Loved Netflix’s 'Bridgerton'? Then You'll Adore These Books
Netflix’s Bridgerton took the world by its 19th Century petticoats and threw it into an aristocratic frenzy at the end of last year.
And we’re not even exaggerating.
It was watched by a staggering 82 million accounts in its first month, making it Netflix’s most popular series to date.
And we’re still in awe of it now, 3 months later.
In our quiet, lockdown lives, Bridgerton offered excitement.
It offered drama.
It offered… romance?
One thing’s for sure, it made our bland living rooms more vibrant, our boring lives less, well, boring.
And just for a moment, we weren’t living in our reality anymore.
We were being invited to balls or escaping to extravagant estates, exploring whirlwind romances.
Just for a moment, we could pretend our reality wasn’t real.
I know, powerful stuff.
And if you’re looking to continue escaping into the gorgeousness that is early 19th Century historical fiction, well, have we got some great books for you below.
From classics to downright lavish love stories so drama filled Bridgerton would be proud, we’re sure you’ll find your next read to escape into here.
So, get your bonnets at the ready, and your petticoats starched, here’re 13 books we’re sure you’re going to love if you’re a true Bridgerton fan.
Whilst we do receive a small percentage of book sales from this site, we are completely independent businesses and are not involved with the ordering or delivery processes. Where possible, we’d encourage you to order directly through us (see bottom of the post for more details).
13 Books to Read if You Loved Netflix’s 'Bridgerton'
1. The Other Miss Bridgerton: A Bridgerton Prequel by Julia Quinn
What better to read first than the Bridgerton prequel?!
This is the latest book in the prequel series, so you have lots of reading ahead of you. Yay!
If you want more of that classic Bridgerton romance and drama, then this would be the perfect book for you to start with.
2. To Have and to Hoax by Martha Waters
If you’re looking for something that’s Bridgerton-esque, but not a prequel, then this would be an amazing edition to your bookshelf.
Lady Violet Grey and Lord James Audley have been married for 5 years, but after a horrible argument, they no longer talk. They no longer consider themselves ‘in-love’. That is, until Violet receives a letter that James has been thrown from his horse and is badly hurt. She rushes to his side, only to discover he’s fine and well. He’s perplexed by her care, and she’s now angry at his game. So, she decides to play a little trick of her own…
It’ll have you in fits of giggles and of course, you’ll get swept away in an amazing romance.
What more could you want?
3. The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow
If you loved the period aesthetic of Bridgerton, then you’ll love this.
It’s a homage to the middle Bennet sister from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Mary.
You see, she’s not pretty, and she’s not outgoing. She’s an introvert in a family of extroverts; the quiet mouse behind all her loud sisters.
She doesn’t hope for much in life, and doesn’t expect it, either.
But don’t the best stories always happen with the quiet ones?
This is a story about a young girl finding her place in the world, and you’ll never look at Mary the same way again.
4. Charlotte by Helen Moffett
Another spin-off from Pride and Prejudice, but one that’s mesmerising in its own right.
We’re given an insight into Charlotte Lucas’ story after the events of Pride and Prejudice unfold.
It begins with her surprising everyone around her, including Elizabeth Bennet, when she accepts the marriage proposal of clergyman Mr Collins. Drama!
But Charlotte is securing her future. A future, it seems, she wasn’t expecting at all.
This is a dazzling look into what life was like for women in 19th Century England, and one you seriously cannot miss.
5. In Love with George Eliot by Kathy O’Shaughnessy
Marian Evans was a complicated woman, and that’s putting it simply.
Firstly, she utterly shocked society by living with a married man.
Shocking.
Secondly, she writes extremely popular works in secret under the pseudonym George Eliot.
Appalling.
And just when things can’t seem to get worse, it’s discovered that this woman, shunned from society is THE writer George Eliot.
Has Marian got any more surprises up her sleeves?
Well, yes actually, and it’s quite the biggie.
If you loved the scandalous nature of Bridgerton, then you 100% need to read this.
It’ll blow your frilly stockings off because all the drama in it is true. It all actually happened.
6. Longbourn by Jo Baker
This one has strong Downton Abbey vibes.
We’re thrust deep into the messy lives of the servants of a grand estate. Sarah’s a maid at Longbourn house.
Her hands are sore, and its washday.
It's just a normal day in the world below the glitz and glamour of the main house.
But this is no ordinary day.
Because it’s the day the new footman arrives.
A new footman, that smells of the sea… and adventure.
7. The Secret Countess by Eva Ibbotson
This book certainly has all the drama of Bridgerton, but it’s sure to spice-up your reading list as it's set in a whole different time period.
Anna Grazinsky is a Russian countess. One that is forced to flee Russia to find safety in England thanks to the Russian revolution.
Here, she has to provide for her family any way she can. Luckily, she finds a job as a housemaid in a magnificent mansion.
When the Earl’s son returns home from the war, he’s fascinated by this new maid, a maid he feels drawn to.
But he’s married.
And she’s just a servant.
Will their love blossom? Or will they fall to the barriers of societal hierarchy?
Read to find out.
Just to forewarn, this book is temporarily out of stock, but it’ll be back soon!
8. Love is Blind by William Boyd
This book will cure your travel urges as well as your Bridgerton cravings, that’s for sure.
As the 19th Century turns into the 20th, fall in-love with the passionate relationship between Brodie Moncur and Lika Blum, a beautiful Russian Soprano.
Travel from Edinburgh to Paris, and then to Russia whilst Brodie’s dangerous obsession over Lika becomes brutal.
We can’t wait to get stuck into this.
9. The Foundling by Stacey Halls
Stacey Halls is a phenomenal writer. We loved her story The Familiars (you can read our review on it here), and she’s back with this sensational new piece.
It’s a story about motherhood, of class and power, but mostly deception and loss.
We meet Bess Bright, a woman living in poverty that has no other choice but to give up her baby daughter to survive. However, Bess vows to collect her again when she can provide a better future for her.
Six years go by, and Bess is finally able to keep her promise.
But when she goes to collect her daughter, she’s told she’d already been claimed.
This exhilarating story will keep you turning the pages long into the night.
10. Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore
Annabelle Archer has made history. She’s one of the first female students admitted into Oxford University during the height of the suffragette movement.
However, in order to keep her scholarship, she has to find wealthy men that support the suffrage movement. Tricky.
She’s okay though because she’s found her first target: The Duke Sebastian Devereux.
He’s handsome.
He’s infuriating.
And now Annabelle has to do all she can to bring down the duke.
11. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
A classic. Need I say more?!
We all know the story, and perhaps you weren’t expecting this to be on the list.
However, there is no better story, no better read, than Pride and Prejudice if you want that drama, that excitement only found in 19th Century English aristocracy.
This is Bridgerton at its core, with just a bit more pizazz.
12. Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
Another one you probably weren’t expecting on this list, but one we feel has earnt its place.
Bridget Jones’s Diary is hilarious, and captures the true essence of young, chaotic, romantic relationships.
See it as a modern day Bridgerton, with instead of bodices and skirts you have sweatpants.
Sweatpants and wine.
And a diary, of course.
13. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
This is a more rugged, ruthless, less refined Bridgerton for sure, but it’s just as amazing.
Be transported to 1743 Scotland, just like Claire is, when she walks through a circle of standing stones.
She’s soon swept up in the danger and turbulence of the Scottish countryside, and with its men, just like you’ll be.
However, Claire becomes torn between her life in 1946, and this one now, in the past.
Can Claire's past be her future?
What book do you think will satisfy your Bridgerton craving? I’m super excited to read The Foundling!
We can’t wait to hear what you’re excited to read next.
Like what you see? Here’s how to order:
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