Dear Reader, here are 9 books like Bridgerton
Historical romance recommendations for fans of Bridgerton, Jane Austen and love stories.
Valentine’s Day is here, and while I’m not much of a romantic, I have a soft spot for curling up with a historical romance from time to time. Whether you adore the timeless wit of Jane Austen or modern regency romances like Bridgerton, there’s something cosy about escaping into tales of love, scandal, and society.
This Valentine’s Day, I’ve curated a list of historical romances that should be of particular interest to fans of Bridgerton, especially those like me who are craving a swoon-worthy story while we wait for the fourth season.
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
Move over Pride and Prejudice (although I love it!), Northanger Abbey is one of my favourite Austen’s. It offers a gothic twist on Regency romance, following Catherine Morland, a naive book-lover who reminds me a lot of Penelope Featherington. Her love interest, Henry Tilney, is so charming and this is a lovely friends-to-lovers romance.
Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare
The first in the Castles Ever After series, Romancing the Duke is a fun romance following the daughter of a successful romance author. Her father has recently died and she is impoverished, and at twenty-six and unkissed she has all but given up on romance. Until she meets the grumpy Duke.
Reputation by Lex Croucher
What do you get when you mix Mean Girls with Regency England? Reputation is a hilarious LGBT+ Regency romance. We follow Georgiana as she’s swept into a world of parties, drama, and high-society romance. It’s Bridgerton-esque, bold, and perfect for fans of modern twists on historical tales.
Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore
Set at the turn of the Century in England, this story pairs a spirited suffragette with a brooding duke. Annabelle’s mission is to sabotage him but sparks fly in unexpected ways.
The Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas
If you’re into darker, sultry tales, this third book in the Wallflowers series is a must-read. It’s a smouldering story with a dash of scandal - perfect for those who enjoy a mix of fantasy, smut, and forbidden romance. While it’s not without its flaws - trigger warnings and problematic storylines at times - The Devil in Winter delivers on intensity and intrigue.
To Love and to Loathe by Martha Waters
If you enjoy Pride and Prejudice, or your favourite Bridgerton novel is The Viscount Who Loved Me then you’ll love To Love and to Loathe. It’s an enemies-to-lovers story, following Lady Templeton and the Marquess of Willingham who engage in a fiery wager that leads to more than they bargained for. Lots of sharp banter and sizzling tension.
The Season by Sophia Holloway
The Season channels the spirit of Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen, so it’s a great for a traditionalist. Henrietta and Charles have been lifelong friends, but now that Henrietta is of age, their feelings take a romantic turn. A lovely, sweet, traditional love story.
Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
This may be considered a bit of a cop-out as this is a prequel to the Bridgerton series, but I loved this story about the siblings of the Netflix series, Aunt. It’s a heartwarming countryside romance with all the wit and warmth you expect from Julia Quinn.
Kiss Me Annabel by Eloisa James
When there’s a quote from Julia Quinn saying she rushes to the bookstore every time there is a new Eloisa James, you sit up and read. Annabel has promised herself that she’ll only ever kiss one man, but when she kisses the Earl of Ardmore plan - and reputation - are at risk. It's a heart-racing Regency romance full of surprises.
Have you read any of these historical romances? Which romances would you recommend for Valentine’s Day? Share your recommendations in the comments - I could do with some new recommendations (especially during this long Bridgerton drought!)