After unabashedly enjoying the newly released Netflix series, Bridgerton, I find myself consuming all things Regency era. While I have been reading historical romance for years, I am thoroughly pleased to expand my reading selections and share them with you. Gentle reader, enjoy the following Bridgerton inspired list of suggested romance readings.
A Duke, The Lady, and a Baby
by Vanessa Riley
If you enjoyed the aspects of the multicultural regency story in Bridgerton, you will enjoy this romantic novel. Patience Jordan loses everything after the death of her husband. She becomes a nanny and ends up being hired by her new son's caretaker, which is risky enough on its own, but to make matters worse, Patience finds herself falling for him as well.
The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Mackenzies & McBrides #1)
by Jennifer Ashley
This historical romance is the first in the Mackenzies series. This book tells the story of the Mackenzie clan's youngest brother, known as the "Mad Mackenzie," and the widow Beth, who falls in love with him. This book features a neurodivergent main character and is one of my all-time favorite romance series.
Rebel
by Beverly Jenkins
Valinda Lacy's mission is to help the newly emancipated survive and flourish in post-Civil War New Orleans. When criminals destroy her school and target her, she runs for her life--into the arms of Captain Drake LeVeq, an architect from an old New Orleans family. Drake admires Valinda's determination, but when her father demands she return home to marry another man, her daring rebellion draws Drake into an irresistible intrigue.
Never Deceive a Viscount
by Renee Ann Miller
This regency era romance is all about a beautiful portraitist who falls in love with her new neighbor while trying to distract him from her younger sister's snooping as she tries to uncover a murder. If you loved the curious Eloise in Bridgerton, this younger sister should entertain you too.
The English Duke
by Karen Ranney
After corresponding for years through letters to her inventor father's protege, the much sought-after Duke of Roth, Martha must travel to his estate to help him complete his prototype. But will the man live up to her expectations after years of only knowing him on paper?
The Wallflower Wager
by Tessa Dare
Demonstrating the same wit as the Bridgerton series, this book is a romance story perfect for animal lovers. Penelope Campion loves animals and rescues those that need healing. Her new neighbor Gabriel doesn't feel the same way and demands she gets rid of them, leading to him working with Penelope to find new homes for each animal, all the while trying not to fall in love with Penelope.
Two Rogues Make a Right (Seducing the Sedgwicks #3)
by Cat Sebastian
This is the third installment, and my favorite, of the Seducing the Sedgwicks series. I highly recommend this series for Bridgerton viewers who were as interested in the LGBTQ+ secondary character storyline. If you only read one in the series, this is the one I'd choose, but you will have a better understanding of the characters if you read the first two, or at least the first in the series.
Devil in Spring (The Ravenels #3)
by Lisa Kleypas
As a fan of Penelope and Eloise, this book has a main character that is a wonderful mix of both. Lady Pandora does not want to marry; she wants to be a board game entrepreneur. Lord Gabriel does not want to get married either, so their marriage of convenience shouldn't lead to love, right?
My Beautiful Enemy
by Sherry Thomas
One of my favorite scenes in Bridgerton is when Daphne punches a persistent unwelcome suitor unconscious! If you like a tough lady who can protect herself, I can't recommend this book enough. My Beautiful Enemy is a love story within an adventure that spans across Asia and England.
If one of these books doesn't strike your fancy, don't worry -- you can find romance novels across all eras and genres in our Library catalog.
Johana O.
Adult Services Librarian