Don't stop with Bridgerton: Other Regency romances deserving of movie adaptations

"Bridgerton" continues to charm legions of fans well beyond the book readers, but those of us who swoon for Regency/Victorian romance have hoped -- perhaps in vain -- that the show's success might still open the door for other adaptations.

It seems unlikely since the iron was hottest in 2020 when "Bridgerton" became an overnight success for Netflix. The plethora of Jane Austen adaptations also hasn't helped Regency romance gain traction. But that doesn't mean a girl can't dream, especially considering how many book series are begging to hit the screen.

Here are the five for which I would give up sleep to binge-watch:

The Wallflowers by Lisa Kleypas -- Any of Lisa Kleypas' series could easily crack the five, but the Wallflowers tops my list. The series is a love story times two. The bond between Annabelle, Lillian, Evie and Daisy is as rich as the romances. They are the best friends we all wish we had. Lisa Kleypas also writes the best love-to-hate-them heroes. Only she could redeem Sebastian and make him one of romance's best leading men.

Rules of Scoundrels by Sarah MacLean -- Actually, this adaptation should start with "Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart" because it sets the stage for the creation of The Fallen Angel, one of the most evocative gambling clubs ever created. Granted the big secret of Chase's real identity, not revealed until book three, would be impossible to hide in an adaptation. But the strong, unconventional women in these books and the troubled souls they love more than make up for the loss of the mystery.

Sins for All Seasons by Lorraine Heath -- The Trewlove family brings to light the practice of baby farming during the Victorian era, where commoners took custody of illegitimate children in exchange for payment. Adoptive mother Ettie Trewlove is at the heart of this unconventional family saga that has it all -- revenge, rescues, secrets, betrayal, scandal and above all, incredible chemistry. Finn and Lavinia's story is also a box-of-tissues tearjerker.

Spindle Cove by Tessa Dare -- In all honesty, not all of these books were my favorite, but Spindle Cove and its cast of characters deserve a place in the spotlight. The hijinks between Lord Payne and Minerva Highwood are so much fun. Tessa Dare also works magic with breaking barriers for her matchups, from a duke and a serving girl to a beautiful debutante and a blacksmith. Dare also wrote several novellas as part of the series, giving an adaptation lots of source material to work with.

The Princes by Elizabeth Hoyt -- This steamy series has page-turning, stay-up-all-night seductive encounters. Hoyt is a master of love scenes. Anna sneaking into the brothel to pleasure the earl is a genius take on an incognito seduction. It's also breathtakingly different from what we usually see in historical romance -- characters who have modern inclinations. Simon's cross-dressing, for example. Her witty dialogue is also in the same vein as Bridgerton.