Bridgerton is [Almost] Back.
January 29, 2026 = 💃
January 29, 2026 = 💃
Tension. Desire. Passion. Family. Marriage of convenience. Friends to lovers. Enemies to lovers. The TON.
With the next season of the Netflix series coming in just two short months, we’re recapping the previous seasons and evangelizing the books. We’ve read them all. Even better? It’s a completed series. insert party face
This series literally has it all. And when Netflix turned it into an Original, we were gifted our heart's desire. With the latest Netflix adaptation, An Offer from a Gentleman—Benedict’s story, set to drop on January 29 2026 (part 1) and February 26, 2026 (part 2), we’re reinvigorated about the whole series.
We thought you might be in the same boat so we’re sharing our read-and-rated reviews of the books and why you should watch the TV series.
Get to Know Bridgerton
We’ll start with this: It is worth every minute and penny to read the entire series if you haven’t. And Amazon runs sales on the paperbacks so you can probably snag them for a deal. Right now, they’re all under $10 for the mass market paperback and some are in the $5s and $6s. That’s a steal.
Maybe you’re already into historical romance or you’re just getting into the genre, either way this is the place to be. Each one is unique, each Bridgerton MC is distinct, and each relationship is adorable (well, most are).
The books and TV series are different enough that you should absolutely consume both to get the most out of the adaptations. So if you jumped on the bandwagon to watch the show and loved what you saw, you’ll find even more enjoyment when you read the books. And if you’ve felt the need to stay close to the original source material by reading the books, you’re missing out if you don’t also indulge in the TV series. Seriously. Do both.
Let’s talk spice—it’s a 2 out of 3. More than glimpses and kisses, it’s open door, it’s passionate. But it’s not overly graphic. You’ll probably blush but you won’t hyperventilate.
Netflix TV Original Series Bridgerton Trailers (2020-Present)
HERE is Season 4 - Benedict’s story - Sneak Peek #2 that was released in October.
HERE is Season 3 - Colin’s story - official trailer
HERE is Season 2 - Anthony’s story - official trailer
HERE is Season 1 - Daphne’s story - official trailer
By the Books—Ratings, Reviews, Recaps
The Duke & I by Julia Quinn
Book 1/8
⭐ 4.0 The Velvet Pages book rating
Our review: The chemistry in both the book and the TV series is off the charts. Daphne’s obsession to have children does take away from a lot of her character building that worked so well in both versions, but it’s harder to endure in the TV series. We loved Season 1 of the Netflix original, but we don’t rewatch often because watching Daphne and Simon struggle in the third act is heartbreaking.
The Netflix TV series deviates quite a bit from the book, but that just means you have two stories, featuring amazing characters, to enjoy. They’re both done well.
The Book—published in 2000
417 pages with two epilogues
Daphne’s a bit of an outcast because she’s not the amiable, people pleaser that is expected of a young titled woman. She’s independent, mischievous, and warm.
Simon is a rake of the highest order. Honestly, they kept his character pretty consistent.
The TV Series—released in 2020 (8 episodes)
Simon and Daphne are perfectly cast, as is the rest of the ensemble.
Daphne is more pliable and follows the rules of Ton, solely focused on making a good match.
More of the ensemble cast are introduced and the secondary story lines begin to take shape.
The Queen and Lady Danbury are focal points, something the book did not lay as a strong foundation.
The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
Book 2/8
⭐ 3.75 The Velvet Pages book rating
Our review: Not the best book in the series, but absolutely the best season of the TV series so far. The chemistry and enemies to lovers dynamic between Kate and Anthony smolder the entirety of the series. And the music is outstanding. The dance in the final episode set to an acoustic version of Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus gave us goosebumps. We’ve watched this TV series season a half dozen times.
The Book—published in 2000
451 pages with two epilogues
The wit and banter are charming. The real conflict in this version is built by socioeconomic differences and class struggles.
Their marriage and relationship are major plot points.
The TV Series - released in 2022 (8 episodes)
Anthony and Kate are perfectly cast in this season as well
The love triangle is a complete addition to the story, as are the extra ensemble story lines for Eloise, Benedict’s art school, the Queen and Edwina, Jack Featherington.
An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn
Book 3/8
⭐ 4.25 The Velvet Pages book rating
Our review: We loved this book, it’s truly one of the best in the series. Sophie’s struggle will hurt your heart, but she’s so resilient. She just keeps going, keeps trying to make life better for herself. And when Benedict enters her life, they complete one another. We couldn’t put this one down.
The Book—published in 2000
417 pages with two epilogues
Sophie is a lady, a member of the Ton, but her family hit hard times and she spends much of her development in the book as a housemaid or seeking employment.
She’s preyed upon and taken advantage of by people who don’t feel the rules of humanity apply to them. This is by far the darkest of the books because it shows you the lack of humanity in this world.
Sophie perseveres and you’ll love her for it.
Benedict comes across as naive, green, and all around decent. But he’s surrounded himself with less likable, morally black friends. Thankfully, he’s redeemable and he makes the right decisions.
❤️
The TV Series - to be released in 2026 (8 episodes)
We can’t wait! Benedict in the TV series is trying to find himself. Trying to figure out where he fits in the world where he’s the second son. It’s been both sweet and sad.
Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
Book 4/8
⭐ 4.25 The Velvet Pages book rating
Our review: This is the first season of the TV series that under-performed compared to the book (in our opinions). The book has so much rich engagement from the ensemble cast that it elevates the story. Lady Danbury is a hero with her snark, intervention, and general ‘doesn’t give a shit about appearances’ demeanor. And the TV series cut the Smythe-Smith musicale completely, which is such a crime. Our second favorite book in the series.
The Book—published in 2002
408 pages with two epilogues
The friendship between Colin and Penelope is well-established, but it always seemed unrequited. The book does an amazing job of the slow burn, friends to lovers evolution of their legacy relationship.
Their marriage is a much larger part of the book, showing how they use their familiarity to build a strong, lasting foundation.
Lady Danbury plays a major role in their early days together.
The TV Series - released in 2024 (2 parts, 8 episodes)
More physical interaction between Colin and Penelope, which makes sense given their previous interactions in season 1 and 2. But the evolution doesn’t feel as deep.
Penelope and Colin are well cast, but they don’t have the explosive chemistry that Kate and Anthony or Simon and Daphne had. Maybe because we know them so well?
Penelope gives herself a makeover, which boosts her confidence, but ultimately she’s most comfortable with who she is in her audacious dresses.
To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn
Book 5/8
⭐ DNF The Velvet Pages book rating
Our review: Eloise is desperate for an escape and finds it in the country with a distant cousin. She enters a life of mega-domestication, minding Phillip’s two children and learning how things work in a house of the gentry, but not high ranking. Here’s the deal—we wanted more for Eloise. She’s a middle child who struggles to carve her own path, she doesn’t feel seen or heard…so she disappears into the country, into someone else’s life. It felt so much like the antithesis of who she is that we couldn’t finish the book.
The Book—published in 2003
390 pages with two epilogues
She starts a pen pal relationship with a distant cousin and comes to look forward to their discussions and what a life with him could look like.
It doesn’t address the Marina relationship like the TV series did
The TV Series - not yet released
We’re hopeful—so much of Eloise’s story so far has been pure fabrication, added to the story to give her more depth.
When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn
Book 6/8
⭐ 4.0 The Velvet Pages book rating
Our review: “Tell me something wicked.” <<< The tension and yearning in this book is unparalleled in the series. Sweet, caring Francesca doesn’t stand a chance against Michael’s affections. He’s a reformed rake who knows how to lay it on thiiiiick. This book is the sweetest one, which makes the burgeoning affection between Michael and Francesca all the more alluring.
The Book—published in 2004
420 pages with two epilogues
Francesca is widowed young and prioritizing the Ton’s expectations of a proper titled widow, seemingly in contrast with her own desires.
She’s constantly measuring herself against her mother-in-law and sister-in-law, trying to always do what they’d want her to.
Michael is her late husband’s cousin, a reformed rake who has held a candle for her all this time. Now that she’s ‘available’, they have a complicated situation. Balancing their crushes and appearing demure, appropriate to all who believe she should be mourning.
The TV Series - not yet released
We’ve seen quite a bit of Francesca’s story already come to pass in the first three seasons. Curious how they tie it to a dedicated set of episodes.
It’s In His Kiss by Julia Quinn
Book 7/8
⭐ 4.25 The Velvet Pages book rating
Our review: Hyacinth is Bridgerton’s Van Wilder. She’s a schemer, but not harmful. She’s energetic, independent, vexing, and we absolutely love it. Gareth is in need of a friend, someone to see beyond his title and Hyacinth does that for him. She and Gareth are wonderful together. Their slow burn, friends to lovers, he-falls-first relationship is fun to watch. Top three book in the series.
The Book—published in 2005
399 pages with two epilogues
Hyacinth is the youngest sister in the family, meaning she’s watched her brothers and sisters enter and leave society. And she has no interest in it. She’d rather explore, learn, find herself.
In a refreshing change of pace, our MMC, Gareth, is the one beset by unrealistic expectations and others charting his life for him. He’s to enter an arranged marriage with a girl from the country in order to restore his family’s fortunes.
Gareth and Hyacinth work together to find another path and save him from a bleak future, falling in love along the way.
Lady Danbury, again, serves as the matchmaking mechanic in this book. She’s a spitfire.
The TV Series - not yet released
A total mystery—Hyacinth hasn’t been a major character in the series yet.
On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn
Book 8/8
⭐ 4.0 The Velvet Pages book rating
Our review: Gregory’s book is the reincarnation of the classic trope ‘ask your crush’s best friend for help winning her over’. And it’s done so well. Lucy isn’t what Gregory thinks he wants so he feels safe being himself with her. Until he realizes that’s exactly what he wants in his marriage. And when his blinders come off, he’ll fight even harder for the thing he never knew he needed and now can’t live without. swoon
The Book—published in 2006
371 pages with two epilogues
He’s absolutely smitten, deep in an unrequited crush. And since he can’t seem to make headway in gaining her affections, he asks her friend Lucy to help him win her over.
Lucy is captivated by how much she enjoys being around Gregory and falls for him, despite knowing his heart is with her best friend.
Gregory finally pulls his head out of his ass and chooses his destiny but he’ll have to fight for it.
This is a sweet, satisfying resolution to the series.
The TV Series - not yet released
We’ve seen glimpses of Gregory but he’s an adolescent right now. Can’t wait to see how he matures through the next few seasons to set the stage for his own story.