Ranking (Most) of the Bridgerton Books
- Jamie Marie Torres
- 16 hours ago
- 7 min read
Four Siblings down, four more to go!
The hit Netflix series Bridgerton has just wrapped up its fourth season in late February, bringing to life the tale of the third brother, Benedict, and housemaid Sophie. The regency romance series, adapted from the novels of the same name by Julia Quinn, has already been renewed for seasons five and six. Season five will center around sixth daughter Francesca and Michaela Sterling, with season six presumably focusing on fifth daughter Eloise.
Yeah, confusing. I know. I actually think this is the smart choice but I will explain why another day.
As a romantic and book lover at heart, I've read seven of the eight books in the main Bridgerton book series. I skipped Daphne's book The Duke and I, much to the chagrin of many book friends I discuss this with. Believe it or not, I'm normally the type of book purist that would hate that, but honestly? I hear that the one terrible scene in season one was straight from the book. So I don't believe I'm missing much.
I also think that's what's great about these books. The main Bridgerton book series is not really a series; it's a pick-your-own-adventure of Regency romance. Even though I skipped The Duke and I, I had no problem understanding The Viscount Who Loved Me and so on. Maybe one day I'll give it a chance, but not likely.
I will also not use anything happening in the show to justify my ranking. I may reference some things, but know that this list is based solely on the books. Furthermore, looking back at my Goodreads, the lowest rating I have for a book in this series was a simple three stars, so even the lowest book is still worth the read, if you ask me.
Minor Spoilers for the Bridgerton book series!
When He Was Wicked
Francesca's Story
When He Was Wicked is the tale of Francesca Sterling, nee Bridgerton, who is ready to return to the marriage mart a few years after her husband, John's death. But little does she know that if a love match it wants, she needs to look no further than her late husband's cousin/closest friend, Lord Michael Sterling, the new earl of Kilmartin.
This is a second-chance romance, laced with guilt and grief, in which both characters struggle with the feeling that their love is a betrayal of the same person they dearly miss. It offers a lot of tender moments where Michael and Francesca discuss how their grief divided them initially after John’s death.
However, beyond their reminiscing over John, I did not find their romance as believable as I had hoped. In fact, this might be the only book on this list where I preferred the steamy bedroom scenes more than any scenes that could result in romantic tension
What's important to me when rating books is their re-readability. I make it a policy nowadays to only buy books I love so much that I want on my shelf to read at a moment's notice, either to reread in full or flip through to my favorite parts.
Unfortunately, When He was Wicked doesn't have any rereadability for me. I believe this is in part because the majority of the important scenes take place at the secluded Kilmartin estate in Scotland. Part of the appeal of the Bridgerton book series is that, despite them all being separate stories, you can get peeks of the other siblings before and after their love stories. And I also find Francesca's realization of love for Michael rather underwhelming. It was sweet, but underwhelming. This book, however, includes one of my favorite epilogues.
An Offer from a Gentleman
Benedict's Story
The only thing An Offer From a Gentleman has going for it is that it is a Cinderella retelling. The illegitimate daughter of a late earl, Sophie is forced into a life of servitude by her wicked stepmother. But one night, Sophie takes matters into her own hands and sneaks into Lady Bridgerton’s Masquerade. Her one act of rebellion will change not only her life, but also that of her “prince charming” second son, Benedict Bridgerton. Although she escapes at the stroke of midnight, Benedict is determined to find the mysterious Lady in Silver, but will she have him? And at what cost?
I can believe Benedict is falling in love with Sophie in this book, but I cannot reasonably believe that this is the man Sophie fell in love with. Show watchers, be warned: book Benedict has none of the light-hearted humor and charm you see in the series. Of all the Bridgerton boys, I find book Benedict to be, well, not the worst, but the least pleasant of the four.
Despite Benedict’s personality, this book is very re-readable for me. Sophie later gains a spot as a maid in Number 5 (Violet’s Dowager house after Anthony and Kate marry). Sophie spends much time with the family, which offers many familial bonding scenes I did not find in When He Was Wicked, and which I very much needed.
To Sir Philip, with Love
Eloise's Story
I struggled between rankings 5 and 6, because while Benedict is my least favorite character, To Sir Philip, with Love, doesn't have any highlight scenes, nothing that makes Eloise and Philip Crane's love story reread-able to me. However, unlike Francesca's story, I think that the fact that this takes place mostly away from the town is a benefit to the romance, whereas the Scottish setting is not. It gives more Pride and Prejudice (2005) vibes. It's a softer, more mature romance, as opposed to the other throws of passion that other books are.
It's In His Kiss
Oh, Hyacinth Bridgerton, you are indeed the people's princess. Only you could be declared equal parts desirable and terrifying. It really is a struggle being a Hyacnith and Gregory fan, not only because they are currently in Bridgerton the least, but also because there is still no guarantee they will get their season.
Like Hycanith, her romance is pure chaos. Meeting notable mystery nobleman Gareth St. Clair, the two hatch a plan to find some long-lost diamonds his grandmother stowed away. It's a mystery of the past that inlcuded an few illegal heists. Hyacinth's story is the most romantic comedy in her family.
Of course, like most of these books, there is a hint of problematic/infuriating behavior from Gareth; however, nothing can be worse than Benedict "be my mistress" Bridgerton.
Romancing Mr. Bridgerton
Colin and Penelope's Love Story
I'm on Twitter a lot and, being as chronically online as I am, I am made to feel like this is a controversial take. I remember when the announcement came that they would do Polin instead of Benedict for the third season, there was a lot of outrage, but I was overjoyed. A friend-to-lovers tale that, in the book universe, is a decade in the making. However, I will say the series did a better job with Colin's declaration of love than the book did, but the book also had writer Colin, which I felt could've been very important in season 3. After Colin's initial shock at learning she is Lady Whistledown, the two draw inspiration from each other to pursue their respective passions. Also, I love how, despite all the trouble she caused, Penelope remained unapologetic about being Lady Whistledown, even in the face of Colin's anger.
The Viscount Who Loved Me
Anthony's Love Story
The book that started it all for me. Stumbled upon this book at the library one day and thought, "Why the hell not?". Four days later, I was pulling an all-nighter the night before a Spanish test to finish this book. Thank god I still passed.
On paper and screen, Anthony and Kate have the utmost chemistry of any of these couples; their book was simply thrilling from start to end. Everything about their story draws you in and keeps you there. So much endearing banter, well-balanced with sentimental moments. And if you're asking, "If you love it so much, why didn't you put it at number one?", let me put you on to my favorite Bridgerton man......
On the Way to the Wedding
My favorite book, my favorite Bridgerton, my favorite Lucy. This book is essentially Set It Up in the Regency era. Gregory Bridgerton has fallen in love, and he just needs to convince the dear debutante to return the feeling. He enlists the help of the lady's best friend, an already betrothed Lucy Abernathy, to win her heart. You can guess the rest.
Ironically, I thought this was going to be my least favorite book. I despise the troupe of interrupting weddings, runaway brides, and anything so public for all the wrong reasons. My Best Friend's Wedding is my worst nightmare of a rom-com. Don't get me wrong, it was still hard to read, but everything before and after makes up for it.
What also makes this book great for me is that Gregory, as a protagonist, is so unlike
It's exciting, and what makes it better is that Gregory, unlike his brother, actively pursues love, unabashedly, in the way a modern rom-com heroine would chase love. It's so refreshing I almost don't care that he almost gets himself killed.
Overall, On the Way to the Wedding has all the potential for a great romantic drama that you can think of, literally life and death stakes.
I have just picked up an extremely damaged copy of Because of Miss Bridgerton, the first book from Julia Quinn's prequel series. Perhaps, dear reader, I will return to rank and review those as well. Better yet, perhaps I will one day read all of her books and rank off of them for you (yes, including The Duke and I). Until then, I am anxiously awaiting season five.
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