Bridgertons Reading Order. The Complete Guide to Julia Quinn’s Books
The Bridgertons book series is a set of historical romance novels written by Julia Quinn, set in Regency-era England (around 1813 to 1827).
The eight main novels feature individual romantic stories about the Bridgerton siblings, organized in a clear reading order that reflects the sequence of publication and the progression of events in the family’s story.
The novels inspired the Netflix series Bridgerton, but the books contain more detailed character development and additional subplots than the screen adaptation.
What is the official order to read the Bridgerton books?
The recommended order to read the Bridgertons novels is the publication order, which also matches the natural chronological flow of the main storyline in the family’s life:
- 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)
This sequence focuses on the eight primary stories about the Bridgerton siblings, each centered on a different lead couple.
Should I include additional Bridgerton books like Happily Ever After?
Books such as The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After (2013) are not part of the numbered main series. That title is a collection of epilogues and additional stories that wrap up the romance arcs for the characters after the final main novel. These stories provide closure but do not function as primary novels in the sequence.
If you want the most complete experience after reading the eight main novels, you can read Happily Ever After last.
Are there other Julia Quinn books connected to the Bridgertons universe?
Yes. According to additional reading guidance, there are several other related works:
- Collections featuring Lady Whistledown stories co-written with other authors.
- Prequel books like Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story co-written by Julia Quinn and Shonda Rhimes, which takes place earlier than the main series timeline.
- The Rokesby series serves as a prequel set in the same universe but is not necessary to understand the core Bridgerton stories.
These supplemental works can be read outside the main eight-book sequence based on your interest.
What period does each Bridgerton book cover?
Each main book focuses on a different Bridgerton sibling’s romantic journey. In general terms:
- The Duke and I introduces Daphne Bridgerton’s story in 1813.
- The Viscount Who Loved Me focuses on Anthony Bridgerton shortly after.
- An Offer From a Gentleman follows Benedict Bridgerton.
- Romancing Mister Bridgerton centers on Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington.
- To Sir Phillip, With Love tells Eloise Bridgerton’s story.
- When He Was Wicked is about Francesca Bridgerton.
- It’s In His Kiss follows Hyacinth Bridgerton.
- On the Way to the Wedding concludes with Gregory Bridgerton.
This progression roughly spans the years 1813 to 1827 in the characters’ lives.
How does the Netflix adaptation compare to the books?
While the Netflix series Bridgerton follows the same general framework, it does not strictly follow the book order. For example, the third season of the show adapts Romancing Mister Bridgerton out of the sequence the books were published. Watching the series alone may expose you to character arcs before reading the corresponding books, but the novels remain the primary reference for the original stories.
Why is publication order recommended?
Publication order is recommended because:
- It preserves the way character relationships grow across multiple books.
- It explains family dynamics, friendships, and social context in sequence.
- It helps avoid spoilers about secondary characters that appear earlier in the series but gain importance later.
Even if individual books focus on different leads, reading them in publication order offers a clearer sense of continuity.
Can I read the Bridgerton books in any order?
Technically yes, because each book tells a self-contained love story. However, doing so may:
- spoil larger character arcs,
- reduce appreciation for recurring subplots,
- weaken understanding of relationships between siblings, friends, and Society.
Therefore the recommended approach is to follow the publication sequence.
FAQ about Bridgertons reading order
Where should I start reading the Bridgerton books?
Start with The Duke and I (2000), the first published novel, which introduces the Bridgerton family and sets the tone for Regency romance.
Is The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After part of the main series?
No. It is a collection of epilogues and additional scenes that expand on the eight main books, best read after completing the main series.
Are there books set before the Bridgerton series?
Yes. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story and the Rokesby prequel series are set earlier in the shared universe, but they are not required for reading the main Bridgerton novels.
Does the Netflix series follow the same order as the books?
Not exactly. The Netflix adaptation changes the order of some storylines and may adapt books out of publication sequence. Reading the novels provides the original narrative flow.
Can the books be read standalone?
Each novel can be read on its own as a romance story, but reading in order gives better context for character growth and recurring themes.