Netflix has renewed Bridgerton for season 5 AND season 6, and confirmed that season 4 will air on Netflix in 2026. With Benedict Bridgerton and his love interest Sophie as main characters, this is the perfect moment to read the book that serves as its basis — An Offer From a Gentleman — before the series premieres.
But where do you even start? And do you need to have read all previous seasons or books first? This is the complete guide — including book 9, the collection of epilogues every Bridgerton fan will want to read.
What are the Bridgerton books?
The Bridgerton series was written by Julia Quinn (pseudonym of Julie Cotler Pottinger) and consists of eight main novels, a prequel, and a collection of epilogues. Each book follows a different member of the Bridgerton family in search of love in Regency London of the early nineteenth-century England.
The books were written between 2000 and 2006 and remained popular for years, but it was Shonda Rhimes' Netflix series that introduced them to a whole new generation of readers. The books have now been translated into dozens of languages and are among the most widely read historical romances in the world.
The complete Bridgerton reading order (10 books)
Prequel: Violet in Bloom
Before you begin the main series, there's a short prequel about Violet and Edmund Bridgerton: how they met, fell in love, and founded the family that forms the basis of the entire series. This story originally appeared in the anthology Happily Ever After.
Read this before part 1 if you want the full background — but it's not mandatory.
Part 1: The Duke and I — Daphne & Simon
Netflix Season 1
Daphne Bridgerton, the family's only daughter, enters into a fake relationship with the handsome but cynical Duke of Hastings. What starts as an arrangement to solve both their problems grows into real feelings that put everything at stake.
This is the book that made the Netflix series what it is. If you've watched the series, read the book for more depth and detail.
Part 2: The Viscount Who Loved Me — Anthony & Kate
Netflix Season 2
Anthony Bridgerton, the eldest brother and head of the family, is determined to marry — but for business reasons, not love. Until he meets Kate Sharma, his intended bride's sister, who challenges him on every level.
For many readers, this is the favorite part of the series. The tension between Anthony and Kate is palpable from the first page and keeps you captivated from beginning to end.
Part 3: An Offer From a Gentleman — Benedict & Sophie
Netflix Season 4 (2026)
Benedict Bridgerton met a mysterious woman at a masked ball whom he has never forgotten. Years later, he meets Sophie Beckett — but Sophie has a secret that stands in the way of everything. A Cinderella story in Regency style, full of suspense and romance.
This is THE book to read now. Season 4 is coming and readers who know the book always enjoy the adaptation more.
Part 4: Romancing Mr. Bridgerton — Colin & Penelope
Netflix Season 3
Colin Bridgerton is the charming, well-traveled third brother. Penelope Featherington is his best friend and has been secretly in love with him for years — while also carrying a particularly well-kept secret. A slow-burn romance with a revelation you won't see coming.
Part 5: To Sir Phillip, With Love — Eloise & Phillip
Netflix Season 5 (confirmed)
Eloise Bridgerton, the free-spirited sister who never wanted to marry, corresponds for years with Sir Phillip Crane through letters. When she finally travels to him, reality is quite different from what the letters led her to believe.
Part 6: When He Was Wicked — Francesca & Michael
Netflix Season 6 (confirmed)
Francesca Bridgerton, the quiet and withdrawn sister, marries early and loses her husband. Years later, she meets his cousin Michael Stirling again — and the tension that was always present but never named can no longer be ignored. One of the most emotionally heavy parts of the series.
Part 7: It's In His Kiss — Hyacinth & Gareth
Hyacinth Bridgerton, the youngest daughter and famous chatterbox, becomes entangled in a family secret through the grandfather of the mysterious Gareth St. Clair. A lighthearted, funny romance with a spy plot that keeps the series moving at a fast pace.
Part 8: On the Way to the Wedding — Gregory & Lucy
The last main part of the series. Gregory Bridgerton, the youngest brother, falls in love with the wrong woman — and is caught off guard by her best friend, who is actually a much better match for him. A charming conclusion to the main series.
Part 9: The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After — all couples
The perfect conclusion for those who have read all eight parts. This collection of stories contains epilogues for all Bridgerton couples: you see where Daphne & Simon, Anthony & Kate, Benedict & Sophie, and all the others ended up. Not a new story but a warm, satisfying reunion with all the characters you've gotten to know throughout the series.
Always read this last — after part 8. It contains epilogues for all couples and is full of spoilers for the entire series.
The complete reading order at a glance
| # | Dutch title | English title | Characters | Netflix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prequel | Voor altijd en eeuwig | Violet in Bloom | Violet & Edmund | — |
| 1 | De ongetrouwde hertog | The Duke and I | Daphne & Simon | Season 1 |
| 2 | De verliefde graaf | The Viscount Who Loved Me | Anthony & Kate | Season 2 |
| 3 | Een vorstelijk aanbod | An Offer From a Gentleman | Benedict & Sophie | Season 4 (2026) |
| 4 | Een nobel streven | Romancing Mr. Bridgerton | Colin & Penelope | Season 3 |
| 5 | De hand van de gravin | To Sir Phillip, With Love | Eloise & Phillip | Season 5 |
| 6 | Een royale vergissing | When He Was Wicked | Francesca & Michael | Season 6 |
| 7 | De edele opdracht | It's In His Kiss | Hyacinth & Gareth | — |
| 8 | Een man van stand | On the Way to the Wedding | Gregory & Lucy | — |
| 9 | Happily Ever After | The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After | All couples | — |
Do I have to read the books in order?
Technically, you can read each Bridgerton book separately — each part has its own standalone romance. But if you truly want to get to know the characters and understand the family dynamics, the order above is the most satisfying.
Are you watching the Netflix series? Then you can also read the corresponding books per season. That gives you extra depth with each character without having to read the entire series.
Always read Part 9 (Happily Ever After) last. It contains epilogues for all couples and is full of spoilers for the entire series.
The Rokesby Series: Bridgerton Prequel by Julia Quinn
In addition to the ten books above, Julia Quinn has also written a prequel series: the Rokesby Series. This takes place before the Bridgerton series, in the late eighteenth century, and follows the Bridgerton family's neighbors. You can read this series before or after the main series — it's not mandatory reading but a nice addition for true fans.
Bridgerton Season 4: everything you need to know
Season 4 marks the halfway point of the Netflix adaptation, which plans to adapt all eight of Julia Quinn's books. With the confirmed renewals for seasons 5 and 6, Netflix has formally picked up at least six of the planned eight seasons.
What do we know about Season 4?
- Main characters: Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha)
- Based on: Part 3 — An Offer From a Gentleman
- Platform: Netflix
- Release year: 2026
Notably: In the books, Benedict's love interest is named Sophie Beckett, but in the series, her surname is Baek — an adaptation that reflects the diversity in the cast, similar to how Anthony's love interest was changed from Katharine Sheffield to Kate Sharma in Season 2.
📚 Read Part 3 before Season 4 drops
Our romance bookmarks are perfect for a Bridgerton re-read marathon — preserve your favorite Regency romance moments in style.
→ Check out the romance bookmarks
What to read after finishing the Bridgerton books?
Love Regency romance and historical love stories? These are the most recommended alternatives:
For more from Julia Quinn: She has written several other series, including the Bevelstoke series and the Smythe-Smith series — all set in the same Regency era.
For contemporary romance with a similar vibe: The Hating Game by Sally Thorne has similar enemies-to-lovers tension but in a modern setting. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood has the same grumpy-sunshine dynamic.
Don't know what to read next? Our Blind Date Book (Romance) lets you choose the genre and surprises you with a romance you didn't know beforehand.
Complete your Bridgerton reading marathon
💕 The complete Bridgerton reading set:
✔ Romance bookmark — for the most romantic Regency moments
✔ Coquette bookmark — perfectly matches the Bridgerton vibe
✔ Book Review Notepad — keep track of your favorite couple for each part
✔ Reading Log Book Tracker — follow your Bridgerton marathon from part 1 to 9
✔ Glass Can — for the tea that goes with Regency reading
✔ Blind Date Book (Romance) — for when you're done with the series and want more romance
Frequently asked questions about the Bridgerton book order
How many Bridgerton books are there?
The series consists of 8 main novels, a prequel (Violet in Bloom) and an epilogue collection (The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After). In total, there are 10 books for the complete Bridgerton experience.
Do I have to read the Bridgerton books in order?
Each book has its own romance that stands alone, so you can technically start wherever you want. But the order above provides the most context for the family dynamics and recurring characters.
Which Bridgerton book belongs to which Netflix season?
Season 1 = Part 1 (Daphne & Simon), Season 2 = Part 2 (Anthony & Kate), Season 3 = Part 4 (Colin & Penelope), Season 4 = Part 3 (Benedict & Sophie).
When is Bridgerton Season 4 coming out?
Bridgerton Season 4 will be released on Netflix in 2026, starring Luke Thompson as Benedict and Yerin Ha as Sophie Baek.
How many seasons will Bridgerton have on Netflix?
Netflix has renewed Bridgerton for at least seasons 5 and 6, with plans to adapt all eight books.
What is Bridgerton book 9?
Book 9 is The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After, a collection of stories with epilogues for all eight couples in the series. It's not a new story but a wonderful conclusion for those who have read the entire series. Always read this last.
Is the Rokesby series necessary for the Bridgerton books?
No. The Rokesby series is a prequel set before the Bridgerton series and is a nice addition for true fans, but not required reading.
Are the Bridgerton books available in Dutch?
Yes, all eight main parts have been translated into Dutch by publisher Boekerij.
Which Bridgerton book is the best?
Part 2 (The Viscount Who Loved Me — Anthony & Kate) is considered by many readers to be the strongest book in the series. The tension between Anthony and Kate builds perfectly, and the book has one of the most satisfying romances in the entire series.
💕 Your Bridgerton reading marathon starts here
Romance bookmarks • Coquette bookmarks • Book Review Notepad • Reading Log • Blind Date Book (Romance)
Happy reading! 💕📚