The best young adult historical romance books

Written by Silke, updated 08 Jun 2021

One would thing that our young heroines are too sheltered to be up for good, but that could be no farther from the truth! In this list of the most beloved young adult themed historical romance books we get to explore what young love was like back in the day.

  • #1 Rebel Angels (Gemma Doyle #2) - Libba Bray

    Rebel Angels (Gemma Doyle #2) - Libba Bray

    magic historical young adult fantasy demons

    Ah, Christmas! Gemma Doyle is looking forward to a holiday from Spence Academy, spending time with her friends in the city, attending ritzy balls, and on a somber note, tending to her ailing father. As she prepares to ring in the New Year, 1896, a handsome young man, Lord Denby, has set his sights on Gemma, or so it seems. Yet amidst the distractions of London, Gemma’s visions intensify–visions of three girls dressed in white, to whom something horrific has happened, something only the realms can explain...

    The lure is strong, and before long, Gemma, Felicity, and Ann are turning flowers into butterflies in the enchanted world of the realms that Gemma alone can bring them to. more

  • #2 Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) - Cassandra Clare

    Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) - Cassandra Clare

    historical fantasy young adult forbidden love war

    In a time when Shadowhunters are barely winning the fight against the forces of darkness, one battle will change the course of history forever. Welcome to the Infernal Devices trilogy, a stunning and dangerous prequel to the New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series.

    The year is 1878. Tessa Gray descends into London’s dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovers that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters—including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. more

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  • #3 The Reluctant Heiress - Eva Ibbotson

    The Reluctant Heiress - Eva Ibbotson

    young adult historical royalty billionaire fantasy

    A sparkly and witty historical romance for fans of Georgette Heyer, Amanda Quick and Downton Abbey

    Being an heiress in 1920s Austria with nothing but a broken-down castle to your name and nary a penny in your purse could be frustrating for anyone but the Princess Theresa-Maria of Pfaffenstein. Tessa, however, is thrilled with her situation, as it allows her to concentrate on her love of the arts--and no one in the Viennese opera company need know that their delightful and charming under-wardrobe mistress is really a princess. more

  • #4 Revolution - Jennifer Donnelly

    Revolution - Jennifer Donnelly

    historical young adult suspense urban fantasy magic

    From the privileged streets of modern Brooklyn to the heart of the French Revolution, Jennifer Donnelly, author of the award-winning novel A Northern Light , artfully weaves two girls’ stories into one unforgettable account of life, loss, and enduring love. Revolution spans centuries and vividly depicts the eternal struggles of the human heart.

    BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. more

  • #5 Of Angels and Orphans - Barbara T. Cerny

    Of Angels and Orphans - Barbara T. Cerny

    historical regency

    Audra Markham is a ten-year-old girl born into privilege, but only in the sense of wealth. The granddaughter of a Viscount, Audra is the object of ridicule in her spoiled and spiteful family. Alone and unloved, Audra seeks solace in the comfort of food. In another part of London, thirteen-year-old Nathaniel Abbot lives a wretched life, forced to steal food in order to survive. Living in squalid conditions at the local orphanage, Nathaniel and three of his friends are spared further suffering when Audra "rescues" them from their plight. Two lost souls that cannot find their place in the world suddenly find a place in each other's hearts. more

  • #6 A Company of Swans - Eva Ibbotson

    A Company of Swans - Eva Ibbotson

    young adult historical 20th century arranged/forced marriage contemporary

    For nineteen-year-old Harriet Morton, life in 1912 Cambridge is as dry and dull as a biscuit. Her stuffy father and her opressive aunt Louisa allow her only one outlet: ballet. When a Russian ballet master comes to class searching for dancers to fill the corps of his ballet company before their South American tour, Harriet's world changes. Defying her father's wishes and narrowly escaping the clutches of the man who wishes to marry her, Harriet sneaks off to join the ballet on their journey to the Amazon. more

  • #7 The Other Countess (The Lacey Chronicles #1) - Eve Edwards

    The Other Countess (The Lacey Chronicles  #1) - Eve Edwards

    historical young adult victorian regency tudors & stuarts

    It's England, 1582. Ellie - Lady Eleanor Rodriguez of San Jaime - is in possession of a gold-seeking father, a worthless title and a feisty spirit that captivates the elite of the Queen's court, and none other than the handsome new Earl of Dorset ...William Lacey has inherited his father's title and his financial ruin. more


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