There Are 8 Sexy "Bridgerton" Novels to Read As We Await News on Season 2

In case you didn't know, we have one woman to thank for the delight that is Netflix and Shondaland's new period drama, Bridgerton: Julia Quinn. The romance novelist penned the very books that inspired the show. The first, The Duke I, was published in 2000. Spanning the years 1813 to 1827, Quinn's books start with the show's leads, Daphne and Simon, but continue to focus on the love stories of each Bridgerton sibling. (Yes, Anthony finds love, too). And if you want to delve further into their world, Quinn even has the Rokesby series, four books that serve as a prequel to the Bridgerton saga.

Bridgerton showrunner Chris Van Dusen says that it was executive producer Shonda Rhimes who initially told him about the books. "I took those books home that first night after our meeting, and I devoured them. I was so into them because they were romantic, obviously, but there was a lot of intrigue, and they were emotional and they were funny, and obviously they were sexy. But there was this really charming family at the center of things. For me the books—and I think this is true for romance novels in general—they offer an escape," he tells OprahMag.com.

The novels have earned a passionate fanbase, particularly for being historical romances that seamlessly incorporate storylines tinged with equal amounts of feminism, quick wit, and, yes, steamy sex scenes. (And we can't forget Lady Whistledown.) Quinn has generous excerpts from each of the eight Bridgerton books on her website. However, if you want the full experience, we have all eight books—plus a bonus—listed below in order for your reading pleasure. And perhaps they'll act as a bit of informative source material for a potential season 2.