We’ve compiled a list of ten retro Historical Western Romances that we hope you’ll enjoy. These passionate tales set in the Wild West featured sexy cowboys, rugged outlaws, and courageous women who loved them.
A Must-Read List of Ten Retro Historical Western Romances
This week, we’re taking a break from our regular Top Ten Tuesday feature. Instead, we’ve compiled a list of ten retro Western romances that we highly recommend.
Historical Western romance books were popular with readers for decades. Western romances could be bodice rippers, action-adventure dramas, family sagas, Native American romances, and so much more. These great books deserve more love, and we hope this list will inspire you to read some.
A Brief Look Back at Western Historical Romances
The epic sensual historical romance revolution in the 1970s included a wide range of settings and time periods. For decades the Western historical was one of the biggest subgenres in romance.
These books featured cowboys, rugged gunslingers, sprawling ranches, and heroines who were as resilient as they were beautiful. They focused on themes like family loyalty and finding one’s place in the world, making them powerful stories that still resonate today.
Western historical romances were all the rage from the 1980s and well into the 2000s. During this time, Native American romance novels became especially popular.
Bestselling authors like Rosemary Rogers, Johanna Lindsey, Linda Lael Miller, Rosanne Bittner, Georgina Gentry, Janelle Taylor, Joan Johnston, and many more wrote romances set in the West, and these books were a hit with readers.
A retro-western romance novel has an undeniably alluring quality. The combination of rugged and dangerous heroes who were deadly killers, fierce protectors, and passionate lovers with thrilling, action-packed plots transported us to a time and place when life was simpler, yet danger lurked around every corner.
Heroes Who Were Killers, Protectors, and Lovers
Western historical romances often feature heroes who are deadly killers and fierce protectors, yet they also have a tender side when it comes to their love interests. These heroes embody the spirit of the Wild West and capture our imagination with their strength, courage, and unwavering loyalty. The men, much like the land, were wild and untamed.
But it’s not just about the men. Western romances also featured resilient heroines who were, in their own way, as strong as the heroes they fell in love with. These heroines faced incredible challenges and hardships but never gave up on themselves or their dreams.
10 of the Best Retro Western historical romance novels
Let’s talk about ten books we think are among the top 10 best Western historical romance novels of the old-school era!
With heart-wrenching stories and unforgettable characters, these novels will leave you captivated from beginning to end.
From the first page to the last, these stories kept us entertained and engrossed from start to finish.
1. Comanche Moon by Catherine Anderson, 1991
Catherine Anderson’s Comanche Moon is an intense narrative filled with war, heartache, and an extraordinary love story.
Loretta Simpson is an orphan haunted by her parents’ brutal deaths. Hunter, part white and part Comanche, must navigate identity complexities and conquer prejudices even as he believes Loretta to be the woman of an ancient prophecy, a woman he must honor and protect. Yet Loretta sees Hunter as nothing more than her enemy, who has taken her captive.
Despite their animosity, their journey transforms into respect and care as love becomes their greatest strength. Anderson’s meticulous research shines through, offering a richly crafted and engaging reading experience.
Loretta and Hunter embody both sides of the complex and violent struggle between the white settlers and the Comanche people, evoking empathy and understanding. The arduous path they follow toward mutual trust and understanding will fascinate you.
Comanche Moon won the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award (RT Award) for First Indian Historical Romance.
2. Love, Cherish Me, Rebecca Brandewyne, 1983
Love, Cherish Me, by Rebecca Brandewyne, is an enthralling Western saga that will captivate your senses and leave you breathless. This is not your ordinary romance—it’s an old-school bodice ripper that will keep you on the edge.
We follow Storm Aimee Lesconflair, a Southern belle, on a fateful journey to marry a man she has never met. However, fate changes her when her carriage is ambushed and she is taken captive. Then Lobo, a mysterious and dangerous gunslinger, wins her as a prize in a high-stakes card game, sealing her fate with this enigmatic figure.
As Storm is thrust into Lobo’s world, the epic backdrop of Texas becomes the stage for their tumultuous love story. From one dangerous encounter to another, Storm faces villains intent on defiling her, but Lobo is always there, her savior in the darkness.
After being separated, Storm must face her dark side alone. Will Lobo return to save her once again?
The book’s conclusion is both bitter and sweet, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. Love, Cherish Me is a thrilling and deeply emotional tale that will resonate deeply with readers.
Love, Cherish Me was the Affaire de Coeur Winner of their Classic Romance Award & the Golden Quill Award for Best of the ’80s Historical Romance.
3. Sweet Prairie Passion, Rosanne Bittner, 1983
When considering the best author of Western romances, one of the first names that comes up is Rosanne Bittner. Her Savage Destiny family saga is unforgettable, and while all her books in the series are exceptional, we think the best place to start is with the first entry, Sweet Prairie Passion.
Set in 1845 during a treacherous wagon train expedition from Tennessee to Oregon, this captivating tale follows the courageous Abigail Trent, a determined heroine, and the enigmatic Zeke Monroe, a half-white, half-Cheyenne scout. Against a backdrop of bigotry, hatred, and tragedy, their forbidden love blossoms, defying all odds.
Their powerful connection transcends the boundaries of fiction. Bittner’s exceptional talent transports you beyond the written words, immersing you in their extraordinary journey.
If you crave a literary experience that will stir your deepest emotions, both the good and the bad, Sweet Prairie Passion will leave an indelible mark on your heart. Brace yourself for an exciting and epic journey through the pages of this book and the entire captivating “Savage Destiny” series!
4. Angel by Johanna Lindsey, 1992
If you’re looking for a light-hearted romance that’s more of a delightful ride than an emotional rollercoaster, then Angel by Johanna Lindsey is the perfect retro Western.
Angel tells the story of an eponymous gunslinger who gets caught up in a feud between two families. Cassie Stuart’s meddling attempts to mend the rift only make matters worse. So she hires the legendary gunslinger, Angel, to keep her ranch safe. Although it may be Angel who should be wary of Cassie, she’s a capable gal with a pet panther!
Although Angel appears to be a cruel, brutal killer on the outside, he is a genuine softie of a hero on the inside. Cassie and Angel’s banter will have you rolling in laughter, even as their hot chemistry will have you fanning yourself at the heat!
While Angel is not as intense as the rest of the books on this list, its sweet moments and great storytelling make this book a treasure.
Angel was a NY Times #1 Best Seller.
5. Silver Lining by Maggie Osborne, 2000
In Maggie Osborne’s excellent Silver Lining, the female protagonist, “Low Down” Louise, isn’t your typical historical romance heroine. She works as a cook in a mining town for a group consisting of mostly men, tending to their needs. Lou is not a polished beauty but a plain-spoken, honest, and hardworking woman. She’s a complicated mix of perpetual optimism and low self-esteem.
A strain of smallpox raged across the mining community, and Louise nursed them through it. Her determination and endless caring saved the lives of most of the men. When a dying mother delivers a baby, Low Down swears to care for the infant. As a result, the miners believe they owe Lou gratitude in the form of marriage to give her respectability.
They draw straws to see who is the lucky groom. Max, who is already engaged, “wins” and reluctantly weds her.
Max brings Lou home to his family, and they’re shocked by this low-class woman who talks so boldly. However, over time, they discover that beneath her lack of refined manners lies a beautiful human being.
Max longs for his former flame, but even he can’t help but fall madly in love with Louise. She is a fantastic, down-to-earth woman who gives with all her heart while never demanding anything in return.
Despite its seemingly frivolous storyline, this is an incredibly moving tale. It will pull you in all directions as you root for Max to discover how worthy Louise is of his love.
Silver Lining was a nominee for the 2001 Romance Writers of America RITA Award for Long Historical Romance.
6. Texas Glory by Lorraine Heath
Texas Glory is the second installment of the Texas series by Lorraine Heath. Cordelia McQueen, confined by her father’s control, finds her life takes an unexpected turn when she is traded in a battle for land and water rights. She is forced to marry Dallas Leigh, her family’s enemy.
Dallas, dedicated to his land and ambitions, sees a glimmer of a different kind of ambition in Cordelia—a longing for love and a warm future. Can they carve out a future together, balancing their shared dreams with the promise of a deep and meaningful connection?
Amidst the backdrop of a captivating Texas landscape, Lorraine Heath weaves a tale of opposites attracting and discovering the true depths of each other’s souls. Cordelia’s initial fear slowly gives way to a growing desire as she sees Dallas through her own eyes, free from the perceptions of others. Their journey is one of transformation as they overcome obstacles, find solace in one another’s arms, and build an unbreakable bond.
Lorraine Heath masterfully crafts characters full of depth and promise, evoking a sense of charm and tenderness, capturing the essence of true love and the triumph of dreams fulfilled.
Texas Glory won the 1998 All About Romance Reader Award for Best American Historical.
7. To Tame a Texan’s Heart by Jodi Thomas, 1994
To Tame a Texan’s Heart is Jodi Thomas’s second entry in her McCormick/ Harvey Girls Series. While the first book, The Texan and the Lady, is a great start, we like the second book a little more.
True McCormick, a fearless Texan female, has a secret identity. To readers, she is Granite Westwind, a famous author of thrilling Wild West tales. But when her publisher insists on sending Granite Westwind on a whirlwind tour, True finds she has two options: reveal her true identity or find a daring gunslinger to play the part.
Enter Seth Atherton, who is a prisoner in a Galveston jail. Seth may be just an ordinary hardware store clerk, but he yearns for the excitement of the Wild West and a taste of justice. Sensing potential, True sees in Seth, the makings of a legendary hero. Little does she know that she has seriously underestimated this greenhorn.
Seth steps into the shoes of the fictional Granite Westwind, only for a real-life adventure to begin. As danger follows them, True falls in love with the hero she created. But can Seth rise to the occasion and become the legend he claims to be? Only time will tell whether this ordinary man can triumph over incredible odds.
True and Seth navigate the treacherous path of the Wild West, where ordinary folks are forced to become extraordinary heroes. On their adventures, they find love.
To Tame a Texan’s Heart won the 1995 Rita Award for Best Historical (single title).
8. Nobody’s Darling by Teresa Medeiros, 1998
Nobody’s Darling opens with Billy Darling, the hero, and a no-good outlaw, having just miraculously survived a botched hanging attempt. Then he unheroically soils himself.
The heroine, Esmerelda Fine, is a Boston-based music teacher. Esmerelda is an orphan whose only relatives are her aunt and uncle in England and her younger brother. Wholly devoted to her only sibling, Esmerelda is distraught when he goes missing.
Esmerelda hires a detective to discern his whereabouts. He informs her that her brother is dead, as a notorious criminal known as Billy Darling killed him. Determined to uncover the truth of her brother’s fate, Esmerelda sells off everything she owns–including her music school. Alone, she travels to the West in search of Billy and to exact revenge for her brother’s death.
When she finds Billy at a saloon, Esmerelda soon realizes he is not the ferocious killer she thought he was.
Fortunately, that means there is a chance her brother is still alive. In need of help locating him, Esmerelda turns to Billy Darling himself. Together, they embark on a wild journey. Through their trek, they find robbers, renegades (in the form of Billy’s brothers), and a wonderful romance.
9. Escape Not My Love by Elaine Coffman, 1990
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Elaine Coffman made a name with her Scottish MacKinnon series. For me, Escape Not My Love, one of her earlier works, stands out from the rest. This Western bodice ripper romance was the first historical novel I read.
This riveting tale explores the volatile dynamics between Jay Culhane, a haunted bounty hunter with a tortured past, and Jennifer Baxter, a headstrong and idealistic woman on a mission. Jennifer’s father hires Jay to find her in Mexico and bring her back home to Texas by any means necessary.
From the moment Jay bursts into Jennifer’s house, the stage is set for a captivating power struggle. Their initial encounter is charged with raw lust as Jay demands Jennifer strip at gunpoint. The intensity of their connection is undeniable, sparking a tumultuous journey across the Mexican-American border.
Jay’s actions are often marked by violence as he seeks to control Jennifer’s every move. Yet amidst the harsh treatment, there are tender moments as he tends to her wounds and protects her from peril. He becomes her unwavering defender, dispatching ruthless enemies threatening Jennifer’s safety.
Escape Not My Love delves into the depths of conflicting emotions. Jay’s guilt and hidden vulnerabilities add layers to his complex character, while Jennifer’s passionate responses to his punishments fuel the fire between them. Their journey becomes an exhilarating rollercoaster of desire, pain, and redemption.
Escape Not My Love won the 1990 RT Reviewers Choice Award for Western Historical Romance.
10. Dakota Destiny and Dakota Promises by Dana Ransom, 1993
Dakota Destiny
If you’re looking for a brilliantly written story that will transport you to the last days of the Old West, then Dakota Destiny and its sequel, Dakota Promises by Dana Ransom, will not disappoint.
Dakota Destiny is the third entry in Dana Ransom’s Dakota series. Still, you don’t have to read the first two books, Dakota Dawn and Dakota Desire, to appreciate this one (although both are also fantastic).
In Dakota Destiny, con artist heroine Norah Denby has arrived in town with her partner in crime, intent on swindling wealthy families.
She faces inner turmoil when Rory Prescott, a young, handsome cowboy–and heir to a vast fortune–falls in love with her. Norah fights her feelings as Rory intensely woos her with his innocent and awkward Anakin Skywalker-like charm. Not knowing her true nature, he seeks to make her his wife.
Filled with a complicated cast of characters, this epic retro Western romance culminates in a thrilling conclusion.
Dakota Promises
Dakota Promises, the final entry in the four-book series, continues the story of Norah and Rory’s tumultuous love story. It follows their lives some years after their marriage. Although not as dramatic as its predecessor, it’s a bittersweet story that will keep you glued to the pages until the end.
Regretfully, as of right now, both books are not in print. However, author Nancy Gideon has informed us she is obtaining the rights to her books as Dana Ransom. Eventually, the Dakota series and the rest of her backlist will be published in e-book format for a new generation of readers to enjoy.
The novels are heartbreakingly beautiful, full of sentiment and romance, and will leave you breathless by the end.
Final Thoughts On Old-School Western Romances
Sadly, while Western romances are still being written today, they are not as popular as they were in the 20th century. While some may criticize these novels for perpetuating stereotypes or glossing over historical facts, it cannot be denied that they offered an escape into an exciting and romantic world.
The Old West was a tumultuous time and place that continues to captivate our imaginations today. These stories transported readers to dusty small towns and sprawling ranches, as well as beautiful but dangerous landscapes such as deserts and mountains where danger lurks everywhere.
If you’re interested in reading about outlaws, frontiersmen, warriors, and cowboys, our list of ten of the best Retro Western historical romances may be what you need.
Your Opinion
We hope these books will take you on a journey through time and leave you yearning for more. Were Western romances a genre you enjoyed? Do you like reading retro Westerns from time to time?
Let us know what you think of old-school Western romances and our list!
As always, please drop a comment, and let’s talk romance.
Hello there, Array!
Oh yay! I’m glad to to have jogged your memory! I haven’t read this one in a while, so maybe I’ll take a trip down memory lane. Sometimes the best reads are rereads.
Make sure you get the original Dell edition from 1990 with the gorgeous purple stepback cover. For the 1997 re-release with Ivy, Coffman edited and rewrote some scenes so the hero was less of a jerk. Yet it was perfect the way it was, seeing how Jay became softer toward the heroine over time. His emotional struggle to overcome his past and finally yield to love was so well-done.
Oh, now I HAVE to search for my copy. It’s not on my shelves, so it’s probably up in the attic. That means lots of boxes to search through.
I’m getting that nostalgia feeling again! (Who am I kidding? I always feel that way!😁)
Thanks for stopping by!
Cheers,
Jacqueline 😊
Oh I loved Angel. Read it years ago. Also Dana Ransome. My favourite Bittner books are the Jake books. Does anyone know what happened to Georgina Gentry?