By Ashly Moore Sheldon • May 19, 2024
From independent women and opulent costumes to a sexy, diverse cast and steamy romance fans have a lot to love about Bridgerton. If you're anything like us, you've probably already devoured the first four episodes of Season Three and read all of Julia Quinn's series-inspiring books. No matter what you love best about the show, we have tailored reading recs for you to enjoy as you wait for Part Two to drop on June 13.
Along Came a Lady by Christi Caldwell
Rafe wants nothing to do with his father, the Duke of Bentley. He's busy working as a miner and providing for his three siblings. Edwina is adept at transforming young women to take their place in society. Taming the bastard son of a duke will be child's play. As the two engage in a fiery battle of wills, their chemistry ignites.
The Duchess Takes a Husband by Harper St. George
Despite her title, Camille, Duchess of Hereford, is a pariah. But the rebellious widow begins to wonder if being an outcast has its advantages when she enters a scandalous arrangement with Jacob Thorne, the illegitimate son of an earl and co-owner of London's infamous Montague Club.
Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore
As one of the first cohort of women at Oxford, the brilliant but destitute Annabelle is determined to recruit men of influence to champion the women's suffrage movement. Her target: Sebastian, the cold and calculating Duke of Montgomery. The two become locked in a battle infused with passion that neither expected.
A Love by Design by Elizabeth Everett
Widowed and determined, Margaret Gault has returned to Athena's Retreat with an ambitious plan in mind: to establish England's first woman-owned engineering firm. But from the start, her plans are foiled by greedy investors and—at every turn—the irritatingly attractive Earl Grantham, a man she can never forgive.
The Talisman Ring by Georgette Heyer
Eustacie is an impetuous young lady looking for adventure. Ludovic is in hiding, falsely accused of murder. Pursued by the law, Eustacie and Ludovic find refuge at an unassuming country inn. There they meet Sarah and Tristram, a delightfully sensible couple who offer to help them clear Ludovic's name.
Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare
Isolde never doubted romance would be in her future. The storybooks written by her famous father offered endless possibilities. But as she grew older, Izzy crossed them off. One by one by one. Now as an impoverished twenty-six-year-old woman who's never been kissed, Izzy's just about given up.
Educating Caroline by Patricia Cabot
After discovering her fiancé in the arms of another woman, Lady Caroline decides she needs to up her game. She wants her future husband to desire her only. So she enlists London's most notorious rake to teach her the art of romance. As their passionate tutelage progresses, sparks fly and lines get blurred.
The Duke Undone by Joanna Lowell
When Royal Academy painting student Lucy trips over a naked man passed out in an alley, she politely covers him and fetches help. But she can't stop picturing his muscular form and is compelled to put every detail of the mysterious stranger on her canvas, setting in motion an unlikely love story.
Isabel and the Rogue by Liana De la Rosa
Isabel may be the "forgotten" Luna sister, but her wallflower status helps her unearth British intelligence that can ease political turmoil in her native Mexico. Her efforts throw her in the path of rakish Sirius, a covert British agent. Their attraction is undeniable, but will their national loyalty trump their hearts?
Hathor and the Prince by J. J. McAvoy
Faced with only mediocre suitors, Hathor is thrilled when she gets the chance to meet Prince Wilhelm Augustus Karl Von Edward of Malrovia. But the dream quickly crumbles when he is nothing like she imagined. As a flirtatious rivalry sparks a genuine romance, Hathor struggles to find her path.
The Perks of Loving a Wallflower by Erica Ridley
Master of disguise Thomasina will do whatever it takes to solve the cases her family takes on. Philippa hates that she has to rely on a man to help her decode a valuable manuscript, so she's delighted to discover that the clever baron at her side is a woman. But as she and Tommy grow closer, everything is at risk.
A Gamble at Sunset by Vanessa Riley
When a duke discovers the woman he loves was tricked into marrying another, he makes the now-widowed Viscountess a high-stakes wager to win her affection. He will find husbands for her two independent sisters. First up, Georgina: When the singer impulsively kisses a reticent composer, the two embark on a daring gamble.
Dress in the Age of Jane Austen: Regency Fashion by Hilary Davidson
Lavishly illustrated with paintings, drawings, historic garments, and fashion plates, this lively book explores the rich complexity of Regency clothing. Jane Austen’s famously observant fictional writings, as well as her letters, provide the lens for exploring the era's fashion, dress, and textiles for both men and women.
The Time in Between by María Dueñas
Abandoned and penniless in Morocco, Sira Quiroga forges a new identity, becoming the most sought-after couture designer for the wives of German Nazi officers. Meanwhile, she becomes caught up in a dangerous operation, stitching secret codes into the hems of her dresses to pass information to the British.
Fashion in the Time of Jane Austen by Sarah Jane Downing
The broader Regency period 1795-1820 stands alone as an incredible moment in fashion history unlike anything that went before or after. It was an era of radical new ideas immortalized by Jane Austen, who adeptly used the newfound diversity of fashion to enliven her characters.
Regency Women's Dress: Techniques and Patterns by Cassidy Percoco
This practical guide begins with a general history of the early nineteenth-century women's dress. This is followed by a stunning collection of 26 patterns for gowns, spencers, chemises, and corsets, each with an illustration of the finished piece and description of its construction. Perfect for aspiring designers.
Slightly Married by Mary Balogh
Meet the Bedwyns: six brothers and sisters—men and women of passion and privilege, daring and sensuality. Enter their dazzling world of society, seduction, and court scandal—where Aidan Bedwyn, the marriage-shy second son is about to discover that matrimony may be the most seductive act of all.
Gentle Rogue by Johanna Lindsey
Desperate to return home to America, Georgina Anderson boards a ship disguised as a cabin boy. James Mallory, the ship's irrepressible captain, is the black sheep of a proud and tempestuous family. The handsome ex-pirate once swore he would never be tempted to marry, but on the high seas, his resolve will be weakened.
Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean
Lady Calpurnia Hartwell has always followed the rules, rules that have left her unmarried—and more than a little unsatisfied. So now she's vowed to break the rules and live the life she's been missing. And in the rakish Gabriel St. John, the Marquess of Ralston, she finds her perfect partner in pleasure.
Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas
After her family receives an unexpected inheritance, Amelia finds that tending her younger siblings was easy next to navigating her new status. Wealthy, handsome, and bored, Cam longs to return to his Gypsy roots. When the delectable Amelia asks him for help, London society is about to get a whole lot hotter.
The Lady Gets Lucky by Joanna Shupe
Shy heiress Alice is tired of being overlooked. She needs to become a siren, a woman who causes a man's blood to run hot. And in Kit, she's just met the perfect rogue to teach her. As their bedroom instruction grows passionate, Kit finds Alice to be a much better pupil than he'd anticipated.
The Earl I Ruined by Scarlett Peckham
When Lady Constance Stonewell accidentally ruins the Earl of Apthorp's future with her gossip column, she offers to stage a fake engagement to repair his reputation. Never mind that he's the dullest man in England. But Constance soon discovers her faux-intended is decidedly more than meets the eye.
Unveiled by Courtney Milan
Lady Margaret lost everything when Ash Turner stole her family's dukedom: her dowry, her legitimacy, and her place in society. Now he wants to take her family home too. She disguises herself as a nurse, determined to bring him down. But the more she knows him, the more she's drawn to his reckless charm.
The Secret Mistress by Mary Balogh
Lady Angeline has set her sights on Edward, the new Earl of Heyward. Edward is unconvinced, finding the lady more than a little odd. But a stolen kiss between them awakens something primal in him and, out of duty, he offers marriage. Behind closed doors, can Angeline get Edward to forget about decorum?
If you're missing Bridgerton, hopefully there are a few titles here that capture your particular fancy.
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