The third instalment of Bridgerton, released in two separate parts, was a much-anticipated watch for lovers of the show.
Everyone was excited to hear that Penelope would finally be centre-stage – and now that it’s over, I can’t be the only one missing the Bridgerton world.
I’ve not read the Bridgerton books yet, but I love the show. It’s full of glamorous outfits, dramatic reveals and crazy historic anachronisms. What’s not to love?
It’s true escapism at its best. You can forget about reality and immerse yourself in a world where nothing too bad ever happens. Like a historical version of the hit show Gossip Girl, it has captivated people across the world. Shona Rhimes is unstoppable!
So, whether you’re a fan of the books or you’re looking for something to fill a Bridgerton-sized hole – I’m here to help. Let’s dive into 5 great books to read if you loved Bridgerton.
1. ‘Life Mask’ by Emma Donoghue
‘Life Mask’ by Emma Donoghue follows the story of Lord Derby, inventor of the Derby horse race and long-time suitor of famous comedy star Eliza Farren.
Derby is in an unhappy marriage and spends most of his time with Eliza, but she’s busy forming a dangerous friendship with aristocrat and suspected “Sapphist” Anne Damer – and the relationship could threaten all their lives.
The book is set under the shadow of the French Revolution, an intriguing and uncertain time for people across the world.
Like Bridgerton, you’re sure to lose yourself in the passions and ambitions of Eliza, Anne and Lord Derby – and this is a great LGBTQIA+ read to check out in Summer!
2. The Poldark books by Winston Graham
Winston Graham’s ‘Poldark’ saga is set around the same time as Bridgerton, following a few important families in Cornwall, including the Poldarks and the Warleggans.
Set in Cornwall, these books are full of dramatic settings and romantic moments, spanning the generations. If you’re looking for a book series to lose yourself in over Summer, ‘Poldark’ is the perfect choice!
Like the Bridgerton books and Netflix series, there are plenty of characters to get to know – and if you don’t fancy reading the books, you can watch the BBC series instead.
3. ‘Green Darkness’ by Anya Seton
‘Green Darkness’ is a historical fiction novel that follows rich Englishman Richard Marsdon and his new wife Celia, an American woman.
They move to Richard’s estate in England, but all is not as it seems – and when Celia suffers a mental breakdown, she must look into her past to understand her illness.
Set between the 16th century and the present day, ‘Green Darkness’ is a classic historical romance with plenty of love, lust and intrigue – not unlike Bridgerton!
4. ‘I Capture the Castle’ by Dodie Smith
‘I Capture the Castle’ is a nostalgic read for anyone who wants to escape.
With beautiful settings and cosy descriptions, ‘I Capture the Castle’ is the perfect Summer read – and I recommend reading it on the beach or in your local nature spot.
This book has the same dreamy feel as Bridgerton. Nothing particularly bad ever happens, and it’s full of romance – all told from the refreshing point of view of a young teenager coming of age.
5. ‘Mortal Love’ by Elizabeth Hand
‘Mortal Love’ by Elizabeth Hand follows the life of a mysterious Victorian woman who becomes involved in the lives of several contemporary artists.
The book also tells the story of Daniel Rowlands, a journalist living in modern-day London who meets a similarly mysterious woman with a curious link to the art world.
‘Mortal Love’ by Elizabeth Hand will keep you guessing – just like Bridgerton – and you can let yourself escape into an intoxicating, fascinating historical world.
Looking for more great reads? Check out my blog post for 5 tips to make time for reading for pleasure + my reading recommendations.
Do you watch Bridgerton? What’s your favourite historical fiction book? Have you read the Bridgerton books?
Let me know all your thoughts in the comments below 🙂
Happy reading x
Featured image credits: six two three eight one nine seven blog
Not-So-Modern Girl 
When I get Netflix again I will definitely be adding Bridgerton to my watch list. In the meantime, I will read some of these books as they sound perfect for this vibe!
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Yes! Thank you Molly, it’s got such a lovely vibe. You could read the Bridgerton books while you wait 🙂
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I love Bridgerton, but I haven’t finished the second part of season 3 yet! These books all sound great, and I’m the most intrigued by I Capture the Castle.
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I love I Capture the Castle – it’s the perfect Summer read 🙂
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I actually haven’t watched Bridgerton before but these sound like they would work well and keep you in that vibe, from what I know. I am sure this will be popular with the show’s fans.
Lauren – bournemouthgirl
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Thank you! Yes I think it’s all about those romantic, cosy and escapist vibes. Thank you for reading x
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I have a confession – I’ve never seen an episode of Bridgerton! But I do like the sound of these books! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
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Ooh I really recommend it – it’s a great summer read! Thanks Lucy x
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I haven’t watched Bridgerton yet, but I watched a YouTube video about by Honest Trailers, and I had no idea it was so raunchy. Green Darkness seems like an interesting book, as I’d like to know how the mental breakdown plays out in that context
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Yes it is very raunchy haha, it’s a fun watch! Yes me too, especially as it’s a slightly older novel 🙂
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Oh wow!!! I watched Bridgerton. And historical romance is my Favorite genre. Thank you for your recommendations.
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Thank you Fadima! Historical fiction is great x
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I haven’t watched any of the Bridgerton series (yet!) but I love the look of some of these books. I Capture The Castle was a huge favourite and I’m intrigued by Mortal Love too, thank you for curating this list!
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I Capture the Castle is great! Thank you Lisa 🙂
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These books are very Bridgeton-coded. I have read a few Poldark books but not the one you mentioned. I loved the modern series with Aiden Turner a lot.
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It’s great! I’ve started rewatching it lately, it’s beautifully done 🙂 thanks for reading and commenting x
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I haven’t seen a single episode of Bridgerton, but your post makes me want to dive into that world! Those book recommendations sound amazing, especially I Capture the Castle – perfect for a dreamy summer read. Thanks for the great suggestions! xx
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It’s such a lovely world to lose yourself in 🙂 Thank you! Yes exactly, it’s the perfect time for this type of book x
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I haven’t watched this series but these books all sound fantastic! Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you for reading 🙂
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I will be adding a few of these to my TBR list. I loved how magical Bridgeton is especially the books.
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I know it’s such a lovely book/show 🙂 thank you for sharing x
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