If you have binged Netflix’s Bridgerton and read all the original books in Julia Quinn’s series and STILL need more historical romance in your life, this list is for you.
All of these novels take place in Regency England, the same time period as when the Bridgertons cavort across the country. (For those of you asking - What the heck is Regency England? - here’s a quick primer.)
They also feature some of your favorite tropes from the Bridgerton family, including fake engagements (cough Daphne and Simon cough), willful heroines (hello, Eloise), duels at dawn (calm down, Anthony!), and busybody family members (oh hey, Lady Danbury!).
So break out your library card and settle in for another binge of great historical romances!
The Wedding Clause by Alexandra Ivy
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.61
What It’s About:
A meddling grandmother dies, stipulating in her will that her grandson must marry her companion by Christmas Day in order to secure his inheritance. The only problem is said grandson and companion hate each other with the fire of a thousand suns.
Why Bridgerton Fans Will Love It:
Spunky heroine - check. Hero who doesn’t know how much love is in his heart - check. Crazy family antics, including an overprotective brother and a grandmother who knows better than everyone - check!
How to Wed an Earl by Ivory Lei
Average Goodreads rating: 3.58
What It’s About:
Penelope and Lucas have been engaged for eons. So long that Penelope is pretty sure he’s never going to come for her. Except Lucas is in need of a wife in order to keep his inheritance.
Why Bridgerton Fans Will Love It:
Penelope is a big-hearted heroine who loves all people and animals equally. She has a lot of hope for her marriage, even though Lucas has ignored her for so many years. For his part, Lucas is desperate not to feel emotion - until he realizes he is desperately in love with Penelope.
The Earl and the Enchantress by Paullett Golden
Average Goodreads rating: 4.12
What It’s About:
A recluse bachelor convinces a determined spinster to marry him. Once she is whisked back into his castle, however, she realizes she doesn’t know so much about him - and he realizes he needs to keep his past a secret.
Why Bridgerton Fans Will Love It:
A meet-cute in a library. Witty banter. A heroine committed to making the marriage work, no matter how much her husband pushes her away. This one balances angst with steamy sex scenes.
The Major’s Faux Fiancee by Erica Ridley
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.84
What It’s About:
An evil uncle is about to force Daphne into marriage, so she writes to her childhood friend for help. He takes her to London to play her fake fiancee, only to fall desperately in love with her.
Why Bridgerton Fans Will Love It:
Besides the fake engagement, this novel is chalk-full of cute hijinx, a bookish heroine, musicales and balls, as well as a brooding hero doing his best to recover from the war.
The Ideal Countess by Katherine Grant (me!)
Average Goodreads Rating: 4.44
What It’s About:
A debutante’s perfect Season is ruined when a rogue compromises her in the garden. Luckily, her childhood friend is there to save the day - if she’ll let him.
Why Bridgerton Fans Will Love It:
I’m biased, but I wrote this novel inspired by Julia Quinn. There are glittering balls, an overly-willful heroine, and an engagement of convenience.