In the enchanting world of historical romance, few authors have captured hearts as Julia Quinn has. Quinn’s deftly woven tales, sprinkled with humor, warmth, and irresistible romance, have cemented her place as a beloved author in the genre.
This post aims to guide both the initiated and the uninitiated through the expansive universe of Quinn’s narratives, presented in the precise order they were intended to be read.
Whether you’re already an ardent fan or just embarking on your journey, this comprehensive list will ensure you don’t miss a single beat of the love stories that Julia Quinn has so masterfully crafted.
Who is Julia Quinn?
Julia Quinn, the pseudonym of Julie Pottinger, is a best-selling American author renowned for her historical romance novels. Since her first book was published in 1995, Quinn has written several series and stand-alone books that have been translated into multiple languages worldwide.
She is particularly known for her Bridgerton series, which was adapted into a successful Netflix series in 2020. A member of the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame, Quinn’s books are celebrated for their wit, charm, and endearing characters.
Julia Quinn Books in Order by Series
- Splendid Trilogy
● Splendid (1995)
● Dancing at Midnight (1995)
● Minx (1996) - Lyndon Series
● Everything and the Moon (1997)
● Brighter Than the Sun (1997) - Agents for the Crown Series
● To Catch an Heiress (1998)
● How to Marry a Marquis (1999) - Bridgertons Series
● The Duke and I (2000)
● The Viscount Who Loved Me (2000)
● An Offer From a Gentleman (2001)
● Romancing Mr. Bridgerton (2002)
● To Sir Phillip, With Love (2003)
● When He Was Wicked (2004)
● It’s in His Kiss (2005)
● On the Way to the Wedding (2006) - Two Dukes of Wyndham Series
● The Lost Duke of Wyndham (2008)
● Mr. Cavendish, I Presume (2008) - Bevelstoke Series
● The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (2007)
● What Happens in London (2009)
● Ten Things I Love About You (2010) - Smythe-Smith Quartet
● Just Like Heaven (2011)
● A Night Like This (2012)
● The Sum of All Kisses (2013)
● The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy (2015) - Rokesbys Series
● Because of Miss Bridgerton (2016)
● The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband (2017)
● The Other Miss Bridgerton (2018)
● First Comes Scandal (2020)
Please note that the list includes her main series and does not list a few standalone books and novellas she has written. Always check the latest on the author’s official website or reliable book retailer for the most current information.
Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton Books in Order
- The Duke and I (2000)
- The Viscount Who Loved Me (2000)
- An Offer From a Gentleman (2001)
- Romancing Mr. Bridgerton (2002)
- To Sir Phillip, With Love (2003)
- When He Was Wicked (2004)
- It’s in His Kiss (2005)
- On the Way to the Wedding (2006)
Additionally, there are also a few collections of second epilogues and a prequel series called the Rokesbys.
summary of every julia quinn book in order
The Duke and I (2000):
Set in the Regency era, this is the story of Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, and Daphne Bridgerton, the eldest Bridgerton daughter. To avoid pressure to marry, Simon proposes a ruse – a fake courtship with Daphne.
The plan works perfectly until they find themselves falling in love. Now, Daphne must decide if she can settle for a marriage of convenience or fight for a love match.
The Viscount Who Loved Me (2000):
Anthony Bridgerton, the eldest Bridgerton son, has decided it’s time to marry. But his plans are thwarted by Kate Sheffield, the older sister of his intended. Kate is determined to stop the notorious rake from ruining her sister’s life, but she didn’t anticipate the attraction that sparks between them. A story of unexpected love, this novel is full of wit, charm, and delightful banter.
An Offer From a Gentleman (2001):
Sophie Beckett, a housemaid and illegitimate daughter of an earl, gets a chance to attend the Bridgerton masquerade ball. There, she meets Benedict Bridgerton and they share a magical night. But when the clock strikes midnight, Sophie must return to her life of servitude. Years later, they meet again, but Benedict doesn’t recognize her.
A Cinderella-esque story, it’s a tale of second chances and true love.
Romancing Mr. Bridgerton (2002):
Penelope Hetherington has been in love with her best friend’s brother, Colin Bridgerton, for years. Colin, the charming and carefree third son, sees Penelope as a dear friend, nothing more. But when he returns from a trip abroad, he starts seeing Penelope in a different light.
This delightful romance explores the transformative power of love and the strength of a quiet, unassuming heroine.
To Sir Phillip, With Love (2003):
When Eloise Bridgerton starts corresponding with Sir Phillip Crane, a widower, she sees a chance to escape her well-meaning but overbearing family. But when she arrives at Sir Phillip’s home, she realizes that there’s more to him than his letters suggested. This novel is a moving exploration of grief, healing, and how love can flourish in the unlikeliest of places.
When He Was Wicked (2004):
Michael Stirling, London’s most infamous rake, has been in love with his cousin’s wife, Francesca Bridgerton, for years. When tragedy strikes and Francesca is left a widow, Michael must wrestle with his feelings.
Francesca, for her part, starts seeing Michael in a new light. It’s a heartrending tale of forbidden love and longing, and the lengths one would go for the person they love.
It’s in His Kiss (2005):
Hyacinth Bridgerton is intelligent, outspoken, and unlike any other woman of her time. Gareth St. Clair is in a bind – he’s inherited an old family diary that could hold the key to his future, but it’s written in Italian, a language he does not speak. Enter Hyacinth, who can translate the diary. As they delve into the mysteries of the diary, they find themselves falling for each other.
On the Way to the Wedding (2006):
Gregory Bridgerton is the last unmarried Bridgerton, and he believes in true love. When he meets the beautiful Hermione Watson, he believes he’s found his soulmate. Unfortunately for Gregory, Hermione is in love with another man. However, Hermione’s best friend, Lucy Abernathy, is determined to help Gregory win Hermione’s heart.
But as Lucy and Gregory spend more time together, they start realizing that perhaps they are the ones meant to be together. It’s a charming, romantic tale about how love often shows up in the most unexpected places.
Bridgerton series:
- Because of Miss Bridgerton (2016): This story revolves around Billie Bridgerton, a tomboyish lady who loves managing her father’s estate, and George Rokesby, the heir to the neighboring estate and someone she has always considered dull.
However, when circumstances force them to spend time together, they realize they may have misjudged each other. - The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband (2017): Cecilia Harcourt travels to New York from England after receiving a letter that her brother has been injured. When she can’t find him, she decides to claim his wounded best friend Edward Rokesby as her husband.
As Edward recovers and they search for her brother, they must confront the love growing between them. - The Other Miss Bridgerton (2018): Poppy Bridgerton is kidnapped by a privateer and taken to his ship where she meets the intriguing captain Andrew Rokesby, who’s actually a spy for the crown. Despite their circumstances, they can’t deny the attraction between them.
- First Comes Scandal (2020): Georgiana Bridgerton is ruined by a scandal through no fault of her own. To rescue her reputation, family friend Nicholas Rokesby proposes a marriage of convenience. As they navigate their new life together, they discover feelings they didn’t expect.
Here are brief summaries of Julia Quinn’s other series:
Splendid Trilogy
- Splendid (1995): American heiress Emma Dunster intends to enjoy her London season without finding a husband, but her plans are thwarted when she saves the life of the Duke of Ashbourne’s nephew and falls for the Duke.
- Dancing at Midnight (1995): Lady Arabella Blydon falls for the wounded war hero John Blackwood, but his dark past may prevent them from finding happiness together.
- Minx (1996): William Dunford, London’s most eligible bachelor, is stunned to learn he’s inherited an estate and a ward, Henrietta Barrett. Henrietta wants nothing to do with Dunford and her new status, but he’s determined to win her over.
Lyndon Series
- Everything and the Moon (1997): Victoria Lyndon, the vicar’s daughter, and Robert Kemble, the Earl of Macclesfield, fall in love but are separated by their families. Seven years later, they meet again. Despite the obstacles, they decide to risk everything for their love.
- Brighter Than the Sun (1997): Charles Wycombe, the Earl of Billington, needs a bride urgently or he’ll lose his inheritance. He proposes a marriage of convenience to Eleanor Lyndon, who has her own reasons to agree. They don’t expect to fall in love.
Agents for the Crown Series
- To Catch an Heiress (1998): Caroline Trent, an heiress with only six weeks until she comes of age, is kidnapped by Blake Ravenscroft who mistakes her for a notorious spy. Caroline decides to play along, leading to a delightful story filled with intrigue and unexpected romance.
- How to Marry a Marquis (1999): Elizabeth Hotchkiss, a poor lady’s companion, stumbles upon a book titled “How to Marry a Marquis” and decides to use its advice to find a rich husband. James Sidwell, the Marquis of Riverdale, is posing as an estate manager to catch a traitor. When Elizabeth tries her techniques on him, hilarity and romance ensue.
Two Dukes of Wyndham Series
- The Lost Duke of Wyndham (2008): Jack Audley, a highwayman, is not the typical duke. His life is one of adventure and danger until one day, he is recognized as the lost Duke of Wyndham, the title that could change his life forever. Jack’s attraction to Grace Eversleigh, the dowager Duchess’s companion, further complicates his life.
As he’s drawn into a world of nobility and propriety, he must decide if he’s willing to give up his freedom and accept the responsibilities that come with his new title. - Mr. Cavendish, I Presume (2008): Thomas Cavendish, the Duke of Wyndham, has known his position and responsibility all his life. However, when his cousin Jack Audley, a former highwayman, claims the title, Thomas’s life turns upside down.
Amid the chaos, his long-standing betrothal to Amelia Willoughby also hangs in the balance. As Thomas navigates through this unexpected crisis, he discovers that love and family are more important than titles and duties.
Bevelstoke Series
- The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (2007): Miranda Cheever has been secretly in love with her best friend’s brother, Turner since she was ten. Turner, a charming rake, has been hurt in love and has sworn off the idea of falling in love again. When a chance encounter brings them together after many years, old feelings resurface.
As Miranda tries to break through the walls around Turner’s heart, she learns that love is messy and complicated but ultimately worth fighting for. - What Happens in London (2009): Olivia Bevelstoke has a relatively simple life until she hears a rumor that her new neighbor, Sir Harry Valentine, might have killed his fiancée. Intrigued, Olivia can’t resist spying on him. Sir Harry, a war veteran now working for the War Office, finds himself drawn towards Olivia.
As they navigate through a series of misunderstandings, secrets, and espionage, they discover that love often happens when and where one least expects it. - Ten Things I Love About You (2010): Annabel Winslow is in London with a mission – to marry a wealthy, elderly earl and save her family from destitution. However, her plans go awry when she meets Sebastian Grey, a charming rake with a notorious reputation.
As Annabel gets drawn into Sebastian’s world of pleasure and freedom, she must make a difficult choice – duty or love.
Smythe-Smith Quartet
- Just Like Heaven (2011): Marcus Holroyd, the Earl of Chatteris, is a loner who has only one real friend – Daniel Smythe-Smith. When Daniel asks Marcus to look after his sister Honoria, Marcus agrees, thinking it will be easy.
However, as Marcus and Honoria spend more time together, they realize their feelings for each other are not as platonic as they thought. Amidst a series of humorous events and misunderstandings, Marcus and Honoria discover that love often blossoms in the most unexpected places. - A Night Like This (2012): Anne Wynter, a beautiful and intelligent governess, is content with her life until she meets Daniel Smythe-Smith, the Earl of Winstead. Daniel, recently returned from exile due to a duel, is immediately smitten by Anne.
As they navigate through societal expectations, past secrets, and personal insecurities, they find that the path to love is. - The Sum of All Kisses (2013): Hugh Prentice and Lady Sarah Pleinsworth share a turbulent history. Hugh’s duel with Sarah’s cousin resulted in a permanent limp for him and a tarnished reputation for her family. Forced to spend time together due to their friend’s wedding, the line between dislike and attraction blurs.
As they navigate their past mistakes, societal expectations, and their growing feelings, they discover that love is not only about forgiveness but also about overcoming personal demons. - The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy (2015): Sir Richard Kenworthy has a secret that necessitates a quick marriage. He chooses Iris Smythe-Smith, believing she’s the perfect candidate for a marriage of convenience.
However, when Iris discovers his secret, their newly formed bond is put to the test. As Richard tries to win back Iris’s trust, he learns that love is about honesty, trust, and sometimes, making difficult sacrifices.
And now onto the standalone books:
- Brighter Than the Sun (1997): Charles Wycombe, the Earl of Billington, is in desperate need of a bride or he’ll lose his inheritance. He ends up proposing to Eleanor Lyndon, who’s fleeing her own home due to a stepmother situation.
Their marriage of convenience becomes complicated as they navigate the intricacies of society, familial expectations, and their growing feelings for each other. They learn that love often blossoms where one least expects it. - Everything and the Moon (1997): Victoria Lyndon and Robert Kemble, the Earl of Macclesfield, fall in love but are separated by their families. Seven years later, they meet again by chance. Despite the lingering hurt and mistrust, they can’t deny the strong attraction between them.
They must decide whether to risk everything for their love or let their past dictate their future. - The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown (2003): This is a collection of short stories by Julia Quinn, Suzanne Enoch, Karen Hawkins, and Mia Ryan, set in the Regency era. The stories are tied together by the gossip column of the mysterious Lady Whistledown, a character introduced in Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series.
Each story explores the intricacies of love and romance in Regency society, with all the charm, wit, and heart that fans have come to expect from these authors. - Lady Whistledown Strikes Back (2004): This is another anthology with contributions from Julia Quinn, Suzanne Enoch, Karen Hawkins, and Mia Ryan. Once again, the stories are connected through the gossip columns of Lady Whistledown.
Each tale delves into scandals, rumors, and courtships during the London season, offering a delightful mix of romance, mystery, and intrigue. - Where’s My Hero? (2003): This anthology features short stories by Lisa Kleypas, Kinley MacGregor, and Julia Quinn. In Quinn’s story, “A Tale of Two Sisters,” we meet Sir Harry Valentine, who works for the boring branch of the War Office translating documents vital to national security.
He is unprepared for the entrancing woman who barrels into his life and his home, determined to enlist his help. - The Lady Most Likely (2010): Co-authored with Eloisa James and Connie Brockway, this novel tells the story of Hugh Dunne, the Earl of Briarly, who needs a wife. His sister decides to invite potential brides and their families for a house party.
The story unfolds over the course of this party, with three interwoven narratives each written by one of the authors. - Just Like Heaven (2011): Honoria Smythe-Smith and Marcus Holroyd have known each other since childhood due to Marcus’s friendship with Honoria’s brother. When Marcus falls ill, Honoria takes care of him, and they both start realizing their feelings for each other might be more than platonic.
Amidst the backdrop of the infamous Smythe-Smith musical, they navigate their feelings and the potential impact on their families. - The Lady Most Willing (2012): Also co-authored with Eloisa James and Connie Brockway, this novel follows a similar premise as the previous book, this time with a Scottish laird kidnapping potential brides and bringing them to his castle during a snowstorm. As they wait out the weather, the guests find themselves falling in love when they least expect it.
These summaries should give you a good idea of the plot of each book. Remember, these are just brief overviews. Each of these novels is a rich, multi-layered tale with much more to offer.
What is the first book Julia Quinn wrote?
Julia Quinn’s first book is “Splendid,” which is the first installment in the Blydon Trilogy. The book was published in 1995 and tells the story of American Emma Dunster and the Duke of Ashbourne. Their chance encounter turns into a complex, passionate love story full of humor, wit, and charm.
Which Julia Quinn series should I start with?
If you’re new to Julia Quinn, starting with the Bridgerton series is a good choice. The first book, “The Duke and I,” introduces the large, tight-knit Bridgerton family and the Regency London society in which they live. The series has been adapted into a successful Netflix show, making it a popular entry point for many readers.
Are all of Julia Quinn’s books interconnected?
While many of Julia Quinn’s books are part of a series and share interconnected characters, they can generally be read as standalone novels. However, for a deeper appreciation of the recurring characters and their development, reading the series in order is recommended.
What are some common themes in Julia Quinn’s books?
Julia Quinn’s books often explore themes of love, family, societal expectations, and personal growth. Her characters are usually multidimensional, with personal challenges and growth arcs. Her narratives often balance humor, emotion, and a keen sense of the historical context.
Does Julia Quinn write only historical romance?
While Julia Quinn is best known for her historical romance novels, particularly those set in the Regency era, she has also contributed to anthologies that include other romance sub-genres. However, the core of her work and what she’s most recognized for is indeed a historical romance.
Is the Netflix series ‘Bridgerton’ based on Julia Quinn’s books?
Yes, the Netflix series ‘Bridgerton’ is based on Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series of books. Each season plans to primarily focus on one of the eight Bridgerton siblings, much like how each book in the series focuses on a different sibling.
Conclusion
Julia Quinn’s work is a treasure trove of compelling characters, intricate plotlines, and heartfelt romance. Whether you’re diving into the enchanting world of the Bridgertons, experiencing the charm of the Smythe-Smith Quartet, or indulging in her delightful standalone novels, there’s a story for every fan of historical romance.
Each book offers a unique exploration of love and personal growth against the backdrop of Regency England. Quinn’s narrative genius makes her one of the most celebrated authors in the genre of historical romance, creating timeless stories that continue to captivate readers worldwide.