Bridgerton author reveals fan-favorite couple’s story was the hardest to write

Colin and Penelope’s friends-to-lovers story is one fans have been desperately waiting for with the arrival of Bridgerton Season 3, but author Julia Quinn reveals it wasn’t that easy to write.

Every season of the hit Netflix series based on Quinn’s books has been a brand new couple. Each storyline focuses on a Bridgerton sibling as they meet the person they have a fiery and passionate love story with. But for Bridgerton Season 3, it’s all about the longstanding friendship between Penelope and Colin.

For two seasons, fans have watched Penelope crush on the Bridgerton while remaining a close friend. But turmoil ensued in the Season 2 finale that picks up even more drama headed into the third season.

Penelope is ready to marry, even if it means without Colin. But will he let her? The Bridgerton author reveals their delicious love story wasn’t that easy to write.

Bridgerton author explains why their story was different

Julia Quinn admits Penelope and Colin’s love story was harder to originally write due to them having been present throughout the other books.

During Bridgerton’s Valentine’s Day special panel, Quinn revealed the reason why Penelope and Colin’s love story is so different is because of their history together. But it also made it difficult to write their story compared to other couples like Anthony and Kate.

“They’re two characters who are so well established. Usually, when you bring in a second one you can go like ‘Oh I can make this person whatever I need for the story.’ But I already had these two people who were set, and that’s why I think it worked so well to do a friends-to-lovers story,” said Quinn.

Brdigerton fans have seen the unfolding of Penelope and Colin’s story since the first season. Colin boosted himself as this eligible bachelor who still wanted to see the world and not get married. Since Season 2, he’s traveled the world away from the duties of the ton.

Meanwhile, Penelope has harbored a crush on him for many years, as described in Quinn’s book. But as a spinster with no prospects, she never believed he would court her. Her heart was broken at the end of Season 2 when she overheard Colin tell his friends he wouldn’t dream of it.

Bridgerton Season 3 is the culmination of two seasons’ worth (and book snippets) of their evolving relationship. As Penelope decides to finally find a suitor and comes into her own, Colin realizes his true feelings for her.