Can't Get Enough 'Bridgerton'? How to Read Julia Quinn's 'Bridgerton' Books in Order

Here's how to read the 'Bridgerton' books in order and what to know about their plots.

Author:
Jessica Sager
Updated:
May 14, 2024

Bridgerton has taken over the pop culture landscape since the Shondaland series debuted on Netflix in 2020. The bodice-ripper's first two seasons have been viewed more than 207 million times and counting, and the world can't get enough of the romance, intrigue, drama and humor (and, let's be real, of the Duke of Hastings).

While we're all still drooling over Anthony Bridgerton in anticipation of a Bridgerton Season 3, it's important to remember that the show is based on a book series from author Julia Quinn. Quench your Bridgerton thirst with the novels! Here's how to read the Bridgerton books in order.

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How to Read the Bridgerton Books In Order

1. Because of Miss Bridgerton

Because of Miss Bridgerton is an optional prequel to the Bridgerton series, telling the story of Billie Bridgerton and her love-hate relationship with George Rakesby. If you'd rather skip to the main Bridgerton novels, you don't necessarily have to read this one if you're reading the books in order, but you'll probably enjoy it!

2. The Duke and I

The Duke And I tells the story of the romance between Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, as portrayed in Season 1 of Bridgerton on Netflix. It's filled with will-they-or-won't-they suspense and steamy sex scenes.

3. The Viscount Who Loved Me

The Viscount Who Loved Me follows Anthony Bridgerton, the proxy patriarch of the Bridgerton clan following the death of their father. He's on the hunt for a wife, and plenty of women are on the prowl for him...but when he finally decides to settle down, he refuses to do so with anyone he loves. Things get hairy, however, when he finds himself falling for his paramour's sister. This book is the inspiration for Bridgerton Season 2.

Related: Bridgerton Season 3

4. An Offer From a Gentleman

The third book in the Bridgerton series is An Offer From a Gentleman, which is essentially a Cinderella story. It chronicles the life of Sophia Beckett, who learns she is the long-lost daughter of an earl and has her own version of a wicked stepmother. She meets Benedict Bridgerton at a masquerade ball and falls in love...but when she leaves at midnight, they lose touch. Will they reunite?

5. Romancing Mister Bridgerton

Poor Penelope Featherington—everyone's favorite character throughout the early Bridgerton books—is still single. She is still carrying a torch for Colin Bridgerton, who returns from traveling overseas, and who may finally return her affections. Romancing Mister Bridgerton, the inspiration for the upcoming Season 3, also reveals the identity of the mysterious, influential Lady Whistledown, who Colin finds excruciatingly irritating because she won't shut up about him. We won't tell you who she is!

6.To Sir Phillip, With Love

Next in the series order is To Sir Phillip, With Love. Like her BFF Penelope Featherington, Eloise Bridgerton finds herself single at the ripe old age of 28, making her essentially an old maid, because Regency London was a very sexist place. Eloise, by nature, doesn't mind one bit. She occupies herself by writing letters to Sir Phillip, a distant relative who lost his wife. Somehow, their correspondence turns romantic, and Sir Phillip proposes marriage to Eloise in a letter before they ever meet in the flesh. Will she take his hand or continue being the feisty, independent single girl we love?

7. When He Was Wicked

Francesca Bridgerton catches the eye of Michael Sterling, a notorious womanizer. She doesn't even have to worry about entertaining his attraction, however, because she's married to his cousin. But does fate have other plans for her?

8. It's In His Kiss

The youngest of the original Bridgerton clan, Hyacinth, finally has her moment in the sun in It's In His Kiss. She and Gareth St. Clair can't stop bickering, but they also can't stay away from one another—especially after they find a journal with some seriously juicy contents that may save Gareth's inheritance from being revoked by his own estranged father.

9. On the Way to the Wedding

Talk about a mess of meddling: Gregory Bridgerton is a hopeless romantic smitten with Hermione Watson, but Hermione has eyes for another. Hermione's loyal BFF, the betrothed Lucinda Abernathy, intervenes to try to steer Hermione's affections towards Gregory...except Lucinda falls hard for Gregory. Will this mix of jumbled affections sort themselves out before she walks down the aisle?