Fun and Flirty YA Historical Fiction for Fans of Bridgerton on Netflix
Here are some recommendations of Fun and Flirty YA Historical Fiction for fans of Bridgerton on Netflix. Did you avoid historical fiction … until Bridgerton on Netflix made it all seem fun, spicy, and … relevant? Here are some books for you while we’re all waiting impatiently for that new season of Bridgerton to drop.
Fun YA Historical Fiction for Fans of Bridgerton on Netflix
There are many YA books that take place during the Regency period, and I have a full list here.
But I’m going to focus on YA Historical Fiction that’s more in the spirit of Bridgerton:
My Criteria
- Re-imagined history, anti-history, and alt-history
- Elements of diversity, such as characters of color or queer characters
- A more irreverent and inclusive and less “historically accurate” feel
An Improbable Season by Rosalyn Eves (2023)
Triple threat! Three young women head to London during the Regency period, hoping to take the ton by storm. One wants to be a poet, one a scientist, and the other just wants to be the belle of all the balls. (Or course, nothing goes to plan…)
An Unlikely Proposition by Rosalyn Eves (2024)
A seventeen year-old widow just wants to have fun. How about a fauxmance? (If you’re a romance reader you KNOW what happens next….)
Queen Bee by Amalie Howard (2023)
Pitched as “an anti-historical Regency-era romp that’s Bridgerton meets The Count of Monte Cristo.” Um.. Regency Revenge story? Yes, please!
Bellegarde by Jamie Lilac (2023)
This “She’s All That” retelling set in 18th century France is exactly perfect for fans of Bridgerton! I really enjoyed this one!
Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend by Emma R. Alban (2023)
What? A Parent Trap retelling but make it f/f? Two young women on the marriage market discover that their parents once dated and decide to play matchmakers. But are they also attracted to each other? LOVED The Parent Trap and loved this! (And yes, that’s a Taylor Swift reference, right?)
You’re The Problem, It’s You (Coming in August 2024)
An enemies to lovers m/m Regency romance featuring a sour spare (hmmm) who falls hard for a nobleman who represents everything he (thinks he) hates. MUST READ for fans of Red, White and Royal Blue!
The Davenports by Krystal Marquis
The young women in a rich Black family in 1910s Chicago try to find love and happiness.
Wondering which Bridgerton Character You’re Most Like?
Do you have any other titles to recommend? Tell me in comments!
If you love the Tudor period, check out my posts on Brazen and Tarnish by Katherine Longshore.
I'm really not much for historical novels, so I don't know how much I would like these. I have heard that Code Name Verity is really good though. Great reviews!
It's a great book!
I'm not usually one for historical fiction, but all three of these titles make me want to change my mind. Especially Wentworth Hall. I hear it is Downton Abbey for book lovers.
It does take place in the Edwardian age, like Downton Abbey, and looks at the servants and the nobility, so yes, it has a similar feel.
You know how I love Downton 😉
I adore Historical Fiction! I can't get enough of it. Although I really haven't read too much of it in YA that I do like. What I love about Historical Fiction is that it's fun and frothy. Gilt was very accurate which made it more dark.I didn't enjoy it as much but I liked how the author kept true to history and I'm interested in the second bk. I got a copy of WentWorth Hall from a friend this week and I'm eager to try it. I DID however read Keeping The Castle and it was beyond amazing! The perfect historical ya fiction book to date!
I'm sure you will love Wentworth Hall. I don't think I've read Keeping the Castle. Will have to keep my eye out for that.
I don't read much historical fiction either. Cassandra Clare's Infernal Devices is about it lol and mostly only cause of Jem. Although Gilt sounds pretty good. I do like that time period and all the crazy Henry VIII stuff! Wentworth Hall sounds decent since you said it's more parties and gossip than historical details. I've always wanted to give The Luxe a try. I've heard it's like historical Gossip Girl and love me some Gossip Girl although mostly for Chuck Bass.
You should definitely try all those. The Luxe series is fun and Wentworth Hall has the same feel. But if you love the Tudor stuff, you should definitely try Gilt!
this is like… 3 reviews in one! lol you are reading like the breeze!
LOL I thought it was so clever and now I have no post for Saturday!
I favour Historical over Contemporary. I have all of these on my wish list.
Enjoy them!
I love historical fiction of all kinds — so glad you liked those!
I like this round up feature! I enjoyed Gilt too. I knew the fates of some the cast going in, but it was like watching a train wreck, I couldn't look away! Can't wait to read Wentworth Hall (thanks to a very cool blogger!) and I'm starting Code Name Verity TONIGHT, woo hoo!
You're going to love Code Name Verity. The formatting in my e-ARC was a little weird, but after a while I didn't even notice — it was good!!