If you are reading this, chances are you have been under the spell of Bridgerton and have already binge-watched season 3, part 1. The show is based on the historical romance novel series by Julia Quinn and is so popular on Netflix that seasons 1 and 2 rank among the Top 10 most popular English TV shows, as of 2 June 2024. As season 3 part 2 premiered on the streaming platform on 13 June 2024, here’s a list of some of the best Regency-era romance novels that will transport you to the nineteenth century.
But before diving into the world of Regency romance novels, let us understand what makes up this historical romance genre and some of its well-known proponents. In terms of political history, the Regency period typically refers to the period between 1811 and 1820 when King George III’s eldest son, the Prince of Wales, ruled as Prince Regent during his father’s last days. He later became King George IV and ruled till 1830. Most of the Regency-era works were penned, published or are based on this time frame. However, a macroscopic view shows that an extended Regency era covers the period between 1795 and 1837, between the reigns of King George III and the ascension of Queen Victoria to the throne.
Regency novels uphold the social fabric and pave the way for modern romances, case in point Jane Austen wrote Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility during this period. Washed with glamour and luxury, Regency romances are characterised by strong female characters, external conflicts, high moral values and societal issues that, at times, give rise to scandals.
From a strong-headed Duke looking for a wife to a lady entering into a marriage of convenience or a family navigating class difference, certain themes make Regency romances a separate sub-genre in the Venn diagram of historical romances.
With the popularity of Julia Quinn and Bridgerton, it is time we expand our reading list and flip pages of other Regency-era romance novels.
These are some of the best Regency romance novels that will take you to the bygone era
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Pride and Prejudice
Author: Jane Austen
Year of publishing: 1813
Synopsis: Elizabeth Bennet is the second among five daughters of a landed gentleman in Hertfordshire. A headstrong woman, she has to deal with issues of troubled upbringing, morality, education and the constant pressure of marriage in 19th-century England. The story begins with the arrival of the dashing bachelor Charles Bingley and everyone hurrying to get their daughters married to him. However, things start gaining momentum when Elizabeth meets the wealthy and haughty Fitzwilliam Darcy.
About the story: Pride and Prejudice has been adapted to screen multiple times, but the 2005 film, starring Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen and Brenda Blethyn, is among the best ones. It was nominated for four Oscars. The 1995 BBC series adaptation is also a great watch. The cast includes Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennet, Colin Firth as Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, Alison Steadman as Mrs Bennet, Benjamin Whitrow as Mr. Bennet and Crispin Bonham-Carter as Mr Bingley.
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Arabella
Author: Georgette Heyer
Year of publishing: 1949
Synopsis: Arabella Tallant, the daughter of a countryside parson with limited means, aims to enter London’s elite society. When her godmother invites her into the city, it not only gives her a key to a lavish life but also an opportunity to seek a wealthy husband. Though her beauty and charm are important resources, her short temper and pride cause a tussle with the dashing Robert Beaumaris.
About the story: For Regency romance novel fans, this is a great read. With a strong independent heroine, a dashing and wealthy male counterpart and an overbearing class conflict with a hunt for a suitable husband — the book ticks all the quintessential boxes of a period love story.
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The Secret Pearl
Author: Mary Balogh
Year of publishing: 1991
Synopsis: When Fleur, a young woman is spotted by a well-dressed gentleman outside a London theatre, she hardly knows what is awaiting her. When she takes up the job of a governess, this gentleman appears and is revealed to be a powerful nobleman and the father of the children. As a fiery romance between them ensues, will the threat of scandal subdue their passion? Will she become her mistress or wife?
About the story: A masterpiece from the Regency romance stalwart, The Secret Pearl uses the governess trope to highlight class differences and forbidden love between two people on either end of society.
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Lord of Scoundrels
Author: Loretta Chase
Year of publishing: 1995
Synopsis: He might be handsome and charming, but the respected women of society steer clear of Sebastian Ballister, the infamous Marquess of Dain. However, when a headfast Jessica Trent walks in, it changes his life. She is too aware to fall for the bad guy and is on a mission to save her brother, along with her family, from the path to ruins. If this meant siding with the devil himself, she would not hesitate. When Sebastian’s passionate approach places her in the most precarious position, it turns out that it is Jessica who needs saving.
About the story: It is hailed as a well-known book among the Regency romances and one of Chase’s outstanding works. According to the book cover on Chase’s website, Julia Quinn called the USA Today bestselling writer, “One of the finest romance authors of all time.”
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The Devil in Winter
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Year of publishing: 2006
Synopsis: The heroine of the story is Evangeline Jenner, the shyest and most beautiful wallflower on the road to becoming the wealthiest belle once her inheritance comes through. To escape her cunning relatives, she approaches London’s most notorious rake Viscount St Vincent with a marriage proposal. Although Sebastian has the most dangerous reputation with an eye for beauty, Evangeline’s proposal also comes with strict conditions that can turn their relationship and spread scandals across society.
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Author: Lorraine Heath
Year of publishing: 2015
Synopsis: Rosalind Sharpe catches the attention of the wealthy Duke of Avendale and realises he is so wealthy that he can help her come out of all her problems. But when he discovers her shrewd plans, he offers Rosalind all the money she wants for a week with him. She eagerly agrees, but soon things start taking a different turn as Rosalind places a condition.
About the story: If you enjoy scandalous romance novels with well-rounded plots and nuanced characters and dwell in the grey area between moral and immoral, then this book from the New York Times bestselling author is quite intriguing.
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A Fashionable Indulgence
Author: K.J. Charles
Year of publishing: 2015
Synopsis: As Harry Vane learns he is the inheritor of an unexpected wealth, he thwarts his past as a Radical fighting for government reforms and turns his attention to court his cousin. However, he is enamoured by a suave chic man who is tasked to train him in the ways of elite society. While he must blend and fit in, his desires for his trainer dictate otherwise.
About the story: This is the first instalment of Charles’ Society of Gentlemen series.
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Author: Jo Beverly
Year of publishing: 2016
Synopsis: Kitty Cateril, the widow of a war hero, finds herself leading a meaningless life with her depressed mother-in-law and yearns for some joy and happiness. She comes across Beau Braydon, the new Viscount Dauntry, who is looking for a sensible wife who can manage his property as well as his daughter Isabella, and the wife of the late Viscount. The two marry but tribulations start brewing when the older lady’s hostility and the young girl’s selfishness begin to surface. On the other hand, Beau also gets jealous, as young soldiers see his bride as their late comrade’s wife.
About the story: A part of The Rogue series, Regency Era novel fans will like the idea of such unlikely lovers in this story. Although they reside more or less in the same social strata, their world and ideologies bring about a lot of complications that might take the shape of scandals.
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Author: Christie Caldwell
Year of publishing: 2018
Synopsis: Cailin Audley doesn’t fit into the supposed elite society. Roughened by the working class, she values her independence and self-worth more than any glitter and glamour of ballrooms. However, she soon realises that her family is willing to go to any extent to get her married at the earliest. Cailin has already been heartbroken once and is in no mood to tread the same path again, especially with Courtland Balfour, Duke of St. James. For him, she is the one woman for whom he has fallen and who can make his destiny bearable, but will Cailin ever love him back?
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Author: Cat Sebastian
Year of publishing: 2018
Synopsis: This queer historical romance revolves around one of London’s most fashionable socialites Hartley Sedgwick who lost his position after his buried dark past was revealed. After his patron died, Hartley secluded himself from everyone else. He now stays in the grand mansion he inherited. Meanwhile, Sam Fox, a black retired boxer, finds his way into the mansion to recover some lost paintings. While both reside on opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of race, class, society and attitude, attraction and love begin to grow between the two men.
About the story: This Regency romance novel is the second in the Seducing the Sedgwicks series.
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Someone Perfect
Author: Mary Balogh
Year of publishing: 2021
Synopsis: After his father’s death, Justin Wiley becomes the Earl of Brandon. He takes it upon himself to care for his half-sister Maria but realises she despises him when he goes to bring her back to the family estate in Everleigh Park. Justin convinces her and her friend Lady Estelle Lamarr to come with him to help Maria adjust at Everleigh Park. As family secrets spill out, things begin to change between Justin and Estelle, but will they ever match?
About the book: This Regency romance book is the tenth instalment of The Westcott Family Series by Balogh.
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Aphrodite and the Duke
Author: J.J. McAvoy
Year of publishing: 2022
Synopsis: Strong-willed heroine, Aphrodite Du Belle, has always despised her name for the unnecessary comparison with the Goddess of Beauty, especially after Evander Eagleman, the Duke of Everely, broke her heart. When familial duties required her to go to London to help her sister, Aphrodite reluctantly agreed but vowed to stay away from Evander. However, as the now widower Duke tries to win over Aphrodite, old secrets may cause a rift.
About the story: A diverse cast of characters sets this Regency romance novel apart from the others. The tropes might be the same, but the protagonist of colour and her determined attitude make the story a must-read for Bridgerton fans.
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(Hero image: Courtesy Amazon; Feature image: Courtesy Liam Daniel/NetflixImage: Courtesy Liam Daniel/Netflix)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-What books did people read in the Regency era?
Jane Austen, Lord Byron, John Donne, Robert Burns and William Blake are some of the great authors who flourished during the Regency period. Their works were widely read and continue to be classics of English literature.
-What is a Regency novel?
A Regency novel is primarily set in the Regency era of England, which extends roughly between 1795 and 1837. However, most of these works were penned or published in the nine years between 1811 and 1820. Certain characteristics are prevalent in Regency novels. For instance, strong-willed female protagonists and class conflicts are pronounced. Societal issues, scandals and the hunt for a suitable marriage are other typical themes of a Regency novel.
-What is the classic Regency novel?
Some classic Regency novels include Pride and Prejudice, A Fashionable Indulgence, Emma, War and Peace, Arabella and The Spanish Bride.
-Why is the Regency era so popular for romance?
The romance novels set in or based on the Regency era are popular as they highlight period love stories with relatable characters and intriguing plots. Passionate tales with determined female characters mark a departure from the coy characters of the romantic era. Plus, they hold a mirror to society and its norms and do not hesitate to unveil its malpractices and obsession with marriage.
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Trinetra is an ardent foodie and bibliophile who writes about films, travel, food and lifestyle. As a writer and literature student, slam poetry and storytelling are her go to jam. When not working, Trinetra is busy looking for her next place to visit or binge-watching Instagram videos for travel inspiration.
