The “Bridgerton” series is a collection of historical romance novels written by American author Julia Quinn. First introduced in 2000 with “The Duke and I,” the series quickly became beloved for its blend of romance, humor, and vivid depiction of Regency-era society. The books gained renewed attention and popularity following the adaptation of the series into a highly successful Netflix show of the same name.
Set in the high society of early 19th century London, the “Bridgerton” series revolves around the Bridgerton family, particularly focusing on the eight Bridgerton siblings. Each book in the series is centered on one of the siblings finding love, often in unexpected places and circumstances. The novels are known for their witty dialogue, engaging characters, and heartwarming romances.
The first book, “The Duke and I,” tells the story of Daphne Bridgerton, the eldest daughter, and her relationship with Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. Their story, like those of the subsequent books, combines elements of societal expectations with personal desires, creating narratives that are both entertaining and emotionally resonant.
Julia Quinn’s writing is characterized by its light-hearted tone and fast-paced plots. She skillfully incorporates historical details into her stories, making the Regency era come alive for the reader while maintaining a focus on character development and romantic plotlines. Her books often challenge the norms and conventions of the time, offering a modern take on the historical romance genre.
The “Bridgerton” series includes eight main books, each named after one of the Bridgerton siblings: Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth. In addition to these, there are several epilogues and related novels that expand on the world Quinn has created.
The series has been praised for its refreshing approach to the genre, blending traditional regency romance tropes with contemporary sensibilities. The adaptation of the series into a Netflix original series by Shondaland has brought the Bridgerton family’s stories to an even wider audience, introducing a new generation of readers to the charm and romance of Julia Quinn’s world.
Overall, the “Bridgerton” series stands out for its engaging storytelling, memorable characters, and the ability to transport readers to the opulent world of Regency London, making Julia Quinn a standout author in the world of historical romance.
Publication Order of Bridgerton Books
By: Julia Quinn, Shonda Rhimes
| The Duke and I | (2000) |
| The Viscount Who Loved Me | (2000) |
| An Offer from a Gentleman | (2001) |
| Romancing Mister Bridgerton | (2002) |
| To Sir Phillip, With Love | (2003) |
| When He Was Wicked | (2004) |
| It’s in His Kiss | (2005) |
| On the Way to the Wedding | (2006) |
| Because of Miss Bridgerton | (2016) |
| The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband | (2017) |
| The Other Miss Bridgerton | (2018) |
| First Comes Scandal | (2020) |
| The Wit and Wisdom of Bridgerton | (2021) |
| Queen Charlotte | (2023) |
Chronological Order of Bridgerton Books
By: Julia Quinn, Shonda Rhimes
| Queen Charlotte | (2023) | |
| The Duke and I | (2000) | |
| The Viscount Who Loved Me | (2000) | |
| An Offer from a Gentleman | (2001) | |
| Romancing Mister Bridgerton | (2002) | |
| To Sir Phillip, With Love | (2003) | |
| When He Was Wicked | (2004) | |
| It’s in His Kiss | (2005) | |
| On the Way to the Wedding | (2006) | |
| Because of Miss Bridgerton | (2016) | |
| The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband | (2017) | |
| The Other Miss Bridgerton | (2018) | |
| First Comes Scandal | (2020) | |
| The Wit and Wisdom of Bridgerton | (2021) | |
| First Comes Scandal is a prequel. | ||
Publication Order of Bridgerton Collections
| Happily Ever After | (2013) |