What Order to Read Bridgerton Books?

I’ll be honest: when I first watched Bridgerton on Netflix, I immediately wanted more. The gowns, the gossip, the romances, it’s all deliciously addictive. But like most adaptations, the show only scratches the surface of Julia Quinn’s original book series. If you’re like me, you’ll eventually want to dive into the novels themselves and experience the Bridgertons in their true Regency glory.

The only tricky part? Figuring out what order to read them in. Do you follow publication order? Chronological order? Do you skip around? Well, the good news is that Julia Quinn wrote the series in a straightforward sequence, each book focusing on one of the eight Bridgerton siblings (yes, eight!). So the best way to read them is in order.

The Bridgerton Reading Order

1. The Duke and I (2000) – Daphne’s story
2. The Viscount Who Loved Me (2000) – Anthony’s story
3. An Offer From a Gentleman (2001) – Benedict’s story
4. Romancing Mister Bridgerton (2002) – Colin’s story
5. To Sir Phillip, With Love (2003) – Eloise’s story
6. When He Was Wicked (2004) – Francesca’s story
7. It’s in His Kiss (2005) – Hyacinth’s story
8. On the Way to the Wedding (2006) – Gregory’s story

👉 If you want even more, Julia Quinn later released a collection called “The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After” (2013), which includes epilogues for each sibling plus a bonus story. This is best saved for after you’ve read all eight.

Julia Quinn and the World of Bridgerton

Julia Quinn, the mastermind behind the series, is often referred to as the “Queen of Regency Romance.” What sets her apart is her blend of historical detail with humor, warmth, and family dynamics that feel timeless. The Bridgertons aren’t just about swoon-worthy dukes and scandal sheets; they’re also about siblings who bicker, tease, and love each other fiercely.

Fun fact: Julia Quinn didn’t initially expect the series to become this massive. But readers fell in love with the Bridgertons so deeply that what began as a romance series became a full-blown cultural phenomenon. By the time Netflix adapted it, the books had already earned a loyal fanbase across the world.

Why the Bridgertons Work So Well

If you’re wondering why these books have stood the test of time (and inspired one of Netflix’s biggest hits), here are a few reasons:

• Each sibling feels real. From Anthony’s stubborn sense of duty to Eloise’s witty independence, every Bridgerton gets their own fully fleshed-out journey.
• Romance with humor. Julia Quinn balances swoon-worthy passion with playful banter. Her characters fall in love, but they also make you laugh out loud.
• The family bond. While each novel is technically a standalone, the interconnectedness of the Bridgerton family is what keeps you turning pages. You don’t just want the happy ending for the couple, you want to see how the whole family evolves.
• Perfect escapism. The settings, balls, scandals, and heartfelt romances provide that dreamy, comforting escape we sometimes crave.

My Verdict

If you want to enjoy Bridgerton the way Julia Quinn intended, I’d say stick to the original reading order, start with The Duke and I and work your way down to On the Way to the Wedding. The payoff is worth it because you’ll not only watch each sibling find love but also see how the family grows together.

And once you’re done, don’t forget to pick up Happily Ever After, because trust me, you won’t want to say goodbye to the Bridgertons just yet.

💡 When you buy through our Amazon links, I may earn an affiliate commission.