The Best Books Like Bridgerton

“Mr. Malcolm’s List” by Suzanne Allain is a romantic comedy about an arrogant bachelor named Jeremy Malcolm who is searching for a wife who meets the strict requirements on his well-crafted list. Selina Dalton, a vicar’s daughter of limited means, is invited to London by her friend Julia Thistlewaite, but soon learns that it is all part of a plot to exact revenge on Mr. Malcolm. Despite initially being hesitant to participate in Julia’s scheme, Selina ultimately decides to fight back against Mr. Malcolm’s judgmental nature by setting her own qualifications for him to meet. Along the way, Selina and Mr. Malcolm discover that they have more in common than they initially thought and begin to fall in love.

“Mr. Malcolm’s List” is similar to the Bridgerton book series in that both explore the themes of love, romance, and marriage in a historical setting. Both series also feature strong and independent female characters who challenge societal norms and expectations, as well as charming and enigmatic male leads. Additionally, both “Mr. Malcolm’s List” and the Bridgerton series feature elements of comedy and wit, making them enjoyable and engaging reads.

“Bringing Down the Duke” by Evie Dunmore is a historical romance novel set in 1879 England, following the story of Annabelle Archer, a brilliant but destitute vicar’s daughter who has earned a scholarship to study at the University of Oxford. As part of her scholarship, Annabelle must support the women’s suffrage movement and is tasked with recruiting influential men to champion their cause. One such man is Sebastian Devereux, the cold and calculating Duke of Montgomery, who Annabelle finds herself increasingly attracted to despite their opposing beliefs. As they engage in a battle of wills, Annabelle and Sebastian must navigate their growing feelings for each other and the societal barriers that stand in their way.

In comparison to the Bridgerton book series, “Bringing Down the Duke” also explores the theme of love and romance in a historical setting, but differs in its focus on the women’s suffrage movement and the fight for gender equality. Both series feature strong and independent female characters, but while the Bridgerton women challenge societal expectations and norms within the confines of their societal roles, Annabelle’s character actively fights against the societal structure itself in her pursuit of equal rights. The male leads in both series are charming and enigmatic, but while the Bridgerton men are members of the upper echelon of society, Sebastian’s character is a member of the aristocracy who must grapple with his own privileges and biases.

“A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem” by Manda Collins is a historical romance novel set in 1865 England, following the story of Lady Katherine Bascomb, a newspaper columnist who finds herself at the center of a murder investigation after her latest article leads to an arrest. In order to escape the sudden notoriety, Katherine heads to the country, where she witnesses another murder. Detective Inspector Andrew Eversham is tasked with solving the case and is initially annoyed with Katherine’s interference, but eventually comes to appreciate her intelligence and insight. As they work together to catch the killer, Katherine and Andrew also can’t deny their growing attraction to each other.

“A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem” is similar to the Bridgerton book series in that both feature strong and independent female characters who are actively involved in the solving of crimes and mysteries. Both series also explore the themes of love and romance in a historical setting, and feature charming and enigmatic male leads. Additionally, both “A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem” and the Bridgerton series incorporate elements of mystery and suspense, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the stories.

“To Have and To Hoax” by Martha Waters is a historical romantic comedy set in Regency England, following the story of Lady Violet Grey and Lord James Audley, an estranged couple who have been married for five years but have barely spoken to each other for the past four. When Violet receives a letter that James has been thrown from his horse and is unconscious at their country estate, she rushes to be by his side, only to find him alive and well at a Tavern and completely unaware of her concern. In order to teach James a lesson, Violet decides to feign an illness of her own, leading to an escalating game of manipulation and flirtation between the two. As they play along, Violet and James begin to rediscover their love for each other and must decide if they are willing to overcome their hurt and move forward.

In comparison to the Bridgerton book series, “To Have and To Hoax” stands out in its use of humor and playfulness to explore the complexities of relationships and the challenges that couples face in their journey towards love and happiness. Both series feature strong and independent female characters and charming male leads, but while the Bridgerton series centers on the societal expectations and norms of the Regency era, “To Have and To Hoax” focuses on the dynamics of a specific couple and their individual struggles. Both series offer engaging and entertaining reads, but “To Have and To Hoax” adds a unique and lighthearted touch to its exploration of love and romance.

“The Heiress Gets a Duke” by Harper St. George is a historical romance novel set in Victorian England, following the story of American heiress August Crenshaw and Evan Sterling, the Duke of Rothschild. When August’s parents offer her younger sister as a match for Evan in a marriage of convenience, August decides to take matters into her own hands and show Evan that she is not the typical London wallflower he expects. As August and Evan engage in a battle of wills, they begin to realize their growing attraction for each other and must decide if they are willing to defy societal expectations in order to be together.

In comparison to the Bridgerton series, “The Heiress Gets a Duke” stands out with its focus on the challenges that couples face in the pursuit of love and happiness within the confines of societal expectations and norms. Both series feature strong and independent female characters and charming male leads, but while the Bridgerton series explores the societal expectations and norms of the Regency era, “The Heiress Gets a Duke” centers on the individual struggles and challenges faced by a specific couple as they navigate their relationship. Both series offer engaging and entertaining reads, but “The Heiress Gets a Duke” adds a unique perspective on the challenges of love and romance within the constraints of societal expectations.

“Reputation” by Lex Croucher is a historical romantic comedy set in the Regency era, combining elements of the Bridgerton series and Gossip Girl with a feminist twist. The story follows bookish and sheltered Georgiana Ellers, who is spending the summer with her stodgy aunt and uncle in the English countryside. At a party, she meets the wealthy and wild Frances Campbell and is introduced to the upper echelons of Regency aristocracy and a world of drunken debauchery and frivolous spending. As Georgiana becomes involved with Frances and her friends, she begins to question whether she truly belongs in their world and whether the price of entry is higher than she is willing to pay.

“Reputation” is similar to the Bridgerton series in that it is set in the Regency era and explores themes of love, romance, and relationships within the confines of societal expectations and norms. Both series also feature strong and independent female characters, as well as charming and enigmatic male leads. However, “Reputation” stands out with its feminist twist and its exploration of themes such as consent, belonging, and status through the eyes of a relatable and unforgettable heroine. Both “Reputation” and the Bridgerton series offer engaging and entertaining reads, but “Reputation” adds a unique and contemporary perspective to its exploration of love and romance in a historical setting.

“The Secret History of the Pink Carnation” by Lauren Willig is a historical romance novel set in England and France during the Napoleonic Wars. The story follows Eloise Kelly, a graduate student who uncovers the mystery of the Pink Carnation, the most elusive spy of all time, while also discovering answers to questions about the fate of the Scarlet Pimpernel and the Purple Gentian and finding a hero of her own.

In comparison to the Bridgerton series, “The Secret History of the Pink Carnation” stands out with its unique setting during the Napoleonic Wars and its focus on uncovering the mystery of the Pink Carnation. Both series explore themes of love, romance, and relationships, but “The Secret History of the Pink Carnation” adds an element of espionage and intrigue as Eloise works to solve the mystery of the Pink Carnation. Both “The Secret History of the Pink Carnation” and the Bridgerton series offer engaging and entertaining reads, but “The Secret History of the Pink Carnation” adds a thrilling twist to its exploration of love and romance in a historical setting.

“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen is a classic novel that follows the tumultuous relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Set in early 19th century England, the story explores themes of love, social class, and the societal expectations placed on women.

Similar to the Bridgerton series, “Pride and Prejudice” features a cast of complex and well-developed characters navigating the challenges of love and relationships in a society that values reputation and status. Both series explore the societal expectations placed on women and the consequences of defying those expectations. Both “Pride and Prejudice” and the Bridgerton series also offer a glimpse into the inner workings of high society and the relationships and dynamics that exist within it.

While the Bridgerton series is set in a fictionalized version of Regency England, “Pride and Prejudice” offers a more realistic portrayal of the time period and the societal norms and expectations of the era. Both “Pride and Prejudice” and the Bridgerton series are must-reads for fans of historical romance and offer a captivating look at love and relationships in different time periods.

The Ace of Hearts is an ideal next read for those who have just finished the Bridgerton series as it offers a similar blend of romance, secrets, and societal pressure set in the historical setting of Regency England. Like the Bridgerton series, The Ace of Hearts follows the love story of two main characters, Alice and Thomas, who must navigate the expectations and obligations of their social standing while also trying to follow their hearts.

The novel also introduces a clever and engaging plot twist with Alice’s secret identity as the Ace of Hearts, adding an element of intrigue and deception to the romance. Overall, readers who enjoyed the wit, passion, and drama of the Bridgerton series will find much to love in The Ace of Hearts.

The Theory of Earls by Kathleen Ayers is a steamy and sexy regency romance that is perfect for readers who have just finished the Bridgerton series. Like Bridgerton, this book is set in the elegant world of high society and follows the romantic entanglements of its complex and charismatic characters. The main character, Margaret Lainscott, is a strong-willed and independent woman who is determined to find a husband who meets her strict criteria, while the rakish Lord Welles is a notorious bachelor with a reputation for his scandalous dealings with women.

Despite the attraction between them, Welles is determined not to compromise his heart until a duet with a passionate pianist changes his mind. With its steamy romance and guaranteed happily ever after, The Theory of Earls is a must-read for fans of Bridgerton and other historical romance novels.