Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club

Episode: How Bridgerton Changed Romance Forever with Julia Quinn
Host: Danielle Robay
Guest: Julia Quinn
Release Date: February 3, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club dives deep into the world of romance fiction, centering on how Bridgerton—the beloved book series-turned-Netflix sensation—reshaped the way romance stories are written, consumed, and perceived in pop culture. Host Danielle Robay sits down for an illuminating conversation with Julia Quinn, the author of the Bridgerton novels, exploring the origins of this cultural phenomenon, the evolution of the romance genre, and Julia Quinn’s personal journey from medical school hopeful to global literary icon.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction & Bridgerton’s Impact

• [23:40] Danielle Robay: Welcomes Julia Quinn, highlighting her influence in romance and the massive success of Bridgerton.
• [24:17] Quinn’s books started over 25 years ago, and she witnessed firsthand how the genre went from being dismissed to “a total cultural phenomenon.”
• [26:01] Julia Quinn:

  “The weird, surreal part is the cultural phenomenon part... to realize that something that started in your head... is now understood and recognized by millions and millions and millions of people... Even if they don’t watch Bridgerton or like Bridgerton, they kind of know what it is.”

Cultural Shift & Diversity in Romance

• [27:53] Robay: Notes how the show propelled inclusivity, referencing actress Regina Hall’s statements about not being allowed to audition for period pieces as a Black woman before Bridgerton.
• [28:14] Quinn:

  “That was Shondaland’s decision and their work to make that happen. I can’t personally take credit. I love it... and I support it 100%.”

Julia Quinn’s Journey from Medicine to Romance

• [33:19-34:24] Quinn shares she was accepted to medical school the same month she got her first book deal. She deferred entrance twice before realizing writing was her true calling.

  “All I could think was, if this writing thing doesn’t work out, I’m not qualified to do anything... I was at medical school for about two, two and a half months before I realized this really isn’t the right thing, and I withdrew. And I haven’t looked back.” — Julia Quinn [34:22]

The Origins of Bridgerton

• [35:06] The idea for Bridgerton began with the character Simon, inspired by a man Quinn met with a severe stutter.
• The family-centric element (“the Bridgertons”) was designed so Simon could “fall in love with somebody who comes from the best family ever... they need to be fun and they need to be loving, and he gets a new family.”

Inside the Bridgerton Family & Character Creation

• [38:06] Quinn: on which characters are closest to her:

  “I am a combination of three—Penelope, Eloise, and Francesca.”

• The sibling relationships in Bridgerton reflect Quinn’s own large, teasing, loving family, which she feels the Netflix adaptation portrays perfectly.

  “They just get that sense of family... I think that’s one of the things people really love.” — Julia Quinn [39:58]

The Shondaland Adaptation

• [40:47] Quinn was contacted in 2017 by her agent:

  “Have you heard of Shonda Rhimes?”
  Shonda found a copy of The Duke and I while sick in a hotel and immediately devoured it, prompting her whole team to read and pursue the rights.

Season Four & Fairy Tale Influences

• [46:20] Discussion of Season Four, based on An Offer from a Gentleman—a Cinderella-inspired story.

  “There are aspects that work very well for historical romance... being a servant and also illegitimate... makes her someone that Bridgerton cannot marry. The big deal is that he overcomes it, and he decides that being with her and the love that he has for her is more important than these issues of class.” — Julia Quinn [48:00]

• The newest season follows the book “a little bit more closely than most” due to its inherently cinematic story.

The Romance Genre’s Evolution and Business

• [49:58] Robay: Notes that romance is now a $1.4 billion US industry, with Bridgerton helping legitimize the genre.
• [50:51] Quinn:

  “Even when we weren’t cool... we still were huge business... We were the ones still bringing in the money for the publishing houses so that they could publish poetry that only 10 people buy... But I think you’re right that there has been this kind of new boom where suddenly it is unapologetic.”

• Romance is booming, but Quinn notes that the surge is not equally benefiting historical subgenres outside Bridgerton, which inspired her to launch “JQ Editions,” a curated subscription/book club service spotlighting the best of historical romance.

Crafting and Recommending Romance

• Quinn looks for “sparkle” and a distinct authorial voice in selecting romances for her subscription box. It’s about whether she can “put it down” and if the prose “invokes something in you.”
• JQ Editions’s upcoming selections spotlight a mix of new books and classics, specifically highlighting diversity and overlooked periods.

Fandom, Community & The Power of Joy

• [57:52] Quinn grew up alongside the rise of romantic fiction fandom. She loves the fan art, the community, and how much her work means to people.
• [59:03]

  “Like so many people, I have in my life battled depression and have had moments where the only way I could get out of my head was reading a book that made me laugh and smile. And I have heard from so many readers that they have had similar experiences... We need joy. And... I think our society has difficulty elevating art that celebrates joy.”

• Quinn argues for the importance of reading for pleasure, challenging the notion that reading should only be for “serious” or “enriching” purposes.

  “We can read books for the same reason we watch Seinfeld—because it makes us happy.” [60:50]

Memorable Quotes

• “You are not going to believe what’s going to happen.” — Julia Quinn, on what she’d tell her 2000-era self [57:02]
• “People finally understand what I do because I can say ‘It’s like Bridgerton’ and then they know. And that is truly the weirdest thing.” — Julia Quinn [26:39]

Notable Moments & Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | Summary | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 24:17 | Julia Quinn’s early career | Quinn recounts entering romance during its “stigmatized” era and choosing it over medical school | | 26:39 | Bridgerton becomes a cultural phenomenon | Quinn on how “Bridgerton” entered popular language and daily references | | 28:14 | Diversity in Bridgerton | Acknowledges Shondaland’s pivotal decision in diversifying period drama | | 34:22 | Choosing writing over medicine | Quinn details deferring and ultimately leaving medical school for a writing career | | 35:06 | Inspiration behind Simon | The main character’s stutter inspired by real-life acquaintance | | 38:06 | Bridgerton character inspiration | Quinn identifies with Penelope, Eloise, Francesca | | 40:47 | Shonda Rhimes and Bridgerton adaptation call | Story of how Shonda discovered the books and launched the adaptation | | 46:20 | Season 4’s Cinderella parallels | Discussion of class barriers, growth, and adaptations | | 50:51 | Romance’s reputation and market status | Quinn highlights romance’s economic power and mainstream arrival | | 52:26 | Historical vs. fantasy/romance trends | Discussing genre cycles and the hope historical will return | | 59:03 | Personal impact of romance novels | Quinn credits romance reads for helping her through depression | | 62:21 | Embracing duality in life and art | On political outrage + magic & whimsy (from a bookmarked Instagram cartoon) | | 62:26 | “Speed Read” lightning round | Quinn’s rapid-fire favorites, literary loves, and trope picks | | 63:02 | Last literary recommendations & closing cheers| Host toasts Julia’s joy, whimsy, and legacy |

Memorable Quotes & Literary Lightning Round

• Ban forever? “Age gap.” — Julia Quinn [62:44]
• Defend forever? “Friends to lovers.” — Julia Quinn [62:48]
• Which Bridgerton would you trade places with for a day? “Penelope.” — Julia Quinn [63:01]
• Book wished to read for the first time again: “Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas.” — Julia Quinn [63:20]
• Advice to her younger self: “You’re not going to believe what’s going to happen.” — Julia Quinn [57:02]

Closing Thoughts

Julia Quinn’s path from medical school applicant to the mind behind one of history’s most beloved romance phenomena is marked by bold choices, sincerity, and a deep appreciation for joy, love, and the communities built around them. Her work—long before its Netflix fame—championed both pleasure in reading and the worthiness of happy endings. Bridgerton’s adaptation didn’t just find new fans; it ignited overdue conversations around inclusion, pleasure, and why we all deserve stories that make us swoon.

Further Reading & Recommendations

• Explore the Bridgerton books on Apple Books
• Look out for JQ Editions releases for more handpicked historical romances
• More from Julia Quinn and Reese’s Book Club on Instagram

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode is a warm, insightful tribute to the transformative power of romance fiction, both on the page and in popular culture. Whether you love the books, the show, or are simply curious about how a story can change a genre—and the world—a seat at Julia Quinn’s table is well worth your time.