Got the Post-Bridgerton Blues?

More Saucy Historical Books and Shows to Fill the Void

If you're one of the many who've already binged season two of Bridgerton and devoured Julia Quinn's eight-volume series, you may be pining for more sexy, frothy historical stories. Whether you'd prefer your steamy period pieces on the screen or the page, we have suggestions for you.

Binge These Steamy Historical Dramas

This collection of shows and movies offer many of the same elements as Bridgerton, like corseted couplings, witty repartee, and comely, diverse casts.

Sanditon
Based on an unfinished manuscript by resident regency-era author Jane Austen, the Masterpiece series follows a young and naive heroine as she navigates the social pitfalls of a newly developed seaside resort town.

The Favourite
Cousins Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough (Rachel Weisz) and Abigail Masham (Emma Stone) compete to be Court favorite of Queen Anne (Olivia Coleman). The darkly comic film garnered many nominations and awards.

The White Queen, The White Princess, and The Spanish Princess
Set against the backdrop of the Wars of the Roses, these three interconnected series are derived from several Philippa Gregory novels. They present the story of the women involved in the long conflict between the House of York and the House of Lancaster. Casts include big names like Rebecca Ferguson, Jodie Comer, and Laura Carmichael.

Poldark
Based on the series of the same name by Winston Graham, this hugely popular BBC program follows the title character as he returns to Cornwall after the American War of Independence in 1783. Drama ensues when Captain Poldark comes home to some unpleasant surprises.

Mary Queen of Scots
Starring Margot Robbie and Saorise Ronan this lush film is set in 1561, when nineteen-year-old Mary Stuart, the widowed Catholic Queen of Scotland, returns from France to her home country and attempts to reclaim her throne, drawing the ire of her Protestant cousin, Queen Elizabeth I of England.

Pride & Prejudice: It's worth noting that Jane Austen's timeless novel was published the same year that Bridgerton is set. There are, of course, many adaptations, but this BBC series happens to be our favorite.

Get Your Juicy Historical Romance in Writing

Because sometimes books are just, you know, better!

A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas
Book one in the gender-flipping Lady Sherlock series about Charlotte Holmes, a Victorian-era woman who challenges societal expectations and sets out to solve a series of murders in her community.

Reputation by Lex Croucher
Described as Pride and Prejudice meets Gossip Girl, this hilarious Regency-era romcom traces the path of middle-class Georgiana Ellers. New to town after moving in with her dreary aunt and uncle, she falls in with the wild, wealthy in-crowd.

Everything Forbidden by Jess Michaels
If what you love about Bridgerton are the spicy bits, book one in the Albright Sisters series is like Fifty Shades of Gray set in historic England. After their father dies, leaving a mountain of debt, dedicated big sister Miranda offers herself to the bawdy duke next door if he will sponsor her younger sisters.

To Have and to Hoax by Martha Waters
Married five years, Lady Violet and Lord James barely speak to one another because of "the Argument." But when Violet receives a letter that James has been thrown from his horse and injured, she rushes to his side—only to find him fine and drinking at a tavern. Furious, she decides to teach him a lesson.

Brontë’s Mistress by Finola Austin
Who knew the Brontë sisters had a brother—and a rakish one at that! This meticulously researched novel reimagines the affair that scandalized the Brontë family and presents an illuminating portrait of the sharp-witted woman at the center of the story, fighting to preserve her dignity.

An Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire by Manda Collins
Even though it cost her a fiancé, Caroline Hardcastle is dedicated to her work writing an infamous crime column. When her dear friend is kidnapped, she must join forces with the very man who broke her heart. This time, when the situation turns from bad to worse, can she trust him to stand by her?

The Scarlet Contessa by Jeanne Kalogridis
What Philippa Gregory does for Tudor England, Kalogridis does for Renaissance Italy. This novel reimagines the life of Caterina Sforza, an audacious countess who ruled her own lands, fought her own battles, and openly took lovers whenever she pleased.

Soapy, sexy historical romances delivered! Hopefully these will help satisfy your desires for petticoats and passion until season three of Bridgerton sails in. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for daily book recommendations, literary tidbits, and more.

Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon