Summary: In this article, I've compiled 20 books like Bridgerton that offer the perfect mix of romance, drama, and regency-era charm. Here are my top 3:
- The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
- The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
- The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare
If you love Bridgerton, you’ll enjoy books with the same mix of romance, humor, and social drama set in a rich historical backdrop. Authors like Julia Quinn, Tessa Dare, and Eloisa James craft stories with charming heroes, strong heroines, and plenty of chemistry. Like Bridgerton, these books explore love, family, and the pressures of high society, with all the witty banter and passion you crave. Perfect for anyone craving more swoon-worthy romance and juicy drama in a Regency-era setting.
TOP 20: Best Books Like Bridgerton
- The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
- The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
- The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare
- The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare
- The Maiden Lane Series by Elizabeth Hoyt
- The Sins of Lord Lockwood by Meredith Duran
- A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean
- The MacGregor Brides by Nora Roberts
- The Bridgerton Prequels: The Rokesby Series by Julia Quinn
- An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn
- Lady Whistledown Strikes Back by Julia Quinn & Stephanie Laurens
- The Duke of Her Desire by Sophie Barnes
- The Earl of Pembroke's Pride by Jillian Eaton
- When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn
- The Luck of the Draw by Kate Bateman
- Never a Duke by Lily Maxton
- How to Marry a Marquess by Julia Quinn
- The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn
- Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James
- The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee
1. The Duke and I
- Author: Julia Quinn
- About: This is the first book in the Bridgerton series, focusing on Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. Their fake courtship turns into a passionate, complicated love story.
- Style of writing: Witty, humorous, and full of romantic tension.
- Length: Approximately 90,000 words
- Year written: 2000
- Emotional impact: The emotional rollercoaster between the characters, especially the tension and eventual resolution, sticks with you.
- Difficulty level: Easy to read, accessible for romance fans.
- Why read it: If you love Bridgerton on Netflix, this book is a must-read to dive deeper into Daphne and Simon's love story.
2. The Viscount Who Loved Me
- Author: Julia Quinn
- About: The second book in the Bridgerton series follows Anthony Bridgerton as he searches for a wife and finds unexpected love with Kate Sheffield.
- Style of writing: Lighthearted with poignant moments, lots of humor and chemistry.
- Length: Approximately 90,000 words
- Year written: 2000
- Emotional impact: Anthony’s deep emotional journey is compelling and heartfelt.
- Difficulty level: Easy, fun read.
- Why read it: The chemistry between Anthony and Kate is irresistible, and the story offers both humor and emotional depth.
3. The Wallflower Wager
- Author: Tessa Dare
- About: This novel follows the story of a shy wallflower, Penny, who strikes a deal with a charming but reluctant hero, Gabriel, to help her with her social troubles.
- Style of writing: Witty, charming, and full of heart.
- Length: Approximately 97,000 words
- Year written: 2019
- Emotional impact: The slow-burn romance and humorous banter make this a delightful, feel-good read.
- Difficulty level: Light and easy.
- Why read it: If you love Bridgerton’s humor and romance, this book provides a similar vibe with an adorable heroine and a swoon-worthy hero.
4. The Duchess Deal
- Author: Tessa Dare
- About: A marriage of convenience between a scarred Duke and a seamstress leads to unexpected passion and love.
- Style of writing: Fun, engaging, and emotionally satisfying.
- Length: Approximately 95,000 words
- Year written: 2017
- Emotional impact: The hero’s vulnerability and the heroine’s resilience leave a lasting emotional impact.
- Difficulty level: Easy, light reading with a compelling romance.
- Why read it: Tessa Dare’s signature humor and heart make this a perfect choice for fans of Bridgerton.
5. The Maiden Lane Series
- Author: Elizabeth Hoyt
- About: This historical romance series follows various love stories set in Georgian London, filled with scandal, mystery, and sizzling chemistry.
- Style of writing: Sensual, atmospheric, and suspenseful.
- Length: Each book is around 90,000-100,000 words
- Year written: 2008 onwards
- Emotional impact: The stories are emotionally complex, with lasting impressions of longing and passionate love.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with some complex characters and themes.
- Why read it: If you love dramatic, emotionally charged stories with a darker edge, this series will appeal to you.
6. The Sins of Lord Lockwood
- Author: Meredith Duran
- About: This novel tells the story of a lady who embarks on a passionate affair with a tormented Lord. It blends intrigue and romance.
- Style of writing: Elegant and intense with a lot of emotional depth.
- Length: Approximately 95,000 words
- Year written: 2009
- Emotional impact: The story is intense, with a lot of emotional tension that stays with you.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, with deeper emotional themes.
- Why read it: A gripping, emotionally complex romance for those who love a little intrigue and drama with their love stories.
7. A Rogue by Any Other Name
- Author: Sarah MacLean
- About: This novel is part of the The Rules of Scoundrels series, where a disinherited lord and a determined woman form an unlikely partnership.
- Style of writing: Engaging, humorous, and packed with chemistry.
- Length: Approximately 95,000 words
- Year written: 2012
- Emotional impact: The connection between the characters builds gradually, creating a lasting emotional payoff.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, easy to follow but with emotional depth.
- Why read it: It’s perfect for fans of Bridgerton who love complex relationships, strong-willed characters, and a healthy dose of humor.
8. The MacGregor Brides
- Author: Nora Roberts
- About: This is a historical romance about three women from the MacGregor family finding love in different ways.
- Style of writing: Warm, engaging, and character-driven.
- Length: Approximately 400 pages (roughly 100,000 words)
- Year written: 2002
- Emotional impact: The deep emotional connections in the stories leave a lasting impression.
- Difficulty level: Easy, accessible.
- Why read it: For readers who enjoy heartwarming family sagas with strong romantic elements.
9. The Bridgerton Prequels: The Rokesby Series
- Author: Julia Quinn
- About: This series takes you back to the previous generation of the Bridgerton family, featuring their ancestors in passionate love stories.
- Style of writing: Witty, light, and engaging.
- Length: Approximately 90,000-100,000 words per book
- Year written: 2016-2017
- Emotional impact: These books offer satisfying, heartfelt romance.
- Difficulty level: Easy and accessible for Bridgerton fans.
- Why read it: If you can’t get enough of Bridgerton, this prequel series gives you more of the same charm and romance.
10. An Offer from a Gentleman
- Author: Julia Quinn
- About: This Bridgerton novel centers around Benedict Bridgerton and his relationship with a woman he falls in love with, despite her secret.
- Style of writing: Sweet, romantic, and full of humor.
- Length: Approximately 90,000 words
- Year written: 2001
- Emotional impact: Emotional, with a satisfying love story that tugs at the heart.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: If you love the Bridgerton family dynamic and sweet romances, this is a great pick.
11. Lady Whistledown Strikes Back
- Author: Julia Quinn & Stephanie Laurens
- About: A collection of novellas set in the Bridgerton universe, where characters deal with romance, scandal, and intrigue.
- Style of writing: Light, fun, and witty.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words (total)
- Year written: 2005
- Emotional impact: Fun and light-hearted, these stories give you a quick romantic escape.
- Difficulty level: Easy, with quick reads.
- Why read it: Perfect for fans who want more Bridgerton adventures in shorter bursts.
12. The Duke of Her Desire
- Author: Sophie Barnes
- About: A story of a strong-willed woman who captivates a reserved Duke.
- Style of writing: Romantic, dramatic, and sweet.
- Length: Approximately 95,000 words
- Year written: 2015
- Emotional impact: A lovely, heartfelt romance with some emotional tension.
- Difficulty level: Easy and quick.
- Why read it: If you're looking for a traditional, feel-good historical romance.
13. The Earl of Pembroke's Pride
- Author: Jillian Eaton
- About: A strong-willed woman and a proud earl must work through their differences to find love.
- Style of writing: Sassy, passionate, and full of chemistry.
- Length: Approximately 75,000 words
- Year written: 2016
- Emotional impact: Satisfying emotional growth as the characters evolve.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: If you love strong characters who clash and find love through it.
14. When He Was Wicked
- Author: Julia Quinn
- About: Follows Francesca Bridgerton’s journey through grief and unexpected love.
- Style of writing: Emotional, with Quinn’s trademark humor.
- Length: Approximately 90,000 words
- Year written: 2004
- Emotional impact: A bittersweet and powerful love story.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: A deep, emotional story that contrasts with the other lighter Bridgerton novels.
15. The Luck of the Draw
- Author: Kate Bateman
- About: A card game leads to a scandalous romance between a reckless hero and an intelligent heroine.
- Style of writing: Light, fun, with quick pacing.
- Length: Approximately 85,000 words
- Year written: 2020
- Emotional impact: Fun, with a light emotional impact.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: A charming and quick Regency romance with a lot of chemistry.
16. Never a Duke
- Author: Lily Maxton
- About: A titled woman and a former duke-to-be engage in a slow-burn romance.
- Style of writing: Subtle, slow-paced, and sensual.
- Length: Approximately 75,000 words
- Year written: 2018
- Emotional impact: Steady emotional build, leading to a satisfying conclusion.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: Perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn romances.
17. How to Marry a Marquess
- Author: Julia Quinn
- About: A lady’s quest to land a marriageable marquess takes an unexpected turn.
- Style of writing: Classic Quinn: humorous, emotional, and filled with chemistry.
- Length: Approximately 80,000 words
- Year written: 2003
- Emotional impact: A satisfying, feel-good romance with a few surprises.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: A sweet, fun read for Bridgerton fans.
18. The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever
- Author: Julia Quinn
- About: A young woman’s secret diaries lead to an unexpected love story with a brooding lord.
- Style of writing: Witty, heartfelt, and charming.
- Length: Approximately 80,000 words
- Year written: 2007
- Emotional impact: The characters’ emotional growth and eventual love story is heartwarming.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: Perfect for readers who enjoy stories that build emotional depth gradually.
19. Desperate Duchesses
- Author: Eloisa James
- About: A historical romance about a group of bold, independent women.
- Style of writing: Elegant, lush, and emotional.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words
- Year written: 2008
- Emotional impact: Strong emotional arcs for the characters.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: A great choice for fans of Bridgerton who want a bit more complexity and depth.
20. The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy
- Author: Mackenzi Lee
- About: A lively, adventurous story about a young lady breaking societal rules for her own personal quest.
- Style of writing: Fun, witty, and full of adventure.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words
- Year written: 2018
- Emotional impact: A lighter read with moments of empowerment and humor.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: For fans of historical romance with a feminist twist and plenty of action.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, if you’re a Bridgerton fan looking for more romance, humor, and high-society drama, I think these 20 books will definitely hit the spot. From Julia Quinn’s iconic Bridgerton series to Tessa Dare’s charming characters, there’s something for every historical romance lover. If you’re after that perfect Bridgerton-vibe, I’d recommend starting with The Duke and I by Julia Quinn, The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn, and The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare—each one offers a great mix of passion, humor, and irresistible Regency charm. Enjoy your next read!
