Netflix's "Bridgerton" has struck the heart of many fans who are likely to explore the books that influenced it. Authored by Julia Quinn, the book series transports readers to the world of Regency-era romance. Knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming, with eight main novels and various novellas and spin-offs. Here is a helpful guide to reading the books in sequence. 

How to Read the Books in Order

1. The Duke and I

The series commences by introducing the family and the splendid Regency London. Daphne Bridgerton searches for love and becomes unexpectedly linked with Simon Basset.

2. The Viscount Who Loved Me

Anthony Bridgerton seeks a wife, but his efforts become tangled when he becomes interested in Kate Sheffield. Kate is determined to shield her sister from Anthony, known for his wild behavior.

3. An Offer From a Gentleman

A Cinderella twist follows the story of Sophie Beckett, a humble servant who meets the dashing Benedict Bridgerton at a masquerade ball. Their young love will face challenges, including social class boundaries and family secrets. 

4. Romancing Mister Bridgerton

The book follows the budding romance between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington. Their relationship transitions from familiarity to excitement, but not without challenges. Secrets between them pose obstacles to their budding romance, adding tension to their love story.

5. To Sir Phillip, With Love

Book five, like its predecessors, does not just focus on romance. It starts with Eloise Bridgerton visiting Sir Phillip Crane, her new pen pal, who is considering remarriage after his wife's passing. Eloise finds Sir Phillip different from her ideal partner but handsome nonetheless, sparking uncertainty.

6. When He Was Wicked

The book covers the scandalous affairs of Michael Stirling, who is utterly infatuated with his late cousin's wife, Francesca Bridgerton. The overwhelming feelings of forbidden attraction between them develop into an enthralling and hysterical romance.

7. It's in His Kiss

The youngest Bridgerton, Hyacinth, falls in love with Gareth St. Clair. Gareth seeks clues in an old family diary for financial freedom, drawing Hyacinth into the mystery. As they work together on the Italian diary, their connection deepens after a memorable kiss.

8. On the Way to the Wedding

The series finale depicts the youngest son of the Bridgerton clan, Gregory, struggling with opposing currents of London society and trying to understand his intricate emotions for the bewitching Lady Lucinda Abernathy.

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Differences From the Netflix Show

The book series is similar to its Netflix adaptation in a way that each novel of the series highlights a different sibling's love story. The book series does have a storyline that sets events out in a particular order. Executive producer Shonda Rhimes mentioned that while the series is not going to be that strictly chronological, it will focus on each of the sibling's stories.

Although the first season is based on the first book, there are notable differences between the book and the show. In the book, Daphne is in her second social season, whereas in the show, it is her first, and she is portrayed as more of a social standout.

"Bridgerton" also introduces more subplots and new characters not present in the original book series, such as Queen Charlotte and Prince Friedrich. In the show, Lady Whistledown's identity is revealed in the last episode but occurs in the fourth book.

In the second season of "Bridgerton," adapted from the second book, significant deviations from the book emerge. Unlike the original storyline, in which Anthony Bridgerton is torn between Kate and Edwina Sheffield, in the show, his dilemma involves Kate and Edwina Sharma from India. The on-screen portrayal intensifies the love triangle, nearly culminating in marriage before true feelings are realized.

The bee sting scene also differs between the book and the show, with the show opting for a more romantic approach. Moreover, season 2 introduces a subplot involving Eloise's quest to uncover Lady Whistledown's identity and introduces Theo Sharpe, who is not present in the book.

Fans reading the books in order might be ahead of the show since some books will not be made into seasons until later. Showrunner Jess Brownell hinted at clues for future adaptations in the upcoming seasons.

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