Bridgerton-Inspired Read-Alikes

Written By Nayeli

Is your heart empty, yearning for June 12, waiting for the moment you’ll be able to see the rest of Bridgerton Season 3? Same here. And the same for many of our employees and community members! To fill that Polin-sized hole in your chest, Nayeli has come up with some Bridgerton read-alikes. We hope these help while away the hours until you can finally watch the mirror scene ;).

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After finishing part 1 of season 3 of Bridgerton it's safe to say I need more. However since Netflix is making us wait a month for part 2 I started thinking of other romance books that can fill that gap with similar tropes, scenarios, and character arcs. Additionally, I enlisted fellow bookseller Katie, who loves and is an expert in regency romance, to help me with some additional recommendations to help scratch the itch left behind by Part 1 until we can get our hands on Season 3 Part 2. 

Season 1: Based on The Duke and I—Fake Dating

When the first season of Bridgerton came out, people immediately became obsessed, and I was certainly no exception. The first season follows Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, and Daphne Bridgeton, the oldest daughter of the Bridgerton family. When they agree to pretend to form an attachment (aka some good old fake dating) to benefit them both they would never expect that as their ruse goes on real feelings would start to form. I think we can all agree that “I Burn for You” had us all clutching our pearls and waiting for our own Duke to sweep us off our feet. If you need books that not only have fake dating but also have the same passion, yearning, and spiciness then we have you covered. 

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren 

  • This fake marriage of convenience is so fun and perfect for the summer! Similarly to Simon, Liam has a deeply dysfunctional family he is trying to separate himself from. However, unlike Daphne, Anna probably wouldn't have been named the diamond of the season due to her messy nature. However, her caring, clever, and sweet personality makes her the perfect counterpart to Liam.  With really good character development and amazing chemistry, this book is spicy, fun, and sweet all at once.

Regency Recommendation:

Honorable mentions: 

Season 2: Based on The Viscount Who Loved Me—Enemies to Lovers 

The second season of Bridgerton tackled one of the most beloved tropes out there, enemies-to-lovers, and they did it flawlessly. When Anthony Bridgton, the oldest son, finally decides to find a wife, the last obstacle he expects to have is an “annoying older sister” who thinks he is nowhere near good enough. Kate Sharma is the embodiment of the oldest daughter and she will do anything to protect her little sister and ensure her happiness—even watch her marry the man she has been vexed by. I think we all swooned when Anthony said: “You are the bane of my existence. And the object of all my desires”.  This season was so fun and filled with tension and banter much like these book recommendations.

Trouble by Lex Croucher 

  • When Emily lies and pretends to be her sister Amy who is supposed to start her new job as governess at Edward’s estate but is too sick to do it she knows she is not qualified to teach and care for children.  With fun, diverse characters, this book was a fun and sweet surprise with a slow-burn romance that pays off in the end. 

Regency Recommendation:

Honorable mentions: 

Season 3: Based on Romancing Mister Bridgerton—Friends to Lovers

The newest season has been anticipated by many who have been rooting for Colin Bridgeton to finally realize that he is in love with his long-time friend Penelope Featherington. After seeing Penelope pining over Colin for three seasons, I was excited to see the tables reversed. They did not disappoint—that man was gone for her since their first kiss. If you want pinning, friendship, easy chemistry, and loyalty, these books will give you just that.

Unsteady by Peyton Corinne

  • Unsteady is an ice skater/hockey player romance that follows Rhys in the aftermath of a bad accident on the ice. When Sadie finds him on the ice one morning while having a panic attack an unlikely friendship blossoms between the two. However Sadie has her secrets, but even those can't stifle the attraction she feels for Rhys. This book is perfect if you want longing, tension, spice, and characters who are head over heels for each other.

Regency Recommendation:

Honorable mentions: 

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