10 Regency Romance Books to Read After Bridgerton

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Regency romance novels are set during the period of the Regency (officially 1811–1820) and feature romance, the occasional scandal, and fast-paced, intelligent dialogue between the protagonists.

Shows like the hugely popular Bridgerton, based on Julia Quinn’s Regency romance series, have revived international interest in this genre.

But if you’ve already finished bingeing the Netflix hit, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a list of Regency romances you’ll love falling in love with.

10 Must-Read Regency Romance Books

Below are 10 Regency romance novels that depict passionate love affairs set against the backdrop of early-19th century England.

1. The Detective Duke by Scarlett Scott

Chief Inspector Hudson Stone has never faced a case he couldn’t crack, but nothing could have prepared him for inheriting a dukedom.

Even more maddening than his new obligations is Lady Elysande Collingwood, the previous Duke of Wycombe’s former fiancée.

Along with his new title, Hudson has also inherited quite a large debt, and he’ll need to marry an heiress to save his estates. It just so happens that the dazzling Lady Elysande is the only heiress he knows.

Elysande is no stranger to men who are after her dowry, and she has her own motives for accepting the new duke’s offer. It will be a marriage of convenience for both, but nothing feels inconvenient about the feelings Lady Elysande begins to decelop for Hudson. But with a dangerous villain on his trail, Hudson can’t risk getting too close to anyone.

2. The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer

Georgette Heyer is often called the “Queen of Regency Romance,” and for good reason: Heyer wrote 26 novels in this genre during her lifetime.

In The Grand Sophy, Sir Horace Stanton-Lacy sends his only daughter, Sophy, to live with his sister in Berkeley Square while he’s away on diplomatic business.

Upon arriving, the outspoken Sophy and finds her cousins each in their own dilemmas. Charles is engaged to a stern bluestocking; Cecilia is in love with a poet; the younger children desperately need some fun and freedom; and Sophy’s uncle proves to be of no use at all. It’s clear they all need Sophy’s help, and one person in particular seems to be the irrepressible Sophy’s match.

3. The Devil in Winter by Lisa Klepyas

In order to evade her scheming relatives, Evangeline Jenner devises a plan to marry the most infamous scoundrel in London.

They shy, stammering Evie and the handsome viscount are quite the unexpected pair indeed, and what’s even more surprising is that Sebastian soon desires her more than any woman he’s ever known.

Determined to truly win her husband’s elusive heart, Evie offers Sebastian a deal: if he can stay celibate for three months, she will allow him into her bed.

When a vengeful enemy from her past threatens Evie’s life, Sebastian vows to do whatever it takes to protect his new wife, even if it means risking his own.

4. Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean

Lady Calpurnia Hartwell has always followed the rules of being a lady, but that strategy has left her still without a husband, and in a life that’s less than satisfying.

So, Cassie decides to start breaking some of those rules and live the life of pleasure she’s been missing out on for so long. But if she wants to dance every dance and steal midnight kisses, she’ll need a partner, and Gabriel St. John, the Marquess of Ralston, knows everything about rule-breaking.

Gabriel is charming and devastatingly handsome, with a wicked reputation to match. Can Cassie avoid breaking the most important rule of all and resist falling hopelessly in love?

5. Rescuing Lord Inglewood by Sally Britton

Silas Riley, Earl of Inglewood, is known in Parliament as the man made of stone. He trusts few with his friendship, and even fewer with his heart. But when an accident almost takes his life, Silas is faced with a situation that threatens his social standing.

Esther Fox has grown up in the shadow of her older brother. When Esther finds herself in a compromising situation as she saves the life of the Earl of Inglewood, her brother’s best friend, she’s forced to marry him in order to save her own reputation.

Neither Silar nor Esther are prepared for the loss that further complicates their new relationship. With such an unusual beginning, can they ever hope to understand one another, let alone find love?

6. How to Be a Wallflower by Eloisa James

Miss Cleopatra Lewis is about to be launched into high society to find a suitable husband, but since she has no intention of marrying, she visits a costume emporium specifically to find unflattering dresses that will surely put off any prospective suitors.

Meanwhile, the powerful and charismatic Jacob Astor Addison is in London to acquire businesses to go with his theatrical holdings in America, and to buy an emerald for a young lady back in Boston. Jake is furious to learn that a she-devil has stolen Quimby’s Costume Emporium right out from under his nose.

Jake offers to design Cleo’s “wallflower wardrobe” and gives her the chance to design his. Cleo can’t resist the fun of dressing the American in feathers and flowers, and somehow in the middle of their competition, Jake becomes her closest friend.

It’s only when Cleo becomes the toast of all society that Jake realizes she’s stolen his heart. But unlike the noblemen pursuing her, Jake doesn’t belong in her refined world. But he’ll give up everything to be with the woman he loves—assuming she’ll have him.

7. Educated by the Earl by Alexa Aston

After Major Spencer Haddock’s father dies, he returns to England as the Earl of Middlefield. In need of an heir, he seeks a typical ton marriage, with a wife who will provide him with an heir and possibly other children before they go their separate ways. With no time to waste at boring social affairs, Spence intends to find his countess quickly.

Lady Tessa Foster has delayed her debut for several years in order to care for her ill parents. Now she’s eager to be introduced into Polite Society so she can find a husband and start her own family.

When Spence attempts to save Tessa from a knife-wielding thief, she mistakenly turns and attacks Spence. He quickly realizes he needs a woman like Tessa, a woman of valor and beauty, to be his countess. But can Spence change Tessa’s opinion of him and win her heart?

8. The Last Hellion by Loretta Chase

Vere Mallory, the Duke of Ainswood, is blessed with a title, wealth, and devastating good looks, yet he seems determined to throw it all away.

Reckless and wild, Ainswood is racing toward self-destruction, until a beautiful, six-foot-tall blonde (literally) knocks him off his feet.

Lydia Grenville dedicates herself to protecting London’s downtrodden. She sees dissolute noblemen like Ainswood as part of the problem, not the solution.

But Ainswood can’t resist a challenge any more than he can resist a beautiful woman, no matter how much trouble she seems to attract.

9. The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare

Gabriel Duke clawed his way from the slums to high society. Now wealthy and ruthless, he’s ready to get even.

Lady Penelope Campion has never met a lost or wounded creature she wouldn’t welcome into her home and heart. When her imposing (but attractive) new neighbor demands she get rid of the animals, Penny agrees—on the condition that he find them loving homes.

Gabriel accepts the deal. After all, how hard can it be to find homes for a few kittens? Plus a two-legged dog. And a foul-mouthed parrot. And a goat, and otter, and a hedgehog…

The challenge proves easier said than done for a man who wouldn’t know a loving home from a workhouse. But soon Gabriel finds himself bewitched by a shyly pretty spinster, and now she’s set her mind and heart on saving him—if he doesn’t ruin her first.

10. The Luckiest Lady in London by Sherry Thomas

Felix Rivendale is the Marquess of Wrenworth, the man that all women want and all men want to be. But beneath that golden image is a damaged soul that is only soothed by public adulation.

Louisa Cantwell needs to marry well in order to support her sisters, but she doesn’t want Lord Wrenworth—even though he seems inexplicably interested in her.

Louisa doesn’t trust his outward perfection, but since he is the only man to propose at the end of the London season, she reluctantly accepts.

She can’t deny the pleasure she feels at his touch, but she doesn’t understand her husband’s mysterious purposes. Does she dare to fall in love with a man so full of dark secrets?

Is Pride and Prejudice a Regency Romance?

Jane Austen lived and wrote Pride and Prejudice during the Regency era, which is often defined roughly as 1795–1837. However, Pride and Prejudice is not really considered a Regency romance.

That’s because the Regency romance is a romance subgenre featuring stories that are set during the Regency period, but the genre really emerged in the early- and mid-twentieth century, with Georgette Heyer pioneering the movement.

But just the same, if you’re looking for romances that match Austen’s style, you can check out our list of swoon-worthy books like Pride and Prejudice.

Do you enjoy reading Regency romances? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

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