The 'Bridgerton' series by Julia Quinn can also be considered. In particular, the relationships in the books often have an element of angst. The historical setting of the Regency era provides a beautiful backdrop for the romances. The characters face social expectations, family pressures, and their own insecurities, which all contribute to the angst in their love stories.
'Gone with the Wind' by Margaret Mitchell can be considered. Scarlett's love for Ashley and Rhett's love for Scarlett create a web of angsty relationships. Set during the American Civil War, it shows the complex emotions and struggles in the context of a historical setting.
You need to understand the historical context deeply. This will allow you to create believable conflicts that add to the angst. For instance, if your story is set in a time when arranged marriages were common, the lovers may have to fight against this tradition. Also, build up the sexual tension gradually and use it to fuel the angst in the relationship. However, keep it appropriate and in line with the historical setting.
In angst - filled historical romance novels, the theme of lost love is quite prevalent. For instance, in some stories, a character loses their love due to death or separation. Social norms play a huge role as well. In many historical settings, strict social norms can prevent lovers from being together. This causes a great deal of angst. Another theme is the power dynamics in relationships. In some novels, one character may have more power than the other, which can lead to an unequal and angst - filled relationship.
A good example is 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier. The unnamed protagonist's relationship with Maxim de Winter is filled with angst. She constantly feels overshadowed by the memory of his first wife, Rebecca. Another one is 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon. Claire Randall's time - traveling adventure and her love for Jamie Fraser involve a great deal of angst. They face numerous challenges, from political unrest to personal tragedies. 'Atonement' by Ian McEwan also has elements of angst - filled historical romance. Briony's false accusation shatters the relationship between Cecilia and Robbie.
Another good one for beginners is 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks. Although it's more of a modern - day historical romance (set in the past), it has a lot of angst. The love story between Noah and Allie is heart - wrenching. The book shows their relationship over time, with many obstacles in their way. It's a simple yet deeply emotional read that can be a great starting point for those new to angst - filled historical romances.
One great angst romance novel is 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green. It tells the story of Hazel and Augustus, two teenagers with cancer. Their relationship is filled with love, hope, and the pain of their illness. The angst comes from their uncertain future and the knowledge that their time together may be limited. Another is 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte. The love between Heathcliff and Catherine is intense and tortured. Social class differences, jealousy, and revenge all add to the angst in their relationship. A third one could be 'A Walk to Remember' by Nicholas Sparks. Landon and Jamie's relationship is full of challenges as Jamie is terminally ill, which creates a lot of emotional angst.
One popular angst romance novel is 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green. It tells the story of two teenagers with cancer who fall in love, filled with both tender and heart - wrenching moments. Another is 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte. The love between Heathcliff and Catherine is full of angst, jealousy, and a sense of doom. 'A Walk to Remember' by Nicholas Sparks also fits. It's about a bad - boy - turned - good who falls in love with a good girl, but their relationship is faced with many difficulties and sadness.
One common theme is miscommunication. In these novels, the married couple often misunderstands each other's intentions, which leads to a lot of angst. For example, one might think the other doesn't care when in fact they are just bad at expressing themselves.
A well - known angst - filled romance novel is 'Twilight' by Stephenie Meyer. The relationship between Bella and Edward is filled with angst. There's the danger that Edward's vampire nature poses to Bella, as well as the internal struggle within Edward about being with her. 'Gone with the Wind' by Margaret Mitchell also has elements of angsty romance. Scarlett O'Hara's love for Ashley Wilkes and later Rhett Butler is fraught with angst. Her stubbornness and the changing world around them create a lot of emotional drama.