Excited for Mad About the Boy? I know I am and it’s making me nostalgic for Bridget Jones in all her incarnations, book and film. It’s also making me pine for more books to read like Bridget Jones, with heroines who are just as funny and relatable.
If you love the hilarious antics of Bridget Jones too, do not fear! There’s a whole world of books out there that capture the same wit, humour, and heart as our girl, Bridge. Whether you enjoy stories of single life, personal growth, or lip-syncing to “All By Myself” with a bottle of wine, these books are perfect for fans of Bridget Jones’s Diary.
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I’ve included Amazon links to each book, but you can also read where to get e-books and audiobooks for free and how to listen to audiobooks on Spotify for alternatives. (Check out how to gift Kindle books and how to gift Audible for other digital versions.)
- Bridget Jones Books
- 1. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
- 2. I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella
- 3. Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner
- 4. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
- 5. Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella
- 6. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
- 7. If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane
- 8. The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella
- 9. Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
- 10. The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
- 11. Last Tang Standing by Lauren Ho
- 12. This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens
- 13. How Stella Got Her Groove Back by Terry McMillan
- 14. The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon
- 15. It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake by Claire Christian
- 16. Much Ado About You by Samantha Young
- 17. The Matchmaker’s List by Sonya Lalli
- 18. If You Ask Me by Libby Hubscher
- 19. Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers
- 20. In Case You Missed It by Lindsey Kelk
- 21. The Trouble With Hating You by Sajni Patel
- 22. Make Up Break Up by Lily Menon
- 23. I Love Capri by Belinda Jones
- More Books for Bridget Jones Fans
Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using this link, but at no cost to you.
Bridget Jones Books
Obviously, if you haven’t yet read all four Bridget Jones books yet, start there. You can also find more books by author Helen Fielding here.
1. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Don Tillman, a socially awkward genetics professor, sets out to find a wife using a scientific approach in The Rosie Project. Like Bridget, Don is endearingly awkward in his pursuit of love. His project to find “the perfect woman” leads him to Rosie, a woman who is completely unsuitable but whom he becomes deeply fond of.
Quote: “I may not be a romantic, but I am an intelligent man. I know the difference between love and infatuation. What I don’t know is how to tell them apart when I’m feeling them.”
Full of humour, heart, and plenty of awkward moments, this book is a perfect follow-up for fans of Bridget’s quirky, unpredictable love life.
Read Next: I also included this book in my list of 14 Great Love Stories for Romantics for Valentine’s Day (did you know that Bridget Jones is based around Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice?)
2. I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella
Sophie Kinsella’s I’ve Got Your Number brings a fresh take on romantic misadventures. Poppy, a woman on the brink of disaster after losing her engagement ring and phone, steals a stranger’s phone to try to salvage her life.
Quote: “I think I must be in some kind of zone. A zone where I’m thinking only one thing: that I have no idea what the hell I’m doing.”
Chaos ensues, and the humour is just as sharp and witty as Bridget Jones. If you love Kinsella’s Shopaholic series, you’ll find her style just as entertaining in this standalone story.
3. Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner
Bridget Jones, wanton sex goddess, with a very bad man between her thighs…
If you’re into stories about women who are navigating complicated love lives and body image issues, Good in Bed is a must-read. Cannie Shapiro, the main character, is grappling with her body image, the end of a relationship, and a life that isn’t turning out how she imagined.
Quote: “Cannie realized that life is a game of hide-and-seek. You hide from the things you’re afraid of, and you seek the things you want.”
Jennifer Weiner is known for writing relatable, realistic characters, and if you loved Bridget’s journey toward self-acceptance (or you find dear Bridge’s obsession with calories and weight loss a little outdated these days), then Cannie’s journey will resonate with you.
4. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
The Hating Game is a hilarious office romance features Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, who are locked in a bitter rivalry as they work together at a publishing company (Daniel Cleaver, anyone?). Think of it as the perfect blend of humour, romance, and a touch of drama – all set in the workplace.
Quote: “I hate you, I really hate you. But then again, I love you.”
The witty banter between Lucy and Joshua, along with their undeniable chemistry, will remind you of Bridget’s rollercoaster romance with her own Mr. Darcy.
5. Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella
Another Kinsella favourite, Can You Keep a Secret? tells the story of Emma Corrigan, a woman with plenty of secrets she hides from her colleagues, friends, and family. When Emma spills her secrets to a stranger on a flight, she has no idea that he’s actually the CEO of the company she works for.
Quote: “I was a great girl, once. Just ask me. I used to be happy. I used to be confident. I was a proper grown-up person.”
Kinsella’s brand of comedy, along with a charming romance and plenty of funny moments, makes this a perfect read for anyone who loved the lovable mess and verbal diarrhoea of Bridget Jones.
6. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
While Me Before You has a bit more emotional depth than Bridget Jones, it shares themes of personal transformation and the complexities of relationships. The story follows Louisa Clark, a quirky young woman who becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor, a man who is adjusting to life after a life-changing accident.
Quote: “You only get one life. It’s actually your duty to live it as fully as possible.”
The humour, emotional moments, and romantic tension will appeal to anyone who loves a well-rounded, heartfelt story.
Read Next: I also included this book in my Epic Love Stories for Valentine’s Day list.
7. If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane
In If I Never Met You, Laurie is shocked when her long-term boyfriend unexpectedly ends their relationship, leaving her to pick up the pieces. When she’s faced with the potential awkwardness of a work situation with her ex (hello Daniel Cleaver again), she decides to enter into a fake relationship with a colleague to save face. As their charade grows more complicated, Laurie finds herself navigating real emotions.
Quote: “Love was always supposed to be this one big, messy, perfect thing. But actually, the real stuff is all the little things you do for each other.”
McFarlane’s witty writing and charming characters will remind you of Bridget’s hilarious and relatable journey to love.
8. The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella
Samantha Sweeting, a successful lawyer, finds herself having a breakdown and accidentally ending up as a housekeeper in a countryside home.
Quote: “Maybe that’s what it’s all about. Finding the best version of yourself.”
The quirky premise and relatable character navigating a whole new world of domestic life makes The Undomestic Goddess the perfect read for fans of Bridget’s clumsy charm. The story is heartwarming, funny, and full of unexpected twists.
9. Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
If you like humour mixed with a bit of mystery and wit, Where’d You Go, Bernadette is a fantastic option. The novel follows Bernadette Fox, a reclusive, eccentric architect who suddenly disappears, and her daughter Bee, who is determined to find her.
Quote: “If you ever start feeling like you’re perfect, you will be the first person to know.”
The snarky humour and complicated, yet lovable, characters are sure to remind you of Bridget’s own quirky escapades. Let’s hope Bernadette isn’t found all alone, half-eaten by an Alsatian.
10. The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
In The Flatshare, Tiffy and Leon, two strangers, end up sharing a flat in London, despite never meeting. Tiffy occupies the apartment during the day, while Leon stays at night due to their differing work schedules. This unconventional living situation leads to an unexpected and heartwarming romance.
Quote: “I’m not saying it’s the greatest idea I’ve ever had. I’m just saying I had it.”
The witty writing and the quirky, lovable characters make this a great pick for fans of Bridget’s journey toward finding happiness on her own terms. Perhaps it’s also more realistic than Bridget’s cute flat considering the housing prices in London these days!
11. Last Tang Standing by Lauren Ho
In Last Tang Standing, Andrea Tang is a successful corporate lawyer who seems to have it all — except for one thing: a boyfriend. When her parents start pressuring her to get married (surely channelling true Pamela Jones and Una Alconbury), she finds herself navigating the complexities of family expectations, her career, and the quest for true love.
Quote: “I am not the kind of woman who apologizes for being ambitious. I will not apologize for wanting more out of life.”
With sharp humour and a witty exploration of relationships and self-discovery, this novel offers a delightful mix of romance and cultural insights, perfect for fans of Bridget’s awkward yet warm-and-fuzzy adventures in love.
12. This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens
New Year’s Resolution: drink less… and quit smoking… and quit talking total nonsense to strangers… actually, quit talking, full stop.
Minnie Cooper’s 30th birthday is nothing like she imagined—especially when she finds out that Quinn Hamilton, the man who shared the same New Year’s Eve birthday with her, has a seemingly perfect life. As the two cross paths again, sparks fly and they both learn a lot about themselves.
Quote: “The world doesn’t stop because you’ve had a bad day, and sometimes it can be hard to remember that things will get better. But they always do.”
If you loved Bridget’s self-discovery and romantic adventures, This Time Next Year delivers those moments with plenty of heart and humour.
13. How Stella Got Her Groove Back by Terry McMillan
Stella, a 40-something woman who thinks her best years are behind her, finds herself on a spontaneous trip to Jamaica where she meets a much younger man (Roxster has entered the chat). How Stella Got Her Groove Back is a romantic, empowering story celebrates taking risks, embracing change, and rediscovering love.
Quote: “Stella had the kind of smile that made you think she knew something that you didn’t.”
If you loved Bridget’s emotional and sometimes awkward romantic journey with a younger man in Mad About the Boy, Stella’s story give you all that, plus a healthy dose of self-empowerment.
14. The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon
When Shay Goldstein is forced to pretend to be her colleague’s ex for a radio talk show, sparks fly, and their fake relationship quickly becomes complicated.
Quote: “People might not think it’s real, but I think it’s realer than anything else.”
With witty dialogue, insightful looks at work-life balance, and the thrill of a fake dating trope, The Ex Talk offers the perfect mix of humour and heart for fans of Bridget’s journey in romance. (Also, why has no one given Bridget a podcast yet?)
15. It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake by Claire Christian
Noni Blake is living her best life in her 30s, but when her relationship crumbles, she decides to go on a soul-searching adventure across the world.
Quote: “Maybe the problem isn’t that we don’t know what we want. Maybe it’s that we’re too scared to go after it.”
It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake is a funny and heartfelt exploration of embracing love, self-worth, and second chances, much like Bridget’s journey of personal growth… without the stint in a Thai prison (which is, incidentally, partly based on a true story – find out more in my books about Thailand list)
16. Much Ado About You by Samantha Young
Set in a small bookstore, this romance features the sharp-witted, independent heroine, Isobel, who has relocated for a fresh start. Love a Shakespeare reference, love a snarky heroine and love any book that is set in a bookshop.
Quote: “Sometimes you have to do what feels right, not what you’re supposed to do.”
As she works through her insecurities and a blossoming romance with the brooding owner of the bookstore, Much Ado About You brings humour, heartfelt moments, and romance for fans of Bridget’s journey to find love and herself.
17. The Matchmaker’s List by Sonya Lalli
Nimmi’s grandmother has created a list of eligible men for her to marry (You remember Mark Darcy, don’t you, darling?), but as Nimmi navigates the traditional expectations of her Indian family and her own desires, she begins to question her path.
Quote: “Love doesn’t work according to anyone’s rules but your own.”
The Matchermaker’s List brings together humour, culture, and personal growth in a way that will remind readers of Bridget’s attempts at navigating love and family expectations.
18. If You Ask Me by Libby Hubscher
In If You Ask Me, the protagonist, a widow struggling with her grief, begins to rebuild her life with the help of some quirky new friends, and even finds the possibility of love again.
Quote: “Sometimes, you have to let yourself fall apart before you can rebuild yourself into something better.”
This uplifting and witty story is perfect for fans of Bridget’s humorous yet heartfelt journey of rediscovering love and personal happiness after Mark Darcy in Mad About the Boy.
19. Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers
Honey Girl follows Grace Porter, a PhD graduate who has no clear idea of what to do with her life, and after a wild night in Vegas, she finds herself married to a woman she barely knows.
Quote: “I think the hardest part about being a person is remembering that you’re allowed to exist in the world without needing to have it all figured out.”
As Grace embarks on a journey of self-discovery, Honey Girl delivers a thoughtful exploration of love, identity, and the importance of knowing yourself, much like Bridget’s own messy yet inspiring self-reflection.
20. In Case You Missed It by Lindsey Kelk
This romantic comedy follows Rosie, who is struggling with work and a breakup when she bumps into an old flame.
Quote: “There’s no time like the present, but sometimes the present really sucks.”
A charming blend of humour, romance, and personal growth, In Case You Missed It is perfect for those who love a good laugh and a story about second chances, much like Bridget’s unpredictable reappearing exes.
21. The Trouble With Hating You by Sajni Patel
In The Trouble with Hating You, Liya Thakkar is a successful woman in her 30s who has sworn off love due to past heartbreak. But when she finds herself reluctantly involved with a charming man, sparks fly, and she’s forced to confront her past and reconsider her future.
Quote: “Sometimes, the things we hate the most are the things we need to heal from.”
This romantic comedy is full of laughs, heart, and emotional depth, much like the twists and turns of Bridget’s love-hate relationships with both Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver.
22. Make Up Break Up by Lily Menon
When two rivals who run competing tech companies are forced to collaborate on a project, sparks fly — both romantically and professionally.
Quote: “Love isn’t just about finding someone you like. It’s about finding someone who makes you feel like you’re home.”
Make Up Break Up offers humour, sweet romance, and a sharp look at career dynamics, much like Bridget’s own journey balancing love and career growth.
23. I Love Capri by Belinda Jones
Kim Rees once led the glamorous jet-set lifestyle of a translator. But five years later, she’s stuck in a basement flat in Cardiff, translating German computer games in her dressing gown—hardly the life she envisioned. That is, until her mother hatches a plan to pull her out of the rut: a trip to the stunning island of Capri.
In I Love Capri, Kim and her mum are definitely akin to Bridget and her mum, but how their relationship evolves over the course of the book gives me the warm fuzzies even as much as the romance plotlines.
Read Next: I also included this book in my list of Books set in Italy and also My Favourite Books of All Time.
More Books for Bridget Jones Fans
Whether you’re into hilarious romantic misadventures, witty office banter, or emotional journeys of self-discovery, these books offer something for every Bridget Jones fan. But if you have more suggestions, I’d love to hear them! Please leave your recommendations in the comments below.
More Fantastic Books & Where to Find Them
For more of what to read where, check out my full Travel Books Guide, filled with book recommendations for different destinations, the most beautiful bookstores around the world, tips on how to get the best deals on audiobooks and e-books, as well as more literary travel.
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