You might not have heard of Julie Pottinger, but you’re far more likely to be familiar with Julia Quinn - the pen name she uses to write the Bridgerton books, along with a host of other historical romance novels.
She was already a New York Times bestselling author before an explosion of interest in her work courtesy of the hugely-popular Bridgerton Netflix series.
Originally studying at Yale University to become a doctor, when her first two romance novels unexpectedly sold at auction she swiftly realised her future lay in writing.
To date, Pottinger has written 38 books in nine different series, has been translated into 41 languages and has been inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame.
With so many books to choose from, it’s hard for a Julia Quinn beginner to know where to start.
To help out, we’ve had a look at how the millions of readers of book website Goodreads have rated her books.
Here are the top 10.
Originally studying at Yale University to become a doctor, when her first two romance novels unexpectedly sold at auction she swiftly realised her future lay in writing.
5. The Viscount Who Loved Me
Completing the top five best Julia Quinn books is the secind in the Bridgertons series. The Viscount Who Loved Me was published in 2000 and scores an average rating of 4.01 from 386,907 reviews. "This time the gossip columnists have it wrong. London’s most elusive bachelor Anthony Bridgerton hasn’t just decided to marry—he’s even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended’s older sister, Kate Sheffield—the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate’s the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams. Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands—and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate’s determined to protect her sister—but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony’s lips touch hers, she’s suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself..." | Contributed
6. When He Was Wicked
The sixth in the Bridgertons series also takes sixth spot. When He Was Wicked was first published in 2004 and scores an average rating of 4.00 from 196,031 reviews. "In every life there is a turning point. A moment so tremendous, so sharp and breathtaking, that one knows one’s life will never be the same. For Michael Stirling, London’s most infamous rake, that moment came the first time he laid eyes on Francesca Bridgerton. After a lifetime of chasing women, of smiling slyly as they chased him, of allowing himself to be caught but never permitting his heart to become engaged, he took one look at Francesca Bridgerton and fell so fast and hard into love it was a wonder he managed to remain standing. Unfortunately for Michael, however, Francesca’s surname was to remain Bridgerton for only a mere thirty-six hours longer—the occasion of their meeting was, lamentably, a supper celebrating her imminent wedding to his cousin. But that was then. Now Michael is the earl and Francesca is free, but still she thinks of him as nothing other than her dear friend and confidant. Michael dares not speak to her of his love...until one dangerous night, when she steps innocently into his arms, and passion proves stronger than even the most wicked of secrets..." | Contributed
7. Ten Things I Love About You
Next up is the third in the Bevelstoke series - 2010's Ten Things I Love About You scored an average rating of 4.00 from 29,076 reviews. "Sebastian Grey is in limbo. He is the heir presumptive to the Earl of Newbury, unless the current earl, a widower, can find a bride who will bear him a son. Newbury is in his sixties and somewhat portly, but as an earl he's considered quite a catch. Sebastian, on the other hand, is twenty-nine and devilishly handsome, but in no hurry to find a wife. Annabel Winslow, a country girl through and through, has received an offer to go to London for the season. The eldest of a family of eight, she knows that a good marriage might be the only thing that will save her family from ruin. After a few weeks in town, Annabel attracts the attention of the Earl of Newbury. The thought of submitting to him makes her skin crawl, but she is practical and determined to do her duty. But when Sebastian meets Annabel, sparks fly, and best laid plans look set to combust..." | Contributed
8. It's in His Kiss
The seventh Bridgertons novel, It's in His Kiss, was published in 2005 and scores an average rating of 3.99 from 162,534 reviews. "All the ton agreed: there was no one quite like Hyacinth Bridgerton. She’s fiendishly smart, devilishly outspoken, and according to Gareth, probably best in small doses. But there’s something about her—something charming and vexing—that grabs him and won’t quite let go..." | Contributed