Longing glances, ballroom dances, dashing duels, elegant fashion, complex social etiquette, and artful tension…
To modern readers, the world of Regency romance is as charming as it is foreign. It is a time removed, full of country estates with immaculately kept gardens and lavish parties, where the brush of a hand or an impulsive kiss can cause quite a stir among one’s peers.
Julia Quinn, the author of the book series Netflix’s Bridgerton is based on, said part of the Regency era’s allure is:
“It’s far enough in the past that it’s imbued with a fairytale-like quality in ways that something set in the 20th or 21st centuries can’t be. But it’s modern enough that I can make my characters think and act in ways that resonate with contemporary readers.”
Indeed, the Bridgerton show takes what people love about the Regency era and creates an almost alternate version of this 9 year period in history (yes, only 9): beautiful brightly-colored costumes and sets when most period-accurate Regency clothing was more subdued and a multiracial cast when most Regency stories are entirely about white English people. It makes not only for fun and refreshing escapism, but allows more diverse identities to see themselves as part of the ton.
If you just can’t get enough of Bridgerton after its most recent season, if you’re looking for more swoon-worthy romances with high-stakes conflicts, then this Regency romance audiobook collection is sure to please.
The Doomsday Book Series
Written by KJ Charles, narrated by Maryn Swain
The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen – Book 1
A frenemies-to-lovers romance that features plenty of fast-paced adventure and mystery to keep you hooked.
Abandoned by his father, Gareth Inglis grew up lonely and longing for a connection. When he meets a charming stranger, he falls head over heels―until everything goes wrong and he’s left alone again. Then Gareth’s father dies, turning him into Sir Gareth with a grand house on the remote Romney Marsh.
Joss Doomsday has run the Doomsday smuggling clan since he was a boy. When the new baronet―his old lover―agrees to testify against Joss’s sister, Joss acts fast to stop him. Their reunion is anything but happy, yet after the dust settles, neither can stay away. But when Gareth finds himself threatened from every side, the gentleman and the smuggler must trust one another not just with their hearts but also with their lives.
Charles’ inspiration for the book all started with a name: Joss Doomsday. Specifically, the surname Doomsday. From there, she decided this Joss had to be a smuggler and set her story during the Napoleonic Wars, a time of unjust taxation and trade restrictions when many people benefitted from smuggling.
A Nobleman’s Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel – Book 2
Set 13 years after the first book, we follow Joss’ younger cousin as he unexpectedly partners with new local lord Rufus d’Aumesty.
When Major Rufus d’Aumesty abruptly becomes the Earl of Oxney, he finds himself living in a remote manor on the edge of Romney Marsh and his title contested by both his greedy uncle and unexpected claimant Luke Doomsday, a member of the local smuggling clan. They should be natural enemies, but Luke is a secretary by trade and quickly becomes an unexpected ally, the partner Rufus needs… and soon the lover he can’t live without.
But Luke came to Stone Manor with an ulterior motive and as family secrets unspool on both sides, master and man soon find their positions and their partnership in danger of falling apart…
Every Duke Has His Day
Written by Suzanne Enoch, narrated by Mark Meadows
“A well-crafted historical romance about dogs and the people who love them.” – Kirkus Reviews
Michael Bromley, Duke of Woriton and eccentric chemist, can navigate a society ballroom and manage polite conversation – if he must. He’s certainly capable of taking care of his aunt’s perfectly behaved poodle, Lancelot, while she’s on holiday.
Elizabeth “Bitsy” Dockering, daughter of a viscount and Diamond of the Season, is adored by all, especially her poodle Galahad. To everyone else, however, Galahad is a demon dog. So much so that Bitsy’s most insistent beau has hired a thief to steal the dog to clear the way for his suit.
But none of them can plan for a chaotic encounter in the park that results in an accidental dog swap… and Lancelot being kidnapped instead of Galahad! Determined to locate the dog, Michael and Bitsy become an unexpected team. But chemistry is all about attraction, and this is one formula with some hilariously romantic results.
Halifax Hellions Series
Written by Alexandra Vasti, narrated by Mhairi Morrison
In Which Margo Halifax Earns Her Shocking Reputation – Book 1
The first in a series of “hot, smart, funny, and charming as hell” (Alix E. Harrow, New York Times bestselling author) novellas.
The Halifax Hellions are the most scandalous, outrageous, ungovernable ladies in London who’ve turned the ton upside down. But when Matilda elopes with a dangerous aristocrat, Margo must stop her twin before this new misadventure becomes a permanent marriage. Margo turns to her brother’s best friend to get her to Scotland in time: solicitor Henry Mortimer, who has been secretly in love with Margo for seven years.
But the road to Scotland is paved with disasters—caves and crashes and the bloody rain that keeps forcing Henry to hold a damp, shivering, dreadfully tempting Margo in his arms. Only an unstoppable force could drag the truth of Henry’s affection from his lips. Unfortunately for him, Margo Halifax has yet to be stopped.
In Which Matilda Halifax Learns the Value of Restraint – Book 2
For seven years, Matilda Halifax and her twin have been the most scandalous ladies in London.
But when Matilda accidentally sells erotic drawings of the reclusive Marquess of Ashford, her widowed husband, Christian de Bord is thrust back into a storm of public attention. Accusations of murdering his wife and other prurient gossip have kept him isolated until now.
Christian’s life is in an uproar. The painting teacher of his adolescent sister, Bea, quits and the only person he can find to replace them is Matilda herself. The last thing Christian needs is another scandal.
But Matilda is determined to right what she’s set wrong. One fake elopement later, Matilda finds herself in a carriage on the way to Northumberland with Christian. Only Matilda could turn Christian’s disciplined life so decidedly inside out—and only Matilda can persuade him that love just might be worth the risk.
In Which Winnie Halifax is Utterly Ruined – Book 3
In 1811, Winifred Wallace told one tiny lie.
To secure her future as an independent sheep farmer, Winnie invented an estranged husband named Mr. Spencer Halifax and forged their marriage record. Ten years later, her deception catches up with her: in the form of the disturbingly real, distressingly attractive earl on her doorstep.
Spencer Halifax wants to set a good example for his beloved hellion sisters, and involving himself with a moderately felonious sheep farmer is decidedly not sensible.
When Spencer asks Winnie to travel with him to London to disentangle their semi-legal union, Winnie agrees; this will give her the chance to give back the jewelry her mother stole from noblemen on the sly.
Returning the jewelry, however, is more difficult than Winnie imagined. The only way forward is to trust Spencer with the truth of her past—even if doing so threatens their pretend marriage and the all-too-real feelings between them.
Hotel of Secrets
Written by Diana Biller, narrated by Carlotta Brentan
Chock full of banter-filled shenanigans, must-have-you kisses, and romance certain to light a fire in the hearts of listeners everywhere.
It’s ball season in Vienna, and Maria Wallner only wants one thing: to restore her family’s hotel, the Hotel Wallner, to its former glory. And she’s not going to let anything get in her way.
Eli Whittaker also only wants one thing: to find out who is selling American secret codes across Europe, arrest them, and go home to his sensible life in Washington, DC. He has one lead—a letter the culprit sent from a Viennese hotel. But when he arrives in Vienna, he is immediately swept up into a chaotic whirlwind of balls, spies, waltzes, and a beautiful hotelkeeper who seems to constantly find herself in danger.
The Lady He Lost
Written by Faye Delacour, narrated by Blythe Fortune
When Lt. Eli Williams reappears after being lost at sea, his first move is to redeem himself with a friend who’s only interest is in making her own way in the world…
Lieutenant Eli Williams was supposed to be dead. So when he turns up in the middle of the London social season two years after his shipwreck, he quickly becomes the talk of the town. All Eli wants is to set his life back in order and reconnect with Jane Bishop, a friend who has always meant so much more to him.
But Jane is done pining over Eli, instead focused on gaining her financial independence by establishing a ladies’ gambling club. Never mind that Eli keeps trying to atone for his past mistake by bringing in new members. He’s keeping secrets about his disappearance, which means that she can’t trust him with her heart even if she did kiss him in a moment of weakness.
As Eli works to regain her trust, Jane’s defensive walls begin to crumble. But when Eli faces a court of inquiry on suspicion of desertion, Jane must decide if she can let go of the past to build a future with Eli or if she’s willing to risk losing him for good.