It’s always a good day for the romance community when a new season of Bridgerton is coming out. Netflix released the first four episodes on January 29th, and Part 2 will follow on February 26th. If you love the big dresses, court shenanigans vibe and want to linger in that feeling until Part 2 comes out, these romance manhwa might be just what you’re looking for.
Romance Manhwa exactly like Bridgerton: Miss Pendleton
Dear gentle reader: if you want to read something with the exact same vibe as Bridgerton, go read Miss Pendleton. The story follows Laura Pendleton, who is considered old by London’s high society and, because she isn’t married yet, is labeled a spinster. That doesn’t stop her from meddling, though – she’s known as the number one matchmaker in London. One day, a friend asks her to guide the stoic Mr. Ian Dalton of Whitefield through high society, and the two immediately click.
You should read this if you:
- don’t mind when the “historical” part isn’t very accurate – but that’s true for most romance manhwa, to be honest
- love it when even the language feels very Bridgerton-like. Just a short excerpt from chapter one:
“For an unmarried woman to make her own way in this world… well, suffice to say it’s a truly arduous life in terms both personal and financial.” - enjoy a historical romance manhwa that isn’t an isekai and where the FL isn’t regressed
Your Ryan – a romance manhwa with a chaotic female lead
Your Ryan is one of my current favorite reads and a very unexpected find. Our female lead is Eloise Surbiton – and even her name gives strong Bridgerton vibes. Is it a coincidence that her character feels similar to Eloise Bridgerton? She hates meddling in high society and doesn’t like conforming to its standards. In her free time, she paints a lot – but not just any subjects. She paints nude men while secretly fawning over war hero Ryan Wilgrave.
At the beginning of the story, soldier Ryan Wilgrave moves into her family’s townhouse. Little does she know that her beloved Ryan may not be quite so out of reach after all.
You should read this if you:
- love a female lead who is chaotic but firm and always speaks her mind
- enjoy romance manhwa with great art – almost every character has a distinct face structure
- love it when the ML falls first and enjoy the hidden-identity trope
Moving a bit further away from the Bridgerton vibe – but still worth it
The Redemption of Earl Nottingham
This story doesn’t focus on meddling in high society to find a match, but it has a much more serious tone than most historical romances – mainly because it isn’t an isekai. The FL regresses and goes back in time, and the story is set around World War I. It’s about loss, struggle, and trying to stay afloat. The longing, the feeling of not being good enough, and the idea of second chances still give off strong Bridgerton vibes.
You should read if you:
- enjoy female leads who stand on their own and make their own choices
- don’t mind the “we love each other, but can’t be together” trope
- don’t mind a fairly large time skip toward the end, with the FL trying to build a new life far away from the ML
The Accidental Heiress
The Accidental Heiress is a fun rags-to-riches story. Riella is a florist whose beautiful flowers catch Duchess Horssen’s attention – they carry a special kind of energy – leading to an unexpected inheritance. This, of course, sparks jealousy from competitors who wanted the fortune for themselves.
This story doesn’t include much meddling in high society either and leans more into fantasy elements: the ML is a powerful wizard. Still, it isn’t an isekai, and the FL does have to charm established high society in order to keep her new status.
You should read this if you:
- love it when the ML falls first
- don’t mind a few unnecessary misunderstandings along the way
- enjoy enemies-to-lovers romances where the relationship develops naturally
Honorable mention: Wall of Glass
I haven’t read this one myself yet, but it came up during my research and looks very promising. Apparently, it’s an angsty read that will make you cry, but with well-written characters. Both protagonists are trying to build a better life for themselves within high society.
This is the official summary on Tapas:
“Liliana Pence’s world as a naive, young noblewoman changes upon meeting Edward Carter, a commoner with an agenda of his own. Oblivious to his scorn for her, Liliana dreams of being together with him—until her dreams are shattered by her arranged marriage. Desperate to avoid the union, she confesses to Edward, only to have him coldly reject her and disappear. When Liliana’s fortunes take a turn for the worse and she loses everything, the two reunite… but in a way neither expects.”
Other historical romance manhwa I know don’t quite capture the Bridgerton feeling – especially since many of them are isekai, which gives the story a completely different objective. But if you’re still in the mood for historical romance, check out my recommendations for good historical romance manhwa. You might also enjoy my list of overrated historical romance manhwa that didn’t quite hit the spot for me.
