Astor Addison.

“She loathed stubborn men: they were so often underqualified and over presumptuous.”

Eloisa James, How to Be a Wallflower

7. Julie Garwood, 1944 - Present

Those who enjoy Tessa Dare’s trademark mix of sweet historical romance and steam are sure to enjoy the novels of Julie Garwood. She’s also the author of the young adult book), A Girl Named Summer. Garwood currently has around thirty-five million copies of her books in print worldwide, and she’s notched up over twenty appearances in the New York Timesbestseller lists. Not sure where to start? Why not put Gentle Warrior at the top of your reading pile?

This novel follows the fortunes of Elizabeth Montwright, a medieval lady facing exile from her ancestral castle home. Seeking aid from the baron Geoffrey Berkley, Elizabeth soon finds herself developing feelings for the warrior who has routed the villains responsible for destroying her family. Elizabeth is a classic example of one of Garwood’s heroines, who are charmingly relatable in terms of both their strengths and flaws.

“Foolish men say things in anger that they later regret and an angry tongue does not mean one is guilty.”

Julie Garwood, Gentle Warrior

8. Loretta Chase, 1949 - Present

Loretta Chase has received multiple accolades for her work, including the Romance Writers of America (RITA) Award, several Romantic TimesReviewers’ Choice Awards, and theAll About RomanceTop 100 Award. Chase’s writing career started with an exhibition catalog company, which led to corporate video scriptwriting. While undertaking the latter, she met a video producer who persuaded her to try her hand at writing - and, Reader: she married him.

Among Chase’s most popular titles include those comprising the DressmakersandFallen Womenseries. Chase’s novel, A Duke in Shining Armor, the first in theDifficult Dukesseries, tells the story of the infamous trio of dukes known as the Dis-Graces for their scandalous behavior- and Lady Olympia Hightower who is expected to marry one of them. This unlikely love story will delight fans of Tessa Dare’s Regency romances. Check out these authors like Yaa Gyasi).

“‘Thank you for explaining it in simple terms, in case my girl brain was too small to grasp the implications.’”

Loretta Chase, A Duke in Shining Armor

9. Mary Balogh, 1944 - Present

Welsh-Canadian writer Mary Balogh specializes in Regency and Georgian-era romance novels whose heroines include courtesans or ‘fallen’ women as well as noble ladies. To date, Balogh has published more than ninety novels and novellas, all of which have enjoyed critical and popular success. Her first novel, [A Masked Deception](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0451160622? tag=work089-20),was published in 1985, and Balogh won theRomantic Timesaward for this book the same year. The writer has spoken of how she wrote this novel from her kitchen table at home in the evenings as family life continued around her. In 1993 Balogh’s work was recognized with theRomantic TimesCareer Achievement Award.

“He kept his eyes steadily on the little figure seated on the sofa opposite him. Her eyes stayed on the embroidery, but her hands had stilled.”

Mary Balogh, A Masked Deception

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a great romance book?

Great romance books feature well-developed characters, emotional depth, and believable relationships. They should create genuine emotional connection between characters and readers, with satisfying character growth and relationship development.

Are romance books only for women?

No, romance books are for anyone who enjoys stories about relationships and emotional connections. While the genre has traditionally been marketed to women, many men enjoy romance books, and the genre is becoming more diverse in its readership and representation.

What are the different types of romance books?

Romance books include contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, romantic suspense, and many subgenres. Each type offers different settings, themes, and levels of heat, allowing readers to find stories that match their preferences.

Why do people love romance books?

People love romance books for the emotional satisfaction, hope, and escape they provide. They offer stories of love, connection, and happy endings that can be comforting and uplifting in a complex world.

10. Joanna Shupe, Active 2011 - Present

Well-known for her steamy, gilded-age historical romances, Joanna Shupe is a USA Todaybestselling author and the pen behind the popular Fifth Avenue Rebels series. The latest installment,The Duke Gets Even, has recently been published. The book tells the story of a free-spirited heiress and a straight-laced duke who embark on a secret affair - with both getting more than they bargained for. Shupe has been fascinated by history since childhood, with the cartoon Schoolhouse Rock igniting the passion that still informs her writing today.

“Maddie Webster has been his closest childhood friend and the girl he’d planned to wed. Until she broke his heart.”

Joanna Shupe, The Heiress Hunt: Fifth Avenue Rebels Books One