How Does Colin's Story Compare To Other Siblings? Definitive Ranking Of Bridgerton Books

For a bodice-ripping series with pre-determined canon couples and guaranteed happy endings for every arc, Shondaland's Bridgerton is exceptionally good at keeping people wondering and speculating.

One of the biggest sources of heated fan debate is what to expect from each of the Bridgerton siblings. Whose solo season will provide a more exciting viewing experience? Will anyone (especially Season 3 leads Colin and Penelope) be able to top Daphne and Anthony's stories?

While Shondaland's creative liberties will certainly keep us guessing, we can make some predictions based on Julia Quinn's original novels and their Goodreads ratings. After all, the first two seasons have shown that the structure of the books and their leads remain largely intact in the show.

So let's get down to the novels' ratings without further ado. Obviously, there are spoilers ahead, so beware.

8. To Sir Phillip, With Love (Eloise Bridgerton, #5)

Goodreads rating: 3.72/5

It may come as a shock, but Eloise, who is adored by Netflix viewers, surprisingly falls short in her standalone novel. Readers found her portrayal as a typical Regency girl lacking the depth and swagger that Claudia Jessie brings to the screen. In addition, her love interest, Sir Phillip Crane (yes, the same Phillip Crane to whom Marina is married), left much to be desired, being perceived as a prejudiced man and a neglectful father.

So when it comes to Eloise's solo debut, the Shondaland creators have all the more reason to change the original story. Especially since Eloise is already so much more likable than her book version.

7. The Duke and I (Daphne Bridgerton, #1)

Goodreads rating: 3.81/5

Like the first season of the series, the first book introduced us to the titular family and the world they live in. So for many fans, it is a warming, nostalgic story. In addition, Daphne and Simon's love affair takes the fake dating trope to a whole new, compelling level.

The main problem fans have with both book and show is the whole storyline of Simon taking advantage of his wife's naivety in bed and Daphne's sexual aggressiveness when she finds out the truth. Because of this, many readers have lowered their rating and viewers prefer not to rewatch Season 1.

6. On the Way to the Wedding (Gregory Bridgerton, #8)

Goodreads rating: 3.84/5

The final book of the series deviates quite strongly from the usual, expected plots of the genre. Maybe that's why it's rated a bit lower than the other novels. The main shock value lies in the character of Gregory, who by the end of the series grows and becomes this wild, passionate young man, who is capable of doing completely crazy things for true love.

For example, at one point he kidnaps his love interest. This is beyond acceptable for a Regency man, but Gregory's eccentric story is very much in line with Shondaland's narrative, so we hope Netflix will go all the way with eight seasons of Bridgerton.

5. Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Colin Bridgerton, #4)

Goodreads rating: 3.91/5

Here we are, Colin and Penelope's book is fifth on the list of Bridgerton novels. It is not even in the top three, but readers say that if one aspect of the book is changed, our two-year wait for Season 3 will not have been in vain.

As it turns out, book Colin has quite a temper. On several occasions, he is rude to Penelope, both in words and physical actions, such as pushing or pulling her. He can also be cold and deliberately inconsiderate, which is hard to imagine in Luke Newton's portrayal.

4. An Offer From a Gentleman (Benedict Bridgerton, #3)

Goodreads rating: 3.94/5

Many of Quinn's fans were frustrated when Benedict's story was pushed aside in the show. All because his solo book is their favorite. It is basically a Cinderella retelling where Benedict is Prince Charming who meets a mysterious masked girl at a ball and falls in love at first dance. The problem is that the girl disappears after a short interaction, and now Benedict has to find her using only a glove she left behind.

Honestly, we can't wait for this fairy tale to be set in Shondaland's Bridgerverse.

3. It's in His Kiss (Hyacinth Bridgerton, #7)

Goodreads rating: 3.99/5

Hyacinth's story is one of the most beloved in the series. This is due to her hilariously spirited personality and the delightful treasure hunt subplot that takes place in her novel. The youngest Bridgerton helps her love interest find the family's ancient treasure and save him from poverty.

To add to the excitement, the young man is the grandson of none other than everyone's favorite Lady Danbury herself. Fingers crossed, the couple gets their solo season and Lady D is around to do her power moves.

2. When He Was Wicked (Francesca Bridgerton, #6)

Goodreads rating: 4.00/5

This will come as a shock to those who haven't read the books, but Francesca's solo story is not about her first romance. In the book series, her first husband dies, breaking her heart, and after years of mourning, she suddenly realizes that she may enjoy the company of his cousin more than just friends. The novel tackles the themes of loss, grief, and moving on with an elegance that makes it a fan favorite.

Quinn's Francesca has the first wedding in her debut year, so if the showrunners decide to stay true to her story, it is very likely that we will meet her current and possibly even future love interest this year already.

1. The Viscount Who Loved Me (Anthony Bridgerton, #2)

Goodreads rating: 4.02/5

Turns out there is a good reason why the world loved Bridgerton Season 2 so much. Its source, Anthony and Kate's book journey, steals the top spot in readers' hearts and has thousands of drooling reviews. Even though there are some red flags in the behavior of both leads, the enemies-to-lovers trope trumps them all.

The leads who follow Anthony and Kate certainly have a tall order to fill. Good luck, Colin and Pen. Looks like you're going to need it.