Men are sheep. Where one goes, the rest will soon follow.
Lady Whistledown
Let us take a moment to thank Shonda Rhimes and Julia Quinn for helping us end 2020 on a spectacular note and introducing us to the Bridgerton family in such a dramatic fashion.
If you haven’t yet watched Bridgerton on Netflix, I implore you to do so immediately. Whether it’s the charming banter, colorful aesthetic, or our favorite hits converted to instrumental classics, there’s something rather magnetic about this series.
But, if you’re like me, and incredibly impatient for season 2 – which hasn’t even started filming yet! – there are books to help you continue on your way through the Bridgerton universe.
But wait, Tab, this doesn’t seem like you AT ALL. Romance novels? What’s going on here?
Friends, I assure you. The Bridgertons are a family you must meet.
There are 9 books in the immediate Bridgerton series. Each book focuses on an individual Bridgerton and the shenanigans they get up to.
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1. The Duke & I, 2000
That’s right… This gorgeous book hath been right in front of us for 20 years. Better late than never, as they say.
The Duke & I is Regency Gossip Girl. It is also the equivalent of season 1 on Netflix.
Simon and Daphne’s secret plan to help each other navigate through a London season of crazed mothers, unworthy suitors, and the social papers of Lady Whistledown goes horribly wrong when they fall in love with each other. Of course, they can’t admit that – that wasn’t part of the plan.
Who doesn’t appreciate a sexy detour, though?
2. The Viscount Who Loved Me, 2000
The oldest Bridgerton and Viscount, Anthony, is finally going to marry. And he’s not just a hunk on the prowl, he’s already a wife in mind, Edwina.
But, Edwina’s sister Kate does everything she can to put a stop to her sister falling victim to the Viscount. Everyone knows he has a reputation, and Kate doesn’t believe reformed men are actually going to stay on their best behavior.
As Anthony and Kate get ready to battle over Edwina, they find themselves battling the unconscious lustful feelings that overwhelm their dreams.
Edwina who?
3. An Offer From A Gentleman, 2001
Get ready for book #3, because this is Cinderella Bridgerton-style, and I am here for it!
Sophie, the daughter of an Earl, yet forced into the role of a housemaid by her stepmother, manages to sneak into a Bridgerton Ball and spends a wonderful evening with Benedict Bridgerton.
And although she has to hurry off into the night, Sophie and Benedict are completely in love.
Benedict vows to find this mystery woman, and yet somehow finds himself drawn to an irresistible housemaid…
A classic with a sexy edge.
4. Romancing Mister Bridgerton, 2002
This is the one we’ve been waiting for, friends.
Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. Friends since birth, and no secret to the reader that Pen has always been in love with Colin.
Colin comes home from his trip abroad and is at his wit’s end with Lady Whistledown and her endless gossip, which always somehow drags Colin through the coals.
And then there’s his friend Penelope, who doesn’t seem to be the same person from when he left.
Colin and Penelope each have their own secrets, and as the truth begins to unravel before them, will it set them free? Or is there a tragic end to this story?
Fingers crossed that our girl Pen gets some, though.
5. To Sir Phillip, With Love, 2003
And now to focus on the ever-feisty Eloise Bridgerton. Having sworn off men in pursuit of bettering her mind, how is it she finds herself in a carriage in the middle of the night to see if Sir Phillip – the man she’s never met – is the one?
She can’t shut up, and he lacks any kind of charm. They can’t seem to stand each other…yet, there is something there.
Here’s to the wit and imperfections that – might – create a match.
Or, was Eloise correct about her self-claimed spinsterhood all along?
6. When He Was Wicked, 2004
Francesca Bridgerton is not only out in London, but is days away from being married.
Michael, an infamous ass, has always managed to protect himself by the walls he’s built… until he meets Francesca.
The only reason he meets her, however, is because she is marrying his cousin.
And yet – Fate steps in – and the marriage is no longer.
Michael and Francesca become great friends, and he never tells her how he feels. Until there is a moment where Francesca falls into Michael’s arms…
DOT DOT DOT, friends…
7. It’s In His Kiss, 2005
Hyacinth Bridgerton. The one who must know everything and annoys everyone with her insistent, never-ending, exhaustive questioning has finally found a challenge.
Gareth has a diary written in Italian – that he can’t read – that just might be all the answers he needs to save his life.
Hyacinth – the one person he can’t stand for long periods of time – can help him.
Can they stand each other long enough to get through the diary to save Gareth’s estate, or will Hyacinth push him to the edge before then?
We. Must. Know.
8. On The Way to the Wedding, 2006
Gregory Bridgerton is in love with Hermione.
Hermione is in love with someone else.
Lucy, Hermione’s friend, helps Gregory to win her love.
Gregory and Lucy fall in love.
Lucy is engaged to someone else, and she can’t get out of the agreement.
Gregory rushes to Lucy’s wedding…
What could possibly happen in this massive love mix-up?
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9. The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After, 2013
At the end of each book, Julia Quinn has provided an epilogue. A perfect “Where are they now?” so we can see how the beloved Bridgertons are fairing on with their lives and their choices.
This book is a collection of those epilogues.
I hope you enjoy meeting the Bridgerton family. Let me know what you think of the books and/or new Netflix series! Are you as quickly addicted as I am?