Originally published on 1/24/26

Dearest gentle reader, season 4 of Bridgerton is almost here and this author has some news that she simply has to share before that day arrives. The beloved series isn’t going in order of the books! It’s ghastly, I know, but true. In Julia Quinn’s bestselling book series, Benedict’s story is told third, not fourth like it is in the show. And that’s not the only change. But, readers, this author isn’t going to spoil all of ‘the Tons’ gossip at once. To learn the exact order of the Bridgerton books, keep reading. 

‘The Duke and I’ (Daphne Bridgerton’s story) 

Book one of the Bridgerton series follows Daphne, the family’s eldest daughter, as she enters into a hastily planned courtship with the handsome Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. Growing up, Daphne was friends with all of the eligible young men in London, but she was never desired by them. Simon Basset, on the other hand, is desired by everyone, but he has no intention of ever marrying. Thankfully, an encounter with Daphne, his best friend’s little sister, offers him another option: The two will fake a courtship, which will keep the young women away from Simon and make all the men swarm Daphne. But as the two begin to spend more time together, their feelings shift from fake to real, and not even Lady Bridgerton could have predicted what happens next. 

What readers are saying: “After binge watching the Netflix series, I wanted to see how the books inspired the show. From the first open to closed book, it only took me four days to read. I couldn’t put it down! Julia Quinn is an incredible story writer and I look forward to the next in the series.” 

‘The Viscount Who Loved Me’ (Anthony Bridgerton’s story) 

The enemies-to-lovers trope takes center stage in the second Bridgerton book. After years of standing on the sidelines, Anthony Bridgerton has decided to take a wife. And not just any wife. He plans to marry Edwina Sheffield, this season’s “diamond.” The only problem? Edwina’s older sister Kate, a meddlesome woman,  is doing everything she can to stop the wedding. As the two spend more time together, they begin to see that they aren’t as different as they once thought. Can Anthony and Kate overcome their hatred for one another and maybe achieve their happy ending? Only time will tell. 

What readers are saying: “This is my favorite book of the Bridgerton series. I love both of the main characters, as well as the fact that their love comes later, rather than straight away. The dialogue alone should win you over, but throw in the wonderful characters and story, and you have a book that you’ll definitely read more than once. I know I have.” 

‘An Offer From A Gentleman’ (Benedict Bridgerton’s story)

In the third Bridgerton book, Benedict Bridgerton meets the love of his life, only to lose her that very same night. At ‘the Tons’ magical masquerade ball, Benedict Bridgerton meets a woman and instantly falls in love. The only problem? She disappears shortly after their rendezvous and he has no idea who she is. Sophie Beckett knows she wasn’t supposed to go to the ball, but the idea of dancing and being around people sounded too good to pass up. Sophie knows she can never tell anyone about that night, or what she and Benedict did, so she goes back into hiding. Can she and Benedict find each other again and finally get their happily ever after? A swoonworthy story Cinderella fans will love. 

What readers are saying: “I loved the take on a Cinderella story, and it was very similar in theme yet it stood out on its own at the same time. The Bridgerton family continues to make me laugh and fall in love with each of them a little bit more with every book.” 

‘Romancing Mister Bridgerton’ (Colin Bridgerton’s story) 

Friends-to-lovers fans will adore this Bridgerton novel, which follows Colin, the family’s resident traveler, and Penelope Featherington, a longtime friend of the family. Penelope has loved Colin for as long as she can remember. If only he felt the same way. After spending time abroad, Colin returns to London to discover that nothing is the same as when he left. This includes Penelope, a now-beautiful girl he can’t stop thinking about. What follows is a love affair that will leave readers swooning. 

What readers are saying: “Romancing Mister Bridgerton is a testament to Julia Quinn’s mastery of the romance genre. With its well-crafted characters, engaging plot and delightful humor, this book is a true gem that will leave readers smiling and swooning. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Bridgerton series or new to Quinn’s work, this novel is an absolute must-read that will transport you to a world of romance, passion and timeless love.” 

‘To Sir Phillip, With Love’ (Eloise Bridgerton’s story) 

In the fifth Bridgerton book, Eloise Bridgerton and Sir Phillip are shocked to discover that sometimes opposites do attract. Sir Phillip, a widower, knew Eloise Bridgerton was a spinster, so he proposed, assuming she would be desperate enough to say yes. But that’s not who Eloise is. She’s not going to give away her freedom to the first person who asks. Still, there’s something intriguing about Phillip, and one night Eloise hastily decides to go visit him, even though she knows deep down that she could never really fall for such a brute. Right? 

What readers are saying: “I have enjoyed all of the Bridgerton series but I think I like this book the best so far. I love Eloise and although I was first introduced to her in the TV series, I’ve loved getting to know her in this book. I can’t wait to read the next book!” 

‘When He Was Wicked’ (Francesca Bridgerton’s story) 

A dazzling second-chance romance between two friends takes place in the sixth book in the Bridgerton series. From the second Michael Stirling laid eyes on Francesca Bridgerton he knew he loved her. The only issue? They met at a dinner celebrating Francesca’s engagement to John Stirling, who just so happens to be Michael’s cousin. But when John tragically dies, Francesca is forced to move on. And who better to do that with than the man who has loved her from afar for years? 

What readers are saying: “I was not sure what to expect from Francesca’s story because she is barely in the other books but reading it changed all that. Her book was amazing, and somehow had a modern feel to it. It was passionate and beautifully written.” 

‘It’s In His Kiss’ (Hyacinth Bridgerton’s story)

A page-turning mystery unfolds in this seventh book in the Bridgerton series. Gareth St. Clair’s father tasks him with decoding a diary that may contain secrets of their family’s missing jewels. The only problem? The diary is written in Italian. Enter Hyacinth, a smart and gorgeous young woman who happens to speak Italian. As the two begin to crack the case, they start to realize that maybe discovering the diary’s contents isn’t the end goal—falling in love is. 

What readers are saying: “I thought Francesca’s story would forever be my favorite Bridgerton book, but that was before I met Hyacinth and Gareth! They were so much fun. I loved their banter and flirty comments. I especially loved the treasure hunting aspect of the book. It added so much more intrigue and adventure.” 

‘On The Way to the Wedding’ (Gregory Bridgerton’s story)

The last book in the Bridgerton series follows Gregory, a handsome young man determined to find the girl of his dreams. At first, he thinks it’s with Miss Hermione Watson, only to learn that she’s in love with another. Wanting to help out her best friend, Lady Lucinda “Lucy” Abernathy agrees to help Gregory get the girl of his dreams. But during that process, she begins to fall in love with Gregory, and he feels the same way. Her uncle isn’t convinced of their love though, and decides that Lucy must go through with her engagement to the man he approves of. Now Gregory must race to get to Lucy’s wedding and try and stop it, before it’s too late. 

What readers are saying: “I have maintained for most of the Bridgerton series that Colin was my favorite, because he’s the most hilarious character. But after reading this novel Gregory has surpassed him. I mean to dare what he did in the name of love; public humiliation, scandal and heartbreak, how could I not love him best? What a great story about the power of love and what it means to dare anything to hold on to love when one finds it.”

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/books/a-complete-guide-to-the-bridgerton-books-in-order