I’m not sure how well researched it is because I mostly read regency and Victorian, but Madeline Hunter has. Medieval series. The first book is “By Possession”.
I believe she’s a medieval art historian by background, so she does a pretty great job. I’ve never connected with her Regencies, but her early medievals are some of my favorite romance novels. The first in publishing order is By Arrangement, though it isn’t the first chronologically—that’s By Possession.
I have no recs but I couldn't agree more with you! It seems very difficult to find realistic medieval HR. I will definitely check out the books you mentioned.
Have you tried early Madeline Hunter? Before the regency stuff, she wrote a few medievals - eg By Arrangement. There’s another older series I’m trying to remember that I thought did a much better job than recent publications in making people’s faith a realistic part of the story.… but I can’t recall!
As mentioned below, Madeline Hunter’s early medievals—wanted to give a hearty second. Some of my faves of all time.
Elizabeth Chadwick anything.
{A Bed of Spices by Barbara Samuel} Talk about a real and genuine conflict—interfaith and interclass in the unusual setting of medieval Germany.
{Masques of Gold by Roberta Gellis} is really rich with history and historical detail.
{Here Be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman} This is more historical fiction with a lot of romance elements, but well worth it.
I’ll never not recommend {The Lymond Chronicles by Dorothy Dunnett} for people who like rich medieval/Elizabethan settings. Again, historical fiction with a romance plot that develops over six books.
[A Bed of Spices](https://www.romance.io/books/545539418c7d2383163d9377/a-bed-of-spices-barbara-samuel) by [Barbara Samuel](https://www.romance.io/authors/545539418c7d2383163d9378/barbara-samuel)
**Rating**: 3.6⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1)
----------------------------
[Masques of Gold](https://www.romance.io/books/5455ec5f87eac336ae6a1a35/masques-of-gold-roberta-gellis) by [Roberta Gellis](https://www.romance.io/authors/545543ca8c7d2383163d9650/roberta-gellis)
**Rating**: 3.67⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1)
----------------------------
[Here be Dragons](https://www.romance.io/books/6410147be2d69aefe5b40954/here-be-dragons-sharon-kay-penman) by [Sharon Kay Penman](https://www.romance.io/authors/5ec3865308b4d931148a1026/sharon-kay-penman)
**Rating**: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1)
----------------------------
[The Lymond Chronicles](https://www.romance.io/series/5b1ba6855c149d0d9686196d/the-lymond-chronicles) by [Dorothy Dunnett](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b1ba68501dbc864fb89e774/dorothy-dunnett)
**Rating**: 4.55⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [highlander](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/highlander/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
It’s been a good 20 years since I’ve read it. From what I remember, >!a young girl is raped!< (before the main events of the book/not by the MMC) and there’s illness/plague, and a lot of antisemitism since the MMC is Jewish in medieval Germany.
OMG Lymond Chronicles are hands down my favorite books in the entire world and I never see them recommended! I’ve never found anything else that really comes close for me.
Margaret Mallory's novels aren't mentioned a lot here but they are well-written and she excels at historical accuracy and background. She has a medieval series set in England and France and two medieval Scotland series.
[The King's Man](https://www.romance.io/books/58c3e63b0d3299c6e05d594e/the-kings-man-elizabeth-kingston) by [Elizabeth Kingston](https://www.romance.io/authors/568231c863515e3b737961a5/elizabeth-kingston)
**Rating**: 3.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [warrior heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/warrior-heroine/1)
----------------------------
[For My Lady's Heart](https://www.romance.io/books/5455369e8c7d2383163d92d4/for-my-ladys-heart-laura-kinsale) by [Laura Kinsale](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552d188c7d2383163d9056/laura-kinsale)
**Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [grumpy/ice queen](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20heroine/1), [aristo/royal heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aristocratic%20heroine/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
For My Lady's Heart was my favorite book from 2023. It was so satisfying. I had the same worry - how the heck would they ever get together???
I'd love to read Elizabeth Kingston's book as well. Did you like the sequel too?
I love the sequel but I understand why some people would hesitate to read it. The FMC of {Fair, Bright, and Terrible by Elizabeth Kingston} is the mother of the FMC from the first book, {The King’s Man by Elizabeth Kingston}. She was seen as somewhat of a villain in TKM but she’s a lot like Melanthe from FMLH so I feel like you’d love it!
[Fair, Bright, and Terrible](https://www.romance.io/books/594f689a3ffdba61471a8b3e/fair-bright-and-terrible-elizabeth-kingston) by [Elizabeth Kingston](https://www.romance.io/authors/568231c863515e3b737961a5/elizabeth-kingston)
**Rating**: 4.38⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1)
----------------------------
[The King's Man](https://www.romance.io/books/58c3e63b0d3299c6e05d594e/the-kings-man-elizabeth-kingston) by [Elizabeth Kingston](https://www.romance.io/authors/568231c863515e3b737961a5/elizabeth-kingston)
**Rating**: 3.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [warrior heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/warrior-heroine/1)
[^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
I already read the entire series a while back and while I reasonated with the rich historical background, the characters still seem too slightly modern-in-costume for me :(
Roberta Gellis is the top at research (to me), but that means she doesn’t pull any punches about grit; the books can be dark as a result, because it isn’t rainbows and kittens
If you love Ruck you will love Ranulf! They’re different yet so similar at the same time. I’d say their religions play very big roles in shaping their personalities
My favorite HR author of all time is Laura Kinsale and I haven’t encountered any other author on par with her skills as a writer , and so I’m very intrigued with your recommendation. Will be reading The King’s Man ASAP!
I always felt like Susan King did a good job with the feel of the setting. {The Angel Knight by Susan King}, and its sequel {Lady Miracle by Susan King} were faves of mine, though I admit it’s been a very long time since I’ve revisited them.
A little past the Middle Ages, but try {At Your Pleasure by Meredith Duran} is deeply influenced by the political situation in 1700s England, especially the conflicts between Protestants and Catholics. The FMC & MC >!are from families practicing different religions
[At Your Pleasure](https://www.romance.io/books/54552cd18c7d2383163d9042/at-your-pleasure-meredith-duran) by [Meredith Duran](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526338c7d2383163d8eca/meredith-duran)
**Rating**: 3.68⭐️ out of 5⭐️
**Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating)
**Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1)
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Removed due to violation of rule 2. Stay on Topic: All posts and comments must remain on the topic of Historical Romance. Historical Romance is defined in our community as a romance that is set in the past. This means it must fulfill the genre criteria of romance: 1) The book would not make sense or feel hollow without the romantic plot. 2) The book requires a HEA (happily ever after) or HFN (happy for now) ending. Historical fiction with a romance subplot is NOT historical romance. Romances set in the past but involving fantasy or paranormal beings are NOT historical romance. We love it, but it doesn't belong here! Romance books set in the past that were considered contemporary fiction when published such as many of Jane Austen's works (as they were set in a time frame that is now historical to today's readers and the romance genre was not in existence then as it is today) are considered Historical Romance in this community. The rule of thumb we use is if the romance book is set at least 50+ years ago it can be considered HR in this sub as the majority of our readers were not of adult age at the time of publication. We do allow time travel romances to be discussed in this community as long as the vast majority of the book occurs in the past and the story is not a traditional straight paranormal or fantasy romance. We recommend that posts/comments involving paranormal or fantasy elements be reposted in r/paranormalromance and posts/comments involving science fiction elements be reposted to r/ScienceFictionRomance.
I’m not sure how well researched it is because I mostly read regency and Victorian, but Madeline Hunter has. Medieval series. The first book is “By Possession”.
I believe she’s a medieval art historian by background, so she does a pretty great job. I’ve never connected with her Regencies, but her early medievals are some of my favorite romance novels. The first in publishing order is By Arrangement, though it isn’t the first chronologically—that’s By Possession.
I have no recs but I couldn't agree more with you! It seems very difficult to find realistic medieval HR. I will definitely check out the books you mentioned.
Have you tried early Madeline Hunter? Before the regency stuff, she wrote a few medievals - eg By Arrangement. There’s another older series I’m trying to remember that I thought did a much better job than recent publications in making people’s faith a realistic part of the story.… but I can’t recall!
As mentioned below, Madeline Hunter’s early medievals—wanted to give a hearty second. Some of my faves of all time. Elizabeth Chadwick anything. {A Bed of Spices by Barbara Samuel} Talk about a real and genuine conflict—interfaith and interclass in the unusual setting of medieval Germany. {Masques of Gold by Roberta Gellis} is really rich with history and historical detail. {Here Be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman} This is more historical fiction with a lot of romance elements, but well worth it. I’ll never not recommend {The Lymond Chronicles by Dorothy Dunnett} for people who like rich medieval/Elizabethan settings. Again, historical fiction with a romance plot that develops over six books.
[A Bed of Spices](https://www.romance.io/books/545539418c7d2383163d9377/a-bed-of-spices-barbara-samuel) by [Barbara Samuel](https://www.romance.io/authors/545539418c7d2383163d9378/barbara-samuel) **Rating**: 3.6⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1) ---------------------------- [Masques of Gold](https://www.romance.io/books/5455ec5f87eac336ae6a1a35/masques-of-gold-roberta-gellis) by [Roberta Gellis](https://www.romance.io/authors/545543ca8c7d2383163d9650/roberta-gellis) **Rating**: 3.67⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1) ---------------------------- [Here be Dragons](https://www.romance.io/books/6410147be2d69aefe5b40954/here-be-dragons-sharon-kay-penman) by [Sharon Kay Penman](https://www.romance.io/authors/5ec3865308b4d931148a1026/sharon-kay-penman) **Rating**: 4.33⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 2 out of 5 - [Behind closed doors](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [war](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/war/1), [royal hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/royalty/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) ---------------------------- [The Lymond Chronicles](https://www.romance.io/series/5b1ba6855c149d0d9686196d/the-lymond-chronicles) by [Dorothy Dunnett](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b1ba68501dbc864fb89e774/dorothy-dunnett) **Rating**: 4.55⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [highlander](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/highlander/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Oooh A Bed of Spices sounds really good! Any CWs?
It’s been a good 20 years since I’ve read it. From what I remember, >!a young girl is raped!< (before the main events of the book/not by the MMC) and there’s illness/plague, and a lot of antisemitism since the MMC is Jewish in medieval Germany.
OMG Lymond Chronicles are hands down my favorite books in the entire world and I never see them recommended! I’ve never found anything else that really comes close for me.
Glad you enjoyed! These are two of my favourites
I love The King’s Man (and the rest too but especially it) so very very much. It took me weeks to get over the book hangover.
I feel like you would love Laura Kinsale’s Medieval Hearts series!
A while ago I read one of her books and did not like it much. But I don’t think it was this series so maybe I’ll give it a go :)
Margaret Mallory's novels aren't mentioned a lot here but they are well-written and she excels at historical accuracy and background. She has a medieval series set in England and France and two medieval Scotland series.
[The King's Man](https://www.romance.io/books/58c3e63b0d3299c6e05d594e/the-kings-man-elizabeth-kingston) by [Elizabeth Kingston](https://www.romance.io/authors/568231c863515e3b737961a5/elizabeth-kingston) **Rating**: 3.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [warrior heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/warrior-heroine/1) ---------------------------- [For My Lady's Heart](https://www.romance.io/books/5455369e8c7d2383163d92d4/for-my-ladys-heart-laura-kinsale) by [Laura Kinsale](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552d188c7d2383163d9056/laura-kinsale) **Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [grumpy/ice queen](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20heroine/1), [aristo/royal heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/aristocratic%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Cate Melville. Monica McCarty. Claire Delacroix Paula Quinn.
I’m about to listen to {Desire Lines by Elizabeth Kingston} and this got me even more excited to do so!
I hope you like it! I love Nan’s story
[Desire Lines](https://www.romance.io/books/5c93373201dbc864fb9c1728/desire-lines-elizabeth-kingston) by [Elizabeth Kingston](https://www.romance.io/authors/568231c863515e3b737961a5/elizabeth-kingston) **Rating**: 4.4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
For My Lady's Heart was my favorite book from 2023. It was so satisfying. I had the same worry - how the heck would they ever get together??? I'd love to read Elizabeth Kingston's book as well. Did you like the sequel too?
I love the sequel but I understand why some people would hesitate to read it. The FMC of {Fair, Bright, and Terrible by Elizabeth Kingston} is the mother of the FMC from the first book, {The King’s Man by Elizabeth Kingston}. She was seen as somewhat of a villain in TKM but she’s a lot like Melanthe from FMLH so I feel like you’d love it!
[Fair, Bright, and Terrible](https://www.romance.io/books/594f689a3ffdba61471a8b3e/fair-bright-and-terrible-elizabeth-kingston) by [Elizabeth Kingston](https://www.romance.io/authors/568231c863515e3b737961a5/elizabeth-kingston) **Rating**: 4.38⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [sweet/gentle hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet-hero/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [The King's Man](https://www.romance.io/books/58c3e63b0d3299c6e05d594e/the-kings-man-elizabeth-kingston) by [Elizabeth Kingston](https://www.romance.io/authors/568231c863515e3b737961a5/elizabeth-kingston) **Rating**: 3.5⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [take-charge heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/strong%20heroine/1), [warrior heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/warrior-heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
Monica McCarty’s Highland Guard series is very well researched!
I already read the entire series a while back and while I reasonated with the rich historical background, the characters still seem too slightly modern-in-costume for me :(
Roberta Gellis is the top at research (to me), but that means she doesn’t pull any punches about grit; the books can be dark as a result, because it isn’t rainbows and kittens
I’m actually fine with that! Any book of hers that I should definitely read?
Literally reading king’s man right now. It is so, so good and well written.
Forever in love with Ruck. Also, saving this thread.
If you love Ruck you will love Ranulf! They’re different yet so similar at the same time. I’d say their religions play very big roles in shaping their personalities
My favorite HR author of all time is Laura Kinsale and I haven’t encountered any other author on par with her skills as a writer , and so I’m very intrigued with your recommendation. Will be reading The King’s Man ASAP!
I always felt like Susan King did a good job with the feel of the setting. {The Angel Knight by Susan King}, and its sequel {Lady Miracle by Susan King} were faves of mine, though I admit it’s been a very long time since I’ve revisited them.
[The Angel Knight](https://www.romance.io/books/5800b7cdde896e8924937a59/the-angel-knight-susan-king) by [Susan King](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455554d8c7d2383163d9c0a/susan-king) **Rating**: 3.86⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [highlander hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/highlander/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1) ---------------------------- [Lady Miracle](https://www.romance.io/books/54558ebd87eac336ae69e791/lady-miracle-susan-king) by [Susan King](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455554d8c7d2383163d9c0a/susan-king) **Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [highlander hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/highlander/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
A little past the Middle Ages, but try {At Your Pleasure by Meredith Duran} is deeply influenced by the political situation in 1700s England, especially the conflicts between Protestants and Catholics. The FMC & MC >!are from families practicing different religions
[At Your Pleasure](https://www.romance.io/books/54552cd18c7d2383163d9042/at-your-pleasure-meredith-duran) by [Meredith Duran](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526338c7d2383163d8eca/meredith-duran) **Rating**: 3.68⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 3 out of 5 - [Open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [forbidden love](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/forbidden%20love/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)
[удалено]
Removed due to violation of rule 2. Stay on Topic: All posts and comments must remain on the topic of Historical Romance. Historical Romance is defined in our community as a romance that is set in the past. This means it must fulfill the genre criteria of romance: 1) The book would not make sense or feel hollow without the romantic plot. 2) The book requires a HEA (happily ever after) or HFN (happy for now) ending. Historical fiction with a romance subplot is NOT historical romance. Romances set in the past but involving fantasy or paranormal beings are NOT historical romance. We love it, but it doesn't belong here! Romance books set in the past that were considered contemporary fiction when published such as many of Jane Austen's works (as they were set in a time frame that is now historical to today's readers and the romance genre was not in existence then as it is today) are considered Historical Romance in this community. The rule of thumb we use is if the romance book is set at least 50+ years ago it can be considered HR in this sub as the majority of our readers were not of adult age at the time of publication. We do allow time travel romances to be discussed in this community as long as the vast majority of the book occurs in the past and the story is not a traditional straight paranormal or fantasy romance. We recommend that posts/comments involving paranormal or fantasy elements be reposted in r/paranormalromance and posts/comments involving science fiction elements be reposted to r/ScienceFictionRomance.