Well, maybe that title is a littler bit of an exaggeration, but today, as we creep closer to Valentine's Day and Bridgerton Mania is everywhere, I have a 2-fer of information for you.
First is from Jennifer Prokop and was first published by Kirkus here. Entitled "A Reader's Guide to the Novels Behind 'Bridgerton,'" this is both a primer on the world of the novels upon which the Netflix series is based AND a primer on Romance, the genre, itself. Jennifer is a genre expert on Romance and you can learn a lot from her.
Second, I have a list from a library worker I have met on my travels, Rachel from Erie County Public Library. Rachel and I have actually crossed paths in real life a few times and in 2018 she had this wonderful guest post entitled, "Why I Love Romance."
Today, I have a broad and diverse readalike list she submitted to me with her permission for you to use this to help readers right now, tomorrow, or in the future because Netflix is like that. People are obsessed with the series now, but more will discover it in the future.
Here is Rachel's guest post. And thank you to both Jennifer and Rachel for this timely and useful information.
A Mad, Bad, and Fun to Read Era
by Rachel Stevenson
The Bridgeton series on Netflix has brought on a new demand for all things Regency. Not that the Regency era has ever really gone away. With a new Jane Austen mini-series or film adaptation every few years and Regencies being the most popular genre of romance it’s always been around, but now it’s been given a huge spotlight.
If you’re dying to read more about the Regency period here are some recommendations from a true Regency fan.
Alison Lane’s Books
Alison Lane is a traditional Regency author. A traditional Regency follows the strictures of Regency society and contains sex only if it fits with the period, although there are some exceptions. Lane is the author of 22 Regencies that all take place in the same world. Although not all of them are series, all of them are connected. As you continue through the 22 books you will find you recognize characters’ names or descriptions. Easter eggs are hidden all through the books and are quite fun to find. My favorite Lane is The Rake and the Wallflower about a shy bird lover who falls for a tarnished viscount.
Mary Balogh’s Simply Series
If you’re looking for another family dynasty to follow Mary Balogh’s Simply series is perfect. The first in the series Simply Married follows the relationship of Colonel Aidan Bedwyn as he tries to carry out his promise to a dying soldier under his command. This leads Bedwyn to tell the soldier’s sister about his death in person. What follows is a beautiful love story. Each book in the series follows another Bedwyn as they struggle to find love. Balogh is prolific in the Regency world, but the Simply series is my favorite of hers. For me, the first and the last are the best and act as excellent bookends to the rest of the tales.
Jane Austen Sleuth?
Stephanie Barron has created an amazing sleuth in her Jane Austen mystery series. The series, which completed in 2016 after 13 books, shows Austen at her strengths. All of us that love Austen know she is witty and has a good understanding of character and why people do what they do. This makes for a perfect sleuth. The books are fun and written in a style I believe Austen would love. My friends can always tell when I’m re-reading them because I start to speak what they call “Austenese”. There’s also a bit of a love interest for Jane. For me, I enjoy having the author who created so many wonderful heroes to swoon over have someone appreciate her for who she is.
Beau Brummell
If you’re looking for more Regency set mysteries with an unusual amateur detective look no further than the Beau Brummell mystery series by Rosemary Stevens. There are four books in the series and to see the “beau” of the Regency period with his perfect cravat, cunning wit, slicing comebacks, and insufferable valet solve mysteries when most think he just insulted Prinny (The Prince of Wales whom Brummell referred to as someone’s “Fat Friend”) is a great deal of fun. Also, his high position in society allows him access where few could tread.
The Grand Dame of Regency Writing
Of course, Georgette Heyer is the original Regency grand dame, well after Austen of course. Between 1934 and 1972, Heyer wrote 28 Regencies. Known for fun characters, excellent writing, and a wit to master Austen’s, Heyer’s fans are widespread and vocal. My two favorites are The Grand Sophy because Sophy is such a fun character, but her aunt is perfect as a put-upon relative and The Quiet Gentleman because I love a good beta hero.
The C Series by Edith Layton
For some of the more salaciousness found in Bridgeton feel free to pick up Edith Layton’s C series. The common character is Annabelle a lovely woman, who tries as she might to land a lord and fails in each book until her own. Her love story in To Wed a Stranger is my favorite, but the final book in the series focusing on Annabelle’s new sister-in-law has its fun bits as well.
Jane Austen Sequels
For some, Regency is all about Austen. Some of my favorite Austen sequels or written from a different point of view books are by Skylar Hamilton. I love her Conviction which gives us Georgiana Darcy’s story, but has enough Elizabeth and Darcy action to please all P&P fans. Also, Amanda Grange has a whole series of diaries from the men of each of Austen’s books. It’s fun to read Persuasion and Emma from Wentworth’s and Knightley’s viewpoints.
Asian Dukes, Dyslexic Heroes, and Indian Beauties
One of the big pluses about the Netflix series Bridgeton was its colorblind casting. For people looking for more diversity in their Regency reads Courtney Milan is a must. The Duke Who Didn’t is a wonderful friends to lovers stories which are some of my favorite. She also wrote Unveiled where the daughter of a duke goes undercover as a servant in the heir’s household. It features a dyslexic hero and gorgeous writing.
Louise Allen is a favorite of mine and she has a trilogy following the Herriard family. The head of the family becomes a marquess later in life since he was not originally next in line for the title. Instead, he goes to India and falls for a local Indian beauty. The following books follow their two children and deal with the differences between the children and other noble children because they were raised by parents from different races.
Strong Women Who Love
Vanessa Riley has so many positive reviews on her books and she should. She creates strong female characters and highlights issues in the Regency time. In The Duke, The Lady, & The Baby Riley explores how women did not have rights over their children. If their husband died their children could be taken by a male member of the family, no matter how distant the relationship because it was thought mother was not a good substitute for a father. In Riley book, a woman whose husband mysteriously dies has her child taken away and she goes undercover as a nurse to reunite with her son. Definitely worth reading and keep watching for Riley. She’s a rising star in this genre.
Gay and Lesbian Regencies
Some of my friends were disappointed that Bridgeton was so diverse in its casting but did not include a gay character. There are plenty of books involving gay characters in Regency reads. I loved A Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite about two women who fall in love over astronomy and science. This story touches me because it shows strong women in science even if one of them had the credit for her work taken by a man. There were women involved in science and other disciplines in the Regency and it’s important to bring that up. Also the way they fall for each other makes for a good read.
In The Pretty Gentleman Max Fincher takes us into the world of artists and the aristocracy. Now in Regency times artist were considered to have loose morals. This book has it all: a secret diary, blackmail, mysterious men. It will make you say “Lady Whistledown, who?”
Modern Day Royalty
For those who just want a love story with Royalty I cannot recommend Alyssa Cole enough. Her “Reluctant Royals” series is entertaining and something you can read again and again. I started with A Princess in Theory and just kept going. Cole has a historical series as well only based during and after the Civil War in the United States.
Hopefully, this will begin to quench your thirst for Regency reads, but there are so many more to discover.
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