Bridgerton, Netflix
In this article, we will review the books that inspired the Bridgerton seriesexploring the main plots and themes of each volumeespecially given that in a few days the third and highly anticipated season of the TV series will land on Netflix.
The Duke and I
Just like in the Netflix series, the first book in the series, “The Duke and I”, focuses on the love story between Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. Set in Regency London, the novel follows Daphne’s ingenious strategy to win the Duke’s heartdespite his disdain for marriage.
Between court intrigues, family secrets and a series of misunderstandings, Daphne and Simon face challenges in their relationship and find ways to overcome their prejudices to achieve happiness.
The Viscount who loved me
The now iconic series continues in the second season following the second book of the series, “The Viscount who Loved Me”, the focus shifts to Daphne’s brother, Anthony Bridgerton, and his search for love.
Determined to find a suitable wife who will bear him heirs, Anthony faces an internal conflict when he falls in love with Kate Sheffield, a young woman determined to protect her younger sister from the court of men. Between verbal clashes, romantic moments and a series of unexpected events, Anthony and Kate must navigate the pitfalls of London society to find their happiness together.
A gentleman’s proposal
In the third book of the series, “A Gentleman’s Proposal”, Julia Quinn tells the story of Sophie Beckett, a young woman forced to live as a servant after her father’s death. When he meets Benedict Bridgerton, the second child of the Bridgerton family, during a masquerade party, the two fall madly in love with each other. However, their class differences and adverse circumstances test their love, leading the two lovers to struggle to overcome the obstacles that stand between them.
In this third chapter, however, the similarities with the Netflix transposition seem to stop, since this is not the story told in the third season of the series.
A man to conquer
It is in fact the fourth book in the series, “A Man to Conquer”, which inspired the eagerly awaited third season of Bridgerton and in which it comes the identity of the mysterious author of the scandalous chronicles of London has finally been revealedLady Whistledown.
The plot focuses about the overwhelming love between Colin Bridgerton, the third child of the Bridgerton family, and Penelope Featherington, her sister Eloise’s childhood friend. While Colin tries to discover Lady Whistledown’s true identity, he finds himself increasingly fascinated by Penelope, the quiet and reserved girl who has always been part of his life. Between revealed secrets, surprising revelations and a love that defies all expectations, Colin and Penelope must face the difficulties of their past and present to build a future together.
To Sir Phillip, with love
In the fifth book of the series, “To Sir Phillip, With Love,” Julia Quinn takes readers to explore the story of Eloise Bridgerton, the second daughter of the familyand Sir Phillip Crane, a widowed country gentleman with two young children.
After a long correspondence, Eloise decides to accept Sir Phillip’s marriage proposal and move to his estate. However, once she arrives, she is faced with a series of difficulties and insecurities that test their fledgling marriage. Between touching moments, funny scenes and a series of surprising revelations, Eloise and Sir Phillip must learn to know and love each other for who they truly are.
Loving a libertine
The sixth novel is about Francesca Bridgerton, the sixth daughter of the family who, after the premature death of her husband John, he finds himself struggling with loneliness and pain. Michael Stirling, John’s best friend, he has always had a soft spot for Francesca, even if he never declared it openly. After John’s death, Michael decides to move away to avoid compromising his friendship with Francesca.
However, when he returns to London, he realizes that his feelings for her are stronger than ever. Francesca, on the other hand, finds herself torn between respect for her husband’s memory and the attraction she feels for Michael. The plot explores the inner conflict of both protagonists and their efforts to find happiness despite adverse circumstances.
All in one kiss
The seventh book features Hyacinth Bridgerton, the seventh daughter of the family who stands out for his lively spirit and sharp intelligence. When Hyacinth becomes embroiled in a mystery involving a missing relative’s diary, she turns to Gareth St. Clair for help.
Gareth, a fascinating and mysterious man, he offers to help her decipher the diary and, in the process, the two begin to develop a deep connection. The plot follows Hyacinth and Gareth as they work together to solve the mystery of the diary and they fall in love along the way. However, their love is threatened by secrets from the past and unexpected obstacles that they must overcome to be together.
True love exists
The eighth novel is about Gregory Bridgerton, the last brother of the family and is faced with the pressure of finding a suitable wife. When he meets Lucy Abernathy, an intelligent and independent young woman, he feels immediately attracted to her.
However, Lucy is already promised to another man and doesn’t seem interested in Gregory. Determined to win her over, Gregory embarks on a journey to prove his worth and her dedication to Lucy. The plot follows Gregory as he tries to win Lucy’s heart despite their social differences and the challenges they face along the way.
Happy forever
And if the eight books about the eight Bridgerton siblings aren’t enough, the writer decided to publish a ninth book, a few years after the end of the literary series, Happy forever. It is a supplementary volume that collects short stories and extra scenes that delve into the stories of the characters from the main series.
The book offers an opportunity for readers to immerse themselves again in the Bridgerton universe, exploring significant moments and backstories of the marriages of various members of the Bridgerton family. Every chapter is dedicated to a different couple, providing a more intimate look into their lives after the fateful “happily ever after”.
