The following writers like Judith McNaught invite you into the rich world of historical romance where love unfolds with depth, drama and lasting impact.
This carefully selected list features authors who create unforgettable heroines, compelling heroes and settings so vivid they feel real.
Their novels blend wit, emotion and irresistible chemistry to craft love stories that stay with you long after the final page.
Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of Regency England or the bold spirit of medieval times, these authors deliver romance at its finest.
12 Writers Like Judith McNaught
1. Lisa Kleypas
Writing Style & Themes:Â
Lisa Kleypas crafts Regency historical romances with vibrant heroines who shine with strength and wit.
Her alpha male heroes balance rugged charm with tender vulnerability.
Emotional intensity weaves through her stories, pulling readers into passionate love tales grounded in rich historical detail.
Kleypas excels at blending humor, heart and sensual tension, creating immersive worlds where love conquers all with a distinctly human touch.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Wallflowers Series
- Dreaming of You
- Devil in Winter
Why Readers Will Love Her:Â
Her vivid characters and heartfelt romances spark joy, making every page a delightful escape.
Lisa Kleypas’ Website: https://lisakleypas.comÂ
2. Julie Garwood
Writing Style & Themes:Â
Julie Garwood spins medieval and Scottish historical romances with lively wit and heartfelt warmth.
Her heroines are bold and clever, often navigating danger with grace.
Strong family bonds anchor her tales while dashing heroes bring passion and loyalty.
Garwood’s crisp dialogue and vivid settings immerse readers in stories that blend adventure, humor and tender romance, capturing the human spirit with every heartfelt moment.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Secret
- Ransom
- The Bride
Why Readers Will Love Her:Â
Her witty banter and spirited heroines deliver pure romantic joy.
Julie Garwood’s Website: https://juliegarwood.com
3. Johanna Lindsey
Writing Style & Themes:Â
Johanna Lindsey weaves Regency and historical romances with fierce and independent heroines who steal the show.
Her passionate heroes blend charm with intensity, creating electric chemistry and pulse with adventure and emotional depth, set against vivid historical backdrops.
Her knack for crafting spirited dialogue and bold characters draws readers into sweeping love stories that feel alive with human passion and resilience.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Heir
- Gentle Rogue
- Love Only Once
Why Readers Will Love Her:Â
Her fiery heroines and epic love stories ignite the imagination.
Johanna Lindsey’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/29542.Johanna_LindseyÂ
4. Linda Howard
Writing Style & Themes:Â
Linda Howard masters romantic suspense and historical romances with gripping intense plots.
Her heroines are resilient, facing challenges with strong heroes – this adds depth and fiery chemistry.
Howard’s stories blend danger, passion and emotional stakes, pulling readers into richly crafted worlds where her ability to balance heart-pounding action with tender human moments makes every book a thrilling ride.
Notable Books/Series:
- All the Queen’s Men
- After the Night
- Mr. Perfect
Why Readers Will Love Her:Â
Her thrilling plots and bold characters keep hearts racing.
Linda Howard’s Website: https://lindahowardbooks.com
5. Jude Deveraux
Writing Style & Themes:Â
Jude Deveraux writes Regency historical romances with strong spirited heroines who captivate with their courage and heart.
Her stories brim with passionate, emotional connections and richly detailed settings which blend humor, drama and tender romance, crafting tales that resonate with human longing and resilience.
Her knack for creating relatable characters and sweeping love stories makes every book a warm and immersive escape.
Notable Books/Series:
- High Tide
- The Taming
- A Knight in Shining Armor
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Her heartfelt stories and vivid heroines spark pure excitement.
Jude Deveraux’s Website: https://judedeveraux.com
6. Mary Balogh
Writing Style & Themes:Â
Mary Balogh excels in Regency romances with deeply complex characters and profound emotional connections.
Balogh’s stories explore love’s transformative power, set in richly detailed historical worlds.
Her lyrical prose and focus on human emotions create tender and immersive tales that linger long after the final page.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Proposal
- A Secret Affair
- Slightly Dangerous
Why Readers Will Love Her:Â
Her soulful romances and nuanced characters touch the heart.
Mary Balogh’s Website: https://marybalogh.com
7. Sherry Thomas
Writing Style & Themes:Â
Sherry Thomas crafts Victorian historical romances with lush, evocative prose and intricate character development.
Thomas weaves poignant and emotionally charged stories with rich historical detail.
Her focus on human vulnerability and growth creates immersive tales that resonate, blending passion and introspection with a distinctly soulful touch.
Notable Books/Series:
- Private Arrangements
- Not Quite a Husband
- His at Night
Why Readers Will Love Her:Â
Her poetic storytelling and vivid characters captivate the soul.
Sherry Thomas’s Website: https://sherrythomas.com
8. Eloisa James
Writing Style & Themes:Â
Eloisa James writes Regency romances with sparkling wit and relatable strong heroines who shine with charm.
James blends humor, heartfelt emotion and vivid historical settings, crafting stories that feel warm and human.
Her clever dialogue and focus on love’s playful side create immersive tales that celebrate resilience and connection with effortless grace
Notable Books/Series:
- Duchess by Night
- When Beauty Tamed the Beast
- A Kiss at Midnight
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Her witty romances and lively heroines light up every page.
Eloisa James’s Website: https://eloisajames.com
9. Jennifer Ashley
Writing Style & Themes:Â
Jennifer Ashley excels in Regency historical romances with passionate and deeply felt relationships.
Her heroines are bold and resilient, paired with complex devoted heroes.
Ashley’s stories pulse with emotional intensity and richly drawn characters, set against vivid historical backdrops.
Her focus on human connection and tender moments crafts immersive tales that balance sensuality and heart, resonating with readers seeking love’s transformative power.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie
- The Duke’s Perfect Wife
- Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage
Why Readers Will Love Her:Â
Her heartfelt characters and fiery romances stir the heart.
Jennifer Ashley’s Website: https://jenniferashley.comÂ
10. Teresa Medeiros
Writing Style & Themes:Â
Teresa Medeiros weaves medieval and Regency historical romances with emotional depth and vibrant character growth.
Her heroines are spirited and relatable, facing challenges with heart.
Medeiros’s stories blend humor, romance and rich historical settings, crafting immersive worlds.
Her focus on human resilience and love’s healing power creates unforgettable tales that linger.
Notable Books/Series:
- A Whisper of Roses
- The Bride and the Beast
- Charming the Prince
Why Readers Will Love Her:Â
Her enchanting stories and vivid heroines warm the soul.
Teresa Medeiros’s Website: https://teresamedeiros.com
11. Rebecca Ruger
Writing Style & Themes:Â
Rebecca Ruger specializes in Scottish historical romances with fierce heroines who radiate strength and spirit.
Her alpha male heroes blend rugged charm with deep loyalty, sparking fiery chemistry.
Ruger’s stories weave passion, adventure and rich historical detail, immersing readers in vivid Highland worlds.
Her focus on human courage and heartfelt connection crafts compelling tales that celebrate love’s enduring power with a bold vibrant touch.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Ruthless Knight
- The Reckless Knight
- Heart of Shadows
Why Readers Will Love Her:Â
Her bold heroines and sweeping romances thrill the heart.
Rebecca Ruger’s Website: https://rebeccaruger.com
12. Jayne Ann Krentz
Writing Style & Themes:Â
Jayne Ann Krentz blends contemporary and historical romances with strong spirited heroines who shine with independence.
Krentz’s stories balance romance, suspense and vivid settings, crafting immersive worlds.
Her focus on human resilience and love’s transformative power creates engaging tales that resonate, blending heart and intrigue with a warm relatable touch.
Notable Books/Series:
- Sweet Fortune
- Ravished
- Absolutely, Positively
Why Readers Will Love Her:Â
Her dynamic romances and bold characters spark pure excitement.
Jayne Ann Krentz’s Website: https://jayneannkrentz.com
Last Word on the Authors Like Judith Mcnaught
The above authors similar to Judith McNaught craft stories that wrap you in the warmth of historical romance.
With Eloisa James’s clever wit, Mary Balogh’s tender depth, Jennifer Ashley’s fiery passion and Teresa Medeiros’s enchanting charm, these writers create worlds where love triumphs.
Their heroines inspire, their heroes captivate and their settings pulse with life.
Every book is a journey of heart and spirit, perfect for cozy reading nights.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this post on the 12 writers like Judith Mcnaught, happy reading!