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If you've already devoured Julia Quinn's entire 'Bridgerton' series, watched Shonda Rhimes' Netflix adaptation three times through, and still find yourself craving more of that intoxicating mix of ballroom drama, forbidden glances, and swoon-worthy romance, you came to the right place.
In this list, you'll find 10 books like 'Bridgerton' filled with witty banter and love stories that make your heart race. Whether you're drawn to the sharp social commentary of Jane Austen's 'Emma,' or simply the promise of watching a scoundrel fall helplessly in love in Sarah MacLean's 'Wicked and the Wallflower,' there's a whole library waiting for you.
Whether you're drawn to the sharp social commentary of Jane Austen's 'Emma,' or simply the promise of watching a scoundrel fall helplessly in love in Sarah MacLean's 'Wicked and the Wallflower,' there's a whole library waiting for you.
And if you're wondering which book to pick up next, Headway's book summaries can help you preview nonfiction bestsellers and decide which one deserves a spot on your nightstand.
Download the Headway app and start your next reading adventure now!
Quick picks: Top five books to read if you love 'Bridgerton'
Before we dive deep, here are five must-read picks that capture the essence of 'Bridgerton':
'The Duchess Deal' by Tessa Dare: A marriage of convenience that becomes anything but convenient.
'Bringing Down the Duke' by Evie Dunmore: A suffragette meets a powerful duke in Victorian England.
'Mr. Malcolm's List' by Suzanne Allain: A rom-com about the insufferable bachelor and the woman determined to teach him a lesson.
'Mine Till Midnight' by Lisa Kleypas: The first book in 'The Hathaways' series, featuring a family of misfits navigating high society.
'The Sum of All Kisses' by Julia Quinn: More from the queen of regency romance herself, with all the wit and charm you'd expect.
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Short quiz: Which 'Bridgerton' character are you?
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Top 10 books like 'Bridgerton' to swoon over
Are you craving more ballroom drama from 'Bridgerton'? These historical romances deliver the same intoxicating blend of scandal, swoon-worthy courtship, and happily-ever-afters that will have you reaching for your fan and a cup of tea!
1. 'Mr. Malcolm's List' by Suzanne Allain
What if Mr. Darcy had an actual checklist for his perfect bride? That's just what 'Mr. Malcolm's List' gives us. You get an entertaining story about London's most eligible bachelor and his impossibly high standards.
When Selina Dalton discovers that she failed to meet Mr. Malcolm's secret criteria, she teams up with her friend Julia to teach him an unforgettable lesson.
Why it's similar: This novel perfectly captures the 'Bridgerton' vibe with its ballroom scenes, society gossip, and characters who are equal parts prideful and passionate.
Like Daphne navigating the marriage mart, Selina must play the social game while staying true to herself. The witty dialogue rivals anything from the 'Bridgerton' series, and the romance will have you grinning from ear to ear.
If you're fascinated by how couples navigate expectations and needs in relationships, check out the summary 'His Needs, Her Needs' on the Headway app.
This summary explores how partners can meet each other's deepest emotional needs — something every couple in these Regency romance novels eventually figures out (usually after significant drama).
2. 'Seducing an Angel' by Mary Balogh
Mary Balogh crafts stories with emotional depth that go beyond the typical historical romance. This novel tells the story of Stephen, a man everyone sees as perfect, and Cassandra, a woman with a scandalous past.
Their unlikely connection proves that sometimes the most proper gentleman needs someone who challenges everything he thinks he knows about love.
Why it's similar: Like Queen Charlotte and King George's complex relationship in the 'Bridgerton' prequel, this book explores how two people from different worlds can find a genuine connection.
Balogh's writing brings the Regency era to life with rich historical detail, while never sacrificing the emotional truth at the heart of every scene. The slow-burning romance and the way society's rules both constrain and shape the love story will feel familiar to anyone who loves 'Bridgerton.'
3. 'To Marry and to Meddle' by Martha Waters
Martha Waters revitalizes Regency romance with a story of a theatrical producer and a young woman getting out of a disastrous engagement.
When Beatrice and Julian enter a marriage of convenience, neither expects the arrangement to involve actual feelings — but of course, that's precisely what happens.
Why it's similar: The theatrical setting echoes the performative nature of high society in 'Bridgerton,' where everyone is always playing a part. Like Eloise, Beatrice challenges societal expectations.
Waters writes with humor and heart, creating characters who feel modern despite their historical setting — exactly what makes 'Bridgerton' so accessible and beloved.
For couples navigating the early stages of building a strong relationship, understanding how to keep desire alive is crucial.
The 'Mating in Captivity' summary on the Headway app explores the paradox of intimacy and desire in long-term relationships. Having such insights would have saved many fictional couples considerable heartache.
4. 'Wicked and the Wallflower' by Sarah MacLean
Sarah MacLean's first book in 'The Bareknuckle Bastards' book series delivers everything you could want: a dangerous hero, a sheltered heiress desperate for adventure, and enough tension to keep you up way past your bedtime.
When Lady Felicity Faircloth asks Devil, a king of London's underworld, to ruin her reputation, she gets far more than she bargained for.
Why it's similar: The concept of the wallflower finding her voice and power runs through both this series and 'Bridgerton.' Like the transformation we see in various Bridgerton siblings, Felicity discovers the strength she never knew she had.
MacLean's writing combines the elegance of regency romance with gritty realism, creating a world that feels both familiar and thrillingly new.
5. 'Cotillion' by Georgette Heyer
No list of books like 'Bridgerton' would be complete without Georgette Heyer, the grandmother of Regency romance, who basically invented the genre.
'Cotillion' tells the story of Kitty, a young woman who makes a fake engagement with the entirely wrong man — Freddy, her cousin and friend — setting off a chain of misunderstandings and revelations.
Why it's similar: If you love the social commentary and intricate plotting of the 'Bridgerton' books, Heyer is essential reading.
She writes with wit that rivals Jane Austen herself, creating characters who feel authentic to their time while remaining utterly relatable.
The ballroom scenes practically waltz off the page, and the romantic tension builds with exquisite patience.
Cotillion min6. 'The Duchess Deal' by Tessa Dare
When Emma Gladstone arrives at the Duke of Ashbury's estate to claim payment for a wedding dress, she certainly doesn't expect to be offered the position of duchess herself. But the scarred, reclusive duke needs an heir, and Emma needs security.
What begins as the most unromantic of arrangements becomes a love story that will make you believe in second chances.
Why it's similar: The marriage of convenience trope appears frequently in 'Bridgerton,' and Dare handles it with humor and genuine emotion. Like many 'Bridgerton' romances, this book shows how vulnerability and honesty can transform a relationship.
The banter between Emma and the duke rivals the best exchanges between Colin and Penelope, and the emotional payoff is incredibly satisfying.
Relationships thrive when partners truly understand what love means in action, not just theory. 'All About Love' summary on Headway offers profound insights into creating authentic connections — wisdom that transcends eras and would benefit any character navigating the complex world of courtship and relationships.
7. 'Mine Till Midnight' by Lisa Kleypas
The Hathaways are not your typical aristocratic family. When four siblings and their younger brother inherit a title, they find themselves thrust into a world they don't understand.
Amelia Hathaway, the eldest sister, must navigate society while managing her chaotic family — and resist her attraction to the fascinating Cam Rohan, a man who doesn't fit into any of society's neat categories.
Why it's similar: Like the Bridgerton siblings, the Hathaways are a tight-knit family dealing with the pressures of the Ton. Kleypas writes with warmth and humor, creating a found family that feels as real as your own.
The series explores different tropes and love stories across multiple books, giving readers the same satisfying experience of following a family through various romantic adventures.
8. 'Emma' by Jane Austen
At times, it's better to go to the source. Jane Austen's 'Emma' tells the story of a naïve but well-intentioned young woman who enjoys orchestrating relationships for everyone but herself. But after a few social blunders, she comes to realize what has been in plain sight.
Why it's similar: The DNA of 'Bridgerton' runs directly through Austen's work. The sharp social observation, the comedy of manners, the way romance blooms through conversation and shared moments — it's all here.
If you loved watching the 'Bridgerton' characters navigate the rules and expectations of their world, 'Emma' will feel like coming home. Austen's influence on Julia Quinn and the entire regency romance genre cannot be overstated.
Building strong partnerships requires intentional effort and shared experiences. The summary of 'Eight Dates' on Headway provides research-based guidance for couples looking to deepen their connection through meaningful conversations — the kind of genuine communication that eventually saves every romance novel relationship.
9. 'Bringing Down the Duke' by Evie Dunmore
Set slightly later in Victorian England, this novel follows Annabelle Archer, a suffragette who finds herself in an impossible position when she's tasked with recruiting the powerful Duke of Montgomery to her cause.
What begins as a political mission becomes something far more personal when the duke proves to be nothing like she expected.
Why it's similar: Similar to the world of 'Bridgerton,' this novel explores the clash between what we desire personally and what we are obligated to do socially. The tension between duty and desire is a recurring theme you can find in almost every Regency romance.
The tension between duty and desire echoes throughout the 'Bridgerton' series, and this novel handles that conflict beautifully.
10. 'The Sum of All Kisses' by Julia Quinn
We can't leave Julia Quinn out of her own list! While you've probably read 'The Duke and I' and the rest of the main 'Bridgerton' series, Quinn has written numerous other regency romance novels that capture that same magic.
This book follows Hugh Prentice and Sarah Pleinsworth, whose verbal sparring and undeniable chemistry create a romance that's both funny and deeply moving.
Why it's similar: Well, it is Julia Quinn, so you know what you're going to get, and that's a good thing. All of her trademark wit, characters who feel like friends, and a sense of what makes a good love story, are present. If you love 'Bridgerton,' exploring Quinn's other work is a no-brainer.
Modern relationships require ongoing effort and intentionality. The summary of 'Relationship Goals' on the Headway app offers practical wisdom for couples navigating challenges together. These lessons could help any couple, whether they're dodging scandals in the Ton or facing red flags in modern dating.
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These books like 'Bridgerton' will remind you that love has always been complicated, that fighting for what you want has always required courage, and that sometimes the most revolutionary act is simply choosing yourself.
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Try nowWhether you're a longtime fan of history books or someone who discovered the genre through Netflix, these romance books will transport you to ballrooms and drawing rooms, gardens and libraries, where hearts are won and lost on the turn of a phrase.
Ready to dive in? Start with whichever book calls to you — trust your instincts, just like your favorite 'Bridgerton' characters eventually learn to do. And remember, Headway is here to help you explore not just these romantic stories, but also the real-world wisdom about building and maintaining strong relationships through text and audio book summaries. Because whether you're in regency England or the modern world, understanding love and connection matters.
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Frequently asked questions about books like 'Bridgerton'
What's the storyline of 'Bridgerton'?
'Bridgerton' follows the eight Bridgerton siblings navigating London's competitive marriage market during the Regency era. The first book and Netflix season focus on Daphne Bridgerton's romance with the Duke of Hastings. And subsequent stories explore each sibling's journey to love, all narrated by the mysterious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown.
What tropes do the 'Bridgerton' books have?
The 'Bridgerton' series includes several romance tropes, such as enemies-to-lovers, fake relationships, marriage of convenience, friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance, and unrequited love. Julia Quinn skillfully weaves these tropes together with shrewd humor, family dynamics, and strict social conventions of high society to create believable love stories that feel real and satisfying.
What's the most liked 'Bridgerton' book?
Fans adore the love story between Daphne and Simon in 'The Duke and I' thanks to its Netflix adaptation. However, many consider that the series' best segment is that of Colin and Penelope, 'Romancing Mr. Bridgerton.' The stories 'It's in His Kiss' and 'An Offer from a Gentleman' also have many passionate readers.
What books should I read if I liked 'Bridgerton'?
If you loved 'Bridgerton,' try Lisa Kleypas's 'The Wallflowers,' 'A Rogue of One's Own' by Evie Dunmore, or 'The Hathaways' series. You can even try Tessa Dare's rom-com historicals, Sarah MacLean's passionate romances, or Evie Dunmore's feminist historical fictions. For authentic Regency detail, explore the works of Georgette Heyer or Courtney Milan.
Which Julia Quinn book is the best?
'Romancing Mr. Bridgerton' (Colin and Penelope's story) tops the list for its emotional depth. 'The Viscount Who Loved Me' (Anthony's story) and 'When He Was Wicked' (Francesca's story) also have their fan bases. However, the best choice depends on tropes and characters that appeal most to you.
