The American Revolution was a turbulent time in American history, with great potential for romance as well as drama. War, divided loyalties, danger around every corner, spies, intrigue, remote cabins and forts, decadent Georgian society, men in uniform, women in corsets and dresses that leave little to the imagination, cozy fires to cuddle by... you get the picture. And we’ve found a handful of novels to make your July 4 that much more patriotic and passionate.

Renegades of the American Revolution series by Donna Thorland

A loosely connected series featuring strong, smart, resourceful women; handsome, conflicted men; page-turning history; and, of course, lots of romance.

The Turncoat

Pennsylvania, 1777. Kate Grey is a naive Quaker girl whose home has been commandeered by the British Army led by the handsome and charming Major Lord Peter Tremayne. Against her best judgment, she begins to fall for his seduction, only to have it interrupted when Tremayne’s secret military dispatches are stolen by a spy within her household. Months later, she’s in British-held Philadelphia working as an undercover agent for General Washington when the one man who could expose her comes into town. A sexy, seductive page turner that grabs you and doesn’t let go.

The Rebel Pirate

Cape Ann, Mass., 1775. Captain James Sparhawk, master and commander in the British Navy, knows his duty. With two countries on the brink of war, his job is to keep supplies, money, and ships out of rebel hands. When he boards a rebel vessel, he finds himself with a loaded pistol pointed at him by a cabin boy. Except Sarah Ward is no mere cabin boy — she is the daughter of the colonies’ most notorious pirate — and she has a duty and an agenda of her own and that includes taking the handsome, young British captain hostage. A fast-paced. irresistible adventure that will have readers jonesing for the high seas.

Mistress Firebrand

Manhattan, 1775. Playwright and actress Jennifer Leighton, tired of the provincial stages of the Colonies, longs for the glamour of London. When famed British playwright, General John Burgoyne comes to town, she courts his attention only to be foiled by young British army officer and "fixer", Severin Devere. Months later, Jennifer is now working for the rebels writing seditious plays and being sought by the British for hanging — only one man can save her, but he’s also the one tasked with finding her. A witty and fun romance with two perfectly matched characters.

The Dutch Girl

New York, 1778. Fifteen years ago, Anna Winters was Annetje, a Dutch girl on the run who reinvented herself as a finishing school teacher. She’s been recruited by the Americans to make sure that Harenwycke, a vast 200,000-acre Dutch patroon estate on the Hudson River, sticks with the rebels. The estate is held by one rebel brother, Andries, while the other brother, Gerrit, prowls its roads as a Highwayman in league with the British. With her assignment Anna will confront her past and get caught between two brothers and two loyalties — her country and her heart.  An engrossing tangle of desire and loyalty that illuminates the little-known Dutch patroon system.  

Midnight by Beverly Jenkins

Faith Kingston is leading a double life in 1775 Boston. By day, she's the faithful daughter of a Tory tavern owner; by night, she's "Lady Midnight," a spy who's secretly helping the rebels fighting for independence.

Alex & Eliza: A Love Story by Melissa de la Cruz

Hamilton fans saw this one coming a mile away! This retelling of the story of Alexander Hamilton — prominent figure of the Revolutionary War — and the young Eliza Schuyler begins at their very first meeting at her wealthy family's elaborate ball. This sweet, romantic novel (aimed at young adults but fun for adults too) takes its time, tracing the early years of an epic historical love story.

 

 

 

The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband by Julia Quinn

When Cecelia, our banter-y British heroine, travels to New York to search for her missing brother, she finds a whirlwind adventure instead. (This is second installment of the Rokesby series, which takes place in Quinn's Bridgerton universe; the first book deals with the same family in the years just before the war.)

 

 

 

 

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Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!