In my opinion, 'The Faerie Queene' by Edmund Spenser is a top choice for medieval romance novels. It has a complex allegorical structure while also having elements of chivalry, knights, and their quests. The descriptions of the settings and the characters are very much in line with the medieval romance genre. Another one is 'Sir Gawain and the Carl of Carlisle'. It is a lesser - known but still great example, with elements of mystery, chivalry, and a touch of the supernatural that was popular in medieval romance stories.
Another one could be 'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer. While it's a collection of stories, many of them have elements of medieval romance, like the Knight's Tale which tells of love and honor among knights. And then there's 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight'. This story showcases the code of chivalry and a knight's journey, with a touch of the supernatural and a test of his moral fiber.
One great steamy medieval romance novel is 'The Wolf and the Dove' by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. It has all the elements of a classic in this genre, with a strong, brooding hero and a feisty heroine, and their passionate encounters set against a medieval backdrop.
One of the popular medieval romance novels is 'The Wolf and the Dove' by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. It has a captivating story of a Norman lord and a Saxon lady, filled with passion and the clash of cultures during medieval times.
One of the great ones is 'The Outlander' series by Diana Gabaldon. It has a time - traveling aspect that adds a unique twist to the medieval Scottish setting and the romances within. The vivid descriptions of the Scottish Highlands and the complex relationships between the characters make it a captivating read.
'The Wolf and the Dove' by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss is a classic. It's set in medieval England and tells the story of a Saxon maiden and a Norman lord. Their relationship is full of passion and conflict, which is typical of the genre. The detailed descriptions of the medieval setting, from the castles to the clothing, add to the overall charm of the story.
They often feature strong elements of Celtic mythology. For example, there might be references to magical creatures like fairies or selkies which add an air of mystery to the love stories. Also, the setting is typically in the medieval Celtic lands such as Ireland, Scotland or Wales, with detailed descriptions of the landscapes and castles.
One characteristic is the strong sense of place. They often vividly describe the Scottish landscapes, like the mist - covered Highlands and the ancient castles. Another is the use of historical elements, such as clan politics and feudal systems.
Another could be 'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer. While not strictly a pure medieval romance novel, it contains many elements of it. There are stories of love, adventure, and different characters from various walks of life. The different tales within it give a great insight into the medieval mindset and the idea of love and relationships during that time.
Fantastic medieval romance novels often have elements of chivalry. Knights are usually the main characters, and they follow a code of honor. For example, they are loyal to their lords and ladies, and they fight bravely. Another characteristic is courtly love. The love between the characters is often idealized, with the knight serving his lady. Also, there are often magical or supernatural elements, like in the Arthurian legends where there are wizards like Merlin.