An ONTD Original - A Ranking of The 'Bridgerton' Novels by This Author
My dearest readers of ONTD-ton,
A while ago, this author watched this short film about the Bridgerton novels posted in this very community. This film intrigued me, readers, and I set my
cap to reading them all. For the original film made some of these novels sound like they’d be of import to watch the series, which I fully intend to tune into on Netflix.
So This Author did so (bar The Duke and I, which this very community said the first season was a better version than the novel) and after my adventure, darling citizens of ONTD'ton, I felt as if I had to make an ONTD Original to explain the novels and also rank them.
For the ‘ton of ONTD, I present my findings in a three tier style. There are eight siblings Bridgerton, and therefore eight books. This author did not read the prequels, sequels or reference novels, so if my darling readers have read those note that I am not including ANY other siblings. The Featherington and the Smythe-Smith siblings are not on This Author’s radar.
Part the first will be the novels themselves, ranked 1-8. Then following is a ranking of the siblings Bridgerton, ranked 1-8. The final category will be the spouses Bridgerton, ranked. The end will give my darling readers the order of the novels in both pleasure and development. Please be aware dear readers that This Author is holding nothing back and giving as good as it gets, which does beget that this post is FULL OF SPOILERS. If our polite ‘ton do not wish to be spoiled for either the novels or the programme, please stop your reading thus.
Part One - The Novels Bridgerton
Novel One - The Duke and I
7/8
This author is going to be frank and state that she just watched this on Netflix. However this is not the worst by a longshot, as it introduces the key players throughout the series in a thoughtful way and gives us an introduction to Daphne, who does reappear throughout the books. This Author does rank this quite low because of the Emmy nomination of a certain actor that was unwarranted and also that actor’s refusal to return for a brief cameo, which leads to another novel changing.
Novel Two - The Viscount Who Loved Me
2/8
Dearest readers, this book is honestly a pleasure to read. While Neftlix did introduce the fine rake that is Anthony, Viscount Bridgerton, this novel introduces us to Anthony Bridgerton, hopeless idiot. It gives us a lot more background on Anthony - mostly that he pretty much was the father figure for his youngest two siblings and does work quite a bit for what he does. While the ‘ton did see him as a mean and harsh rake in the first series on Netflix, he is well fleshed out in this book.
It is also This Author’s opinion that this is the most fun book to read because of Anthony’s love interest and eventual wife, Kate Sheffield (to be Sharma in the series). For those of you looking for what is known as a TL:DR for this book - Kate is well written and meets Anthony blow for blow. While Anthony can be a hothead and be quite rude, This Author can understand the historical context. It does not excuse his behavior though.
This novel also gives us what I consider the best chapter Julia Quinn has ever written - the Pall Mall sequence. This is also why The Duke and I ranks so low, because This Author assumes that they will have to eliminate this sequence since it includes Daphne and Simon. There was also a behind the scenes photograph that This Author saw that features a horse race, which is not featured at all in this novel. It also shows that Anthony has some pretty irrational fears - dying at an early age, bees - because of his closeness with his father, who died by a beesting when Anthony was just eighteen. As the oldest sibling he knew his father the best, as he states that Daphne was just ten when their father passed.
Anthony ends up being a prominent feature throughout the whole novel series, as I think he is the only sibling to show up in every novel for an extended period of time. Without this novel you’d find him bossy, argumentative and frankly frustrating - a vicious Viscount, if you’d please. Yet he shows such delicacy and kindness in this novel that you can see why all his siblings go to him for advice, and that Anthony is actually level headed most of the time. These books just put in him in places where his hot-headedness flares up. This Author has a striking suspicion that he would either be a Leo or an Aries.
Novel Three - An Offer from a Gentleman
4/8
Benedict Bridgerton is the most simpleminded Bridgerton sibling, and this book is proof of that. He buys a house called MY COTTAGE and DOES NOT RENAME IT. It is not Benedict’s Cottage - just MY COTTAGE. By God I just canNOT with him. This Author just had to get that out.
This Author would like to state that this novel is where the Bridgerton idea of a ‘spark’ with a partner begins - as is runs through the next novels. As This Author has not read The Duke and I, I shall give Daphne the benefit of the doubt.
As This Author does enjoy a Cinderella story, this novel was easy to read. While This Author maintains 1998’s Ever After is the penultimate Cinderella story, this one was up there as well. Mostly because Sophie takes each of life’s knocks with her head held high. Benedict, convinced she is The One, thus becomes infatuated with the idea of Sophie and not her actual self when they meet again. He also is not a bisexual icon like his TV counterparts in the novels.
When they meet again literally YEARS later, he takes her in as a servant and then later he wants her to become his mistress. Sophie handles this with grace, and when all is said and done they end up being a happy couple. This Author finds the story compelling and enjoyed it tremendously. Yet This Author does not know how Sophie tolerates her husband, as all she does is improve him. This Author also saw ONTD’S favourite ™ Lily James in edits on ye olde Insta, so perhaps that endears me.
Novel Four - Romancing Mr. Bridgerton
3/8
This novel is such fun. Both Colin and Penelope have been introduced on the television series, but if a reader was to discover the books by themselves, it isn’t until this novel we learn that Penelope is Lady Whistledown. So that fact alone makes this book engaging, because from Penelope’s point of view, she seems so included in the validity of Lady Whistledown’s gossip with every time we see her that her game is magnificent. In The Viscount Who Loved Me, Penelope and Kate even discuss Lady Whistledown’s cutting remarks about their clothing and Penelope seems so ashamed of Lady's commentary on her. Once she is revealed in the book it's infinitely more interesting to read.
This Author hopes that the Penelope weight loss storyline is cut out of the television series, as this is what knocks it down under the previously mentioned book. This Author finds Kate and Penelope amongst the best of the spouses Bridgerton, but more of that later.
Colin and Penelope have a great ‘falling in love with my sibling’s best friend/silently in love with my best friend’s sibling’ storyline. Colin aspires to be something more than someone in his family, and in fact his biggest issue is that he is jealous that Penelope has a legacy when he stalks her down and finds out she’s Whistledown. While This Author would normally not condone stalking, Colin does make it a plausible avenue. In the end, they end up exposing Penelope, Colin ends up writing some decent travel journals and Penelope ends up as his editor.
Novel Five - To Sir Phillip, With Love
8/8
THIS AUTHOR FEELS PERSONALLY ATTACKED BY THIS NOVEL, JULIA QUINN. ELOISE BRIDGERTON DESERVED BETTER THAN THIS.
Also This Author is issuing a TRIGGER WARNING FOR CHILD ABUSE. If you are squeamish at ALL about CHILD ABUSE, This Author advises you to hit control & f to go to the next novel.
In summary, Eloise starts writing to his cousin’s widower, Sir Phillip, who we see in the show. Though this may change because Maria on the show refuses to marry Sir Phillip, while in the novels she does. Save her @Shonda Rhimes.
In the novel Sir Phillip is this awkward dude who lets his children get beaten with hardback novels by their nurse because he wants to fuck around in his greenhouse all day. Sir Phillip ALSO HITS HIS CHILDREN, though Julia attempts to wave this away because Phillip himself was horse whipped and Eloise eventually sees the scars from this horse whipping. This gives Phillip violent guilt, but he still hits his children and openly admits that to Eloise. While Anthony often threatens violence, the only real violence any Bridgerton commits to anyone else is Anthony sucking the stinger of the bee out of Kate’s titty in The Viscount Who Loved Me . And that’s not super violent.
This Author found this novel disturbing not only from seeing Sir Phillip Crane as a vile piece of trash but also that Eloise deserves better. We spend five novels getting to know bright, vibrant Eloise - who gets into everything, who cares so much about everyone - for her to end up with a piece of SHIT. Julia literally gives us the ‘I can change him’ trope to the Bridgerton sibling who deserves it the least. Eloise should’ve just ended up a spinster that lives with Colin and Penelope and hangs out with Penelope all the time when she’s pregnant and Colin fucks off to wherever he decides to go to next. I also think Eloise would’ve been a great second set of eyes for Colin’s novels, and could’ve easily talked Anthony into staying a spinster. I’m pretty sure he had accepted that.
This Author violently states fuck you very much Julia Quinn for this hot take of a novel.
Novel Six - When He Was Wicked
5/8
Francesca Bridgerton and Eloise Bridgerton share a birthday, which you only really learn IN THIS, THE SIXTH NOVEL. How I have NO IDEA, because Frannie is not super opinionated, not much of anything except sad and Eloise is - Eloise.
In this novel we follow her first marriage to John Stirling for a mere few chapters. All we really know about them is seen through the eyes of his cousin Michael, who has that infamous Julia Quinn love at first glance trope with Michael towards Francesca - who he meets at her wedding supper to his cousin.
Michael, John and Frannie are pretty much a throuple at the beginning of the book. Michael is another rake with a heart of gold, much like the eldest Bridgerton sibling, but he has insisted on staying that way because he is unlikely to come into anything as his cousin John holds the title and the woman he loves is devoted to her husband.
Then John fucks off and dies. In Francesca’s hour of need, Michael does the same to the woman he loves by - wait for it, dear reader -
MOVING TO INDIA.
Colonialism? In This Author’s bodice-rippers? It is apparently more likely than we all thought. It irritates This Author because of the current political climate.
Back to the story - Michael moves away for years, and just as Frannie decides to buck up and re-enter society as a pretty young woman tossing off her mourning outfits to find a new husband, come home to England. This leads to a slew of anger and frustration, as Michael thinks he cannot replace John, and Frannie is just mad that Michael ran away from her when she needed him the most. Though Michael was trying to protect himself, admittedly poorly. And Frannie does get to be Lady of the Estate and manage it quite well.
Eventually it comes out that back when Frannie was married to John, she used to get told stories of lasciviousness that Michael would get into by asking her to ‘tell (her) something wicked’ (hence the title of the novel). This is the part in which This Author can believe that this is Eloise Bridgerton’s sister, as Eloise begs to understand marital relations for YEARS.
The end up in several compromising situations, Frannie runs away to Scotland, Michael follows her, they end up together, the end. If only Frannie had a little bit more time with the farmers in Scotland or with her frankly hysterical in-laws, this novel probably would have ranked higher.
Novel Seven - It’s In His Kiss
1/8
It is in This Author’s opinion that this is the best Bridgerton novel because it is so straightforward. Hyacinth Bridgerton is the best (and worst) of her siblings, and this whole book is a treasure hunt with some main pain ™ included for those who enjoy emotional trauma.
This Author is interested because they are introducing Gareth in the new season of Bridgerton but he isn’t mentioned until this novel. Probably because he is so beloved by Lady Danbury, who also took care of Simon in his time of need as well. He is her grandson, after all. Her inclusion in this book is another point in her favor - you see how sweet Hyacinth can be, and also how well she’s grown up from the beginning of the series. She does win a bit of money several times off her siblings, and when Gareth asks for her hand Anthony literally says a benediction (ha) because he’s so grateful someone is willing to marry his sister.
Novel Eight - On The Way To The Wedding
6/8
As Hyacinth is the best of the siblings before her, Gregory is the sum of all of their boring traits. He, like his simp brother Benedict, has That Spark, which leads him to chasing a woman he hasn’t even spoken to down.
When he gets his face out of his rear, This Author finds little sympathy because he does not deserve his love interest. Lucy, like Sophie, is simply too good for him. He doesn’t care about her motivations behind marrying her original fiance, and does not understand the word ‘no’, which this author finds irritating. Lucy’s storyline about marrying a gay man to keep her family from being ruined is the good part of this book, as is Lucy.
END PART ONE
Part Two - The Siblings Bridgerton
In this section, this author will go in order of the books, not in order of birth.
Daphne
5/8
Portrayed by Phoebe Dynevor
Honestly, Daphne is boring and is mostly used in the novels as a paragon of what a happy marriage is like. She is not the worst Bridgerton sibling honestly because she doles out some great advice once or twice and she also instigates the Pall Mall scene in The Viscount Who Loved Me.
Anthony
4/8
Portrayed by Jonny Bailey
This Author assumes she has caught you by surprise, as she so highly praised Anthony’s book. While there are more violent creatures in the Bridgerton universe, Anthony is quite up there. Although This Author holds a dear place in her heart for her father-loving, bee-afraid son of Edmund, he can and is a bit Much at times. Though This Author does enjoy his rather well thought out threats when they don’t come to any violent ends.
Benedict
7/8
Portrayed by Luke Thompson
The only reason Benedict is not the Bridgerton in last place is that he can at least draw well. By the end of the series he has two of his landscapes in the National Gallery (though his WIFE HAD TO ENCOURAGE HIM - Sophie Bridgerton is a Saint). He also is the only sibling to marry someone not in society. While Kate is Poor, she isn’t actually poor like Sophie. Benedict truly doesn’t gaf, which is why they live at My Cottage.
This Author still cannot get over My Cottage.
His portrayal by a one Luke Thompson seems to have developed Benedict into a bicon we can tolerate slightly more.
Colin
3/8
Portrayed by Luke Newton
This Author supposes that she has surprised her readers by putting the third Bridgerton son as her third Bridgerton sibling, but such is the truth. Colin in the novels wants to be taken seriously, and he has a passion for travel and writing and eventually Penelope. I enjoy him because once he gets his act together he’s completely committed and just wants to be with his wife - such as the best sentence from not his novel but the trash fire To Sir Phillip With Love - “With. my. Wife.”. He has a true internal struggle because he wanted to be more than his jealousy of Penelope and has probably the most even marriage in the family because they have similar hobbies and tastes and This Author, like Colin, likes to eat and has no qualms about admitting it.
Eloise
1/8
Portrayed by Claudia Jessie
While her book may burn in hell, Eloise Bridgerton (I refuse to call her Eloise Crane) is truly a delight throughout the series. Claudia is an excellent pick for her, as she embodies Eloise to the core. Loud and boisterous and always willing to stick her nose in anybody’s business, Eloise is so much fun. She really loves her family and Penelope, and in a fair world she would just be a third in Penelope’s relationship (bar the incest, just to hang out with Penelope when she’s pregnant and Colin’s off fucking around and doing Men Things). In fact, both discuss the fact they planned on living in a terrace house as they got older. Kind of like Barb and Star go to Vista Del Mar, now on Hulu.
This author hopes that when her season comes, that we get to see her react to finding out that Penelope is Lady Whistledown, as it’s glossed over in the novels. Fucking Hyacinth.
Francesca
5/8
Currently portrayed by Ruby Stokes; Unsure if this will change. This Author thinks so, as Stokes looks age appropriate but Eloise is portrayed by someone who in reality is 30.
Francesca is, in a word, bland. Both the show and the novels don’t give her much to work with, as she is in Scotland in other books and in her own is caught in misery and in between Scotland and London. If she had been given more development - as we briefly see glimpses of in her own book - she probably would overtake Anthony. This Author wishes that her novel had been split somehow.
Hyacinth
2/8
Currently portrayed by Florence Hunt. Another recast This Author eagerly anticipates.
The ONLY reason she is not #1 is that she tells Eloise about Penelope. This Author hopes that Shonda gives us a reprieve and lets Penelope tell her instead during that episode of the series.
Hyacinth is interesting because you see the best of all of her siblings in her. She is nosy like Eloise, clever like Eloise, beautiful like Daphne & Francesca though because she is more like Eloise she is not a diamond of the first water. Though it is commented that if she could keep her mouth shut she would be. Thoughtful like Colin with her partner. Commands a room like Anthony. Loves a mystery like Eloise.
Basically Eloise if she wasn’t dealt a shit hand and was raised by Anthony.
Gregory
8/8
Currently portrayed by Will Tilston. This Author is sure this is to change as Will looks about seven.
Gregory Borington. He adds nothing of value except he marries someone interesting. This Author hopes his SOARS’ing (Soap Opera Rapid Aging Syndrome for my uninformed readers) will lead to someone interesting looking cast as Gregory, since he can’t serve a personality. This Author would like to see someone like Edward Bluemel, because he looks like the other three but isn’t as handsome so it would fit the character.
END PART TWO
Part Three - The Spouses Bridgerton
As This Author hopes the reader understands, we will again be ranking the spouses Bridgerton by novel, not by birth order.
Simon, Duke of Hastings
7/8
Previously portrayed by Rege-Jean Page
Besides This Author’s dislike for Page’s refusal to return for the Pall Mall scene, Simon generally is a rake and an asshole of the first water throughout his book. Like the lastly ranked Bridgerton spouse, he is mostly used as a bouncing off point, and is only seen once more in The Viscount Who Loved Me, where he adds only that he doesn’t know how to play Pall Mall and that Daphne is pregnant.
Bravo, Simon.
Katherine, Viscountess Bridgerton
2/8
Portrayed by Simone Ashley (absolute fucking legend from Sex Ed, also on Netflix)
What a LEGEND. Kate, the elder daughter, is so similar to her husband yet so different. She is bound to make sure that her sister Edwina makes a good match that they pretty much declare that Kate has to approve of the suitor, which leads to the rest of Kate’s life. She rarely if ever takes Anthony’s shit, a spitfire of the first water to be sure. Because Anthony has decided to marry Edwina, he must win over Kate. Which he then realizes he likes more, has more in common with, and allows her to see his soft underbelly. Quinn writes women so much better than she writes men, but I’m glad she wrote Kate an interesting man nonetheless. Kate also has a fear of thunderstorms, which Anthony helps her with, and a pretty traumatic past.
Kate only mildly cares about Lady Whistledown because she’s decided that Edwina should be happy, and if it isn’t negative about Edwina she gives zero fucks. When Edwina tells her she wants to marry a scholar, Kate starts to look for that quality in suitors. She, her half sister and her step-mom are the second healthiest family in this damn series, and that what makes her rank so high.
She also causes havoc with a corgi called Newton, and This Author will be distraught if the Adventures of Anthony, Kate and Newton are not included in the series.
Sophia Maria Bridgerton
3/8
Portrayal TBD
Honestly This Author wishes Sophie had ended up with a less dull Bridgerton brother, because she is worth so much more. She’s right below Danielle de Barbarac as the best retelling of Cinderella because she keeps her chin up, as mentioned before. Between her first meeting of Benedict and their second meeting she goes from a healthy young woman to a strong, independent working woman who has a heart of gold and a nerve of steel. The reason Benedict doesn’t recognize her is honestly pretty decent - Quinn gives him an out of her having lost a significant amount of healthy weight and her hair being dulled from eating servant’s fare - or less than in some cases.
When Benedict saves her (though This Author thinks Sophie could’ve saved herself if need be), she is grateful for multiple reasons. She’s sad he doesn’t recognize her but understands. She then holds her ground when he tries to make her his mistress because of her own background. Though she has nothing, she refuses to let anyone make her their mistress because she wants better than what she had, especially if she had children. Even though she desperately wants to be with Benedict (only Quinn knows why), she consistently refuses his advances and instead takes a position with his mother as his sisters’ ladies maid. Violet Bridgerton didn’t raise four daughters to not notice Sophie’s poise, accent and grace and comments on it.
Eventually when she is saved from jail (seriously, Prince Charming in the animated Cinderella is as bad as Benedict), she is shocked to find out her father left her anything, and that her stepmother hid it from her. While this is probably common amongst the time with bastards, I like that she got to say fuck her stepmother and move on with her life.
In My Cottage.
Penelope
1/8
Portrayed by Nicola Coughlan
Before we start in on This Author’s rankings, there are reasons Penelope beats out Kate for top Bridgerton spouse. Primarily - SHE IS THE REASON THE EVENTS IN The Duke and I EVEN HAPPEN. She is Lady Whistledown. This series wouldn’t exist without her. Even though the show gives us that waaaaaay before the books do, it still matters. Penelope sees that she isn’t going to find a husband and instead makes her own way in the world via her father’s solicitor. She creates several seasons full of gossip and scandal and fun, and if that isn’t enough for you I don’t know.
Penelope is also an amazing friend to Eloise, who needs one. If this was a modern book they’d probably fuck off together and neither of their books would be written - or Colin’s would come last. She’s also a super supportive partner to Colin, who doubts his ability as a writer. She puts her love for him aside to really be shrewd and encourage him to let her read his journals and later edit them. She sponsors him via ‘pen money’, not because he’s dependent on her, but because she believes in him and his writing.
Even though she is Lady Whistledown she still deeply cares for others. She funds her mother via Lady Whistledown, though it differs from page to screen. She attends every Smythe-Smith musicale without fail, even though that family seems to be woefully unable to hold a tune.
Like Anthony, she is also the only other character to make an impact throughout almost every book. She helps Hyacinth in her book and puts her politely in her place. She even is a favorite of Lady Danbury, which is very hard to do. She’s smart and sweet and generous, and Nicola does her such a great service.
Sir Phillip Crane
8/8
Portrayed by Chris Fulton (sorry to this man)
TW - Child abuse/suicide - please control & f to the name John
A sadder sack of shit Julian Quinn has not written. Even Cressida Crowley has some dignity - even Lady Danbury can be gracious.
Phillip Crane should have never even been thought of, and the fact he is married off to the best Bridgerton sibling is an offense to This Author, the ton, ONTD and Britney Spears. This man marries Marina (in the novels, not in the show, so This Author is unsure as to wtf is going to happen), then lets her lay in the bed for EIGHT YEARS, tries to save her when she tries to kill herself and lets her kid see her semi-successful suicide by lung sickness.
He then fucks off and lets them be raised by nannies THAT BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF THEM and doesn’t understand why they misbehave, which leads to HIM BEATING THEM. Because naturally this woman you’re paying is right and your children aren’t scared of her for any particular reason. And HIS father beat HIM, so naturally even though it has both mentally and physically scarred him he MUST beat his own children.
I hope this actor has the chops that Tobias Mendes has because that’s what can save this character like on Outlander, per This Author’s dear friend who ran an Outlander fansite for a while.
END OF TW
John Stirling
Unranked, but pour one out for this poor man. He gets mentioned and then promptly dies - but he loved and was good to his wife per Frannie and Michael.
Portrayal TBD
He doesn’t get a ranking, as he gets maybe forty pages, but Francesca seemed to love him.
Michael Stirling
6/8
Portrayal TBD
Michael is a vat of manpain combined with colonialism. However he respects Frannie a lot and a lot of his manpain comes from a place of wanting to be loyal to his dead cousin and his guilt over lusting over Frannie. He does also manage to make things steamy with a semi-boring character like Frannie, so he is not bottom of the barrel.
Gareth St. Clair
5/8
Portrayal TBD (though This Author swore it was in the post announcing Simone’s casting)
Gareth is an adequate match for Hyacinth - though a lot of his stress comes from his father pretty much ruining their family name so that he doesn’t get a cent when he inherits. This is because he’s not actually his father’s child, but instead his uncle’s - which he finds out via some diaries Hyacinth translates & his grandmother Lady Danbury confirming it. His father is particularly vicious because his original heir was his biological son, and he was killed In The War.
But he lets Hyacinth help him hunt for treasure - at one point in pants, how scandalous - and translate diaries and genuinely enjoys being with her. He gets the middle ranking because Anthony praying in thanks when he asks to marry Hyacinth made This Author laugh out loud. I do hope he’s attractive when he’s cast - his plot deserves it. Also I hope he resembles Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh).
And last, but not least -
Lucinda Bridgerton
4/8
Portrayal TBD
Lucy is kind of like the Hyacinth of the spouses Bridgerton. She cares for her family an awful lot like Kate, she cares for her friends an awful lot like Penelope, she has a big heart like Sophie. She doesn’t want her family drama to hurt her beloved like Gareth and Michael (kind of). She helps Gregory because she wants people to be happy, but like Sophie is willing to sacrifice her happiness for what she perceives as a greater cause.
She also ends up having nine kids so she gets middle of the pack for that. This Author could and will never. RIP.
END PART THREE
And thus, readers, eight hours of This Author’s life and however much time it takes a mod to read this (and hopefully approve it) I hope has given you some enjoyment.
The Final Rankings
So readers, what do you think of This Author’s rankings? Leave your dream castings/thoughts in the comments. Sorry for the lack of images, I’m still relatively new to this!
Source - my eyes, the books.
A special thank you to shittysoup for their link to how to make this post in a previous post.
A while ago, this author watched this short film about the Bridgerton novels posted in this very community. This film intrigued me, readers, and I set my
cap to reading them all. For the original film made some of these novels sound like they’d be of import to watch the series, which I fully intend to tune into on Netflix.
So This Author did so (bar The Duke and I, which this very community said the first season was a better version than the novel) and after my adventure, darling citizens of ONTD'ton, I felt as if I had to make an ONTD Original to explain the novels and also rank them.
For the ‘ton of ONTD, I present my findings in a three tier style. There are eight siblings Bridgerton, and therefore eight books. This author did not read the prequels, sequels or reference novels, so if my darling readers have read those note that I am not including ANY other siblings. The Featherington and the Smythe-Smith siblings are not on This Author’s radar.
Part the first will be the novels themselves, ranked 1-8. Then following is a ranking of the siblings Bridgerton, ranked 1-8. The final category will be the spouses Bridgerton, ranked. The end will give my darling readers the order of the novels in both pleasure and development. Please be aware dear readers that This Author is holding nothing back and giving as good as it gets, which does beget that this post is FULL OF SPOILERS. If our polite ‘ton do not wish to be spoiled for either the novels or the programme, please stop your reading thus.
Part One - The Novels Bridgerton
Novel One - The Duke and I
7/8
This author is going to be frank and state that she just watched this on Netflix. However this is not the worst by a longshot, as it introduces the key players throughout the series in a thoughtful way and gives us an introduction to Daphne, who does reappear throughout the books. This Author does rank this quite low because of the Emmy nomination of a certain actor that was unwarranted and also that actor’s refusal to return for a brief cameo, which leads to another novel changing.
Novel Two - The Viscount Who Loved Me
2/8
Dearest readers, this book is honestly a pleasure to read. While Neftlix did introduce the fine rake that is Anthony, Viscount Bridgerton, this novel introduces us to Anthony Bridgerton, hopeless idiot. It gives us a lot more background on Anthony - mostly that he pretty much was the father figure for his youngest two siblings and does work quite a bit for what he does. While the ‘ton did see him as a mean and harsh rake in the first series on Netflix, he is well fleshed out in this book.
It is also This Author’s opinion that this is the most fun book to read because of Anthony’s love interest and eventual wife, Kate Sheffield (to be Sharma in the series). For those of you looking for what is known as a TL:DR for this book - Kate is well written and meets Anthony blow for blow. While Anthony can be a hothead and be quite rude, This Author can understand the historical context. It does not excuse his behavior though.
This novel also gives us what I consider the best chapter Julia Quinn has ever written - the Pall Mall sequence. This is also why The Duke and I ranks so low, because This Author assumes that they will have to eliminate this sequence since it includes Daphne and Simon. There was also a behind the scenes photograph that This Author saw that features a horse race, which is not featured at all in this novel. It also shows that Anthony has some pretty irrational fears - dying at an early age, bees - because of his closeness with his father, who died by a beesting when Anthony was just eighteen. As the oldest sibling he knew his father the best, as he states that Daphne was just ten when their father passed.
Anthony ends up being a prominent feature throughout the whole novel series, as I think he is the only sibling to show up in every novel for an extended period of time. Without this novel you’d find him bossy, argumentative and frankly frustrating - a vicious Viscount, if you’d please. Yet he shows such delicacy and kindness in this novel that you can see why all his siblings go to him for advice, and that Anthony is actually level headed most of the time. These books just put in him in places where his hot-headedness flares up. This Author has a striking suspicion that he would either be a Leo or an Aries.
Novel Three - An Offer from a Gentleman
4/8
Benedict Bridgerton is the most simpleminded Bridgerton sibling, and this book is proof of that. He buys a house called MY COTTAGE and DOES NOT RENAME IT. It is not Benedict’s Cottage - just MY COTTAGE. By God I just canNOT with him. This Author just had to get that out.
This Author would like to state that this novel is where the Bridgerton idea of a ‘spark’ with a partner begins - as is runs through the next novels. As This Author has not read The Duke and I, I shall give Daphne the benefit of the doubt.
As This Author does enjoy a Cinderella story, this novel was easy to read. While This Author maintains 1998’s Ever After is the penultimate Cinderella story, this one was up there as well. Mostly because Sophie takes each of life’s knocks with her head held high. Benedict, convinced she is The One, thus becomes infatuated with the idea of Sophie and not her actual self when they meet again. He also is not a bisexual icon like his TV counterparts in the novels.
When they meet again literally YEARS later, he takes her in as a servant and then later he wants her to become his mistress. Sophie handles this with grace, and when all is said and done they end up being a happy couple. This Author finds the story compelling and enjoyed it tremendously. Yet This Author does not know how Sophie tolerates her husband, as all she does is improve him. This Author also saw ONTD’S favourite ™ Lily James in edits on ye olde Insta, so perhaps that endears me.
Novel Four - Romancing Mr. Bridgerton
3/8
This novel is such fun. Both Colin and Penelope have been introduced on the television series, but if a reader was to discover the books by themselves, it isn’t until this novel we learn that Penelope is Lady Whistledown. So that fact alone makes this book engaging, because from Penelope’s point of view, she seems so included in the validity of Lady Whistledown’s gossip with every time we see her that her game is magnificent. In The Viscount Who Loved Me, Penelope and Kate even discuss Lady Whistledown’s cutting remarks about their clothing and Penelope seems so ashamed of Lady's commentary on her. Once she is revealed in the book it's infinitely more interesting to read.
This Author hopes that the Penelope weight loss storyline is cut out of the television series, as this is what knocks it down under the previously mentioned book. This Author finds Kate and Penelope amongst the best of the spouses Bridgerton, but more of that later.
Colin and Penelope have a great ‘falling in love with my sibling’s best friend/silently in love with my best friend’s sibling’ storyline. Colin aspires to be something more than someone in his family, and in fact his biggest issue is that he is jealous that Penelope has a legacy when he stalks her down and finds out she’s Whistledown. While This Author would normally not condone stalking, Colin does make it a plausible avenue. In the end, they end up exposing Penelope, Colin ends up writing some decent travel journals and Penelope ends up as his editor.
Novel Five - To Sir Phillip, With Love
8/8
THIS AUTHOR FEELS PERSONALLY ATTACKED BY THIS NOVEL, JULIA QUINN. ELOISE BRIDGERTON DESERVED BETTER THAN THIS.
Also This Author is issuing a TRIGGER WARNING FOR CHILD ABUSE. If you are squeamish at ALL about CHILD ABUSE, This Author advises you to hit control & f to go to the next novel.
In summary, Eloise starts writing to his cousin’s widower, Sir Phillip, who we see in the show. Though this may change because Maria on the show refuses to marry Sir Phillip, while in the novels she does. Save her @Shonda Rhimes.
In the novel Sir Phillip is this awkward dude who lets his children get beaten with hardback novels by their nurse because he wants to fuck around in his greenhouse all day. Sir Phillip ALSO HITS HIS CHILDREN, though Julia attempts to wave this away because Phillip himself was horse whipped and Eloise eventually sees the scars from this horse whipping. This gives Phillip violent guilt, but he still hits his children and openly admits that to Eloise. While Anthony often threatens violence, the only real violence any Bridgerton commits to anyone else is Anthony sucking the stinger of the bee out of Kate’s titty in The Viscount Who Loved Me . And that’s not super violent.
This Author found this novel disturbing not only from seeing Sir Phillip Crane as a vile piece of trash but also that Eloise deserves better. We spend five novels getting to know bright, vibrant Eloise - who gets into everything, who cares so much about everyone - for her to end up with a piece of SHIT. Julia literally gives us the ‘I can change him’ trope to the Bridgerton sibling who deserves it the least. Eloise should’ve just ended up a spinster that lives with Colin and Penelope and hangs out with Penelope all the time when she’s pregnant and Colin fucks off to wherever he decides to go to next. I also think Eloise would’ve been a great second set of eyes for Colin’s novels, and could’ve easily talked Anthony into staying a spinster. I’m pretty sure he had accepted that.
This Author violently states fuck you very much Julia Quinn for this hot take of a novel.
Novel Six - When He Was Wicked
5/8
Francesca Bridgerton and Eloise Bridgerton share a birthday, which you only really learn IN THIS, THE SIXTH NOVEL. How I have NO IDEA, because Frannie is not super opinionated, not much of anything except sad and Eloise is - Eloise.
In this novel we follow her first marriage to John Stirling for a mere few chapters. All we really know about them is seen through the eyes of his cousin Michael, who has that infamous Julia Quinn love at first glance trope with Michael towards Francesca - who he meets at her wedding supper to his cousin.
Michael, John and Frannie are pretty much a throuple at the beginning of the book. Michael is another rake with a heart of gold, much like the eldest Bridgerton sibling, but he has insisted on staying that way because he is unlikely to come into anything as his cousin John holds the title and the woman he loves is devoted to her husband.
Then John fucks off and dies. In Francesca’s hour of need, Michael does the same to the woman he loves by - wait for it, dear reader -
MOVING TO INDIA.
Colonialism? In This Author’s bodice-rippers? It is apparently more likely than we all thought. It irritates This Author because of the current political climate.
Back to the story - Michael moves away for years, and just as Frannie decides to buck up and re-enter society as a pretty young woman tossing off her mourning outfits to find a new husband, come home to England. This leads to a slew of anger and frustration, as Michael thinks he cannot replace John, and Frannie is just mad that Michael ran away from her when she needed him the most. Though Michael was trying to protect himself, admittedly poorly. And Frannie does get to be Lady of the Estate and manage it quite well.
Eventually it comes out that back when Frannie was married to John, she used to get told stories of lasciviousness that Michael would get into by asking her to ‘tell (her) something wicked’ (hence the title of the novel). This is the part in which This Author can believe that this is Eloise Bridgerton’s sister, as Eloise begs to understand marital relations for YEARS.
The end up in several compromising situations, Frannie runs away to Scotland, Michael follows her, they end up together, the end. If only Frannie had a little bit more time with the farmers in Scotland or with her frankly hysterical in-laws, this novel probably would have ranked higher.
Novel Seven - It’s In His Kiss
1/8
It is in This Author’s opinion that this is the best Bridgerton novel because it is so straightforward. Hyacinth Bridgerton is the best (and worst) of her siblings, and this whole book is a treasure hunt with some main pain ™ included for those who enjoy emotional trauma.
This Author is interested because they are introducing Gareth in the new season of Bridgerton but he isn’t mentioned until this novel. Probably because he is so beloved by Lady Danbury, who also took care of Simon in his time of need as well. He is her grandson, after all. Her inclusion in this book is another point in her favor - you see how sweet Hyacinth can be, and also how well she’s grown up from the beginning of the series. She does win a bit of money several times off her siblings, and when Gareth asks for her hand Anthony literally says a benediction (ha) because he’s so grateful someone is willing to marry his sister.
Novel Eight - On The Way To The Wedding
6/8
As Hyacinth is the best of the siblings before her, Gregory is the sum of all of their boring traits. He, like his simp brother Benedict, has That Spark, which leads him to chasing a woman he hasn’t even spoken to down.
When he gets his face out of his rear, This Author finds little sympathy because he does not deserve his love interest. Lucy, like Sophie, is simply too good for him. He doesn’t care about her motivations behind marrying her original fiance, and does not understand the word ‘no’, which this author finds irritating. Lucy’s storyline about marrying a gay man to keep her family from being ruined is the good part of this book, as is Lucy.
END PART ONE
- Rankings -
- Hyacinth/ It’s In His Kiss with a score of 1
- Anthony/ The Viscount Who Loved Me with a score of 2
- Colin/ Romancing Mr. Bridgerton with a score of 3
- Benedict/ An Offer From A Gentleman with a score of 4
- Francesca/ When He Was Wicked with a score of 5
- Gregory/ On The Way To The Weddingwith a score of 6
- Daphne/ The Duke and I with a score of 7
- Eloise/ To Sir Phillip, With Love with a score of 8
Part Two - The Siblings Bridgerton
In this section, this author will go in order of the books, not in order of birth.
Daphne
5/8
Portrayed by Phoebe Dynevor
Honestly, Daphne is boring and is mostly used in the novels as a paragon of what a happy marriage is like. She is not the worst Bridgerton sibling honestly because she doles out some great advice once or twice and she also instigates the Pall Mall scene in The Viscount Who Loved Me.
Anthony
4/8
Portrayed by Jonny Bailey
This Author assumes she has caught you by surprise, as she so highly praised Anthony’s book. While there are more violent creatures in the Bridgerton universe, Anthony is quite up there. Although This Author holds a dear place in her heart for her father-loving, bee-afraid son of Edmund, he can and is a bit Much at times. Though This Author does enjoy his rather well thought out threats when they don’t come to any violent ends.
Benedict
7/8
Portrayed by Luke Thompson
The only reason Benedict is not the Bridgerton in last place is that he can at least draw well. By the end of the series he has two of his landscapes in the National Gallery (though his WIFE HAD TO ENCOURAGE HIM - Sophie Bridgerton is a Saint). He also is the only sibling to marry someone not in society. While Kate is Poor, she isn’t actually poor like Sophie. Benedict truly doesn’t gaf, which is why they live at My Cottage.
This Author still cannot get over My Cottage.
His portrayal by a one Luke Thompson seems to have developed Benedict into a bicon we can tolerate slightly more.
Colin
3/8
Portrayed by Luke Newton
This Author supposes that she has surprised her readers by putting the third Bridgerton son as her third Bridgerton sibling, but such is the truth. Colin in the novels wants to be taken seriously, and he has a passion for travel and writing and eventually Penelope. I enjoy him because once he gets his act together he’s completely committed and just wants to be with his wife - such as the best sentence from not his novel but the trash fire To Sir Phillip With Love - “With. my. Wife.”. He has a true internal struggle because he wanted to be more than his jealousy of Penelope and has probably the most even marriage in the family because they have similar hobbies and tastes and This Author, like Colin, likes to eat and has no qualms about admitting it.
Eloise
1/8
Portrayed by Claudia Jessie
While her book may burn in hell, Eloise Bridgerton (I refuse to call her Eloise Crane) is truly a delight throughout the series. Claudia is an excellent pick for her, as she embodies Eloise to the core. Loud and boisterous and always willing to stick her nose in anybody’s business, Eloise is so much fun. She really loves her family and Penelope, and in a fair world she would just be a third in Penelope’s relationship (bar the incest, just to hang out with Penelope when she’s pregnant and Colin’s off fucking around and doing Men Things). In fact, both discuss the fact they planned on living in a terrace house as they got older. Kind of like Barb and Star go to Vista Del Mar, now on Hulu.
This author hopes that when her season comes, that we get to see her react to finding out that Penelope is Lady Whistledown, as it’s glossed over in the novels. Fucking Hyacinth.
Francesca
5/8
Currently portrayed by Ruby Stokes; Unsure if this will change. This Author thinks so, as Stokes looks age appropriate but Eloise is portrayed by someone who in reality is 30.
Francesca is, in a word, bland. Both the show and the novels don’t give her much to work with, as she is in Scotland in other books and in her own is caught in misery and in between Scotland and London. If she had been given more development - as we briefly see glimpses of in her own book - she probably would overtake Anthony. This Author wishes that her novel had been split somehow.
Hyacinth
2/8
Currently portrayed by Florence Hunt. Another recast This Author eagerly anticipates.
The ONLY reason she is not #1 is that she tells Eloise about Penelope. This Author hopes that Shonda gives us a reprieve and lets Penelope tell her instead during that episode of the series.
Hyacinth is interesting because you see the best of all of her siblings in her. She is nosy like Eloise, clever like Eloise, beautiful like Daphne & Francesca though because she is more like Eloise she is not a diamond of the first water. Though it is commented that if she could keep her mouth shut she would be. Thoughtful like Colin with her partner. Commands a room like Anthony. Loves a mystery like Eloise.
Basically Eloise if she wasn’t dealt a shit hand and was raised by Anthony.
Gregory
8/8
Currently portrayed by Will Tilston. This Author is sure this is to change as Will looks about seven.
Gregory Borington. He adds nothing of value except he marries someone interesting. This Author hopes his SOARS’ing (Soap Opera Rapid Aging Syndrome for my uninformed readers) will lead to someone interesting looking cast as Gregory, since he can’t serve a personality. This Author would like to see someone like Edward Bluemel, because he looks like the other three but isn’t as handsome so it would fit the character.
END PART TWO
- Rankings
- Hyacinth/ It’s In His Kiss with a score of 3
- Anthony/ The Viscount Who Loved Me with a score of 6 - Tied with Colin/Romancing Mr. Bridgerton with a score of 6
- (though it pains this Author to say it)Eloise/ To Sir Phillip, With Love with a score of 9
- Francesca/ When He Was Wicked with a score of 10
- Benedict/ An Offer From A Gentleman with a score of 11
- Daphne/ The Duke & I with a score of 13
- Gregory/ On The Way To The Wedding with a score of 14
Part Three - The Spouses Bridgerton
As This Author hopes the reader understands, we will again be ranking the spouses Bridgerton by novel, not by birth order.
Simon, Duke of Hastings
7/8
Previously portrayed by Rege-Jean Page
Besides This Author’s dislike for Page’s refusal to return for the Pall Mall scene, Simon generally is a rake and an asshole of the first water throughout his book. Like the lastly ranked Bridgerton spouse, he is mostly used as a bouncing off point, and is only seen once more in The Viscount Who Loved Me, where he adds only that he doesn’t know how to play Pall Mall and that Daphne is pregnant.
Bravo, Simon.
Katherine, Viscountess Bridgerton
2/8
Portrayed by Simone Ashley (absolute fucking legend from Sex Ed, also on Netflix)
What a LEGEND. Kate, the elder daughter, is so similar to her husband yet so different. She is bound to make sure that her sister Edwina makes a good match that they pretty much declare that Kate has to approve of the suitor, which leads to the rest of Kate’s life. She rarely if ever takes Anthony’s shit, a spitfire of the first water to be sure. Because Anthony has decided to marry Edwina, he must win over Kate. Which he then realizes he likes more, has more in common with, and allows her to see his soft underbelly. Quinn writes women so much better than she writes men, but I’m glad she wrote Kate an interesting man nonetheless. Kate also has a fear of thunderstorms, which Anthony helps her with, and a pretty traumatic past.
Kate only mildly cares about Lady Whistledown because she’s decided that Edwina should be happy, and if it isn’t negative about Edwina she gives zero fucks. When Edwina tells her she wants to marry a scholar, Kate starts to look for that quality in suitors. She, her half sister and her step-mom are the second healthiest family in this damn series, and that what makes her rank so high.
She also causes havoc with a corgi called Newton, and This Author will be distraught if the Adventures of Anthony, Kate and Newton are not included in the series.
Sophia Maria Bridgerton
3/8
Portrayal TBD
Honestly This Author wishes Sophie had ended up with a less dull Bridgerton brother, because she is worth so much more. She’s right below Danielle de Barbarac as the best retelling of Cinderella because she keeps her chin up, as mentioned before. Between her first meeting of Benedict and their second meeting she goes from a healthy young woman to a strong, independent working woman who has a heart of gold and a nerve of steel. The reason Benedict doesn’t recognize her is honestly pretty decent - Quinn gives him an out of her having lost a significant amount of healthy weight and her hair being dulled from eating servant’s fare - or less than in some cases.
When Benedict saves her (though This Author thinks Sophie could’ve saved herself if need be), she is grateful for multiple reasons. She’s sad he doesn’t recognize her but understands. She then holds her ground when he tries to make her his mistress because of her own background. Though she has nothing, she refuses to let anyone make her their mistress because she wants better than what she had, especially if she had children. Even though she desperately wants to be with Benedict (only Quinn knows why), she consistently refuses his advances and instead takes a position with his mother as his sisters’ ladies maid. Violet Bridgerton didn’t raise four daughters to not notice Sophie’s poise, accent and grace and comments on it.
Eventually when she is saved from jail (seriously, Prince Charming in the animated Cinderella is as bad as Benedict), she is shocked to find out her father left her anything, and that her stepmother hid it from her. While this is probably common amongst the time with bastards, I like that she got to say fuck her stepmother and move on with her life.
In My Cottage.
Penelope
1/8
Portrayed by Nicola Coughlan
Before we start in on This Author’s rankings, there are reasons Penelope beats out Kate for top Bridgerton spouse. Primarily - SHE IS THE REASON THE EVENTS IN The Duke and I EVEN HAPPEN. She is Lady Whistledown. This series wouldn’t exist without her. Even though the show gives us that waaaaaay before the books do, it still matters. Penelope sees that she isn’t going to find a husband and instead makes her own way in the world via her father’s solicitor. She creates several seasons full of gossip and scandal and fun, and if that isn’t enough for you I don’t know.
Penelope is also an amazing friend to Eloise, who needs one. If this was a modern book they’d probably fuck off together and neither of their books would be written - or Colin’s would come last. She’s also a super supportive partner to Colin, who doubts his ability as a writer. She puts her love for him aside to really be shrewd and encourage him to let her read his journals and later edit them. She sponsors him via ‘pen money’, not because he’s dependent on her, but because she believes in him and his writing.
Even though she is Lady Whistledown she still deeply cares for others. She funds her mother via Lady Whistledown, though it differs from page to screen. She attends every Smythe-Smith musicale without fail, even though that family seems to be woefully unable to hold a tune.
Like Anthony, she is also the only other character to make an impact throughout almost every book. She helps Hyacinth in her book and puts her politely in her place. She even is a favorite of Lady Danbury, which is very hard to do. She’s smart and sweet and generous, and Nicola does her such a great service.
Sir Phillip Crane
8/8
Portrayed by Chris Fulton (sorry to this man)
TW - Child abuse/suicide - please control & f to the name John
A sadder sack of shit Julian Quinn has not written. Even Cressida Crowley has some dignity - even Lady Danbury can be gracious.
Phillip Crane should have never even been thought of, and the fact he is married off to the best Bridgerton sibling is an offense to This Author, the ton, ONTD and Britney Spears. This man marries Marina (in the novels, not in the show, so This Author is unsure as to wtf is going to happen), then lets her lay in the bed for EIGHT YEARS, tries to save her when she tries to kill herself and lets her kid see her semi-successful suicide by lung sickness.
He then fucks off and lets them be raised by nannies THAT BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF THEM and doesn’t understand why they misbehave, which leads to HIM BEATING THEM. Because naturally this woman you’re paying is right and your children aren’t scared of her for any particular reason. And HIS father beat HIM, so naturally even though it has both mentally and physically scarred him he MUST beat his own children.
I hope this actor has the chops that Tobias Mendes has because that’s what can save this character like on Outlander, per This Author’s dear friend who ran an Outlander fansite for a while.
END OF TW
John Stirling
Unranked, but pour one out for this poor man. He gets mentioned and then promptly dies - but he loved and was good to his wife per Frannie and Michael.
Portrayal TBD
He doesn’t get a ranking, as he gets maybe forty pages, but Francesca seemed to love him.
Michael Stirling
6/8
Portrayal TBD
Michael is a vat of manpain combined with colonialism. However he respects Frannie a lot and a lot of his manpain comes from a place of wanting to be loyal to his dead cousin and his guilt over lusting over Frannie. He does also manage to make things steamy with a semi-boring character like Frannie, so he is not bottom of the barrel.
Gareth St. Clair
5/8
Portrayal TBD (though This Author swore it was in the post announcing Simone’s casting)
Gareth is an adequate match for Hyacinth - though a lot of his stress comes from his father pretty much ruining their family name so that he doesn’t get a cent when he inherits. This is because he’s not actually his father’s child, but instead his uncle’s - which he finds out via some diaries Hyacinth translates & his grandmother Lady Danbury confirming it. His father is particularly vicious because his original heir was his biological son, and he was killed In The War.
But he lets Hyacinth help him hunt for treasure - at one point in pants, how scandalous - and translate diaries and genuinely enjoys being with her. He gets the middle ranking because Anthony praying in thanks when he asks to marry Hyacinth made This Author laugh out loud. I do hope he’s attractive when he’s cast - his plot deserves it. Also I hope he resembles Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh).
And last, but not least -
Lucinda Bridgerton
4/8
Portrayal TBD
Lucy is kind of like the Hyacinth of the spouses Bridgerton. She cares for her family an awful lot like Kate, she cares for her friends an awful lot like Penelope, she has a big heart like Sophie. She doesn’t want her family drama to hurt her beloved like Gareth and Michael (kind of). She helps Gregory because she wants people to be happy, but like Sophie is willing to sacrifice her happiness for what she perceives as a greater cause.
She also ends up having nine kids so she gets middle of the pack for that. This Author could and will never. RIP.
END PART THREE
And thus, readers, eight hours of This Author’s life and however much time it takes a mod to read this (and hopefully approve it) I hope has given you some enjoyment.
The Final Rankings
- Colin/ Romancing Mr. Bridgerton with a score of 7
- Anthony/ The Viscount Who Loved Me with a score of 8 - Tied with Hyacinth/ It’s In His Kiss with a score of 8
- Benedict/ An Offer From A Gentleman with a score of 14
- Francesca/ When He Was Wicked with a score of 15
- (as much as this disgusts This Author) Eloise/ To Sir Phillip, With Love with a score of 17 (mostly for Eloise herself)
- Gregory/ On The Way To The Wedding with a score of 18
- Daphne/ The Duke & I with a score of 19
So readers, what do you think of This Author’s rankings? Leave your dream castings/thoughts in the comments. Sorry for the lack of images, I’m still relatively new to this!
Source - my eyes, the books.
A special thank you to shittysoup for their link to how to make this post in a previous post.