If you've already read Bridgerton books and can't find something with the same aesthetic, don't be upset! We've put together a selection of 9 historical romance novels that tell incredible love stories in the same fascinating way, and their atmosphere will make you imagine incredibly beautiful balls, palaces, and even knights. Prepare to be so enthralled by the tales that you may even forget about sleep!
1. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Thanks to this novel, you will definitely feel the spirit of 19th century England, because it was written back in 1811! The plot centers on the Dashwood family, who faced new realities after the death of their father Henry. A huge estate and most of the wealth are inherited by the eldest son John, which means that the mother and her two daughters have to find another place to live, which is a small cottage called Barton.
In the new place, they will find many pleasant surprises and disappointments, as well as love and romance. The title of the book personifies the two Dashwood sisters: the reserved and rational Eleanor and the hot-tempered and passionate Marianne. The stories of the two sisters in Jane Austin’s book develop rapidly throughout the book; the question is — are you more like Eleanor or Marianne?
2. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
This book is a great option for fans of detectives, gloomy stories, and investigations because this is the atmosphere this story recreates. The protagonist gets a job as a companion to a wealthy lady and after a while meets a wealthy older widower Maxime de Winter. Although at first he seems rather gloomy to her, the heroine begins to enjoy spending time in Maxim de Winter's company. They fall in love with each other and eventually get married.
However, after moving to a new estate, the protagonist finds out that Maxim de Winter's first wife Rebecca died a tragic death. Later it turns out that this death hides many secrets. What is hidden behind this story and will the protagonist be able to find out the truth? Read to find out!
3. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
A kingdom, noble battles, and... magic! This adult fantasy series has become popular all over the world because it can win the hearts of anyone from the first pages. It all starts when the main character, Feyra, accidentally kills a mythical creature while hunting, which appears to her in the form of a wolf. Now she has a choice: to die or to go to a mysterious kingdom she has never heard of before.
You will definitely not be bored while reading A Court of Thorns and Roses, or shortly ACOTAR, because each chapter is filled with the spirit of adventure, new worlds, and a crazy love story. In addition, you will meet many mythical creatures and magical spells, which will make reading even more exciting. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a distant kingdom and its inhabitants right now!
4. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
A crazy love story against the backdrop of a political scandal and interstate vicissitudes. One of the main characters, Alex, is the son of the President of the United States, who is about to take part in the new elections. The other main character, Prince Henry, is a member of the British royal family, which has been taking care of its reputation for centuries. At a wedding, a fight breaks out between these two young men, with photos and videos of it flying around the Internet!
This event can greatly damage both the reputation of the royal family and the results of the US presidential election. Therefore, the best idea in this situation is to pretend that the two boys are actually friends, even though they aren’t. Despite the difficulties, the protagonists still become close, but later something more than friendship emerges between them... Will love become an obstacle to their status? Read one of the most popular BookTok’s books right now!
5. The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare
The two main characters are as different as possible, but their love can overcome any obstacles and differences. The Duke of Ashbury returns from the war and does not take the issue of marriage seriously, while Emma, the daughter of a priest, on the contrary, dreams of a noble husband. However, the Duke needs an heir to continue his family, and therefore he must find a wife. Emma becomes the perfect candidate for this.
Although at first it was just a marriage of convenience, over time, something more begins to emerge between the main characters and this feeling grows into passionate love. However, will the big differences in character become an obstacle for them? Hurry up and read to find out!
6. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Generations have been growing up with this novel for centuries because, despite the difficult fate of the main characters, it teaches them to believe in themselves, do good, and love sincerely. The main characters of the book are four sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, who used to grow up in a wealthy family, but everything changed. The family had to face poverty while their father was at war, but they did not lose faith in the goodness within them.
The four sisters are unique, both in appearance and character. Their fates are also very different. However, each of them believes in the best and is ready to fight for their happiness. This is a novel about true love, friendship, motherly and sisterly love that will teach you to share your goodness with others.
7. The Selection by Kiera Cass
Imagine dozens of beautiful, intelligent, and noble girls united by one goal — the heart of a young prince, the heir to the throne. Each of these girls would like to be the chosen one of the future king, but there is a girl who has already met her love and is participating in the competition only because her mother persuaded her to. America has no idea that she will be selected and will face incredible adventures, secrets, and... true love!
The story of a love triangle, a struggle for the throne, betrayal, and true friendship — all this awaits you if you want to open the pages of this book. Royal intrigues will definitely not let you get bored, and the story of the main character and the prince will win the heart of any reader.
8. The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
Political intrigue, social inequality, and romance... The protagonist, Kestrel, is the daughter of a powerful general who has spent his life fighting and cold-bloodedly conquering new lands. She has few choices for her future: either to become a warrior like her father or to marry a noble and status man. However, she has her own opinion about the future, and one day her plans change.
At one of the auctions, Kestrel sees a slave named Arin and decides she has to buy his freedom. She is not even realizing that this decision will change her life. The book explores moral dilemmas, the struggle for freedom, and the feelings that arise between two representatives of hostile nations. The atmosphere of tension, strategic games, and unexpected twists and turns make this story a real test for the hearts of readers.
9. The Last Letter from Your Lover by Jojo Moyes
Jojo Moyes is a master of romantic drama, as her books are at the top of the list in this genre. This story is unique in that it intertwines two timelines — the 1960s and the present. The book centers on Jennifer Sterling, who loses her memory after an accident but finds passionate love letters that make her doubt her marriage. In the present day, a young journalist, Ali, decides to uncover this story, finding answers that change her life. This is a touching book about forbidden love, fate, and the power of true feelings.
If you liked the Bridgerton book series, such books as The Duke and I, these romantic books will be a great alternative. They are full of intrigue, romance, elegant balls, and passionate love stories of past periods such as Regency era. Whether you're looking for stories with smart and independent heroines, dramatic love triangles, or witty dialogues, this selection is sure to give you the unforgettable emotions and atmosphere you've come to love about Bridgerton.
