If you love Historical Fiction look no further than this list of the best romance authors! These authors produce the very best clean Regency romance novels for young adults of any age young or old!
The best clean Regency Romance Authors to help you find a plethora of clean romance books.
I’m a book addict. Honestly, sometimes I joke that I have worked at home all to pay for my book addiction. While only partly true, I do love a great reading fest. My favorites are Regency Romance, Historical Fiction, Sci-fi Fiction/Fantasy, and Dystopian Novels. I can’t get enough.
That’s why I’m sharing my favorite Regency Romance Authors list with you!
This article originally published Nov 3, 2016. It has been updated with even MORE amazing Clean Regency Romance Authors to check out! This post may contain affiliate links.
What is a Regency Romance Novel?
Regency romance novels are set in the Regency era, a period in British history roughly between 1811 and 1820. These stories typically focus on the romantic pursuits of the aristocracy, with grand balls, witty conversations, and (of course!) happily ever afters.
Elements of a Regency Romance
Some of the classic elements you can expect to find in a regency romance novel include:
- A focus on courtship rituals: Regency romances often depict the elaborate dances, social gatherings, and witty exchanges that characterized courtship during the Regency era.
- Strong heroines: Regency romance heroines are more than just damsels in distress. They are often intelligent, resourceful, and capable of navigating the complexities of Regency society.
- Happily-ever-after endings: Let’s face it, we all love a good happily-ever-after! Regency romance novels typically deliver a satisfying conclusion where the protagonists overcome obstacles and find love.
What are Historical Romance Novels?
Historical romance is very similar to Regency romance with one difference – the time period. Historical romance novels encompass a broader range of historical periods, from medieval times to the Victorian era. They offer a chance to immerse yourself in the customs, traditions, and social mores of different eras, all while enjoying a captivating love story.
Because of the intense similarities in the stories and style, I also include a few of my favorite Historical romance authors and their novels in the list.
Finding Clean Romance Novels
The one thing you will find in my collection of clean romance authors is that they are Clean Romance Novel Authors in both Regency romance and historical fiction.
I have read a few steamy romance novels from award-winning authors and many many more clean romance novels. One thing I keep noticing is that the clean romances often seem to have more depth.
It seems like the steamy romance story relies on those graphic scenes to keep things going instead of, you know, a really well-developed plot, witty dialogue, and characters you actually care about. The characters feel more real, the conversations are sharper, and the plot twists your brain in a good way.
And honestly? I find it way more satisfying when a book can do that without all the super steamy stuff. Just my two cents!
Plus, because they lack graphic content, clean regency romances are a great choice for readers of all ages, including teens and young adults. This allows you to share the joy of reading with your teenage daughters!
Looking for Authors Similar to Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen?
If you’re a fan of classic Regency romance authors like Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen, you’ll be delighted by the wealth of talented authors writing clean Regency romance and clean Historical Fiction today.
This article was originally created so I could keep track of my favorite authors without having to sift through my kindle paperwhite every few days to remember all my favorites. But it has since grown to become a great resource for all my friends, and family and all of you, who keep asking for new author recommendations.
I mean, a list of books is great. But it’s the AUTHORS you want to stalk. That way you have a much larger option for reading, instead of just a few short titles. Keeping track of the best clean Regency romance authors means you always have new books to discover as they release new stories all the time!
Clean Regency Romance Authors
When I created this authors list originally, my sister-in-law mentioned that now there will be families everywhere with missing moms. So before we begin, I have an important liability issue to address to you my fellow avid readers….
DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible for unwashed laundry, hungry families, and dirty dishes in the sink. Please Read Responsibly.
Enjoy!
Sarah M. Eden
Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today Bestselling author of 70+ historical romances, and is the first Regency Romance Author I discovered, so all this is her fault! No seriously, I was down and sick and my neighbor let me borrow her books. That is when I discovered a liking for Regency Romance Novels. And I’ve been hooked ever since.
Sarah’s stories are full of adventure, mystery, leading by faith, developing a strong character independent of others. Many of the novels overlap in the character mentions. But if you happen to not be able to read in order it’s not as crucial. But it will make much more sense if you do.
So I’ll make it extra easy for you (and really easy on myself when I want to go back and re-read the novels again for the 100th time). The Lancaster Family series and the Jonquil Brother’s series intertwine, as does the beginning of the Huntresses, so I’ve put them in recommended reading order for you here:
- Seeking Persephone (Lancaster Family)which is currently being made into a movie! Follow Sarah’s Instagram to learn more!
- Courting Miss Lancaster (Lancaster Family)
- Romancing Daphne (Lancaster Family)
- The Kiss of a Stranger (Stand alone that crosses over into Jonquil Brothers )
- Friends and Foes (Jonquil Brothers )
- Drops of Gold (Jonquil Brothers )
- As You Are (Jonquil Brothers )
- A Fine Gentleman (Jonquil Brothers )
- For Love or Honor (Jonquil Brothers )
- Loving Lieutenant Lancaster (Lancaster Family)
- Christmas at Falstone Castle (Lancaster Family)
- The Heart of a Vicar (Jonquil Brothers )
- The Best-Laid Plans (The Huntresses)
- Charming Artemis (Lancaster Family and Jonquil Brothers )
- The Best Intentions (The Huntresses)
- The Best of Friends (The Huntresses)
Then there are stand-alone novels you can read in any order, but I preferred to read them in this order:
She also has a series called The Gents that take place in the same time period.
Lastly, she has a Longing for Home, and Town of Savage Wells series that take place in the wilds of Wyoming. Being a Wyoming born and raised girl myself, I loved these series.
Jennifer Moore
After working my way through Sarah M. Eden’s novels I felt this overwhelming desire for MORE. Get it? More/Moore ?? Forgive my corny puns.
My same neighbor offered to lend me Jennifer Moore’s first novel and I’ve been hopelessly addicted to Regency romance ever since. It was eye-opening that more than one author can create the genre I love to read.
Jennifer’s stories are unique as we begin in the Carribean islands instead of Britain. But the adventure and character development are classic for Regency Romance. I recommend reading Becoming Lady Lockwood first.
Julianne Donaldson
Julianne is one of my favorites when it comes to Regency Romance. I have read her novels numerous times. It never fails to entertain. They are classic just like Pride and Prejudice.
Honestly, every time I read her novels I feel like it’s Jane Austin writing, but with modern English so it’s easier to understand! The stories are well-designed and full of butterflies and gut-wrenching moments when you just can’t believe the characters, you just want to reach in and slap them for not seeing what you see! But not in a bad way! I don’t know how she does it! It endears me to them even more!
She only has 3 novels at present. And really all you need to worry about is reading Edenbrooke before you read Heir to Edenbrook. But otherwise, you can read Blackmoore whenever you wish. But don’t bother borrowing these from the library. Everyone I know says they are good enough to read many times over, so just save yourself the trouble and just buy them right away.
Sarah E. Ladd
Sarah is one of those few authors where no matter what she writes you know you will love it! I have read everything she has published! Her characters are all very well defined with strong female leads. Her characters also have a faith-based strength that leads them through the adventures that await.
You’ll want to begin with the Whispers on the Moors collection.
Rebecca Connolly
Rebecca writes modern and Regency Era novels. But I’m more partial to her Regency romance novels.
Her writing shares both the lead male and lead female perspectives and you are taken on a journey of adventure and growth with both characters. It is very easy to get caught up in her stories and I never want them to end! I highly recommend beginning with An Arrangements of Sorts and continuing through that series.
Michele Paige Holmes
Michele offers a variety of stories. Not just regency-based era stories. But I truly love her Regency Romance novels. I started with Saving Grace and it was easy to continue through the series.
Michele showcases the common struggle of women in the era of having no means of their own and being solely reliant on others. Yet, the characters are able to discover a depth to themselves they didn’t realize before. There is also a lot of growth and learning that her characters experience that is quite relatable in personal trials.
Kristi Ann Hunter
Kristi has a long-standing story based on a handful of characters based in the Regency Era of England. Her stories offer witty dialogue and strong character development.
She has 1 novella that prequels the main Hawthorne House Series. The Recommended order would be:
She also has Haven Manor and Hearts on the Heath series to enjoy.
Elizabeth Johns
Elizabeth’s books are easy to disappear into. Her characters are well developed and her stories host a witty dialogue that makes for such an enjoyable read that I couldn’t put down. Her characters often face very real and deep challenges that they must overcome to find peace in their lives.
She has a handful of series, a prequel novel, and a few novellas. And all continue to tell the story of characters that often overlap from series to series. While you don’t technically have to read them all in order, it does make it very convenient so you don’t find any spoilers before you read the earlier books.
Recommended Order to read:
Loring-Abbott Series (4 Book Series + Novella)
- Surrender the Past
- Seasons of Change
- Seeking Redemption
- Shadows of Doubt
- Second Dance: An Encore Novella
Series of Elements (3 Book Series) continues to tell the story of side characters from the Loring-Abbot Series.
- Through the Fire
- Melting the Ice
- With the Wind
Descendants Series continues to tell the story of side characters from Loring-Abbot and Series of Elements series.
- Out of the Darkness
- After the Rain
- Ray of Light
- Moon and Stars
She also has The Brethren in Arms 5 book series, The Gentleman of Knights 8 book series that are just as binge-worthy as all her other books.
Dawn Crandall
Dawn offers historical romance based in the USA during the same time period. The Everstone Chronicles Series begins with The Hesitant Heiress. A woman aiming at being independent who must comply with her grandmother’s wishes of marrying within the year to inherit a massive fortune. And the adventure that accompanies as she tries to unravel the mystery behind her mother’s death.
The Chronicles continue through various characters you meet in each book. And each one is just as captivating as the last. Each character has to deal with a trauma from their younger years that has shaped their self-perception and belief system. They must then face their trauma and fight to overcome the false beliefs they had developed to find their happily ever after.
Elizabeth Camden
Elizabeth offers brilliant historical romance stories. They offer just enough history to bring the story to life, while at the same time including adventure, struggles, and obviously romance.
Her writing is easy to be drawn into and leaves you wanting to read more! She has several series and stand-alone novels that have been released since I was first introduced to her as an author that I haven’t been able to keep up. But I highly suggest starting with Against the Tides as a brilliant introduction to her witty writing.
Julie Klassen.
Julie is the most risque author on this list. But she draws attention to a social injustice head-on that can’t be skipped over. She deals with the common issue of the era of women who have the “ultimate reputation tarnished“. Many of them face being with a child outside of Wedlock. Others just have lost their “purity” but no child. But the results are the same in the regency period- ruin for the woman.
She shares the struggles they face, the shame, the trials. And yet still the women overcome insurmountable odds through faith and coming to rely on God. They are able to overcome a weakness from their past and still find happiness. She is a little more descriptive in her romance details. But still quite clean. Especially compared to our modern romance television programming. However I would caution these may not be for the youngest teen audiences, as the topics are more geared toward grown readers.
You can start with any of her books, no need to read them in order. But I’m partial to starting with The Secret of Pembrooke Park.
Roseanna M. White
I ran into Roseanna White‘s books on Amazon by mere chance as I was searching for similar Regency Romance Books. There was a great deal on the “Ladies of the Manor” series, so I figured why not! And I was not disappointed.
Roseanna offers well-written stories of women discovering themselves and their own strengths. She also pairs it well with the lead male character learning a bit or two in the story as well. Plus a dash of danger/mystery and adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat!
I highly recommend starting with the Ladies of the Manor Series – book 1 being The Lost Heiress.
B. E. Brown
Beth Elaine Brown is near and dear, as one of my close friends growing up. She’s always dreamed of being a writer and has been writing short stories for as long as I have known her.
Her Regency romance novel Lady of Leighton Manor had me captivated from the first chapter. I had it read in just a couple hours.
She is definitely one you want to keep your eye on and explore her other romance novels!
Jane Austen
Obviously, Jane Austen is the Royalty of the best Regency Romance authors and must be included. She set the bar and standard. Any of her books are a classic hit!
Georgette Heyer
Georgette Heyer is also one of the classics that created the Regency romance genre. Pick up any of her books, you just can’t go wrong!
Mary Balogh
Mary Balogh is a newer author to hit the scene. But as I was researching to update this list of Regency romance authors, her name kept popping up everywhere I looked!
As far as I can tell after reading lots and lots of reviews, her writing is clean and makes her characters feel like real people who grow and change throughout the story. Not only are the plots deep and engaging, but she weaves entire series together in a masterful way, making you want to devour every book she’s written.
She is a new author I have added to my reading list.
Honorable Mentions:
While I haven’t personally read these next few authors, they have been highly recommended to me time and time again. I just haven’t had a chance to get through them all yet. So I’m including them as honorable mentions so you can explore them as well.
Clean Historical Romance Authors
Melanie Dickerson
If you like fairy tales you will absolutely love Melanie Dickerson stories! I have everything she has written! I can’t get enough!
Melanie takes old fairy tale classics and transforms them into a story that could actually happen. Set in the correct time period, many are based in Germany, and some in England. Then she weaves a beautiful story around her characters with all that you love from fairy tales – minus the magic!
You can’t always tell which “Fairy Tale” you are reading about until the middle or even the end and then it clicks and you get excited because you are reading about Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, or even Rapunzel!
You will want to start at the beginning with The Healer’s Apprentice and follow the Fairy Tale Romance Collection in order, as each book builds on the characters from the previous books.
There is always mystery and adventure and even danger for the characters that keep you involved all the way through.
Annette K. Larsen
I can’t tell you enough how much I love Annette K. Larsen‘s Books! Just Ella started it all. It was similar to Melanie Dickerson, a classic tale of Cinderella but in reverse! And I couldn’t put them down! Her stories are based on a Royal Family and their daughters. And each book is the adventurous and sometimes dangerous story of each daughter in turn as they discover their voice, their relationship in the family and their own personal strengths.
I’d start with the Books of Dalthia series of 5 books which begins with Just Ella. Then work through The Shattered Tales (a 12 book collection of twelve fractured retellings of your favorite fairy tales) and then move onto Tales of Winberg (5 books with a fresh take on stories like Peter Pan, Little Red Riding Hood, and Robin Hood.)
Carrie Turansky
Carrie offers modern and historical fiction novels. I’ve so far only read her historical fiction. But I truly enjoyed it.
It began with The Governess at Highland Hall. It has a similar feel to Jane Eyre yet still very much its own story. It takes place in a more modern Regency era. Each book afterward moves through the story of another character that you meet in the book previous.
Karen Witemeyer
Karen Witemeyer books take place in the USA. But still in the same general regency era. So it’s fun to have a new setting with a different set of “rules” since the Wild American country society’s rules were so different from England.
Some of her books you can just pick up and start. But she does have a few series where you’d need to start from book #1. I’d recommend starting with Short-Straw Bride (the Archer Brother’s Series Book 1). It’s where I got hooked and definitely, a fun read!
Maggie Brendan
Maggie is a newer author I stumbled upon. She offers a Western approach to her clean romance stories. So while settled more in a Western atmosphere, they still offer the same style of adventure and clean romance you love about Regency Romance.
While I’m still working my way through her books, you can easily start with any of the single or series and be pulled in!
Who are your favorite Clean Regency Romance and Historical Romance Authors? Did I miss anyone?
Savannah
Tuesday 28th of March 2023
Love this list! Thank you! I recently found a little known author named Gigi Lynn on Amazon. Clean regency romance with lots of mystery and action to keep your attention throughout! Definitely recommend.
Diana Egan
Friday 9th of September 2022
Thank you! I've read over 1200 Regencies but recently have happened upon modern authors who include not only sex but sadism and other awful subjects so your list is much needed. I'm familiar with Eden and Klassen but you' ve opened new doors!
Vicki Parry
Tuesday 21st of September 2021
Thank you SOOOOO much!
Brenda M.
Wednesday 2nd of June 2021
Abigail Wilson is very good!
MC
Sunday 7th of February 2021
Thank you so much! I love the same things, especially DR pepper, finding clean regency romances are difficult, Ashton Newbold is an amazing author that writes clean regency romances as well, you truly Greek ask the emotions as the reader!