Kait Mae

Netflix’s Bridgerton has taken the world by storm. And despite my reservations, because I didn’t think I was a big fan of regency or romance, I watched the show and read all eight books. I’m even invested in the prequel show following the Queen. While I don’t love the show – I enjoy it enough to get through it – I couldn’t get enough of the books. So, without further ado, here’s my ranking of the Bridgerton siblings and their love stories.

8. Daphne: ‘The Duke & I’

It might have been the first (and shortest), but it was my least favorite. I honestly only read it because I wanted to get to the others and didn’t want to skip it just because I didn’t love it. That said, it did start getting better towards the end.

Simon and Daphne’s fake dating turned real love plot is overdone. I enjoy it for the most part, but when both characters are kind of boring in general, I couldn’t care less how their story turned out.

7. Eloise: ‘To Sir Phillip, With Love’

I love Eloise in the show, so it’s no surprise I was excited to get to this book when I was reading through it. But it just fell flat for me. Regardless, I’m excited for when the show gets to it because I want to see Amanda and Oliver cause mayhem in Eloise’s life.

Phillip was so frustrating, like many of the other men in this series, because he couldn’t just talk about his feelings. What’s with it and Regency men – and some modern men – not talking about their feelings? But also, Eloise – logic isn’t always the best formula for marriage. But I’m glad it worked out for them in the end. Now, Julia, Mrs. Quinn, please, please, please write another character like Amanda because that epilogue was not nearly enough for me.

6. Gregory: ‘On the Way to the Wedding’

I love how Gregory is in the show, but his book character was a little clueless, if I’m being honest. The way he pursued Hermione with Lucy’s help was kind of cute…but I could already tell they weren’t a match.

The best part of the entire novel was the last chunk following the wedding. The suspense, the secrets, the annulment of the marriage, the threats, the gunshots…honestly, if the rest of the book were like this, I would’ve enjoyed it more.

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5. Colin (and Penelope): ‘Romancing Mister Bridgerton’

This might come as a surprise to hardcore Polin shippers, but the book as a whole was underwhelming. Maybe because I read this in the midst of season three hype, but I was expecting something a bit more.

That said, the scene in the carriage before he announces to Penelope’s mother that he wants to marry her – swoon! Also, the announcement that Penelope is Lady Whistledown! Perfection. And then Eloise having gone missing? Perfect set-up for the following novel.

4. Francesca: ‘When He Was Wicked’

I know, I know – who is Francesca? Just kidding. I heard a few things about this book before I read it that got me excited. And let’s say everything I heard proved true. Francesca’s story made me cry, laugh, yell at the characters, and so much more.

I especially loved the second half, when she just got married without telling her family. And then has a baby…without telling her family. She is so fun as a character and so underrated within the Bridgerton family. I can’t wait to see her in the upcoming season.

3. Benedict: ‘An Offer from a Gentleman’

Ahh, a Cinderella retelling that I absolutely adore! I didn’t start out loving it, but after about five chapters, I was in it for the long haul. I read the book in less than 24 hours because I couldn’t put it down or stop thinking about it. It even made me want to rewatch A Cinderella Story.

I’m a little disappointed we won’t get it in Netflix’s season three, but I’m hopeful it will be coming soon. We don’t get a lot of Benedict or Sophie after this book, but in the few moments we got in the later books, the more I wanted to re-read An Offer from a Gentleman.

2. Anthony: ‘The Viscount Who Loved Me’

I’m putting this as number two only because I love Kate so much, but it’s really tied with Benedict’s book. When I was watching the show, quite a few differences from the book made it really hard to watch.

The most significant change was the family dynamics of Kate, Edwina, and their mother. They’re a lot closer in the books, and Edwina is so supportive of Kate and Anthony. I hated what they did to her character in the show. They also removed a big part of Anthony and Kate’s bonding from the show. If you want to know more, definitely read it because it’s so worth it.

1. Hyacinth: ‘It’s In His Kiss’

First and foremost, Hyacinth was my favorite character throughout the entire series. She’s so snappy, sarcastic, and witty – what more could you ask from a character? And then adding in a charming and equally witty love interest? I could barely put the book down!

I didn’t expect a mystery romance, but now I need more. The epilogue wrapping it up so perfectly was terrific. Hyacinth refusing to give up the hunt is so on-character that I want more of just her solving mysteries. Can someone find me something like this?

Do you disagree with any of these rankings? Which was your favorite?