“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” — opening line, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
The desperate need to snare an eligible husband is a recurring theme in historical romance novels and is the premise of the Bridgerton series by popular novelist, Julia Quinn. The series is a collection of eight novels set between 1813 and 1827, each featuring one of the eight children of the late Viscount Bridgerton — Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth — as they search for love and happiness. Set in Regency London, the series explores the social intrigues of high society without the delicate sensibilities and restrained passion of an Austen novel.
The series kicks off with debutantes being presented at court at the start of the social season and is followed by glamorous balls, scheming mothers, a mysterious Lady Whistledown, gossip, scandals, secrets, emotional entanglements and the torturous path to true love!
The first book in the series, The Duke and I, has been adapted for the new Netflix drama, Bridgerton.
Other similar titles in the library’s collection
Arabella by Georgette Heyer, 2004
Georgette Heyer is the undisputed queen of Regency romances. Her novels have remained in print since the first one was published in 1921. More modest and less risqué than recently published historical romances, they have been enjoyed by generations of readers
Bringing down the Duke by Evie Dunmore, 2019
A rags-to-riches story with a mix of politics and passion. Sparks fly when independent, educated Annabelle clashes with the arrogant and powerful Duke of Montgomery.
Romancing the Duke by Tess Dare, 2014
Izzy grew up believing in fairytales, but at the age of 26, she is forced to face reality: no Prince Charming is going to appear and sweep her off her feet. Instead, she has inherited a rundown and possibly haunted fortress, with a tenant who isn’t budging and who claims to be the Duke of Rothbury. There could be no happy ever after in this scenario, could there?
Chasing Cassandra by Lisa Kleypas, 2020
Ruthless Tom Severin is attractive, super-rich and used to buying whatever he wants. Except, the beautiful Lady Cassandra Ravenel is not for sale. Even after he rescues her from a scandal, her heart remains off-limits. Cassandra has no intention of being another one of his conquests... at least, that’s what she tells herself.
Nine rules to break when romancing a rake by Sarah MacLean, 2014
Lady Calpurnia Hartwell has vowed to turn convention on its head. Tired of following the rules that have left her unmarried, she now just wants to have fun and do all the things that a proper lady shouldn’t. But for that, she needs an accomplice. Enter Gabriel St. John, the Marquess of Ralston — handsome, dangerous, and the consummate rule breaker.
Indiscreet by Mary Balogh, 2016
The virtue of a beautiful young widow, desperate to escape her past, is severely tested by the determined attentions of a dashing but unscrupulous lord.