Bridgerton Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Bridgerton

If you are new to the Ton, the best place to start is with the first book Julia Quinn published in the series: The Duke and I. This book introduces the Bridgerton family and establishes the primary romance structure, plus it kicks off the overarching mystery of Lady Whistledown's identity.

While you can read the prequel series (The Rokesbys) first if you want a strictly chronological experience, starting with the original eight books is highly recommended. Reading the main series first allows you to catch the subtle nods, family history, and references scattered throughout the prequels.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

Most readers prefer the publication order because it follows the alphabetical progression of the siblings (Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth) and allows the narrative mystery to unfold naturally. However, if you want to follow the timeline of events from the earliest Georgian era to the late Regency era, you can choose a chronological path.

Recommended Publication Order

This path follows how Julia Quinn wrote and released the books, grouping the original romance novels, the later prequel series, and the companion books:

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
9. The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After (2013) – A collection containing "second epilogues" for all eight books, plus the novella Violet's Story
10. Because of Miss Bridgerton (2016) – Rokesby Series Book 1
11. The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband (2017) – Rokesby Series Book 2
12. The Other Miss Bridgerton (2018) – Rokesby Series Book 3
13. First Comes Scandal (2020) – Rokesby Series Book 4
14. The Wit and Wisdom of Bridgerton (2021) – A collection of character quotes and Lady Whistledown columns
15. Queen Charlotte (2023) – Prequel novel co-authored with Shonda Rhimes

Chronological Order of Events

If you want to read the stories in the order they happen in the Bridgerton universe timeline, use this order instead:

1. Queen Charlotte (Set in 1761, detailing the early marriage of King George III and Queen Charlotte)
2. Because of Miss Bridgerton (Set in 1779)
3. The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband (Set in 1779)
4. The Other Miss Bridgerton (Set in 1786)
5. First Comes Scandal (Set in 1791)
6. The Duke and I (Set in 1813)
7. The Viscount Who Loved Me (Set in 1814)
8. An Offer from a Gentleman (Set in 1815)
9. Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Set in 1824)
10. To Sir Phillip, With Love (Set in 1824)
11. When He Was Wicked (Set in 1820–1824)
12. It's in His Kiss (Set in 1825)
13. On the Way to the Wedding (Set in 1827)

Note: The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After acts as an epilogue compilation spanning multiple years after each sibling's marriage and should be read after the main eight books to avoid major spoilers.

The Rokesbys: Prequels to the Bridgertons

Often referred to as the "Bridgerton Prequels," the four Rokesby novels follow the older generation. The Rokesbys are neighbors and close friends of the Bridgertons in Kent. While you don't need to read these to understand the main books, they are highly recommended for fans who want to see the parents and aunts/uncles of the main siblings in their younger years.

Co-Authored Books and Tie-Ins

In 2023, Julia Quinn co-authored Queen Charlotte with television producer Shonda Rhimes. This novel is a direct tie-in to the Netflix spin-off series, expanding the backstory of the Queen and her relationship with King George III. It occupies a unique place in the franchise, serving both as a show companion and an official addition to the book universe's timeline.