The third season of Bridgerton may be over, but the world of historical romance is still exciting. Many fans of the series have probably already done the obvious and read the books on which the series is based, starting with “The Duke and I” (the subject of the first season). But much of what makes the series so special lies in the cast. Bridgerton The series offers a much more diverse cast of characters than the books. Fortunately, historical romance novels offer a similarly diverse cast. These ten historical romance novels may Bridgerton delivers many of the best aspects of the books and series while introducing new characters and storylines.
Regency romances are a popular subset of historical romances, but for the purposes of this list, I’m including a slightly wider time frame. Some great, varied romances like The Davenports reach into the twentieth century, but these historical romances stay a little closer to home and only cover the Regency through the Victorian periods. If you’re picky about your historical romances, I’ve carefully labeled which books fall into which era. With all that said, let’s dive into some incredibly varied historical romances that will satisfy all your Bridgerton Fans will surely love it.
Georgian / Regency
Aphrodite and the Duke by JJ McAvoy
After the man she loved left her to marry someone else, Aphrodite Du Bell has avoided London. She has no interest in seeing Evander Eagleman, the man who spurned her, or being the talk of the town. When her mother calls her back to help her sister make her debut, Aphrodite realises she can’t say no – no matter how much she wants to. And recently widowed Evander sees an opportunity to win back his first love. But the reason he originally rejected her soon catches up with her again, threatening her future and maybe even her life.
A Lady’s Guide to Fortune by Sophie Irwin
Kitty Talbot is shackled by her father’s enormous debts and needs a husband and a fortune – not necessarily in that order. What Kitty lacks in charm and refinement, she makes up for in sheer determination when it comes to getting what she wants. And what she wants is a rich husband. Enter Lord Radcliffe, who recognizes Kitty for the soldier of fortune she is and vows to stop her. But soon their war of words takes on a different tone. Could Kitty and Radcliffe really be a perfect couple, despite all their differences?
A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall
Viola Carroll didn’t fake her death at Waterloo, but rather went along with the rumors after her serious injury. It gave her the chance to finally live her true self. Her only regret is the pain it must have caused her closest friend, Justin de Vere, the Duke of Gracewood. She avoided him for years, fearing he would recognize her. But when they are forced to reunite, Viola is horrified to discover that the Duke has never recovered from his friend’s supposed death. He is not the man she remembers. As she tries to coax him out of his shell, the two form a new bond. But Gracewood doesn’t recognize her yet—and Viola fears he may not be able to forgive her for the deception, if he ever does.
A Duke, a Lady and a Baby by Vanessa Riley
Having lost her son, her husband, her fortune and her freedom following the death of her late husband, Patience Jordan is willing to do anything to be reunited with her son – even becoming his nanny. She must be cautious around her employer and her son’s new guardian, Busick Strathmore, Duke of Repington, or risk being discovered. But behind the Duke’s stern nature lies a passionate nature and a good heart. He is determined to do the right thing for his late cousin and his new ward. But does that mean falling in love with his widow?
“Maybe Tomorrow” by Erica Ridley
Thomasina Wynchester is a master of disguise, pulling on a dress or breeches with equal ease. All that matters is solving her latest case. But when Tommy’s latest client turns out to be Miss Philippa York, the very society lady she has a crush on, it becomes a little harder to concentrate on work. Philippa, however, has no interest in love. She just wants to unlock the secrets of a lost manuscript to unmask a villain. But she didn’t expect to find a woman on the case. Could it be that Phillippa just never found the right person to make her reluctant heart beat faster?
“A Gamble at Sunset” by Vanessa Riley
When reporters catch Georgina Wilcox in a passionate embrace with Lord Mark Sebastian, it soon becomes the talk of high society. Determined to prevent the scandal from ruining Georgina’s reputation, Sebastian comes up with a plan to make their relationship seem respectable. A fake courtship and a series of singing lessons between two musicians should make the first kiss seem a little less inappropriate. But will the growing attraction between them survive the town gossip?
The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles
Blackmail doesn’t usually make for a healthy relationship, but when the new Baronet of Romney Marsh testifies against Joss Doomsday’s sister for a death sentence, his only option is to use their past relationship against him. Gareth has no intention of submitting to the villains who make the marshes their home, but Joss gives him no choice. Neither is entirely thrilled with the circumstances of their reunion, but does that mean it’s doomed from the start? Or can love blossom even in the most bleak of circumstances?
Victorian
A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera
Luz Alana Heith-Benzan has come to Paris for one reason: to expand her family’s rum business after the untimely death of her father. But no one seems willing to do business with a woman, let alone a woman of color. So why is the Earl of Darnick so determined to help her? Evan Sinclair knows immediately that he wants Luz Alana in his life, but how can he convince a woman who only thinks about business to give love a chance? A marriage of convenience could offer them both the security and escape they’re looking for, but will a marriage without love really be enough? Especially when one of them has already fallen in love?
Ana María and the Fox by Linda de la Rosa
When Ana María and her sisters are sent to London to escape the French occupation of Mexico, she experiences freedom for the first time. Away from the eyes of her domineering father and the dangers of Mexico, she can enjoy balls and company. The aloof Gideon Fox, a member of parliament who campaigns for the final abolition of the slave trade, has far more important things to do than look after pretty women. But he can’t take his eyes off Ana María. When the sisters’ past catches up with them again and threatens them, Gideon proposes a marriage arrangement. It could save their lives and maybe even offer them a chance at love.
The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan
Chloe Fong has no time or interest in nonsense, so when she saw that her childhood friend was losing control of his life, she told him to talk to her again when he could be serious. That was three years ago. Jeremy Wentworth, Duke of Lansing, tried just that. But seriousness just isn’t in his nature. Loving Chloe, however, is. Now he’s back and determined to show her that he can be there for her without being himself, and while he’s at it, somehow explain why in all the time he’s known her, he’s never mentioned he’s a duke.
