You Don’t Need To Wait Until Season 2 For More Bridgerton. Read The Books.
Trust me, there’s plenty more drama to relish in
I’m of the academic opinion that good romance novels are a boon for society—in particular when those romance novels involve frilly gowns and someone who identifies as a “viscount.” Thankfully, the Bridgerton series has both! If you spent the last few weeks in a Regency-fueled fervor over the new Netflix series from Shonda Rhimes and Chris Van Dusen, you’ll be delighted to learn the show is based on books … and you needn’t wait for next season to get the next chapter’s spoilers.
The first season of Bridgerton is based, in large part, on Julia Quinn’s first book, The Duke And I. Daphne and Simon, the Duke of Hastings, stage an elaborate plot, then find themselves stuck in the web of said plot. But for a sneak peek at what might happen next—Will Penelope Featherington reveal herself as Lady Whistledown? Will Anthony find true love? What will Marina name her baby? Will you ever recover from the way Regé Jean-Page says “pinnacle”?—it’s time to settle down by the fire for some light, flirtatious reading. Here’s where to start.
The Duke and I
Dhs78, bookdepository.com
If you’d like to relive the events of Daphne and Simon’s tumultuous courtship—and truly, who wouldn’t?—start here.
The Viscount Who Loved Me
Dhs33, amazon.com
A scorned Anthony decides love is a sham, and he will marry for duty alone. Wonder how that works out for him?
An Offer From a Gentleman
Dhs46, amazon.com
It’s Benedict’s turn! He meets his dream wife at a dazzling soiree, but it’s the Cinderella-like Sophie Beckett he can’t quite keep his eyes off of…
Romancing Mister Bridgerton
Dhs70, amazon.com
And of course, who could forget Colin? The third Bridgerton brother gets his shot at love, as does Penelope Featherington—who, as we know, is hiding a rather scandalous secret.
To Sir Phillip, With Love
Dhs74, amazon.com
Eloise, the budding feminist Bridgerton sister who can’t stand the idea of marriage, finds herself swept away by a letter from one mysterious Sir Phillip.
When He Was Wicked
Dhs70, amazon.com
Francesca Bridgerton gets her own fairy tale in the form of Michael Stirling, London’s most infamous rake—even, dare we say, more infamous than the Duke of Hastings himself.
It’s in His Kiss
Dhs63, amazon.com
Darling little Hyacinth has grown up to make her debut at this point in the series, and she catches the eye of Gareth St. Clair, who needs her skills translating Italian to decipher a strange family diary.
On the Way to the Wedding
Dhs68, amazon.com
Finally, the youngest Bridgerton boy, Gregory, gets his all-important love story—or, er, love quadrangle.
Written by Lauren Pickett
Lead image courtesy of Instagram/bridgertonnetflix