10 Regency romance novels: from classics to modern hits
Hayley Dennings
The top regency romance books
Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal
This book is what you would expect if Jane Austen had written fantasy. “Pride and Prejudice” meets “Johnathan Strange & Mr. Norrell” in this intimate portrait of a woman and her quest for love. The manipulation of glamor is an essential skill for a lady in this world, and Jane must push her skills to the limit to save her sister from an exploitative suitor and accidentally wander into her own love story. “Magical realism in the Regency era. Super enjoyable, and found the magic system quite fascinating,” glowed Fable reader Cecilia Bollinger about this beloved text. “The Jane Austen vibes were perfect.”
The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray
This regency country house murder mystery unfolds when Jane Austen’s Mr. Wickham meets a suspicious demise during a party featuring Austen’s leading literary characters. The murder brings Mr. Knightley and Emma’s party to an abrupt halt, making nearly everyone at the estate a subject. Guests must put aside their differences to uncover the murderer before an innocent person is punished. “I love Jane Austen, and I love Agatha Christie, so I thought I would enjoy this book. And I did. Besides, one of my favorite tropes is when two (or more) people who have no experience or business investigating crime team up together to solve a murder,” wrote Fable reviewer Cecilia Gilbert.
Aphrodite and the Duke by J. J. McAvoy
Second-chance romance and danger thread through the pages of this lush Regency romance. Aphrodite returns to London to aid in her sister’s debut, where she must face her ex, who left her for another woman four years earlier. As he’s determined to win her trust and hand back for a chance at true love, his reason for rejecting Aphrodite threatens their future and their lives.“Aphrodite and The Duke by J. J. McAvoy is a beautifully poetic and emotionally charged story that explores themes of familial relationships, identity, and the complexities of love. The pacing felt steady and engaging, and the author’s complex writing style brought each scene vividly to life,” wrote Fable reviewer Niya the Bookworm.
The Duke Who Loved Me by Jane Ashford
The new Duke of Tereford enlists the help of a young woman to manage the new responsibilities attached to his inherited dukedom. Their marriage of convenience is anything but for Cecelia, who has always wanted this duke and finds his offer to be an insult. But when a German prince arrives and attempts to woo her, James must confront his feelings for Cecilia, or risk losing her for good.“The book was humorous in different ways. Some of the characters and situations were fun. I loved how Cecelia ‘brought James up to snuff’ without him even realizing it. I enjoyed the book and would recommend,” wrote Fable reviewer Marti about this book.
Queen Charlotte by Julia Quinn and Shonda Rhimes
Dive deeper into the original Shondaland series with this romantic Bridgerton prequel novel, featuring the romance that changed the ton. Thrust into a new role as a wife and queen, Charlotte must navigate the intricate politics of the court while guarding her heart as she falls for the King, whose secrets he hides have the potential to shake the monarchy. With the power to remake society, Queen Charlotte must learn to rule.“This is my favorite of the Bridgerton stories. The love story is an inspirational tale of loving someone despite all the troubles life throws at you, and despite illness. That on its own is very moving for me, but I love this story more for the woman empowerment side of the story,” wrote Fable reviewer Heather Barry in a five-star review.
Emma by Jane Austen
Unlike many women of her time, Emma does not need marriage to increase her money or status. She is wealthy, independent, and perfectly content orchestrating the love lives of those around her. But when her meddling leads to a mistake, she is forced to navigate social blunders and misplaced affections as she confronts the true feelings she has for her longtime friend and mentor, Mr. Knightley.“Emma is the first book I have read in 2026 and has inevitably made its way onto the first position, and I doubt that it will be removed from the top 5 anytime soon. Lush, delicate, and gorgeous, Emma is the perfect read for winter. Now I will go into a depressive state without any character with the last name of Woodhouse to take me out. <33,” wrote Fable reviewer Aanya about this book.
The Viscount Who Needs a Wife by Jo Beverley
Kitty has been trapped in her late husband’s home since he died and she has been desperate to escape, no matter the hasty marriage or stranger she must encounter. Viscount Dauntry aims to keep Britain safe and believes he can do so while marrying a sensible widow, until he realizes Kitty is more than he can handle. When a threat to the royal family forces them to London, their growing love is tested before they can truly adjust to each other.“It was a perfect bite of light, crispy regency. Loved the main characters and the bits of mystery,” wrote Fable reader Elizabeth (EB) after finishing this book.
The True Queen by Zen Cho
A young woman with no memories of her past becomes embroiled in dangerous politics in England and the land of the fae. Sisters wake up on a peaceful beach, cursed and with the only knowledge that they are sisters–until one begins to fade away. To save her sister, Muna must learn to navigate high society, act as a magical prodigy, and uncover the secrets of her past.“As wonderful as the first one! I think I really just love books where the magic and plots are rather sensibly absurd, and Zen Cho's writing is the first in a long time to make me so delighted when I'm reading. The bonus is that this book is also sapphic?! (surprised Pikachu face).” wrote Fable reviewer Lydia in a five-star review. “Honestly, an absolute delight, a quick but immersive read, think Howl's Moving Castle x Jane Austen.”
The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics
After receiving a request to translate a French astronomy text from the Countess of Moth, Lucy hoped to find a challenge, not a woman who took her breath away. Still, the two can’t resist longing for each other, spending the day interpreting the complicated French text, and the nights falling in love. When old wounds and sabotage threaten their new love, Lucy and Catherine must find the strength to stay together.“Holy moly. I didn’t realize how much I was itching for a truly good Regency romance until I read this. There’s more to the plot than just the relationship, and the gods, the story it weaves hooked me. I was rooting for the main characters as they navigated a world determined to silence them. I would love to read more of what the supporting cast gets up to, but the story wrapped up so well I can’t truly complain,” wrote Fable reviewer Rae. “All in all, if you’re looking for a Sapphic romance with substance, pick this one up. You won’t be disappointed!”
The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by K. J. Charles
“Bridgerton” meets “Poldark” in this Regency romance involving smugglers, adventure, mystery, and life-changing love. After his father dies, Gareth is left with the family title and a den of cutthroats and thieves. Joss, leader of the Doomsday smuggling clan, clashes with Gareth, reigniting their secret relationship through blackmail. But even as the dust settles, the two can’t stay away from each other, and first they must traverse a road full of danger and mysteries.“Genuinely the most fun and transporting queer romance I've read in a while. The stakes are at a perfect height. The romance is so fun. Just a really enjoyable read. I felt like I was in the marsh for a few days,” wrote Lav in a review of this book.Keep reading historical romance on Everand!
As you can see from this varied list, there are many books to choose from if you’re ever wanting the added sweetness that comes with Regency romance. Everyone needs something different, and our values and interests vary from person to person, as does what captures our attention. For that reason, we designed this list with books that should work for many people (and readers!).Whether you need those soft vibes with countryside strolls, stolen glances, and whimsy, or clever plots to overcome scandal, we hope you find a story that keeps you captivated until the very last page in these books. And remember, reading itself is an important habit. Explore these titles and thousands more on Everand, available in both audiobook and ebook formats, and expand your perspective with unlimited narration styles!
Hayley Dennings