Regency Romance Done Right: The Best of Georgette Heyer

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Dear Joyvity™ Friends,

Before Bridgerton swept Netflix and ignited a new wave of Regency fever, there was Georgette Heyer. She wrote witty, sparkling romances set in the Regency era long before it was fashionable — blending comedy, manners, and romance in a way that shaped the entire genre. If you’ve ever wondered “What to read after Bridgerton?”, the answer is here.

I’ve read Heyer’s novels myself, and I can tell you I was pleasantly surprised; enough to tell you about them. Some are lighthearted romps, others are more emotionally layered, but all deliver the wit and elegance that make Regency romance so beloved. Below, I’ve gathered 8 of her most delightful works to get you started.

1. The Grand Sophy

If you love a bold heroine who takes charge, Sophy is your match. She sweeps into her relatives’ household and rearranges everyone’s lives with wit, charm, and unexpected romance.

👉 Find it on Amazon here

2. Arabella

A Cinderella-style romance where Arabella, a vicar’s daughter, pretends to be wealthy — only to fall for a cynical hero who’s not easily fooled. If you liked the upstairs-downstairs contrasts in Bridgerton, this one sparkles.

👉 Find it on Amazon here

3. Frederica

Full of family comedy and heart, Frederica shines with strong sibling dynamics and a heroine who charms even the most reluctant bachelor.

👉 Find it on Amazon here

4. Venetia

This one’s for fans of slow-burn romance with a notorious but magnetic hero. Venetia’s independence and wit make her unforgettable — and her banter with Lord Damerel is among Heyer’s best.

👉 Find it on Amazon here

5. Cotillion

Playful, frothy, and full of misunderstandings — Cotillion is a Regency romp. Think Bridgerton-style balls, gossip, and young people making questionable choices that somehow lead to love.

👉 Find it on Amazon here

6. Sylvester, or the Wicked Uncle

A dashing duke meets his match in Phoebe, a spirited heroine who wants none of his arrogance. This one’s perfect if you enjoyed the clash of personalities in Pride and Prejudice or Anthony & Kate in Bridgerton.

👉 Find it on Amazon here

7. The Talisman Ring

Part romance, part adventure, this book mixes highwaymen, stolen jewels, and a double love story. It’s lighter, funnier, and a great entry point into Heyer’s world.

👉 Find it on Amazon here

8. The Convenient Marriage

A marriage-of-convenience trope done with Heyer’s signature sparkle. Fans of Bridgerton’s Penelope and Colin will enjoy the mix of secrets, schemes, and reluctant affection.

👉 Find it on Amazon here

✨ Why Read Heyer if You Loved Bridgerton?

• The witty banter and ballroom drama are timeless.

• Heyer’s heroines are independent, clever, and quietly subversive.

• Her books deliver comfort reads that feel like slipping into a warm, candlelit world.

If Bridgerton left you wishing the season had just one more episode, Georgette Heyer has decades’ worth of stories waiting for you…..try them, you won’t regret it!

You May Also Like

If you enjoy multi-generational family sagas, don’t miss my post on The Cazalet Chronicles. For more sweeping stories with romance and history, explore my guide to the best books by Santa Montefiore. And if you’re shopping for the writers in your life, here are some thoughtful gift ideas for writers.

✦ Final Thoughts

Whether you’re dipping into Heyer for the first time or rediscovering her as a longtime fan, these novels are proof that Regency romance never goes out of style. They’re witty, warm, and endlessly re-readable — the perfect escape when you want more than just another season of Bridgerton.

Wishing you many cozy evenings with these timeless stories,

Ana