You need to read the books of Bridgerton to fully appreciate the hit series of Netflix, now in its third season? It depends on you (but yes, the answer is yes).
For those who don’t know, the book series Bridgerton Of Julia Quinn (set in London in the age of the English Regency) is a very popular and very successful collection of novels that follows the events of the eight wealthy Bridgerton brothers in their search for love and marriage. It was therefore no surprise when Netflix presented the Shonda Rhimes-produced series based on the books, which became an instant hit, reaching 63 million homes in just four weeks.
The first season, like the first novel, focused on the budding romance of Daphne Bridgerton with SimonThe Duke of Hastings. The second season resumes with Anthony Bridgertonwho is also the protagonist of the second novel, The viscount who loved me. However, the third season deviates from the order of the books: the series has in fact moved the love story between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington, which is at the center of the fourth novel, A man to conquer. Season 4 hasn’t been announced yet, but Benedict or Eloise seem like the most likely next subjects.
The most avid fans already know all this. But if you don’t know the universe of books Bridgerton Of Julia Quinn, take some time and recover. Below, more detailed information about each novel by Bridgertonwhere to buy them and in what order to start reading.
In what order is it best to read books by Bridgerton?
If you want to follow the books of Bridgerton chronologically, read them in this order:** The Duke and I; The Viscount who loved me; A Gentleman’s Proposal; A man to conquer; To Sir Phillip, with love; Loving a libertine; All in a kiss and True love exists.** Please note that the books are not in sequence based on the ages of the eight Bridgerton siblings, but follow the order in which they get married (well, more or less… Francesca’s story is a bit of an exception, but there we will arrive).
If you are passionate about it, and you will be, there are some sequels that you can read later: Happy forever includes new chapters about each happy couple, as well as one focusing on how Bridgerton parents Violet and Edmund met. Then there are The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown, Lady Whistledown Strikes Back (published in Italy in the volume More Lady Whistledown Chronicles) And The Wit and Wisdom of Bridgertonall set in the universe of Bridgerton.
Anyone wishing to go into detail about the timeline should start with the prequels of Bridgerton, also known as the Rokesby Series. The Rokesbys are the Bridgertons’ longtime neighbors and family friends, and the books chronicle the love lives of their four children: George, Edward, Andrew and Nicholas. And there is some connection to the original series Bridgerton: Edmund, Violet and even little Anthony, Benedict and Colin make an appearance. Edmund’s sisters Billie and Georgiana are also the love interest subjects of two of Rokesby’s books. The order is: It’s all Sybilla’s fault, A very sweet lie, The caress of the wind And Two hearts and a scandal. Fans of the Netflix series can also read on Queen Charlottewhich Quinn wrote based on the prequel season that aired in 2023.
But you need to read the books of Bridgerton in order?
No its not necessary. Each book focuses on the love story of one sibling at a time, so they can be read interchangeably. You might get some little spoilers, but do you care? In sentimental novels like those of Bridgertonthe charm is knowing that everyone ends up happily married.
