The Bridgerton Book Series: All 8 Romance Tropes Explained
Esteemed members of the ton, we know that you’ve had season two of Bridgerton streaming non-stop since it came out. But did you know that the fan-favorite show is actually based on a book series? Author Julia Quinn wrote eight novels—one for each member of the Bridgerton family—that have since been adapted into the beloved Netflix series.
Each book spotlights a different member of the Bridgerton clan; which includes Daphne, Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth. More importantly, these novels are all about the love stories of each Bridgerton—and each falls under a different romance trope.
Source: Today
Let’s break down each novel’s romance trope and what they mean.
the duke and i - Fake romance
The first novel in the Bridgerton book series is The Duke and I. For those who were obsessed with Daphne’s love story in Bridgerton season one, you have this book to thank. The Duke and I follows the “fake romance” trope. With this trope, the two main characters pretend to date in order to fill some sort of need; whether it be to make an ex-partner jealous or to impress one of their families. Spoiler alert: while fake dating, the two typically end up falling in love. If you’re a sucker for this trope, then The Duke and I is definitely the perfect read for you.
the viscount who loved me - enemies to lovers
Next up, we have the second novel and most recent season on Netflix, The Viscount Who Loved Me. This book centers around Anthony Bridgerton and falls under the “enemies to lovers” trope—one of our favorites. This trope is exactly what it sounds like. The two main characters start off absolutely hating each other—romantic, right? But eventually, they end up putting their differences aside and realize they love one another. We must warn you, this trope is typically a slow burn—and The Viscount Who Loved Me is no exception.
An offer from a gentleman - Class relations
An Offer From a Gentleman is the third novel in the series and follows the love story of Benedict. If you’re an avid watcher of Bridgerton, you may have gathered by now that Benedict is not one who likes to play by the rules of the ton, so it is no shock that his novels romance trope falls under “class relations.” This trope deals with two main characters that belong to different social classes. Their differences can either make their love seem forbidden in certain societies, or cause anxiety for the less fortunate partner. But somehow, they make it work—as true love always does.
romancing mister bridgerton - Best Friend’s Brother
The fourth novel, Romancing Mister Bridgerton, revolves around Colin’s love story. Those who are a fan of his in the TV series, you’re definitely in for a treat when it comes to his book’s romance trope. Romancing Mister Bridgerton follows the “best friend’s brother” trope. Though it is pretty self-explanatory, the female main character falls for her best friend’s brother—and it typically stirs up a lot of family and friendship drama. If you are all about this vibe, consider picking up Romancing Mister Bridgerton.
to sir phillip, with love - pen pals
For those who’ve seen Eloise’s spunky attitude in the Netflix series, you might think that she detests all things romance—but even she learns to love. To Sir Phillip, With Love is the fifth novel in the Bridgerton series and falls under the “pen pals” trope—very befitting for El. This trope centers around two main characters that write back and forth to each other but have never actually met. The two must decide if they have a shot at a real life relationship, or if their love only exists between the lines.
when he was wicked - widow woman
The sixth novel in the series, When He Was Wicked, follows the love story of Francesca. Though we’ve only seen her in her adolescent years on the screen, her love story is rather mature. When He Was Wicked follows the “widow woman” trope. Just because “woman” is in the trope name, that doesn’t mean it’s exclusive to just the female main character. In this trope, one of the main characters is widowed and must ask themselves if they are ready to take the plunge and fall in love again or seek comfort in their past. If this heart-wrenching trope is something you’re interested in, When He Was Wicked should definitely be your next read.
Source: Popsugar
It’s in his kiss - let the past burn
Yes, even little Hyacinth must fall in love too—and the seventh novel, It’s In His Kiss, revolves around her love story. This novel falls under the “let the past burn” trope. Typically, the two main characters are swooning from the start, but one of the parties past is holding them back from a real commitment. They must make the decision to let go of the past and allow their feeling to take over, or allow their trauma or secrets hold them back. If you’re a “let the past burn” type of reader, then It’s In His Kiss is the perfect novel for you.
on the way to the wedding - accidental marriage
Lastly, we have arrived to the last novel in the Bridgerton series. On the Way to the Wedding follows the story of the youngest gentleman of the Bridgerton family, Gregory. Gregory’s story follows the “accidental marriage” trope—a fun one indeed. This trope obviously revolves around two main characters—who are typically close friends—that realize they love each other as they’re about to say ‘I do’ to different people. Will they call off their weddings or vow to silence their feelings? If you’re eager to find out, try picking up On the Way to the Wedding.
Source: US Weekly
Well gentle readers, now that we’ve uncovered all the different romance tropes of each novel in the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn, we hope you’ll tell us which is your favorite in the comments below.
Yours Truly,
Lady Whistledown