A while ago, in my Netflix and Read post, I mentioned the magic that are The Bridgertons. At that point, I hadn’t read any of Julia Quinn’s popular books yet, because I had to wait for my holds to come in. Sigh. But they finally came in, I read them, I watched the first season, and I LOVE THEM!

And now I’m out of Bridgertons. Sigh. Netflix is working on season two, but they never make shows fast enough, so I’m back to waiting. Luckily, thanks to NPL, I found several good Bridgerton Readalikes to keep me entertained while I’m waiting. 
 

The Rokesbys by Julia Quinn [Because of Miss Bridgerton, The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband, The Other Miss Bridgerton, First Comes Scandal]

The best place to start while you are waiting to see what comes next for the Bridgertons is to see where they came from. Author Julie Quinn created this series as a prequel to the Bridgertons. If you love the this family, these are a must read. I enjoyed the audio version, but NPL also has print and ebooks, so pick your poison and get busy.

The Bareknuckle Bastards by Sarah MacLean [Wicked and the Wallflower, Brazen and the Beast, Daring and the Duke]

I actually started this series before I found the Bridgertons. For the most part, the Bridgertons are well-behaved when it comes to high society. MacLean’s crew is anything but. Devil, Beast, and Dahlia live on the edges of the English ton,f and they enjoy not having to be so proper all the time. These books are racy and rowdy as only a good bareknuckle bout can be. I’ve been enjoying the ebooks with these, but NPL also has print and audio. If you fall in love with this author, MacLean also has a brand new related series called Hell's Belles. NPL has the first book, Bombshell, so get your hold on that one, too.

The Hathaways by Lisa Kleypas [Mine Till Midnight, Seduce Me at Sunrise, Tempt Me at Twilight, Married by Morning, Love in the Afternoon]

When I was looking for other Bridgerton-like books, several sources said I couldn’t go wrong with Lisa Kleypas. One even called her the Queen of the Regency. After reading this series, I see why. This was the most traditional series I read, but I loved all the members of this crazy British family. The Hathaways inherit an unexpected Viscoutancy after a handful of untimely deaths. Unfortunately, they have no idea how to behave in high society, the house they now possess is falling down, and the new Viscount is a drunkard, who is lost after the death of his fiancé. I listened to the audio books for all of these, but NPL also has ebook and print, so you have no excuse not to meet this eccentric family. I'm finishing the last one now, and it might give the Bridgertons a run for their money.

Reluctant Royals by Alyssa Cole [A Princess in Theory, A Duke by Default, A Prince on Paper]

This series is NOT Regency, but it was still highly enjoyable. Naledi, her best friend Portia, and her cousin Nya each meet their modern-day European Prince Charmings. Or maybe Duke Charmings in one case. This is a very Shonda Rimesian/Hamiltonian take on romance. I think my favorite was Portia’s story when she goes to Scotland to learn how to make swords. I mean, who does that? Also, I really enjoyed the audiobooks on these. The reader has a beautiful African accent for all the folks in fictional Thesolo. I will caution that her Scottish accent blurs pretty close to the African one, but it’s not a deal breaker. Print and ebooks are also available if you don’t do audio (you don’t know what you’re missing). 

Alright friends, these should keep you out of trouble until we get some more Bridgertons up in here. Also, make sure you don’t miss the Lady Whistledown companion books. After all, she was my favorite character in the first series. 

Happy Bridgertonizing…

:) Amanda