With fewer and fewer historical romances being traditionally published, I’m finding it harder to find arcs of books that scratch that itch for me and I’ve pretty much exhausted my small town library’s supply of historical romance. Where I was going wrong was letting myself be intimidated by the self-pubbed and indie-pubbed world. It seemed vast to me and I had no idea where to start. Who could I trust to deliver the kinds of stories I need in my life?
The bitchery, of course! I submitted a Rec League request and I was overwhelmed by the responses! The books available are thoughtful, plentiful and, for the most part, cheap! Heaven! Thank you so much for sharing your recommendations with me!
I started with three books which I’ve briefly discussed below. But I’ve enjoyed myself so much that there will definitely be additional installments of this series as my reading in this world expands.
Disclaimer: I haven’t done a deep dive on these authors. I know some have some traditionally published books or their books were traditionally published then they got the rights back and decided to self publish. The books listed below either have no publisher listed on Amazon or the author has a self titled company that published them.
I’ll be continuing my quest and would love any suggestions you have.
Here is the full list of recommended historical romance authors who are self-pubbed or indie-pubbed according to the Bitchery:
AJ Demas
Alice Coldbreath
Alissa Johnson
Anna Campbell
Annick Trent
Aster Glenn Gray
Aydra Richards
Bliss Bennet
Celia Lake
Christi Caldwell
Constance Hussey
Courtney Milan
E.E. Ottoman
EH Lupton
Elisa Braden
Elizabeth Briars
Elizabeth Cole
Emily Larkin
Emily Windsor
Erica Ridley
Gail Carriger
Grace Burrowes
Grace Callaway
J Winifred Butterworth
Jess Michaels
Jessie Clever
Joanna Chambers
Joy Demorra
Joyce Harmon
Jude Knight
Kathleen Buckley
KJ Charles
Liana De la Rosa
Lucinda Brant
Madeleine Robins
Martha Keyes
Mary Kingswood
Mary Lancaster
Meara Platt
Mia Vincy
Mimi Matthews
Minerva Spencer
Nichole Van
Paullett Golden
Rose Lerner
S.M. Laviolette
Stella Riley
Tammara Allen
The Duke Who Knew Too Much
Author: Grace Callaway
Released: January 15, 2015 by Grace Callaway
Genre: Regency, Romance
Series: Heart of Enquiry #1A Stranger to Love
Alaric McLeod, Duke of Strathaven, is known as the Devil Duke for his wicked ways. Tormented by his past, Alaric knows better than to trust a woman yet finds himself ensnared by a spirited, virtuous virgin—who accuses him of a crime he didn’t commit. Is she his foe… or his salvation?
A Novice to Desire
Emma Kent is an independent country miss cast adrift in the ton. When a depraved encounter with an arrogant rake lands her in intrigue, Emma’s honor compels her to do the right thing. But desire challenges her quest for justice, and she must decide: can she trust her heart to discover the truth?
Bound by Passion and Peril
Alaric and Emma engage in a battle of wits and will. As their attraction flares, the true enemy stalks their every move. With danger looming, will they solve the mystery and find true love— before it’s too late?
Jill and Karin recommended this author to me and I think they have managed to introduce me to a new auto-buy author. I was entirely swept away by this book. Alaric, the duke in question, is a rake known as the ‘Devil’s Duke’ and Emma is a forthright, independent ‘spinster’. It’s a classic pairing and I devoured it in a day – so absorbing! It’s dual POV for the most part allowing us insight into both main characters’ thoughts and feelings.
Things start cataclysmically with Emma accusing Alaric of murder. Only what she witnessed was a little BDSM and not an assault. The book is spicy spicy but the sex scenes serve to push forward the emotional development of the characters which I appreciated. This is so easily a series that I could sink into and just read all of her books. It’s a wrench tearing myself away from her back catalogue and continuing my search for historical romances. I will be back!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
My advice: Start at the beginning of her back catalogue as all the books are connected. Doable as standalones, but more rewarding when read as a series.
Elyse reviewed this book in 2017 and gave it a B.
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Author: Alissa Johnson
Released: May 10, 2016
Genre: Historical: European, Romance
Series: Haverston Family #1He wanted to right his family’s wrongs—but this damsel in distress has little reason to trust high society types and no interest in joining them…
The woman makes the man…
Winnefred Blythe learned at a young age to make do with very little. After the death of her father, she taught herself to live on a pauper’s allowance—until a charming visitor promises her the funds that had been stolen from her through the years. But Freddie isn’t comfortable with the trappings of money—or the attentions of a handsome stranger from London…
But can a man make a lady?
After the war, Lord Gideon Haverston resolved to never again burden himself with the troubles of others. Still, he was expecting to be greeted as a hero by the beautiful, if eccentric, young woman his stepmother cheated out of house and home, not suspected as a conspirator. Indeed, the situation is more complicated than Gideon had expected—and the task of taming Winnefred Blythe much more alluring…
Emily C recommended this author to me. This book features a stellar heroine: Winnefred.
She’s forthright and strong and almost belligerently herself. The story opens with two brothers investigating the financial crimes of their stepmother who is now on the run. One of those crimes was to deny Winnefred (her husband’s ward) her allotted amount of money. Instead she sent Winnefred and her governess Lilly a fraction of the amount they were due.
After the prologue, one of the brothers, Gideon, travels to Scotland to talk with the women and make the situation right by giving them a lot of money. As premises go, I found it refreshingly original. The story follows Winnefred and her governess getting ready for a season in London.
This book features some intense emotions, some flashbacks to war and a few memorable kisses. This is not a restful read. It’s an immersive one that takes you on a journey. Gideon, on the surface, is a light hearted kind of guy, but that’s not the full story. He’s also tormented by memories of war, so much so that it interferes with his relationships without his realizing.
I appreciated that even though Winnefred had her London season, she didn’t change in herself. She remained forthright and pugnacious.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Author: Rose Lerner
Released: August 15, 2017 by Rose Lerner
Genre: Historical: European, Regency, Romance
Series: Lively St. Lemeston #1She’s a maid-of-all-work, and he’s a valet of no play…
John Toogood always prided himself on being the perfect gentleman’s gentleman: skilled, discreet, and professional. But now he finds himself laid off and blacklisted, stuck in tiny Lively St. Lemeston until he can find a new job. Any job.
His instant attraction to his happy-go-lucky maid Sukey Grimes couldn’t come at a worse time. Her manners are provincial, her respect for authority nonexistent, and her outdated cleaning methods…well, the less said about them, the better.
Sukey can tell that John’s impeccably impassive facade hides a lonely man with a gift for laughter—and kissing. But she also knows he’ll leave her sleepy little town behind the moment he gets the chance, and she has no intention of giving him her heart to take with him.
John learns that the town vicar needs a butler—but the job is only for a respectable married man. Against both their better judgments, John and Sukey tie the knot. The ring isn’t on her finger long before Sukey realizes she underestimated just how vexing being married to the boss can be…
Rose Lerner was recommended by Emily C, kkw, Amanda Valentine. I tried this book but didn’t get far. Not because of anything wrong with the book but rather it was me.
For me, financial struggle is a sore spot. Some of my earliest childhood memories are of my parents trying to hide our financial struggles as a family. I tell you this only to explain why reading about people who have financial stress (in this case a valet who has been unjustly fired and then blacklisted by his former employer) is a no-go for me.
So with this book, it’s really me, not the book that’s the issue. I’m including Rose Lerner’s book here because aside from the financial stress, it had me intrigued and I want you to know about it because I think it’s a book that other people will really enjoy. In fact, Carrie reviewed this book back in 2018 and gave it an A-.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed Grace Callaway, and I hope you can find another Rose Lerner book to your taste.