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A witty, emotionally rich Regency romance sparkling with heart, humor, and sizzling chemistry - especially for fans of mature, slow-burn love stories. A modern classic of the genre.

If you liked What I Did for a Duke, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1
    Lord of Scoundrels
    Book 3 in the series:Scoundrels

    Lord of Scoundrels - Scoundrels by Loretta Chase
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    A beloved classic for a reason, brimming with sass, heat, and heart - "Lord of Scoundrels" is a historical romance you’ll either adore or want to argue about (maybe both!).

    In "Lord of Scoundrels" by Loretta Chase, the story follows Jessica and Dain, who initially clash but later find themselves entangled in a battle of wits and desire. Jessica takes charge in their relationship, pushing Dain to confront his past and his responsibilities, including a son he fathered with a prostitute. The book is praised for its entertaining diversion, witty and romantic writing style, and the strong, independent, and modern-thinking heroine, Jessica Trent.

    Sir Bertram dragged his hand through his tousled brown curls. It was two o’clock in the afternoon and he’d only just changed out of his dressing gown. “Genevieve,” he said hollowly. “Oh, Lord, it is h...
    March 1995
    384 pages

  2. #2

    Lady Derring Takes a Lover - The Palace of Rogues by Julie Anne Long
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    Charming, witty, and refreshingly female-centric - Lady Derring Takes a Lover is a delightful start to a unique series. Come for the romance, stay for the found family and sparkling friendships!

    Delilah Swanpool, Countess of Derring, finds herself penniless after her husband's death, inheriting only a derelict building. She teams up with her late husband's mistress, Angelique, to turn the building into a boardinghouse named The Grand Palace on the Thames. Captain Tristan Hardy, investigating a smuggling ring, becomes a guest at the boardinghouse and finds himself drawn to Delilah. The story explores themes of love, friendship, and independence, with a focus on the evolving relationships between the characters.

    Lady Derring had been raised to believe breeding and manners were a bulwark against all of life’s vicissitudes. So as she peered through her black veil at her husband’s solicitor, her spine was straig...
    February 2019
    386 pages

  3. #3
    Slightly Dangerous
    Book 6 in the series:Bedwyn Saga

    Slightly Dangerous - Bedwyn Saga by Mary Balogh
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    A charming, witty, and heartfelt Regency romance with strong Pride & Prejudice energy – a must-read for fans of opposites-attract stories, even better if you’ve journeyed with the Bedwyns from the start.

    Slightly Dangerous is the final novel in the Bedwyn Series by Mary Balogh, focusing on the story of Wulfric, the Duke of Bewcastle, and the widowed Christine Derrick. The book explores the unlikely and captivating romance between the seemingly cold and authoritarian Wulfric and the lively schoolteacher Christine, with a talent for calamity. Balogh's writing style expertly weaves together a tale of complex characters, personal secrets, and unexpected connections, set away from the fashionable ton environment of London.

    The plot unfolds at a house party where Wulfric and Christine meet, initially appearing as polar opposites but gradually revealing a powerful attraction and a meeting of minds. As their relationship develops, Christine brings joy and spontaneity into Wulfric's life, while he provides her with a sense of companionship and freedom from past pain. Balogh pays tribute to Pride and Prejudice in this novel, blending familiar character dynamics with a refreshing twist, creating a compelling and heartwarming story of love and self-discovery.

    YOUR CHEEKS ARE LOOKING ALARMINGLY FLUSHED, Christine,” her mother remarked, setting her embroidery down in her lap the better to observe her daughter. “And your eyes are very bright. I hope you are n...
    June 2004
    400 pages

  4. #4

    The Luckiest Lady in London - The London Trilogy by Sherry Thomas
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    A clever, sexy, and emotionally satisfying battle of wits with an intense, complicated romance at its heart - add this to your TBR if you love angsty, character-driven historicals with heat and bite.

    The Luckiest Lady in London by Sherry Thomas is a historical romance novel that follows the story of Louisa Cantwell and Felix Rivendale, Marquess of Wrendale. Both characters wear masks to hide their true selves, but as they navigate their internal conflicts and personal growth, they find themselves drawn to each other. The book explores their complex relationship, filled with intelligent banter, emotional strife, and a slow-burning romance. Set against a backdrop of manipulation and pragmatism, Louisa and Felix discover that they are exactly what each other needs, with common interests in the study of astronomy providing a strong foundation for their relationship to blossom.

    Lord Wrenworth might not have heard of Louisa Cantwell until the spring of 1888, but ever since 1883, years before he’d declared his hand available, his name had sat atop her list of eligible young me...
    November 2013
    371 pages

  5. #5

    My Season of Scandal - The Palace of Rogues by Julie Anne Long
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    Stirring, romantic, and gorgeously written - a must-read for lovers of angsty historical romance. If you like a little emotional ache with your happily-ever-after, you'll be swept away.

    "My Season of Scandal" by Julie Anne Long is a historical romance novel that explores the relationship between a naive and poorly chaperoned doctor's daughter and a fiery MP during the late Regency era. The book delves into the challenges the characters face in pursuing their individual goals while navigating societal expectations and their growing attraction towards each other. Readers appreciate the author's ability to handle age gap dynamics with subtlety and praise the believable chemistry between the characters.

    The writing style in "My Season of Scandal" is described as gorgeously written, romantic, and not comedic. Readers mention specific scenes that evoke strong emotions, such as moments that make hearts flutter and even bring tears to their eyes. The book is commended for its ability to blend historical details with a touch of humor, creating a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

    Catherine Keating knew she was giddier than she ought to be for eleven o’clock at night on a Thursday evening, but she’d ordered a cup of tea anyway, just because she could, just for the delightful no...
    April 2024

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Palace of Rogues )

  6. #6
    The Duchess Deal
    by: 
    Book 1 in the series:Girl Meets Duke

    The Duchess Deal - Girl Meets Duke by Tessa Dare
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    An irresistibly funny, warm-hearted historical romance with a swoony scarred hero, a heroine you’ll root for, and sparkling chemistry. A perfect pick-me-up if you want joy, charm, and a dash of steam!

    In "The Duchess Deal" by Tessa Dare, Emma, a seamstress in dire need of payment for a bridal gown, barges into the Duke of Ashbury's residence. The Duke, scarred and reclusive after a war injury, proposes a marriage of convenience to solve both their problems. As they navigate their unconventional relationship, they find themselves falling in love amidst witty banter and heartwarming interactions. The plot unfolds at a good pace, blending humor, romance, and light-heartedness, with side characters adding depth and entertainment to the story. The writing style is witty, engaging, and filled with delightful interactions between the characters.

    She swallowed hard. She could do this. Once, she’d walked to London alone in the bitter heart of winter. She’d refused to succumb to despair or starvation. She’d found work and made a new life for her...
    August 2017
    389 pages

  7. #7

    The Perfect Rake - The Merridew Sisters by Anne Gracie
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    A charming, funny, and emotional Regency romance that’s a must-read for fans of witty banter, lovable heroes, and fake fiancé hijinks - just be ready for a few deeper moments mixed in with the fun.

    'The Perfect Rake' by Anne Gracie follows the story of Prudence Merridew, a strong and protective older sister who risks everything to safeguard her siblings from their abusive grandfather. When they encounter the charming and flirtatious Gideon, a rake with a vulnerable heart underneath his frivolous exterior, Prudence's world is turned upside down. As Prudence and Gideon navigate a slow-burn romance amidst dark pasts and challenging circumstances, they find themselves drawn to each other in a heartwarming and humorous tale that blends romance, humor, and emotional depth. The plot unfolds with a mix of witty banter, endearing characters, and moments of darkness and light, culminating in a charming and engaging regency romance.

    Her twin added, "I wanted to go up and try, too, but I could not get this undone in time." She gestured to her left wrist. It still bore rope marks. "Besides, he's locked the door. Charity said to fet...
    July 2005
    371 pages

  8. #8
    A Week to Be Wicked
    by: 
    Book 2 in the series:Spindle Cove

    A Week to Be Wicked - Spindle Cove by Tessa Dare
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    A sparkling, banter-filled adventure with great chemistry - perfect for fans of funny, feel-good historical romance, but too zany for those who crave strict realism or angst.

    'A Week to Be Wicked' by Tessa Dare follows the story of Minerva Highwood, a geologist, who persuades Viscount Colin Payne to fake an elopement with her to attend a geology conference in Scotland. As they embark on a road trip filled with adventures, their witty banter and growing attraction lead to a romantic and humorous journey. The writing style is described as witty, modernish romance with entertaining characters and a well-crafted romance plot that keeps the readers engaged.

    Rather nonsensical, that she needed to state just which Miss Highwood she was. From Minerva’s view, it ought to be obvious. Her younger sister, Charlotte, was an exuberant yet tender fifteen years of...
    March 2012
    385 pages

  9. #9

    Bringing Down the Duke - A League of Extraordinary Women by Evie Dunmore
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    A smart, swoon-worthy historical romance with real stakes, engaging characters, and a feminist edge. It’s perfect if you want both heart-tugging romance and substance - just be ready for a side of angst with your feels!

    When Annabelle Archer earns a place as one of the first women to study at Oxford in England in 1879, she encounters a group of early suffragettes and an insufferable duke who is not at all happy with his attraction to a commoner. The story revolves around their interactions, the societal expectations they face, and the development of their romance amidst the backdrop of the suffragette movement. The writing style is described as enthralling, with a good balance between serious themes of gender and class and the more lighthearted aspects of the story.

    Annabelle lowered her lashes. She knew it would look demure, and demure placated her cousin best when he was all in a fluster. Of all the types of men she had learned to manage, the “ignorant yet self...
    September 2019
    341 pages

  10. #10

    Love in the Afternoon - The Hathaways by Lisa Kleypas
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    A heartfelt, unique historical romance with a quirky heroine and real emotional heft. If you love epistolary love stories and seeing imperfect people find acceptance, this is a can't-miss.

    In "Love in the Afternoon" by Lisa Kleypas, the story revolves around Beatrix Hathaway, the youngest of the clan, who begins a correspondence with Captain Christopher Phelan under her friend's name. As their letters deepen their connection, Christopher returns home as a war-weary soldier looking for the woman he fell in love with through the letters, not realizing it was Beatrix all along. The book explores themes of love, deception, PTSD, and growth as Beatrix and Christopher navigate their feelings and past traumas to find a way to be together. The writing style of the book is described as romantic, sweet, and heartwrenching, with a focus on character development and emotional depth.

    “Captain Phelan has no need of my concern,” Beatrix said pragmatically. “He has the concern of every marriageable miss in Hampshire. Besides, he chose to go to war, and I’m sure he’s having a lovely t...
    June 2010
    347 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Hathaways )

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