When it comes to historical romances, we love to see heroines who are smart, well-read, and critical thinkers. The only hitch - they’re usually painted with a tar brush by their peers as “bluestockings.”
What is a Bluestocking?
Bluestocking is a slang term from Regency England to describe a woman interested in intellectual ideas. According to An Elegant Madness: High Society in Regency England, the term originated as the name of a club founded by Elizabeth Montagu for aristocratic ladies interested in literature.
They weren’t a huge hit with the men of their time, at least not if you listen to Coleridge, who wrote, “The longer I live, the more do I loathe in stomach and deprecate in judgement all blue-stockingism.”
But they’re a lot of fun to read about in historical romances.
Here are some of the best historical romance novels for anyone looking for a smart, bookish heroine:
Once Upon a Marquess by Courtney Milan
The first installment of the Worth Saga, this novel focuses on Judith, who is raising her two siblings after her father betrayed the kingdom. Due to her reduced circumstances, she makes money by selling fancy clock mechanics (like cuckoo clocks). Of course, she has to keep this secret, as it would mar her sisters’ marriage prospects if they knew the family had to use trade to stay alive.
Meanwhile, her former flame, Christian, wants to get back in her good graces after contributing to her father’s downfall. He himself is very smart and more than a little quirky. He fell in love with Judith when he first discovered her talent with clocks, and now he’s back for more.
Their romance is very sweet and funny, while set in a world that is very unfair. I highly recommend it!
Rules of an Engagement by Suzanne Enoch
Zephyr Ponsley has been her father’s travel partner since she was a girl, helping him collect and illustrate botanical specimens across Asia. She is used to being a part of the team, sharing her opinions, and rolling up her skirts to get s*** done. Now that she and her father have been tasked with exploring the Pacific islands near Australia, her main worry is that the naval captain transporting them will get in the way.
That captain is Shaw, a ruggedly handsome man who isn’t sure he still wants to be in the navy. He is very intrigued by Zephyr and her lack of ladylike manners, which means being trapped on a ship for six weeks with her is...a good idea?
Reading this book inspired me to rewatch Pirates of the Caribbean, so prepare yourself for swashbuckling adventures!
Surrender by Amanda Quick
You get two bluestockings for one in this novel, because Victoria has been raised by her aunt, who hosts lectures in their house and keeps a greenhouse of exotic plants in their London backyard. Victoria is a talented illustrator, but she’s also determined to experience the sordid city that a young lady shouldn’t have any curiosity about.
Lucas Colebrook needs to marry a woman with a fortune, so he sets his sights on Victoria, even if it means courting her by sneaking her out on adventures at night.
I think you can guess what happens next!
Her Perfect Earl by Beth Patillo
Esmeralda Fortune (aka Miss Fortune - get it?) is so much a bluestocking that her life goal is to win a prize in ancient literature and use the money to open a school for girls. The only problem is that she needs access to an obscure manuscript to win that prize, which means she has to take up the role of governess for five wild children to get near the Earl of Ashforth’s library.
And the Earl of Ashforth is not particularly kind, welcoming, or interested in having the governess in his library. When he discovers that she has stolen the manuscript, he insist she find it, even if it means they search the great big house together at night.
This novel is a wonderful blend of bluestocking Regency and the Sound of Music!