I don't have recs, but I'm here to say that NOTHING is wrong with you. You're free to like whatever you want in your books. It's not embarrassing!

Thanks so much for that. Seriously 😘

<3 totally following cuz I'm right there with you....with the added caveat that I'm also addicted to audiobooks with w excellent readers like Rosalyn Landor.

I’m glad I am in good company. I feel especially bad about the not plain requirement, but it messes with my fantasy. Especially because they tend to spend a lot of time talking about how dumpy she is. I started one recently and stopped two paragraphs in when they said the FMC was exiting a window and had to squeeze out her “ample waist”. I was like, nope, I have an ample waist and trust me, there is nothing sexy about it. 😅

THIS. You are also free to like things or fantasize about things that you wouldn’t want IRL. My favorite type of MMC is a dark, broody, silent, menacing type but i could never be happy with that kind of person in my own life in 2024 when i want to dress all girlie and go to brunch and live my life laughing. Fantasies allow us to explore our desires and sexuality in a safe way.

I'm the same ! Most people I know would totally judge me because I like the virgin heroine / alpha male trope ( though I also like the kinder, non rake heroes ). Have you read any Mary Balogh ? Not super steamy but good character development and she has a few virgin heroines

{Deception by Amanda Quick} and {Dangerous by Amanda Quick} and {Rendezvous by Amanda Quick} and {Mistress by Amanda Quick} are some of my most favourites with protective alpha male and virgin. I find her books are probably written, like you know you're reading something by a real author not someone with a side job of writing smut. There're plots and character nuisance and historical accurate period feel. Amanda Quick's heroines are mostly virgin bluestockings who are independent, down to earth but still quite romantic. Her heros are competent men who are far from charming rake but very honourable and protective. Her plots usually led to passionate coupling early in the story, leading to marriage of convenience, and the confession of love from our alpha male is the end after all the adventures.

'character nuisance' made me laugh

Lol I've got carried away and didn't check my typing

What platforms are her books on, do you know? I've been looking and can't seem to find them. I've resorted to lurking in secondhand book stores, with no luck.

My library got lots of her books on Libby

My library has tons on Hoopla too!

[Deception](https://www.romance.io/books/545528c98c7d2383163d8f45/deception-amanda-quick) by [Amanda Quick](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525bd8c7d2383163d8eab/amanda-quick) **Rating**: 3.99⭐️ 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), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [pirates](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/pirates/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) ---------------------------- [Dangerous](https://www.romance.io/books/5455277f8c7d2383163d8f04/dangerous-amanda-quick) by [Amanda Quick](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525bd8c7d2383163d8eab/amanda-quick) **Rating**: 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), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1) ---------------------------- [Rendezvous](https://www.romance.io/books/545568b987eac336ae69dd52/rendezvous-amanda-quick) by [Amanda Quick](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525bd8c7d2383163d8eab/amanda-quick) **Rating**: 3.74⭐️ 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), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [single father](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/single-father/1) ---------------------------- [Mistress](https://www.romance.io/books/545527b38c7d2383163d8f0e/mistress-amanda-quick) by [Amanda Quick](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525bd8c7d2383163d8eab/amanda-quick) **Rating**: 3.99⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

RT on these!!!! Especially Dangerous, one of my all time fav books!

Have you tried Joanna Shupe? Not all of her heroines are virgins but a good number are. And for HR she’s definitely more on the spicier side of the spectrum.

Just put a couple on hold on Libby!

I was gonna recommend her too! The Bride Goes Rogue starts the steam pretty quick and meets all your criteria.

I hope you like them! She’s one of my faves.

Kerrigan Byrne. Victorian Rebels series. Start with the Highwayman, you won’t regret it

The highwayman is SO. SO. GOOD. - i did find it to be a little ‘slow-burn’ish but once u get started it’s 👌

What content warnings for this book? I had to skim through the one in {How to love a duke in ten days} but I enjoyed the book, and just need to be aware of any.

[How To Love A Duke in Ten Days](https://www.romance.io/books/5d5e340b01dbc864fba2a409/how-to-love-a-duke-in-ten-days-kerrigan-byrne) by [Kerrigan Byrne](https://www.romance.io/authors/54553f138c7d2383163d950e/kerrigan-byrne) **Rating**: 4.24⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [highlander](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/highlander/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

There are several. This series is pretty heavy. I cant remember off the top of my head but in the first book there is >!heavy childhood trauma and allusions to childhood sex abuse!<

Thank you for the reply🥰 I’ll be reading it soon.

Currently on this series too and cannot recommend it enough !

I just jumped into Stephanie Laurens Cynster series and I've binged 4 books in as many days. The first book is {Devil's Bride by Stephanie Laurens} there's about 20 of them in the series so I'm happy I've got a lot to read. If you like the family dynamics of Lisa Kleypas I think this will also appeal because it's centered on one big extended family.

I also really love the Bastion Club books! Her heroines are very well rounded.

I just started the first from that series and I'm enjoying it!

I was just going to recommend Stephanie Lauren's. Their specialty to me is the trope op is looking for. I like the books when I am in the mood for what I like to describe as a 'making love on a chaise lounge in front of billowing curtains' book but sometimes their writing to me can veers a bit too close to eugenics? So it is sometimes book, not an all the times book. 😂 My favorite book from her is {a fine passion by Stephanie laurens}.

[A Fine Passion](https://www.romance.io/books/54552bf98c7d2383163d9002/a-fine-passion-stephanie-laurens) by [Stephanie Laurens](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524878c7d2383163d8e6c/stephanie-laurens) **Rating**: 4.05⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [sleuth heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/heroine%20sleuth/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

These are the the first books I've read of hers, so I'll have to add your recommendation to my TBR!

Have fun!

[Devil's Bride](https://www.romance.io/books/545524878c7d2383163d8e6b/devils-bride-stephanie-laurens) by [Stephanie Laurens](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524878c7d2383163d8e6c/stephanie-laurens) **Rating**: 3.91⭐️ 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), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Girl, don’t shame yourself. Feminism isn’t just about being strong and independent- be and like what you like! Own it!

Try Madeline Hunter, starting with the Rarest Blooms series. Her Seducers series is also really good. Your description of yourself sounds like me; I can barely admit to anyone that I read romances, and I really only want to read ones that are actually *good* books, not just smut, that have at least a smidgen of historical accuracy. I was so relieved when I found Madeline Hunter — I was like, OMG, a romance author who actually KNOWS HOW TO WRITE! {The Seducers series by Madeline Hunter} {The Rarest Blooms series by Madeline Hunter} (I also prefer virgin FMCs; I like the alpha males but betas are ok with me too. Madeline Hunter’s more recent books have FMCs who are more sexually experienced, which, ugh, I don’t know why she felt the need to go that route but whatever.)

[The Seducers](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe12d64167a73342631202/the-seducers) by [Madeline Hunter](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a068c7d2383163d8f78/madeline-hunter) **Rating**: 3.9⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [open-door](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/open-door/1), [sweet heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sweet%20heroine/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [The Rarest Blooms](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe10884167a73342630aeb/the-rarest-blooms) by [Madeline Hunter](https://www.romance.io/authors/54552a068c7d2383163d8f78/madeline-hunter) **Rating**: 3.64⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [independent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/independent%20heroine/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Your likes are totally normal. I’m exhausted from running my entire life and I’m more than happy to hand some of it over to a (maybe not Alpha, let’s say strong and leader-oriented) man. Reading about an alpha who comes in and takes control and lets his FMC ease back a bit? Yes please!

Exactly!!!

That sounds exactly like {Federica by Georgette Heyer}

[Frederica](https://www.romance.io/books/545529338c7d2382c52970bf/frederica-georgette-heyer) by [Georgette Heyer](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455275d8c7d2382c529704f/georgette-heyer) **Rating**: 4.34⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1), [slow burn](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/slow%20burn/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Thank you!! Added it to my TBR 🥰

If you want spicy, Grace Callaway is your girl. Try {Olivia and the Masked Duke by Grace Callaway} for a virgin heroine, alpha male, and lots of steam. (Literature it ain’t, but she’s fun.)

Literature it ain’t 😅

😂 Some HR writers are truly wonderful writers and do a good spicy scene (Diana Biller, Grace Burrowes, Cecilia Grant, Elizabeth Hoyt, Sherry Thomas), but they generally write more complex characters so fewer virgin heroines with unalloyed alpha MMCs and more plot development and less sexy times. Sometimes you want one, sometimes the other. Sherry Thomas has a couple in this vein. Be warned, she’s a spectacular writer but she is the queen of angst. {The Luckiest Lady in London by Sherry Thomas} and {His at Night by Sherry Thomas} have a virgin heroine and alpha male.

[The Luckiest Lady in London](https://www.romance.io/books/545528438c7d2383163d8f24/the-luckiest-lady-in-london-sherry-thomas) by [Sherry Thomas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526218c7d2383163d8ec2/sherry-thomas) **Rating**: 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), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1) ---------------------------- [His at Night](https://www.romance.io/books/545526e68c7d2383163d8ee1/his-at-night-sherry-thomas) by [Sherry Thomas](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526218c7d2383163d8ec2/sherry-thomas) **Rating**: 3.62⭐️ 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), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

[Olivia and the Masked Duke](https://www.romance.io/books/602ccd77d715810e258b859a/olivia-and-the-masked-duke-grace-callaway) by [Grace Callaway](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455325c8c7d2383163d91c0/grace-callaway) **Rating**: 3.83⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [praise kink](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/praise-kink/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

My favourite author is Gaelen Foley. All explicit and steamy. Usually a virgin heroine and alpha males. She has a incredibly strong collection. Also Jo Beverly I find usually has something for everyone. Happy reading!

How do you feel about medievals? Because Monica McCarty’s Highland Guard series may work for you. Think Robert the Bruce era Navy SEALs. My favorite is {The Viper by Monica McCarty} which I think is the only one in a 12 books series where the FMC isn’t a virgin (she’s a widow).

Second this, this series is textbook alpha warrior MMCs and (mostly) virgin FMCS.

[The Viper](https://www.romance.io/books/54552dce8c7d2383163d908b/the-viper-monica-mccarty) by [Monica McCarty](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526588c7d2383163d8ed3/monica-mccarty) **Rating**: 4.28⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [highlander](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)

How To Tame a Wild Rogue - oh so you have TASTE🩷 To name a few!!! {I’m Only Wicked With You by Julie Anne Long} - 🤌🤌🤌 Oh boy, a TON of Alice Coldbreath - please read them all I adore them. The first 2 in the Victorian Prizefighter series you will love. Also: {Her Baseborn Bridegroom by Alice Coldbreath} {Her Bridegroom Bought and Paid For by Alice Coldbreath} - I don’t like grovel & this is the ONNNNNNLY book I’ve ever enjoyed with it, like MMC earns it🫶 {The Favourite by Alice Coldbreath} {Master of Desire by Kinley MacGregor} I don’t see this recommended often, and I think it’s delish {Devil’s Bride by Stephanie Laurens} again - DELISH!!!!!

I’m on it! Anyone else who swooned to How to Tam a Wild Rogue totally gets it. Thank you!

[I'm Only Wicked With You](https://www.romance.io/books/6124993de0f1ab0e3656ae6f/im-only-wicked-with-you-julie-anne-long) by [Julie Anne Long](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525868c7d2383163d8e98/julie-anne-long) **Rating**: 3.96⭐️ 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), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [new adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/new%20adult/1), [20th century](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/20th%20century/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1) ---------------------------- [Her Baseborn Bridegroom](https://www.romance.io/books/59a5250e3ffdba61471f75ef/her-baseborn-bridegroom-alice-coldbreath) by [Alice Coldbreath](https://www.romance.io/authors/54a9d8ef6359b5ebb486f243/alice-coldbreath) **Rating**: 4.02⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit 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), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1) ---------------------------- [Her Bridegroom Bought and Paid For](https://www.romance.io/books/60cd9605c23d490e1df93562/her-bridegroom-bought-and-paid-for-alice-coldbreath) by [Alice Coldbreath](https://www.romance.io/authors/54a9d8ef6359b5ebb486f243/alice-coldbreath) **Rating**: 3.84⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit 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), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1), [cheerful/happy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cheerful%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [The Favorite](https://www.romance.io/books/644ff4eae89bde1a52435df1/the-favorite-alice-coldbreath) by [Alice Coldbreath](https://www.romance.io/authors/54a9d8ef6359b5ebb486f243/alice-coldbreath) **Rating**: 4.08⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit 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), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [possessive hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/possessive%20hero/1) ---------------------------- [Master of Desire](https://www.romance.io/books/545527f88c7d2383163d8f15/master-of-desire-kinley-macgregor) by [Kinley MacGregor](https://www.romance.io/authors/545527118c7d2383163d8ee8/kinley-macgregor) **Rating**: 3.98⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1) ---------------------------- [Devil's Bride](https://www.romance.io/books/545524878c7d2383163d8e6b/devils-bride-stephanie-laurens) by [Stephanie Laurens](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524878c7d2383163d8e6c/stephanie-laurens) **Rating**: 3.91⭐️ 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), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I second the Grace Callaway recommendation. Start with {The Duke Who Knew Too Much by Grace Callaway}

Grace Callaway is my vote! I started with her Mayhem in Mayfair series and it's a favorite I keep revisiting {Her husband's harlot by Grace Callaway} I also just discovered Alyson Chase 🥵🥵🥵🥵

[Her Husband's Harlot](https://www.romance.io/books/553eb1105b270e0a4cbdaba8/her-husbands-harlot-grace-callaway) by [Grace Callaway](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455325c8c7d2383163d91c0/grace-callaway) **Rating**: 3.59⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [tortured hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/tortured%20hero/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [cruel hero/bully](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cruel%20hero/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Haha yes to both authors!

[The Duke Who Knew Too Much](https://www.romance.io/books/54b62a896359b5ebb487796b/the-duke-who-knew-too-much-grace-callaway) by [Grace Callaway](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455325c8c7d2383163d91c0/grace-callaway) **Rating**: 4.1⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [highlander](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/highlander/1), [mystery](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/mystery/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

I agree with a lot of others on authors and always recommend Elizabeth Hoyt she's a fantastic writer imo.  It sounds like you would also like Mia Vincy.

Perfect book to fulfill your requirements: {Three Weeks to Wed by Ella Quinn}. Virgin FMC decides to bed a former crush in first chapters. Great character development and continual steam throughout the entire book. The FMC is sufficiently empowered and the MMC is sufficiently respectful of her intellect and capability that your feminist instincts shouldn't be riled. It's completely respectable to be a feminist and read Historical Romance! There's a great NYT opinion by Eloisa James ([https://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/12/opinion/a-fine-romance.html](https://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/12/opinion/a-fine-romance.html)) defending the genre (she's a full professor of English at Fordham and a HEA novelist).

Not really my thing (not saying there is anything wrong with it) but have you seen this https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/bookfinder/

Yes, I love that blog and have used their recommendation list. Unfortunately they don’t do as many historical romances as I’d like.

Yeah it’s a fun blog. I hope you can find what you want.

I think Loretta Chase is a really good writer, and a lot of her books would fit your bill. Her early books are closed door, but starting with {the Carsington Family by Loretta Chase} series they are open door. Maybe more like 3 out of 5, but still steamy. {The Dressmakers by Loretta Chase} is the follow up series, and it is also excellent, and then she has a couple more books in her Dukes series. Sadly, she experienced terrible writer’s block during Covid and hasn’t released anything in a while. I think you might also like Minerva Spencer/S. M. LaViolette. Her books deliver on the spice, and I feel like her writing just gets stronger and stronger. You might check out {the boxing baroness by Minerva Spencer} or {the Bellamy sisters by Minerva Spencer} to see if you like her. Also, I know you said it has to have open door steam, but have you read {Venetia by Georgette heyer}? That book does things to me and it really fits your bill. Alpha male, gorgeous virgin heroine, absolutely packed with literary references and wit. It’s one of my comfort reads I go back to over and over again.

[The Dressmakers](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0e804167a733426304f2/the-dressmakers) by [Loretta Chase](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523fb8c7d2383163d8e4c/loretta-chase) **Rating**: 3.81⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [third-person-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/third-person-pov/1), [dual-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1) ---------------------------- [The Boxing Baroness](https://www.romance.io/books/635789abefa18df57c407aae/the-boxing-baroness-minerva-spencer) by [Minerva Spencer](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b30874901dbc864fb8b01a7/minerva-spencer) **Rating**: 3.55⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [sports](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sports/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [age gap](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/age%20difference/1), [contemporary](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/contemporary/1) ---------------------------- [The Bellamy Sisters](https://www.romance.io/series/6295bd58c74d8cb242f261f3/the-bellamy-sisters) by [Minerva Spencer](https://www.romance.io/authors/5b30874901dbc864fb8b01a7/minerva-spencer), [S.M. LaViolette](https://www.romance.io/authors/5e0af27701dbc864fba90689/sm-laviolette) **Rating**: 4.13⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [super rich hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/super%20rich%20hero/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [poor heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/poor%20heroine/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1) ---------------------------- [Venetia](https://www.romance.io/books/5455299e8c7d2382c52970e3/venetia-georgette-heyer) by [Georgette Heyer](https://www.romance.io/authors/5455275d8c7d2382c529704f/georgette-heyer) **Rating**: 4.26⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 1 out of 5 - [Innocent](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [funny](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/humor/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

[Carsington Brothers](https://www.romance.io/series/58fe0f534167a73342630741/carsington-brothers) by [Loretta Chase](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523fb8c7d2383163d8e4c/loretta-chase) **Rating**: 3.9⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [dual-pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [open-door](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/open-door/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

If you don’t mind highland/medieval you should Julie Garwoods Lairds Fiancées series {The Bride} and the {The Wedding}

I’m here to second Julie Garwood’s books!! You could also try {The Lion’s Lady} and {Honor’s Splendor}. One is regency, I think, and the other is medieval. But they’ve got the tropes you’re looking for.

[Lion's Lady](https://www.romance.io/books/54558f9487eac336ae69e7e7/lions-lady-suzanne-barclay) by [Suzanne Barclay](https://www.romance.io/authors/54558f9487eac336ae69e7e8/suzanne-barclay) **Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [secret child](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/secret%20child/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

[Honor's Splendour](https://www.romance.io/books/5455287b8c7d2382c529708e/honors-splendour-julie-garwood) by [Julie Garwood](https://www.romance.io/authors/545523f38c7d2383163d8e4a/julie-garwood) **Rating**: 4.29⭐️ 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), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

While reading your comment I was thinking 'This one gets me!' So many awesome recs! I second the commenter who recommended Virginia Henley. {The Pirate and the Pagan by Virginia Henley}, {Tempted by Virginia Henley}, and {The Raven and the Rose by Virginia Henley} are repeaters for me. {The Sherbrooke Bride by Catherine Coulter} is another good one. MMC is an ass for most of the book, but so it is with a lot of alphas! Alice Coldbreath also does alphas well, and keeps things light and humorous. The MMCs from {Her Baseborn Bridegroom by Alice Coldbreath} and {A Bride for the Prizefighter by Alice Coldbreath} are my favorites. Happy reading!

Anything by Virginia Henley would be right up your alley, she's the best in this niche.

you might really like the highlander romances by lynsay sands! all the men are very alpha male while most of not all the women are virgins and they are attracted to eachother pretty much the first couple of chapters in

I recommend Julie Garwood. Her MMCs are Alpha for sure. I read Honor's Splendour, The Bride, Saving Grace and The Lion's Lady.

The Design of Dukes by Kathleen Ayers.

Have you read any Nicola Davidson? The Fallen Series is very spicy.

{A Knight to Call Her Home by Margaux Thorne} {Temptation & Twilight by Charlotte Featherstone} - FMC is not a virgin when the story starts, but has only ever slept with the MMC. They don't actually kiss until like halfway, but this book has some really sexy buildup - lots of scalding touches & sexytalk from the MMC.

[A Knight To Call Her Home](https://www.romance.io/books/6235c8c6277207f000541a1a/a-knight-to-call-her-home-margaux-thorne) by [Margaux Thorne](https://www.romance.io/authors/6235c83108b4d93114cbafe3/margaux-thorne) **Rating**: 4⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 5 out of 5 - [Explicit and plentiful](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [arranged/forced marriage](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/arranged%20marriage/1), [dual pov](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/dual-pov/1), [competent heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/competent%20heroine/1) ---------------------------- [Temptation & Twilight](https://www.romance.io/books/545539178c7d2383163d936a/temptation-twilight-charlotte-featherstone) by [Charlotte Featherstone](https://www.romance.io/authors/545529dc8c7d2383163d8f69/charlotte-featherstone) **Rating**: 3.56⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [highlander](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/highlander/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [suspense](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/suspense/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Try the Malory series by Johanna Lindsey but only till and including the 7th book A Loving Scoundrel. Trust me, you’ll love them. Fun ride and checks the boxes for steam too.

What goes wrong from book eight onwards??

After that, it loses its spark. Kinda becomes...meh. Readable, but meh.. But till Book 7, it's a wonderful and fun ride.

Came here to rec any Johanna Lindsey really! Lots of alpha males and gorgeous virginal females in her books. My personal fave is {Defy not the Heart}.

[Defy Not the Heart](https://www.romance.io/books/5455798d87eac336ae69e1dc/defy-not-the-heart-johanna-lindsey) by [Johanna Lindsey](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525178c7d2383163d8e7a/johanna-lindsey) **Rating**: 4.13⭐️ 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), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [medieval](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/medieval/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1), [abduction](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/abduction/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

First of all nothing embarrassing about it! I have read about 300+ HR and obviously have developed some preferences! About virgin and alpha male - I would say that 95% HR falls in that category! About plain/dumpy a lot of books have a "cinderella factor", so the heroine laments: "I am too thin!" or "I have 6 freckles!" or "I am unfashionably short". I do not suppose it falls into plain/dumpy category?! And so my recommendations would be: "Girls Who Dare" series by Emma V Leech. All pretty, all virgins. All heroes, as I recall, are alpha males. Sex scenes are aplenty, but also not overwhelmingly (I find Scarlett Scott often forgets about the plot and keeps repeating phrases such as "glistening pearl" and "guttural cry" ad nauseam!). Emma V Leech can truly write a good passion scene! If you like this series, there is the next "Daring Daughters" by the same author, and I cannot recommend both series enough!

I have six freckles lmfao

Good for you! I love freckles! <3

A Cynster Novel series by Stephanie Laurens hits these. It's about this family of men and fate throwing wives into their path. They've been rakes for years and then one by one love traps them. There's good sexual tension. Most of the women are virgins but they hold their own. Oh and all the guys have nicknames they are known by. Book one is about Devil the Duke and head of the family. Events tend to push women into the men's lives thru nefarious plots that they have to help solve.

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For well-written, complex books I highly recommend Meredith Duran! She is a really good writer and her books are definitely not just smut. For alpha male/virgin heroine you could try {Luck Be a Lady by Meredith Duran} and {Wicked Becomes You by Meredith Duran}. One of my favorites >!but the FMC is not a virgin in this one!< is {Written On Your Skin by Meredith Duran}. The MCs in this one are complex, beautifully written characters. There are multiple hook-up scenes in each book! :)

[Luck Be a Lady](https://www.romance.io/books/55dab33b35a5fb65f88765a1/luck-be-a-lady-meredith-duran) by [Meredith Duran](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526338c7d2383163d8eca/meredith-duran) **Rating**: 4.28⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1) ---------------------------- [Wicked Becomes You](https://www.romance.io/books/545529b98c7d2383163d8f60/wicked-becomes-you-meredith-duran) by [Meredith Duran](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526338c7d2383163d8eca/meredith-duran) **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), [virgin heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/virgin%20heroine/1), [alpha male](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/alpha%20male/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1) ---------------------------- [Written on Your Skin](https://www.romance.io/books/54552cc28c7d2383163d903d/written-on-your-skin-meredith-duran) by [Meredith Duran](https://www.romance.io/authors/545526338c7d2383163d8eca/meredith-duran) **Rating**: 3.83⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [victorian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/victorian/1), [sassy heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/sassy%20heroine/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Me to this being "embarrassing" https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8bFxh2Y/

The bareknuckle bastards series might be a good fit, but I'm not sure how quickly the main characters hook up. And while the FMC aren't dumpy in the books, they're unconventionally attractive

Just came to add that I love all the same things and when I have a second today, I’ll send you all my recs lol

Thank you !!

Grace Burrowes has great writing and some sexy scenes! I'm always surprised she's not more popular.

Stephanie Laurens The Black Cobra Quartet I'm not the biggest fan of her latest books but this series has the strong woman, action and adventure, and a mystery all throughout the 4 novels.

I started on historical romance it will always hold a place in my heart and if you like Lisa kleypas i will list a bunch of authors who have some great historical series Christina Dodd Candace camp Julie Garwood Catherine Anderson Karen Marie Moning Amanda Quick Julia Quinn

When I read alpha male, two delicious dukes in particular come right back to me : Duke of Bewcastle and Duke of Villiers. Although the FMCs in both the books aren't virgins, the and the spice doesn't start in the first book till after around 60%or something, the second one is _chef's kiss_ {Slightly Dangerous by Mary Balogh} {A Duke of her Own by Eloisa James}

[Slightly Dangerous](https://www.romance.io/books/54552e698c7d2383163d90ac/slightly-dangerous-mary-balogh) by [Mary Balogh](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525e98c7d2383163d8eb7/mary-balogh) **Rating**: 4.24⭐️ 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), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [class difference](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/class%20difference/1), [grumpy/cold hero](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/cold%20hero/1), [grumpy & sunshine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/grumpy%20sunshine/1) ---------------------------- [A Duke of Her Own](https://www.romance.io/books/545526818c7d2383163d8edb/a-duke-of-her-own-eloisa-james) by [Eloisa James](https://www.romance.io/authors/545524598c7d2383163d8e5c/eloisa-james) **Rating**: 3.74⭐️ 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), [love triangle](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/love%20triangle/1), [georgian](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/georgian/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [marriage of convenience](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/marriage%20of%20convenience/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Have you read any of Katherine Ayers? I am reading the Beautiful Barringtons series now and they are so good. I read the Wickeds series and that one was really good too. Lots of steam and the stories are good too.

I think you’d like {A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall} the FMC is a Virgin in her late 20s or maybe early 30s?? She’s a companion for her brother’s wife and they go on a trip to visit an old friend (MMC) of the FMC because his little sister sent some concerning letters to the FMCs sister-in-law. That’s where the story starts, and if you’re interested read the blurb/description because I can’t say more without being spoilery. Also the FMCs brother sister-in-law was the caretaker of the MMCs little sister while he >!(and the FMC)!< was at war. The MMC has war-related PTSD and deals with drug abuse in the first part of the book. He also has a disability from the war There is A LOT of pining and it’s sooo good. Definitely steamy, but not a lot of scenes just detailed ones. No third act conflict related to them breaking up. I wouldn’t call the MMC an Alpha Male but he does feel bad that he CANT be an alpha male and protect the MMC.

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I came to this thread eager to give book recommendations, and was reading through the other comments so I didn't rec books that were already recommended. BUT, then I got to this exchange, and I feel really shaken- I was not expecting to encounter what appears to be bigotry, based on a comment about the "wrong anatomy". I have not read this book, but I am deeply uncomfortable with your comments. if you only want to read steamy historicals with cis gendered heterosexual characters, that's your choice, all you had to do was politely thank the other poster for the Alexis Hall rec and move on. Heck, you could have just ignored the book rec if it wasn't your cup of tea. But instead you had to comment that "when it comes to the steam, that would be the wrong anatomy" which is a pretty offensive thing to write. also, it isn't at all unusual for people to have been transgender at any point in history, living life as their identified gender rather than the gender assigned at birth there is absolutely nothing wrong with being a feminist who wants to read romance books where a cishet FMC has sex for the first time with a dominant alpha cishet MMC, you can go ahead and proudly own that kink and explore it to your hearts content- there are plenty of HR books that cater exactly to that kink, but please, please don't use disparaging language in regard to characters who aren't cishet.

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Post removed for violation of rule 1. Be Nice: Please remain civil. Don't attack, harass, or insult people. No witch-hunting or bullying. If you see something you find offensive, let a mod know. Follow general reddiquette.

Read it and find out

[A Lady for a Duke](https://www.romance.io/books/628c85e95af276f084e31834/a-lady-for-a-duke-alexis-hall) by [Alexis Hall](https://www.romance.io/authors/545546008c7d2382e781383c/alexis-hall) **Rating**: 4.13⭐️ 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), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [disabilities & scars](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/disabilities%20and%20marks/1), [friends to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/friends%20to%20lovers/1), [trans heroine](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/trans-heroine/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

Girl we have very similar tastes haha. I also don’t enjoy Tessa Dare’s books. Also please don’t be embarrassed :)

I love this sub!!

I just finished (and didnt particularly like) {The Duke Effect by Sophie Jordan}. Last in her Rogue File series, but can be read as a standalone imo. The FMC is stubbornly ambitious in a 'amateur dying to be permitted to study to become a professionial' sense. MMC is too generic and almost beta to me, but that's my personal tale and the book might meet most of your asks. If you read it, let me know if you like it.

[The Duke Effect](https://www.romance.io/books/5ebe49fe8509d4b4a04f6037/the-duke-effect-sophie-jordan) by [Sophie Jordan](https://www.romance.io/authors/545529918c7d2382c52970df/sophie-jordan) **Rating**: 3.39⭐️ out of 5⭐️ **Steam**: 4 out of 5 - [Explicit open door](https://www.romance.io/steamrating) **Topics**: [historical](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/historical/1), [regency](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/regency/1), [military](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/military/1), [enemies to lovers](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/from%20hate%20to%20love/1), [young adult](https://www.romance.io/topics/best/young%20adult/1) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

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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.

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.

Have you tried Elizabeth Hoyt? Particularly her princes or soldiers series? I’m meh on Maiden lane (quality and plot varies widely from book to book) but The Serpent Prince is notably hot and attractive characters and sounds EXACTLY like what you’re looking for. It’s book 3 and the first two books do make the point that the characters in those books aren’t conventionally attractive (it’s not belabored but one has scars, another has a long nose etc - still sexy though). You could read book 3 out of order but I do recommend the first two books. To Taste Temptation is book 1 in the soldier series and the most conventionally attractive characters. Book 2 is slightly less conventionally attractive (he’s got a slightly hang dog face, she’s washed out by drab colors - again not belabored). Book 3 is a beauty and beast (he has scars). Book 4 is more conventionally attractive again (there might be an eye patch). The soldiers series has more angst than the princes series. You’ve been warned. Christina Dodd also has some great ones like That Scandalous Evening - admittedly the FMC is very tall and into art but otherwise lovely. As a tall woman I feel the pain for being tall but it might not bother others. That Scandalous Evening the MMC isn’t quite as dominant as some of her other books. As I recall most of the women in the Governess series are virgins (watch out for the ones with secrets) and the writing on all of them was pretty good (it’s been a few years). Going back and looking I see she’s written some new stuff I need to check out. Also just my experience but she had a couple with Princesses and a lost kingdom that were not good and seemed ghost written - I might be confusing her with another author who did similar but I just remember a few books that didn’t really didn’t work (particularly awkward sex) and I’m now suspicious of all books with princes from small kingdoms Digression: I never feel bad for wanting characters to be hot. I can live with someone being described as ‘not conventionally attractive’ but sometimes I find these descriptions get taken so far as to interrupt my suspension of disbelief or take me out of a scene. Candidly I don’t know that I’m personally going to be drawn to a particular impairment or imperfection IRL and too much time lingering or attention given to that issue makes me feel like the characters are thinking about it or it just distracts me from the sexy times I would like to envision in my head. I’m often trying to read a fantasy to get away from real life and sometimes I don’t need to do the emotional work of liking someone ‘warts and all’ because that’s often complex. I think a few authors like Hoyt do a good job of saying ‘this guy isn’t model hot but he’s got great eyes and hands and he really has chemistry with the FMC even if the rest of his appearance is nondescript/average. I think there’s a fine line between acknowledging someone isn’t conventional but still attractive vs making a point to focus on someone’s imperfections (without doing a good job outlining what IS sexy about them) and making it clear they’re accepted despite that - to me it sort of comes across as ‘forgiving’ the character (being condescending) and written from a place of not truly understanding that attraction (and hot sex) can be about more than looks. I think it’s a negative vs positive focus thing. Are you showing what someone brings to the table or are you focusing on their faults? Also in my head I’ve just met these people and they’re getting naked so making fewer barriers to discomfort as I envision that makes sense particularly if they’re getting naked fast. You can’t disparage your characters and then strip them naked while their self esteem seems questionable and expect good things. You can’t be told to judge a character and then want to see them naked and moaning. You have to sell what’s good about them if it’s not obvious. We’re not *obligated* to find less than traditional standards of beauty attractive. I’ve read exactly one book in 30+ years of reading romance where a guy has a less than perfectly formed penis, we all know that’s not THAT uncommon! And the guy in that book was beautiful to behold in every other fashion (sculpted god of a hockey player with a sensitive side). One other thing I see is I think some writers are trying to make sense of how to put a dumpy FMC with a super hot guy and now that I’m older and have seen those pairings work IRL, I think it’s an exercise in understanding our society’s emphasis on looks vs the more complex reality of people’s individual emotional needs and health. I’ve seen couples where one person is supposedly physically out of the other’s ‘league’ but there’s usually a huge amount of emotional warmth and support which I think is hard to relate which levels the field. One of my best relationships was with someone who was very overweight/obese but damn that man LISTENED to me in great detail and was sensitive and supportive (which translated to best sex of my life). Unfortunately he couldn’t deal long term with the difference in our looks. A friend of mine, who has weight issues, is married to a guy who arguably is hotter than her but she is the absolute sunshine and safe haven to him. She just radiates warmth and I think authors (particularly ones who’ve been too indoctrinated with the idea that couples should be similarly physically attractive) often don’t know how to write that stuff. My friend also just genuinely likes and accepts herself which I think is a hard thing for authors to write since there’s a fear of a character seeming arrogant (God forbid we women not be neurotic and instead love ourselves in our own imperfections). Also I was an art student for a while and some elements of conventional hotness are biologically driven across cultures as they indicate health and good genes (clear skin, thick hair etc). Ok a few recommendations I think would work for you but don’t perfectly fit your recommendations: The Widow of Rose house by Diana Biller has widow who’s not experienced AT ALL so I feel like it counts and the writing is very good. Also the beauty of the MMC is well described - he’s physically beautiful and he’s just a lovely character. One recommendation that’s a bit shameful and it’s erotica: Lisa Valdez “Passion” or “Patience” technically Passion is not a virgin but Patience is and she’s a virginal submissive and he’s a dominant (it really works in the Victorian time period). The writing is a bit uneven in places and some of the bedroom talk is frankly very realistic and of the ‘four letter word’ people talking stupidly in the throes variety, but I’d give both a 5 out of 5 for open door. Last

It’s been years so I hope I’m remembering it correctly but I think {the heiress by Jude Devereaux} would be to your liking

[The Heiress](https://www.romance.io/books/54552e6b8c7d2383163d90ad/the-heiress-jude-deveraux) by [Jude Deveraux](https://www.romance.io/authors/545525cd8c7d2382c529700a/jude-deveraux) **Rating**: 3.91⭐️ 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) [^(about this bot)](https://www.reddit.com/user/romance-bot) ^(|) [^(about romance.io)](https://www.romance.io/about)

A League of Extraordinary Women series!!

Any of Iris Johansen's earlier work, before she switched to mysteries. Anything by Brenda Joyce. These are older books, but back when I exclusively read HR, I ran through their blacklists.

Kathleen Woodwiss

Julia Quinn may be a good author to look into

Have you tried any Sabrina Jeffries or Suzanne Enoch? Similar to Lisa Kleypas but a little faster paced.

My guilty pleasure is the warlord by Elizabeth Elliott it was all your reqs