The Gilded Age, a brand-new show from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellows, is must-watch television. Set in 1880’s New York the plot follows country-raised Marian Brook who moves to the big city to live with her wealthy aunts. Think Bridgerton but set in New York, and starring Cynthia Nixon (yes Miranda one from Sex and the City) and Christine Baranski!
It’s peak TV, and the perfect balm for anyone who can’t wait for the second season of Bridgerton or the Downton Abbey movie.
If you can’t wait for each new episode to drop onto Paramount+ every week, here are some books we know you’ll love reading!
I’m Only Wicked With You by Julie Anne Long
USA Today bestselling author Julie Anne Long continues her Palace of Rogues series with a brand-new romance about an ambitious American and a headstrong British heiress.
He’s the battle-hardened son of a bastard, raised in the wilds of New York. She’s the sheltered, blue-blooded darling of the London broadsheets, destined to marry a duke. Their worlds could only collide in a boardinghouse by the London docks…and when they do, the sparks would ignite all of England.
The Lady Detective by Ava January
London’s lawbreakers and loathsome lords … beware!
After the disappearance of her husband, Theodosia can’t imagine giving up her freedom to marry again and relishes her role as detective to the ladies of the upper echelons of society but when a priceless necklace on loan from the Royal family is stolen, Theodosia must work with the scandalous Lord Montague to recover it before the theft is discovered.
Long Meg and the Wicked Baron by Pamela Hart
From award-winning author Pamela Hart, a warm and witty Regency tale of second chance love.
Little Foxbury, Norfolk, 1818
Meg is in her mid-twenties, grief-stricken and all but on the shelf after the death of her beloved fiance, John. The last thing she expects is an immediate attraction to Nicholas, Lord Ashham, newly arrived in their Norfolk area to take up the title of his departed father – who was indeed a wicked Baron. Artistic Nicholas is cut from a different cloth – can Meg help him escape the stain of the past without damaging her own, spotless reputation, and become a bride at last?
The Unworthy Duke by Charlotte Anne
Witty, passionate and fast-paced, this sparkling debut Regency romance is a must-read for any fan of Georgette Heyer, Julia Quinn or Loretta Chase.
She’s running from her past; he’s hiding from his.
Calum Callaghan spent ten years in the Royal Navy fighting Napoleon and has the scars to prove it. Now he’s a duke, but all of London thinks he murdered his brother. Heartbroken and battle weary, he’s locked himself away for four long years, a prisoner in his own townhouse.
That is, until Cal’s grandmother comes to stay with him for the London Season, her new lady’s companion in tow. A lady’s companion with a passion for life and love that can hardly be contained by even the most spinsterish of lace caps. She’s fooling nobody, especially not this grumpy duke.
‘Charming characters, witty banter, a delightful romp from a sparkling new voice in historical romance.’ -Allison Butler, author of the Borderland Brides series
A Family for the Titanic Survivor by Lauri Robinson
From third class on the Titanic… to upper-class bride?
When barmaid Bridget McGowen boarded the Titanic, she never could have imagined the crossing ahead of her. The resilient Irishwoman saves four-year-old Elsie, the niece of New York banker Karl Wingard. Swept into Karl’s world, Bridget feels like a fish out of water, except for the quiet moments she shares with him. As her connection to Karl and Elsie grows, can she break free from the shackles of society so they can be a family?
The Care And Feeding Of Waspish Widows by Olivia Waite
When Agatha Griffin finds a colony of bees in her warehouse, it’s the not-so-perfect ending to a not-so-perfect week. Busy trying to keep her printing business afloat amidst rising taxes and the suppression of radical printers like her son, the last thing the widow wants is to be the victim of a thousand bees. But when a beautiful beekeeper arrives to take care of the pests, Agatha may be in danger of being stung by something far more dangerous…
Regency Infamous Rogues by Margaret Moore
Highland Rogue, London Miss
Lord of Vice. Lady of Virtue?
Quintus MacLachlann is arrogant — unapologetically so. When he’s asked to impersonate one half of a married couple to infiltrate Edinburgh society, he relishes the challenge of being ‘married’ to the frustratingly wilful yet beautiful Esme.
Esme makes no bones about her fervent dislike of the dishonoured rake. He’s the last person on earth she can conceive of marrying, sham or otherwise. But forced to play wife to the handsome-as-sin wastrel brings up very real feelings of desire…
The Princess Plan by Julia London
Princes have pomp and glory — not crushes on commoners.
Nothing gets the tongues of London’s high society wagging like a good scandal. And when the personal secretary of the visiting Prince Sebastian of Alucia is found murdered, it’s all anyone can talk about, including Eliza Tricklebank. Her unapologetic gossip gazette has benefited from an anonymous tip about the crime, prompting Sebastian to take an interest in playing detective — and an even greater interest in Eliza.
With a trade deal on the line and mounting pressure to secure a noble bride, there’s nothing more salacious than a prince dallying with a commoner. Sebastian finds Eliza’s contrary manner as frustrating as it is seductive, but they’ll have to work together if they’re going to catch the culprit. And when things heat up behind closed doors, it’s the prince who’ll have to decide what comes first — his country or his heart.
Happy reading all!