Dearest Readers: A New “Bridgerton” Book Based on "Queen Charlotte" Comes Out Tomorrow

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On Christmas Day 2020, Netflix debuted the period drama series Bridgerton and swiftly prompted millions of viewers everywhere to daydream about promenading through gardens, twirling in grand ballrooms, and using “make haste” in everyday conversation. Now, viewers are getting a new look into the Ton with the new spin-off series Queen Charlotte, which premiered on the streamer on Thursday, May 4. While for many of us, Netflix gave us our first introduction to Bridgerton and all its drama and romance, the successful series is actually inspired by an eight-book series by author Julia Quinn, which has been around for nearly two decades. Since there are a lot of storylines and characters to keep up with, here we break down how to read all of the Bridgerton books in order.

The Duke & I, which season one of the Netflix series is largely based on, was published in 2000. The Viscount Who Loved Me, the second novel and the inspiration behind the show’s second season, hit bookshelves at the end of that same year. Like the show, each novel follows the story of one Bridgerton child as they search for love and stumble into scandal.

If you’re dying to know what happens next in the Ton — and know that you’ll quickly binge season three when it premieres on Netflix (release date TBD) — then settle in with the book series. We’ve listed all eight Bridgerton books in order, so you’ll know exactly where to start. Just in case the eight books aren’t enough, we also included two bonus collections and the prequel novel.

Queen Charlotte

Dearest readers, we’re in for a big treat courtesy of author Julia Quinn and Bridgerton showrunner Shonda Rhimes. In tandem with the release of the Bridgerton spin-off series, which chronicles the rise of Queen Charlotte in the late 18th century and her marriage to King George, comes a book about the young king and queen’s love story.

Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, a German princess, meets King George III in September 1761 and is swiftly thrust into her new role as a member of the British royal family. “Above all she must learn to rule, and to understand that she has been given the power to remake society. She must fight — for herself, for her husband, and for all her new subjects who look to her for guidance and grace. For she will never be just Charlotte again. She must instead fulfill her destiny… as Queen,” the book description reads.

The book arrives on May 9, 2023.

The Duke & I

Book one in Quinn’s series is the inspiration behind the first season of the Netflix period drama. Set in Regency-era London in 1813, The Duke & I tells the story of Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Bassett, the Duke of Hastings. Daphne, the eldest daughter of the esteemed Bridgerton family, is entering her second social season and is determined to find a spouse. The Duke of Hastings is simply trying to make it through without debutantes and marriage-obsessed mothers running his life.

After the two run into each other at a society ball, Daphne and Simon hatch a ruse that will surely advance both of their prospects — they will engage in a pretend courtship, making Daphne look more desirable to other potential suitors and keeping Simon free from marriage.

But as they attend more high society events in the Ton together, Daphne and Simon begin to realize that their connection might be a bit more than contractual — and with anonymous town gossip Lady Whistledown stirring drama with every stroke of her pen, their clever scheme may be exposed any day.

The Viscount Who Loved Me

It’s 1814 and Anthony Bridgerton, the Viscount and “London’s most elusive bachelor,” has finally decided to marry. But traumatized by the sudden death of his father, Edmund, Anthony is convinced he will die at the same age — 38 years old — and has therefore, vowed not to marry for love, but for practicality.

He finds the woman he intends to propose to, Edwina Sheffield, but her protective older sister Kate proves to be an impossible obstacle — deeming Anthony an absolute rake, Kate believes he is no match for her sister. But matters are muddled when Kate and Anthony’s tough exteriors begin to crack and the two find themselves… falling for each other?

An Offer from a Gentleman

An Offer from a Gentleman, the third book in Quinn’s series, presents a Cinderella-esque trope in the telling of Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Beckett’s story. Sophie Beckett is the daughter of an earl who lives with her wicked stepmother and evil stepsisters. She never imagined that she’d be in the arms of the charming Benedict Bridgerton, but after sneaking into Lady Violet’s glamorous masquerade ball, her dream swiftly turns into reality.

When Sophie exits the ballroom at the end of the evening, Benedict is left to wonder who was the mystery woman who stole his heart, and how does he find her again?

Romancing Mister Bridgerton

No need to wait for season four of the Netflix series to see Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington’s love story (finally!) play out. In Romancing Mister Bridgerton, Penelope, who has long harbored a crush on the third Bridgerton brother, uncovers Colin’s deepest secret and realizes she might not know the real him at all.

Meanwhile, Colin returns to London after a trip abroad and rather abruptly starts to see Penelope, a friend and longtime confidant of his sister Eloise, in a brand new light. After he learns of her own big secret (and if you’ve seen the first season of Bridgerton, you know exactly what we’re talking about), Colin is left to question what role Penelope is meant to play in his life.

To Sir Phillip, With Love

At 28 years old, the clever and quick-witted Eloise Bridgerton is single and therefore, considered a spinster in London high society. But the second eldest Bridgerton daughter is content with her books and her studies, and is not convinced on the idea of marriage.

But she starts corresponding with Sir Phillip Crane, and he eventually proposes. Eloise is bewildered that a man would ever ask for her hand before meeting in person, but soon finds herself on Sir Phillip’s doorstep. It’s by no means love at first sight, but give it a few more minutes and… is Eloise falling for him?

When He Was Wicked

Michael Stirling, womanizer and “London’s most infamous rake,” has his life turned upside down after he sets his eyes on Francesca Bridgerton, the second youngest daughter in the family. However, there’s one slight problem. Francesca is engaged to and only mere hours away from being married to his cousin.

But it’s not over until it’s over. So when Michael becomes an earl and Francesca is suddenly single, one passionate night might prove that these two are meant to be.

It's in His Kiss

Hyacinth Bridgerton and Gareth St. Clair meet at the Smythe-Smith musicale, an annual performance by one of London’s most notorious quartets. After their encounter, Gareth shares with Hyacinth an old family diary he’s recently come into possession of — and that’s written entirely in Italian. Gareth has no knowledge of the language, so Hyacinth offers to translate the text for him.

As the two work together, they uncover the secrets and desires held within the diary — and within themselves.

On the Way to the Wedding

On the Way to the Wedding shares the final Bridgerton child’s quest to find love. Gregory is an ardent believer in true love, and thinks he has finally found the one with Hermione Watson — but she is already engaged to another man.

He finds an alliance in Hermione’s best friend, Lucy Abernathy, who is desperate to stop Hermione from marrying her fiancé. It’s a perfect plan — that is until Lucy, who is betrothed herself, finds herself falling in love with Gregory in the process.

The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After

In The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After, author Julia Quinn delivers a collection of second epilogues that answer some of the most burning questions from the first eight books in the series. The Bridgerton matriarch herself, Lady Violet, also finally takes center stage in a special bonus story.

“I have always felt that I could not write a full-length novel about Violet and Edmund Bridgerton, despite countless requests from readers. I thought (and still think) it would be too difficult, knowing that he would die so young,” Quinn notes on her website. “But I wanted to show a bit of their courtship, and the episodic nature of Violet in Bloom gave me the perfect opportunity to do this.”

The Wit and Wisdom of Bridgerton: Lady Whistledown's Official Guide

If you simply cannot get enough of the Bridgerton book series *and* the Netflix adaptation, then this is the perfect tome that you can return to over and over again. With a special introduction from Lady Whistledown herself, this official guide breaks down the best quotes and musings from the Bridgerton family and those in their circle. Each chapter is dedicated to a specific character, from Daphne and Simon to Penelope and Eloise.

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