Dearest Readers: If you love the historical romance escapism (and decidedly modern steamy hijinks) of Netflix’s Bridgerton series, do try these books. We think you’ll be delighted!
A Gamble at Sunset by Vanessa Riley
To save her sister from scandal and ignite her own forbidden musical passions, a shy wallflower stages a shocking kiss with a reluctant composer, sparking a game of hearts and high society deception.
Queen Charlotte by Julia Quinn
In 1761, German Princess, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz marries King George III, and in her new role, she navigates the intricate politics of the court while guarding her heart as she fights for herself, her husband and for all her new subjects who look to her for guidance and grace.
The Ladies Rewrite the Rules by Suzanne Allain
Horrified to discover she’s in the Bachelor’s Directory, a list of rich, single women, Diana Boyle, a wealthy young widow, gathers the ladies in the directory together so they may thwart fortune hunters’ efforts to trick them into marriage, rewriting the rules of Regency England.
Hathor and the Prince by J. J. McAvoy
As the London season comes to a close, Hathor Du Bell, when the queen presents her nephew, a prince, during the weeklong society event at her family’s estate, finds a flirtatious rivalry sparking a genuine romance as she fights to make a name of her own despite society’s expectations of her.
Unladylike Rules of Attraction by Amita Murray
To claim a fortune left to her by Dowager Countess Budleigh, Anya Marleigh, a singer and sitar player in Queen Charlotte’s court, must marry before her next birthday, and with the Budleigh family out to destroy her, she must fight her attraction to the man who stands in her way.
Three Regency-era Earls on an annual bachelors’ weekend find their trip hijacked by a friend begging for help with a family scandal, a runaway bride and a tempting proposal from a childhood friend who had sworn off marriage.
Damned if I Duke by Anna Bradley
When her plan to blackmail Jasper Vincent, Duke of Montford, into forgiving her father’s debts backfires, Prudence Thorne is forced into marriage neither wanted—and fighting a desire neither expected—only to discover they are each other’s perfect match.
To Woo and to Wed by Martha Waters
When her widowed sister, Alexandra, won’t move forward with an engagement until she, too, settles down again, young widow Sophie asks the Marquess of Weston to fake their own engagement and then break things off once Alexandra is happily married—a simple plan with complicated results.
My Rogue to Ruin by Erica Ridley
To expose a forger, Marjorie Wynchester finds the clues leading her to Lord Adrian Webb, a roguish scoundrel of the first order who sets out to win her affections to avoid the law—or so she thinks.