Rating: ★★★★☆

Genre: Regency Romance

Available On: Amazon (You can get the full Bridgerton set here, alas my beautiful Illumicrate editions are out of print) 

In To Sir Phillip, With Love, Julia Quinn invites readers into Eloise Bridgerton’s story, delivering a delightful and emotional romance that has all the charm and warmth we’ve come to expect from the Bridgerton series. This fifth instalment follows Eloise, the sharp-tongued and fiercely independent Bridgerton sibling, as she takes a bold leap into the unknown by answering a letter that leads her to Sir Phillip Crane. What follows is a heartfelt and sometimes unconventional romance that explores the challenges of new love, family dynamics, and personal growth.

The Plot: A Letter, A Leap, A Love Story

Eloise Bridgerton, well into her twenties and long content to live a single life, takes the spotlight in this book. After years of correspondence with Sir Phillip Crane, a widower she initially wrote to offer her condolences, Eloise is presented with a rather surprising proposition: a marriage of convenience. Struggling with her own emotions after the sudden marriage of her best friend, Penelope, Eloise decides to take a chance and embarks on an impromptu journey to meet Phillip, leaving the familiar world of London behind.

Sir Phillip, grieving his late wife and overwhelmed by the responsibilities of raising his two mischievous children, views Eloise as a potential solution to his troubles—a woman who could bring stability to his chaotic household. However, neither Phillip nor Eloise are quite prepared for the reality of their meeting. Eloise, known for her wit and independence, finds herself in a rural estate vastly different from the lively world of the ton, and Phillip must contend with a woman far more opinionated and vibrant than he had anticipated.

The story that unfolds is one of compromise, learning to love beyond initial expectations, and embracing vulnerability. Phillip and Eloise must navigate their differences, the challenges of instant family life, and their own insecurities. As they grow closer, they discover that love often blossoms in the most unexpected of circumstances.

Themes and Character Development

To Sir Phillip, With Love beautifully explores themes of resilience, family, and acceptance. Eloise’s journey is one of self-discovery—her character evolves from the outspoken spinster of London to someone who learns the delicate balance of partnership and motherhood. The shift from her comfortable life in the city to the unpredictable environment of Phillip’s estate forces Eloise to face challenges that test her independence and adaptability.

Phillip, on the other hand, is a complex character dealing with grief, self-doubt, and the weight of his responsibilities. His growth lies in learning to open his heart again, moving beyond his past losses and understanding how to become a better father and partner. The dynamic between Phillip and his twins adds an extra layer to the story, with Eloise stepping into the unexpected role of stepmother, which leads to both humorous and heartfelt moments.

Their romance is not the instant, all-consuming passion of some of the earlier Bridgerton books, but rather a slower, more tender development that feels both realistic and deeply moving. The story captures the uncertainty and beauty of building a relationship from scratch, particularly when both parties carry emotional baggage.

How Does To Sir Phillip, With Love Differ from the Netflix Adaptation?

There’s no doubt that Julia Quinn solidified herself as one of the best romance authors around with the Bridgerton series. But it’s also proven to be one of the most popular Netflix series. While the Netflix series has yet to adapt Eloise’s story fully, fans will notice that the show has already laid the groundwork for Eloise’s independent streak and disdain for societal expectations. The book offers a deeper exploration of her character beyond the witty younger sister. Whether or not the adaptation will follow the book’s plot closely remains to be seen, but it will certainly be interesting to watch how the dynamic between Eloise and Phillip is brought to life on screen.

Romance Tropes in To Sir Phillip, With Love

Trope Count: 🔥🔥🔥

This instalment of the Bridgerton series brings together several beloved romance tropes:

Marriage of Convenience

Phillip’s proposal to Eloise is rooted in practicality rather than romantic love. For Phillip, Eloise represents a chance to bring stability and care into his home, particularly for his young children who need a mother figure. Meanwhile, Eloise, having recently felt left behind as her best friend married, finds herself considering an unconventional path to find a new purpose. Their marriage begins with mutual curiosity but lacks the emotional foundation one might expect from a romantic story. 

As they navigate their arrangement, both discover unexpected qualities in each other—Phillip learns to appreciate Eloise’s strength and wit, while Eloise sees beyond Phillip’s stoicism to understand his vulnerability and grief. This evolution from a practical union to genuine affection is central to the story’s emotional depth, showcasing how love can grow in the most unexpected of circumstances when both partners are willing to take risks and make compromises.

Single Parent

Phillip’s struggle to raise his twins alone adds a rich layer of complexity to his character. He’s a botanist, far more comfortable with plants than with people, and he has found himself overwhelmed by the needs and energy of his mischievous children. The twins, Amanda and Oliver, have been acting out since their mother’s death, and Phillip’s inability to connect with them emotionally only exacerbates the chaos at home. Eloise’s arrival is met with resistance—Amanda and Oliver see her as an intruder, someone trying to replace their mother. 

Eloise, however, approaches them with patience and understanding. She refuses to be intimidated by their tricks and instead engages them with both firmness and kindness, slowly winning their trust. Her efforts to bond with the twins, from participating in their pranks to genuinely listening to their worries, highlight her adaptability and warmth. This process of building a relationship with Phillip’s children not only endears Eloise to the reader but also plays a crucial role in her deepening connection with Phillip, as they begin to function as a family.

Opposites Attract

Eloise and Phillip could not be more different—Eloise is outspoken, lively, and thrives in the bustling environment of London, while Phillip is quiet, introspective, and content with the solitude of his country estate. These differences create tension from the moment Eloise arrives, as both struggle to understand the other’s perspective. Eloise finds Phillip’s brooding nature frustrating, mistaking it for indifference, while Phillip initially views Eloise’s spirited personality as overwhelming. 

However, as they spend more time together, these contrasts become the source of their attraction. Phillip is drawn to Eloise’s energy and her ability to breathe life into his once-stagnant household, while Eloise finds herself intrigued by the gentler, thoughtful side of Phillip that slowly emerges. Their misunderstandings lead to moments of conflict, but also to growth—both learn to see past their assumptions and appreciate the qualities that make the other unique. This dynamic of opposites attracting not only brings a spark to their relationship but also allows them to balance each other, making their eventual romance feel well-rounded and deeply satisfying.

These tropes are woven into the narrative to create a story that feels both fresh and familiar, keeping readers invested in the characters’ journey from strangers to partners.

How Spicy Is To Sir Phillip, With Love?

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️ 

Compared to some of the other Bridgerton novels, To Sir Phillip, With Love is on the milder side when it comes to explicit content. The focus here is more on the emotional journey of the characters rather than physical passion, which makes the romantic moments between Eloise and Phillip all the more meaningful. The intimacy that does occur feels earned and deeply connected to their growing bond, making this a perfect read for those who enjoy a softer, more emotionally driven romance.

Final Thoughts on To Sir Phillip, With Love

To Sir Phillip, With Love is a charming and tender addition to the Bridgerton series, offering a romance that is different in tone from the previous books but just as satisfying. Eloise’s leap into the unknown and Phillip’s journey towards love make for a heartfelt story that will resonate with fans of the series. Their story is not just about romantic love, but also about family, healing, and the courage it takes to open oneself up to new possibilities.

If you’ve been enjoying the Bridgerton series, this book is a must-read—it offers a softer, more introspective love story that complements the more passionate tales of Eloise’s siblings. And for those eagerly following along with the Netflix series, Eloise’s story promises to bring a fresh dynamic to the screen, filled with humour, depth, and, of course, love.

Note: If you’re wondering where I got my editions of Bridgerton, they’re Illumicrate limited editions and unfortunately are not currently in print. They’ve done a couple of print runs of this, I missed out the first time, but managed to snag a set on the reprint. If you’re desperate for them try buying second hand on eBay, but otherwise I’d suggest following Illumicrate and keeping an eye out for another print run. BUT be aware the last update they made was to state that they’re not planning to do another run any time soon, so please stop asking!