5 Series to Read If You Loved Bridgerton
Raise your hand if you recently binged the new Netflix hit Bridgerton all in one sitting? I know I did! Bridgerton, produced by Shondaland and released on December 25, 2020, is based on the beloved book series from Julia Quinn, featuring the eight Bridgerton siblings. This show has become a hit, with viewers in 82 million households within its first 28 days, and it has created new excitement for romance novels and historical romance! Just recently, it was announced that it is Netflix's biggest hit ever. If you are a fan of this show as much as I am, you are probably wondering what to read next. We have put together a list of 5 series to read next if you loved Bridgerton, plus of course, the original series from Julia Quinn!
Bridgertons by Julia Quinn
Book One: The Duke and I
Where to find it: In the catalog and on Hoopla
By all accounts, Simon Basset is on the verge of proposing to his best friend's sister—the lovely and almost-on-the-shelf—Daphne Bridgerton. But the two of them know the truth—it's all an elaborate ruse to keep Simon free from marriage-minded society mothers. And as for Daphne, surely she will attract some worthy suitors now that it seems a duke has declared her desirable.
But as Daphne waltzes across ballroom after ballroom with Simon, it's hard to remember that their courtship is a sham. Maybe it's his devilish smile, certainly it's the way his eyes seem to burn every time he looks at her . . . but somehow Daphne is falling for the dashing duke . . . for real! And now she must do the impossible and convince the handsome rogue that their clever little scheme deserves a slight alteration, and that nothing makes quite as much sense as falling in love.
But as Daphne waltzes across ballroom after ballroom with Simon, it's hard to remember that their courtship is a sham. Maybe it's his devilish smile, certainly it's the way his eyes seem to burn every time he looks at her . . . but somehow Daphne is falling for the dashing duke . . . for real! And now she must do the impossible and convince the handsome rogue that their clever little scheme deserves a slight alteration, and that nothing makes quite as much sense as falling in love.
Book One: Secrets of a Summer Night
Where to find it: Hoopla
If you love historical romance, Lisa Kleypas is definitely an author to add your list. She is a New York Times Best Selling Author, has been writing since she was 21, and has three popular series: Wallflowers, Hathaways, Ravenels. I've been told to start with the Wallflowers series and read them in the order listed. The Wallflowers features four young ladies at the side of the ballroom, who make a pact to help each other find husbands... no matter what it takes… Book one, Secrets of a Summer Night, begins with Annabelle Peyton.
Proud and beautiful Annabelle Peyton could have her pick of suitors-if only she had a dowry. Her family is on the brink of disaster, and the only way Annabelle can save them is to marry a wealthy man. Unfortunately her most persistent admirer is the brash Simon Hunt, a handsome and ambitious entrepreneur who wants her as his mistress. Annabelle is determined to resist Simon's wicked propositions, but she can't deny her attraction to the boldly seductive rogue, any more than he can resist the challenge she presents. As they try to outmaneuver each other, they find themselves surrendering to a love more powerful than they could have ever imagined. But fate may have other plans-and it will take all of Annabelle's courage to face a peril that could destroy everything she holds dear.
Book One: Wicked and the Wallflowers
Where to find it: In the catalog and on Hoopla Audiobook
Another queen of the historical romance genre is Sarah MacLean. You can't go wrong with any of her books, but I recommend her most recent book series Bareknuckle Bastards. This series follows three brothers, bound by a secret they cannot escape . . .The Rake, all vengeance and vice, The Warrior, all fists and fury, The Duke, all power and past, and the women who bring them to their knees. Book one, Wicked and the Wallflower, begins with Lady Felicity Faircloth.
When a mysterious stranger finds his way into her bedchamber and offers his help in landing a duke, Lady Felicity Faircloth agrees—on one condition. She's seen enough of the world to believe in passion, and won't accept a marriage without it. Bastard son of a duke and king of London's dark streets, Devil has spent a lifetime wielding power and seizing opportunity, and the spinster wallflower is everything he needs to exact a revenge years in the making. All he must do is turn the plain little mouse into an irresistible temptress, set his trap, and destroy his enemy. But there's nothing plain about Felicity Faircloth, who quickly decides she'd rather have Devil than another. Soon, Devil's carefully laid plans are in chaos, and he must choose between everything he's ever wanted...and the only thing he's ever desired.
Book One: The Duchess Deal
Where to find it: In the catalog and on Hoopla
Tessa Dare is one of my favorite romance authors, and the Girl Meets Duke series is absolutely fantastic! The series begins with The Duchess Deal, which tells the story of a marriage of convenience between the Duke of Ashbury and Emma Gladstone. This one is a Beauty and the Beast retelling and a laugh out loud funny, romantic romp.
Since his return from war, the Duke of Ashbury’s to-do list has been short and anything but sweet: brooding, glowering, menacing London ne’er-do-wells by night. Now there’s a new item on the list. He needs an heir—which means he needs a wife. When Emma Gladstone, a vicar’s daughter turned seamstress, appears in his library wearing a wedding gown, he decides on the spot that she’ll do.
His terms are simple:
- They will be husband and wife by night only.
- No lights, no kissing.
- No questions about his battle scars.
- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s pregnant with his heir, they need never share a bed again.
But Emma is no pushover. She has a few rules of her own:
- They will have dinner together every evening.
- With conversation.
- And unlimited teasing.
- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s seen the man beneath the scars, he can’t stop her from falling in love…
Book One: A Princess in Theory
Where to find it: In the catalog and on Hoopla
If you love books featuring royals, but want something a little more contemporary, check out the Reluctant Royals series from Alyssa Cole. Book one, A Princess in Theory, is the tale of a city Cinderella and her Prince Charming in disguise . . .
Between grad school and multiple jobs, Naledi Smith doesn’t have time for fairy tales…or patience for the constant e-mails claiming she’s betrothed to an African prince. Sure. Right. Delete! As a former foster kid, she’s learned that the only things she can depend on are herself and the scientific method, and a silly e-mail won’t convince her otherwise.
Prince Thabiso is the sole heir to the throne of Thesolo, shouldering the hopes of his parents and his people. At the top of their list? His marriage. Ever dutiful, he tracks down his missing betrothed. When Naledi mistakes the prince for a pauper, Thabiso can’t resist the chance to experience life—and love—without the burden of his crown.
The chemistry between them is instant and irresistible, and flirty friendship quickly evolves into passionate nights. But when the truth is revealed, can a princess in theory become a princess ever after?
Between grad school and multiple jobs, Naledi Smith doesn’t have time for fairy tales…or patience for the constant e-mails claiming she’s betrothed to an African prince. Sure. Right. Delete! As a former foster kid, she’s learned that the only things she can depend on are herself and the scientific method, and a silly e-mail won’t convince her otherwise.
Prince Thabiso is the sole heir to the throne of Thesolo, shouldering the hopes of his parents and his people. At the top of their list? His marriage. Ever dutiful, he tracks down his missing betrothed. When Naledi mistakes the prince for a pauper, Thabiso can’t resist the chance to experience life—and love—without the burden of his crown.
The chemistry between them is instant and irresistible, and flirty friendship quickly evolves into passionate nights. But when the truth is revealed, can a princess in theory become a princess ever after?
Book One: Bringing Down the Duke
Where to find it: In the Catalog
If you are looking for a more recently published series from a debut author, Evie Dunmore wrote this series inspired by the magical scenery of Oxford and her passion for romance, women pioneers, and all things Victorian. And isn't the cover so cute? Book one, Bringing Down the Duke, begins with Annabelle Archer, a fiercely independent vicar's daughter, who takes on a powerful duke in a love story that threatens to upend the British social order.
England, 1879. Annabelle Archer, the brilliant but destitute daughter of a country vicar, has earned herself a place among the first cohort of female students at the renowned University of Oxford. In return for her scholarship, she must support the rising women's suffrage movement. Her charge: recruit men of influence to champion their cause. Her target: Sebastian Devereux, the cold and calculating Duke of Montgomery who steers Britain's politics at the Queen's command. Her challenge: not to give in to the powerful attraction she can't deny for the man who opposes everything she stands for.
Sebastian is appalled to find a suffragist squad has infiltrated his ducal home, but the real threat is his impossible feelings for green-eyed beauty Annabelle. He is looking for a wife of equal standing to secure the legacy he has worked so hard to rebuild, not an outspoken commoner who could never be his duchess. But he wouldn't be the greatest strategist of the Kingdom if he couldn't claim this alluring bluestocking without the promise of a ring...or could he? Locked in a battle with rising passion and a will matching her own, Annabelle will learn just what it takes to topple a duke....
Do you have a favorite historical or royal romance series to recommend? Share it in the comments! Happy reading!
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