Julia Quinn published the first book in the Bridgerton series in 2000. It is set during the Regency era of Britain, usually officially considered to be 1811-1820 (although it is sometimes considered as starting as early as 1795 and ending as late as 1837), when George, Prince of Wales, ruled the country as regent while his father was indisposed. It was a period of social and cultural growth as the Regent was a patron of the many new movements in the arts that led to a refinement and sophistication of in all areas of the arts. This is reflected in the novels about this period.
Regency romances first became popular with the writing of Jane Austen and over the time have regained popularity as new romance authors return to the time period bringing renewed interest. Don’t forget to try the original Bridgerton books and any of these other wonderful Regency romance reads.
Psstt… All of these books are available on BARD, Braille and Audio Reading Download, a download service provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled and Kansas Talking Books that enables patrons to download books and magazines whenever they want in just about a minute.
Start off with the original Bridgerton book:
DB 60504 The duke and I by Julia Quinn
Simon Basset, the new duke of Hastings, and Daphne Bridgerton stage a courtship to keep society matchmakers at bay. But when the charade becomes all too real for Daphne, Simon must either marry her or risk ruining her reputation and breaking her heart. Some explicit descriptions of sex. 2000.
DB 63410 The wedding bargain by Victoria Alexander
London, 1818. Pandora Effington has avoided marriage for six seasons, yet Maximillian Wells, the earl of Trent, intends to wed her. Pandora agrees, but only if Max completes the twelve labors of Hercules. Despite the seemingly impossible task, Max determines to win her hand. Some explicit descriptions of sex. 1999.
DB 65815 One night for love by Mary Balogh
England, 1813. Neville Wyatt, the earl of Kilbourne, is about to marry his stepcousin, Lauren Edgeworth, from A Summer to Remember (DB 54986), when his first wife, Lily Doyle, appears. He had married the illiterate Lily in war-torn Portugal and thought she had been killed. Explicit descriptions of sex. 1999.
DB 69136 The black moth by Georgette Heyer
Heyer's first book follows the earl of Wyncham's heir, Jack Carstares, who became a highwayman after being wrongly accused of cheating at cards. Now, years later, Jack comes out of hiding to rescue Diana Beauleigh from the unwanted attention of the villainous duke of Andover. Includes 2003 foreword. 1929.
DB 57930 Duchess in love by Eloisa James
Regency England. Gina was wed as a young girl to Cam Serrard, a duke. Cam fled to Greece after the ceremony, but returns twelve years later to give Gina an annulment so she can remarry. The couple unexpectedly fall in love. Some explicit descriptions of sex and some strong language. 2002.
DB 59273 Secrets of a summer night by Lisa Kleypas
Four Victorian young ladies band together to seek husbands for one another, despite their "unmarriageable" traits. Impoverished aristocrat Annabelle attracts rich commoner Simon, who only wants a mistress. Wealthy Evangeline and American sisters Daisy and Lillian conspire to manipulate the situation. Explicit descriptions of sex and some strong language. 2004.
DB 74458 A night to surrender by Tessa Dare
Spindle Cove, England; 1813. In her community, Susanna Finch has cultivated a tranquil safe haven for young women--free of men and militia. Susanna is outraged when her father gives injured officer Victor Bramwell the title of earl and sends Victor to protect a nearby castle. Explicit descriptions of sex. 2011.
DB 75674 The ugly duchess by Eloisa James
London, 1809. James Ryburn's father the duke forces James to marry plain-faced Theodora for her fortune. Theo and James fall in love, but Theo banishes James when she discovers the truth. After seven years at sea James returns to win Theo back. Some explicit descriptions of sex. 2012.
DB 26301 Love only once by Johanna Lindsey
Regina Ashton, to her shame, has fallen in love with the arrogant nobleman who abducted her one night from a London street to his townhouse and awakened her passion. Nicholas Eden wants to return the love born of scandal, but the painful secret of his illegitimacy has hardened his heart. Explicit descriptions of sex.
DB 62512 Captain Jack’s woman by Stephanie Laurens
1811. Kit Cranmer returns to her grandfather's country estate after years in London. Disguised as a boy, she helps the locals smuggle goods from Napoleonic France. She falls in love with fellow crook Captain Jack--in reality a nobleman spy. Prequel to the Bastion Club novels. Explicit descriptions of sex. 1997.
DB 107190 Once upon a marquess by Courtney Milan
The last man Judith Worth wants to see again is Christian Trent, the Marquess of Ashford. He spent summers at her family home, kissed her one magical night, and then heartlessly ruined her father. But when a tricky business matter arises, he's the only one she can ask for help. Some strong language and some explicit descriptions of sex. 2015.
DB 70508 Loving a lost lord by Mary Jo Putney
1812. Mariah Clarke invents an imaginary husband to avoid the unwanted advances of George Burke, who seeks to reclaim the estate of Mariah's late father. When an amnesiac shipwreck survivor washes up on the beach, Mariah convinces the lost man that they are married. Some explicit descriptions of sex. 2009.