57 books like The Parfit Knight

By Stella Riley,

Here are 57 books that The Parfit Knight fans have personally recommended if you like The Parfit Knight. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Book cover of Frederica

Kathleen Buckley Author Of By Sword and Fan

From my list on navigating family and romance in the Georgian/Regency period.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve loved history and historical fiction since childhood and have been writing historical fiction/historical romance for about ten years. To give readers a sense of what life was really like almost three hundred years ago, I do extensive research: the weight of a 1717 French musket, the terrain where my story is set, and guardianship law, among other details. Titled men, gentlemen smugglers, and ballrooms are mostly absent because although they’re the stuff of daydreams, our most common problems center around family relationships. Making ends meet, difficult relatives, loyalty to family versus honor, or one’s own best interests or duty offer plenty of scope for conflict (and excitement and romance, too).

Kathleen's book list on navigating family and romance in the Georgian/Regency period

Kathleen Buckley Why did Kathleen love this book?

I hated having to put this book down to sleep, go to work, go back to work, eat, or whatever. I love Heyer's humor. After reading the book many, many times for its warm, feel-good story, I still laugh at some of the predicaments Frederica's adventurous young siblings fall into. And Endymion Dauntry, her silly sister’s cork-brained beau! 

Her writing style is polished and the dialogue is witty. The love interest is believable as is not always the case with romance novels. Accuracy in detail and depiction of the period is important to me, too, and Heyer delivers it. The story is engaging and fun without being silly, and as it’s an older book, it’s free of tedious sex scenes. It’s a feel-good story.

By Georgette Heyer,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Frederica as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

New York Times bestselling author Georgette Heyer's beloved tale of an entertaining heroine stumbling on happiness when her marital machinations for her sister go awry.

Determined to secure a brilliant marriage for her beautiful sister, Frederica seeks out their distant cousin the Marquis of Alverstoke. Lovely, competent, and refreshingly straightforward, Frederica makes such a strong impression on him that to his own amazement, the Marquis agrees to help launch them all into society.

Normally Lord Alverstoke keeps his distance from his family, which includes two overbearing sisters and innumerable favor-seekers. But with his enterprising—and altogether entertaining—country cousins chasing wishes and…


Book cover of The Escape

Kathleen Buckley Author Of By Sword and Fan

From my list on navigating family and romance in the Georgian/Regency period.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve loved history and historical fiction since childhood and have been writing historical fiction/historical romance for about ten years. To give readers a sense of what life was really like almost three hundred years ago, I do extensive research: the weight of a 1717 French musket, the terrain where my story is set, and guardianship law, among other details. Titled men, gentlemen smugglers, and ballrooms are mostly absent because although they’re the stuff of daydreams, our most common problems center around family relationships. Making ends meet, difficult relatives, loyalty to family versus honor, or one’s own best interests or duty offer plenty of scope for conflict (and excitement and romance, too).

Kathleen's book list on navigating family and romance in the Georgian/Regency period

Kathleen Buckley Why did Kathleen love this book?

I like books with strong and sensible female characters and male characters who are not the stereotypical “alpha male,” that’s why I’ve read this book several times.

When widowed Samantha is faced with the prospect of being forced to live with her hateful in-laws, she neither dithers nor worries about the impropriety of fleeing her home with the help of a male acquaintance. Crippled in the Napoleonic wars, he is feeling somewhat oppressed by his own relatives. 

Another “plus” for me is that they do not so much fall in love as slide into it. The tendency of romantic characters to kiss and immediately tumble into lust, if not love, strikes me as unrealistic. I also like good writing and the occasional plot twist, and Mary Balogh excels at both.

By Mary Balogh,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Escape as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

After surviving the Napoleonic Wars, Sir Benedict Harper is struggling to move on, his body and spirit in need of a healing touch. Never does Ben imagine that hope will come in the form of a beautiful woman who has seen her own share of suffering. After the lingering death of her husband, Samantha McKay is at the mercy of her oppressive in-laws - until she plots an escape to distant Wales to claim a house she has inherited. Being a gentleman, Ben insists that he escort her on the fateful journey. Ben wants Samantha as much as she wants…


Book cover of Learning to Waltz

Kathleen Buckley Author Of By Sword and Fan

From my list on navigating family and romance in the Georgian/Regency period.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve loved history and historical fiction since childhood and have been writing historical fiction/historical romance for about ten years. To give readers a sense of what life was really like almost three hundred years ago, I do extensive research: the weight of a 1717 French musket, the terrain where my story is set, and guardianship law, among other details. Titled men, gentlemen smugglers, and ballrooms are mostly absent because although they’re the stuff of daydreams, our most common problems center around family relationships. Making ends meet, difficult relatives, loyalty to family versus honor, or one’s own best interests or duty offer plenty of scope for conflict (and excitement and romance, too).

Kathleen's book list on navigating family and romance in the Georgian/Regency period

Kathleen Buckley Why did Kathleen love this book?

This book delighted me. I expected the usual boy meets girl, they fall in love, have a temporary setback, and then makeup. Instead, it’s much more complicated than that.

It’s not love at first sight: Evan rescues her small son but is not immediately attracted to her. Widowed Deborah is wary after a disappointing marriage and a childhood with little affection and too much fear. Evan’s loving family is of a wealthier and higher social position and is not inclined to accept her.

I very much appreciated that there were real obstacles to overcome on both sides, unlike romances in which the hero and his relations do not boggle at the heir marrying a woman of a lower class with no dowry. I insist on some realism even in romance.  

By Kerryn Reid,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Learning to Waltz as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"A stunning and refreshing novel in the Regency genre."First Place Regency, Chatelaine Awards (Chanticleer Book Reviews)

Deborah Moore has learned her lessons well—feel nothing, reveal less, and trust no one. Now widowed with a child of her own, she leads a lonely, cloistered existence, counting her farthings and thinking she is safe. When five-year-old Julian is lost one bitter December day, she discovers how tenuous that safety is.

Evan Haverfield has lived thirty carefree years, hunting, laughing, and dancing among London's high society. His biggest problem has been finding excuses not to marry. But his life changes when he finds…


Book cover of The Unlikely Master Genius

Kathleen Buckley Author Of By Sword and Fan

From my list on navigating family and romance in the Georgian/Regency period.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve loved history and historical fiction since childhood and have been writing historical fiction/historical romance for about ten years. To give readers a sense of what life was really like almost three hundred years ago, I do extensive research: the weight of a 1717 French musket, the terrain where my story is set, and guardianship law, among other details. Titled men, gentlemen smugglers, and ballrooms are mostly absent because although they’re the stuff of daydreams, our most common problems center around family relationships. Making ends meet, difficult relatives, loyalty to family versus honor, or one’s own best interests or duty offer plenty of scope for conflict (and excitement and romance, too).

Kathleen's book list on navigating family and romance in the Georgian/Regency period

Kathleen Buckley Why did Kathleen love this book?

I loved that the hero of this book was illegitimate, raised in a workhouse, is a naval hero and a genius who remembers everything he has read, and is also incapable of tying his neckcloth neatly.

It’s a compelling story with good writing, humor, and a believable love interest, and it’s not populated almost exclusively by the titled and wealthy. All those things appeal to me very strongly.

Teaching at St. Brendan the Navigator’s School for workhouse boys intended for the navy, Sailing Master Six and his bride turn frightened, deprived children with no experience of kindness or affection into a family. That made a heartwarming novel that enchanted me—and I’m not easily enchanted. I’ll be re-reading it.

By Carla Kelly,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Unlikely Master Genius as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Sailing Master Able Six, Royal Navy, is a man like no other. To call him a mere polymath is to sell him short. Someone with his extraordinary gifts should rise to the top, unless it is the 1800s, where pedigree and money govern Regency society, as sure as Napoleon seeks world domination. A bastard raised in a Scottish workhouse with nothing in his favor except his amazing mind, Able must navigate life ashore on half-pay during the uneasy Truce of Amiens, and find a way to provide for his charming bride Meridee Bonfort, a gentlewoman to be sure, but lacking…


Book cover of Wallflower

Stephen W. Bartlett Author Of The Bridal Prospectus

From my list on romance without sappy character introspection.

Why am I passionate about this?

I like to write more than I like to read, but when I do read, I want to learn about other places and times besides my own. Since my own novels are contemporary fiction, it makes sense that historical fiction is my favorite category to read. Likewise, my interest in romance isn’t from unrequited love, but rather, a desire to explore the difficulties of choosing a life partner in our complicated world. (Even my detective novels contain romance!) But I don’t like sappy introspective thought processes, a variation of teen angst, and most readers of historical romance have this same aversion. So none of my recommendations will be that way. 

Stephen's book list on romance without sappy character introspection

Stephen W. Bartlett Why did Stephen love this book?

Oh yes. It’s another romance novel set in the Regency period. The Regency, only nine years in length, has spawned more romance novels than any other time in England’s history. So what’s so special about this one? Well, neither the girl nor the guy wants to get married but circumstances conspire to throw them together. I found their conversations to be spirited, meaning original and adversarial. It is delightful how they begin to genuinely like each other and lose their disdain for the institution of marriage. There are some lessons here for our modern days. 

By Catherine Gayle,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Wallflower as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The choice between adhering to a long-held pact and finally accepting love could prove Lady Tabitha Shelton’s unhinging. She is plump, plain, pleasant . . . and thoroughly unappealing to any of the men of the ton—apart from fortune hunters. A self-appointed wallflower, she has every intention of remaining one. Tabitha made a vow of spinsterhood with her cousins when they were girls, and she refuses to go back on her word. So far, she’s proven herself quite adept at warding off the blasted fortune hunters’ pursuits.

Noah deLancie, Marquess of Devonport, would prefer to marry for love and companionship—he’s…


Book cover of Moonlight and Mischief

Donna Hatch Author Of The Stranger She Married

From my list on swoony historical romance without bedrooms scenes.

Why am I passionate about this?

Historical novels, movies, and TV shows have captured my interest even as a child since the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder and A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. My love of history has sent me into historic schoolhouses, churches, castles, pirate ships, ancient Roman spas and aqueducts, and other historical sites at home and in England, Spain, and Portugal, as well as pouring over journals, biographies, and non-fiction research books. My first love is Regency England, but I have a fascination for history of all eras and countries. My passion and fascination for detail have been the driving force behind my twenty-four published Regency romances and hundreds of articles and blog posts.

Donna's book list on swoony historical romance without bedrooms scenes

Donna Hatch Why did Donna love this book?

This was my first introduction to the Regency Era. The author wove in the Regency world in a way that made it easy for a reader new to the genre to understand. The characters were well-rounded and likeable, and the romance unfolded gently and believably. I fell in love with the hero as well as with Traditional Regency Romance. It was also the first romance book I read with a publication date of later than the 1950s that had a sweet, clean, and wholesome story (other than inspirational or religious stories). This book gave me hope that some publishers recognize that “sex sells” isn’t a hard and fast rule.

By Rhonda Woodward,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Moonlight and Mischief as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

AVAILABLE DIGITALLY FOR THE FIRST TIME

A gamble worth taking.

When Lord Haverstone loses a fortune playing cards, Steven Thorncroft chivalrously offers his sister—and her large dowry—to save him from ruin. Thoroughly amused by the young pup, “Stone” invites him and his sister to a house party at his country estate, then promptly forgets all about it until they show up at his door…

Mariah Thorncroft can’t believe her brother’s impertinence and her mother’s determination to buy her a title. Even worse, she can’t believe she’s at the estate of a renowned rake like Stone—among people who undoubtedly look down…


Book cover of The Heiress of Winterwood

Danielle Thorne Author Of A Pirate at Pembroke

From my list on clean and wholesome historical romances.

Why am I passionate about this?

Danielle Thorne has researched, traveled, read, and written sweet stories about historical gentlemen, pirates, ladies, and not-so-distressed damsels from her home south of Atlanta for over half her life. A graduate of BYU-Idaho with an English minor, she also writes clean and wholesome contemporary romance for Harlequin's tasteful Love Inspired line. She is the author of over twenty-five family-friendly books in a variety of genres.  

Danielle's book list on clean and wholesome historical romances

Danielle Thorne Why did Danielle love this book?

This novel brings England's moors to life with a Regency romance that is sometimes haunting. It features a courageous heroine who doesn't know her own strength until she must flip social norms upside down by proposing marriage to a man she doesn't know or love—but needs. A couple determined to sacrifice everything for the love of a child makes this story memorable, and the romance is beautiful. 

By Sarah E. Ladd,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Heiress of Winterwood as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In this sweet Regency romance, Amelia Barret will risk everything to keep her word-even to the point of proposing to a sea captain she's never met.

Amelia Barrett, heiress to an estate nestled in the English moors, defies family expectations and promises to raise her dying friend's baby. But she knows she can't do it alone and finds herself in the surprising position of asking Graham, the child's father-a man she's never met before-to marry her.

When the baby vanishes with little more than an ominous ransom note hinting at her whereabouts, Amelia and Graham are driven to test the…


Book cover of An Honorable Thief

Kathleen Tailer Author Of Marked to Die

From my list on romantic suspense to keep turning pages.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always loved suspenseful books, and I enjoy creating my own characters and helping them strengthen their faith as they triumph in difficult circumstances. I want to encourage other Christians with my writing, and introduce others to Christ who may be searching to see how God can change their lives. I also want to provide readers with a fun getaway of excitement, suspense, and thrills. I am an attorney and see many cases that don’t conclude with a happy ending, however, God can take what men meant for evil, and turn it into good, and there is a positive and encouraging ending waiting in each of my books.

Kathleen's book list on romantic suspense to keep turning pages

Kathleen Tailer Why did Kathleen love this book?

This is one of my “go to” books when I want to recapture the suspenseful feeling I want to make sure I include in my own writing.

Anne Gracie wrote this book in 2002, and has written several successful books since, but this is still my all-time favorite. It is written in the Victorian Age, which I enjoy, and she has incredible tension between the two main characters as they both grow and overcome past hurts.

I return to this book time and time again to reconnect with the characters, and I enjoy their playful banter and strong convictions.

By Anne Gracie,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked An Honorable Thief as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of Sprig Muslin

Elizabeth Caulfield Felt Author Of Wilde Wagers

From my list on historical novels that are light and silly.

Why am I passionate about this?

I teach writing and children's literature at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, and for many years worked as a librarian. (Once a librarian, always a librarian!) First and foremost, I'm a reader. The real world can be an unpleasant and depressing place, so I regularly escape inside books. Although serious books are great, it's also nice to escape to a world where you can laugh and not worry about anything too bad happening.

Elizabeth's book list on historical novels that are light and silly

Elizabeth Caulfield Felt Why did Elizabeth love this book?

I'd list every one of Georgette Heyer's romance novels if I could. She's the master of creating plots so entangled you have no idea how they'll be pulled apart. Her characters are unique, if not exactly crazy, and love is always in the air. Heyer's world is Regency England as it never really was.

By Georgette Heyer,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sprig Muslin as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A charming "accidental" love triangle enchants readers in this delightful romp by the Queen of Regency Romance, bestselling author Georgette Heyer.

A dashing man of honor...

En route to propose to his sensible acquaintance Lady Hester, Sir Gareth Ludlow finds young, pretty Amanda wandering unattended and knows it is his duty to bring her back to her family. This turns out to be a challenge as Amanda seems to possess an imagination as intriguing as it is dangerous.

A shocking refusal...

Lady Hester stuns both him and her family when she refuses him. At her age, no one would expect…


Book cover of Faro's Daughter

Anna Campbell Author Of One Wicked Wish

From my list on classic historical romance.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always loved historical romance, ever since my mother gave me my first Georgette Heyer when I was eight, and my grandmother gave me my first Barbara Cartland shortly after. The fascination has never waned, which is a good thing because I grew up to become a historical romance author myself. Since publishing my first romance in 2006, I’ve written nearly 50 books, mainly set during the Regency period (first quarter of the 19th century). I’ve always adored how a good historical romance whisks me away to a larger-than-life world replete with dashing rakes, smart-mouthed ladies, and glittering high society, not to mention witty banter, glamour, and heart-stopping romance.

Anna's book list on classic historical romance

Anna Campbell Why did Anna love this book?

Georgette Heyer is the queen of Regency romance. My mother gave me my first Heyer when I was about eight and I’ve loved her work ever since. Witty, beautifully written, romantic, glamorous, her books were the perfect introduction to historical romance. I’m currently in the middle of my fifth re-read of all her books and this time 'round, I think my favorite is Faro’s Daughter. This pairs the very rude and unromantic (but irresistible!) Max Ravenscar with clever, independent Deborah Grantham, a well-bred lady brought low by financial trouble who now runs her aunt’s gambling house. When Max sets out to rescue his beef-witted cousin from Deb’s clutches, the stage is set for a clash of titanic proportions. This book sparkles like good champagne, and it always makes me laugh.  

By Georgette Heyer,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Faro's Daughter as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

If you love Bridgerton, you'll love Georgette Heyer!

'The greatest writer who ever lived' Antonia Fraser
'One of my perennial comfort authors' Joanne Harris
'I could mainline Heyer's Regency romances until the end of time and still not get bored' India Knight
____________

Max Ravenscar is a renowned gamester.

The first to admit he is entirely void of a romantic disposition, he regards all eligible females with indifference and unconcern.

But then he meets the woman his young cousin is bent on marrying - the beautiful Deborah Grantham who also happens to be the mistress of her aunt's gaming establishment.…


Book cover of Frederica
Book cover of The Escape
Book cover of Learning to Waltz

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,176

readers submitted
so far, will you?