Hey, Bridgerton fandom! We know you’re in the middle of a long wait for the next season of the Netflix period drama. The announcement that the story of season 3 will deviate from the books and focus on the romance between Colin and Penelope also came as a surprise. It probably made some fans of the couple, called Polin and played by Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan, more nervous than excited.
If you need help growing your enthusiasm for next season, then fanfiction can be a solution. It can also be a fun way to pass the time. So, Polin fans, here are some recent fanfics to enjoy while we all wait for the next season of Bridgerton. These are all completed fics, but the multi-chapter ones don’t follow the recently-released official plot synopsis for season 3. Let’s dive in!
“Assuredly, Fervently, Loudly”
Assuredly, Fervently, Loudly – feliciamarie0323 – Bridgerton (TV) [Archive of Our Own]
This one-shot fic by user feliciamarie0323 is a version of what a season 3 love confession could be. It is brief but very romantic. Also, I like the way this fic has Colin already know Pen is Lady Whistledown, having figured it out on his own. I know that is an unpopular opinion, maybe, and I also know the show is unlikely to be so lenient on the angst. But I still like reading it. Of course, the callback to the dialogue between Polin from season 1, as the title indicates, is wonderful as well.
“Always”
Always – Chapter 1 – ninjamanda – Bridgerton (TV) [Archive of Our Own]
This multi-chapter fic by user ninjamanda might be long, but worth the time. It imagines a season 3 in which unexpected circumstances cause Colin and Penelope to wed. The reader sees them truly fall in love after that, complete with the Lady Whistledown revelation and lots of steamy sex scenes.
I like the plot of this one. Though, those who love Portia Featherington should be warned she is turned into a significant villain. The good amount of smut here is also varied, which makes it even more fun to read. Perhaps most importantly, the Colin and Penelope in this fic feel like their show versions, which is a plus.
“Unforgiven”
Unforgiven – thinkswithpen – Bridgerton (TV) [Archive of Our Own]
User thinkswithpen wrote this one-shot. I don’t usually latch onto angst as much as I do fluff — like AT ALL — but this one is an exception. This fic imagines a scene in which Colin asks for forgiveness for his words at the end of season 2, and Penelope cannot give him that. I am firmly on the Penelope Featherington Defense Squad, so I found this satisfying. I can picture it as part of a larger story in which there are all the expected revelations and a happy ending. I really enjoy how strong and eloquent Penelope is in this one.
“Unforgiven” is one to read, particularly if you like angst.
“The Only Love I Know”
the only love i know. – rebelhearts – Bridgerton (TV) [Archive of Our Own]
Another one-shot, this time by user rebelhearts. This one is also a version of the season 3 love confession, but it is compliant with the official plot synopsis. I think the dialogue in this one is especially effective. Also, Lady Danbury makes an appearance that shows why we all appreciate her.
Fluff and romance are what this fic offers up, and quite well, too. And it’s the perfect length for a one-shot. My only caveat is that there is no mention of Colin knowing yet that Penelope is Lady Whistledown. That’s an issue I hope is resolved before any engagement, as in the Bridgerton book series. Otherwise, this one works.
“It’s Simple Really, I Love You”
It’s simple really, I love you – Chapter 1 – georgialee06 – Bridgerton (TV) [Archive of Our Own]
User georgialee06 wrote this multi-chapter fic, and I think it’s a good approximation of what season 3 could’ve been. Before the official plot was revealed, at least.
What I like most about this fic is the way it takes possibilities I’m not enthused about — like appearances by Marina and Theo — and makes them palatable. All while giving Polin a very romantic and hot story. There are some good sexy scenes here.
I also very much appreciated the bits of Kate and Anthony and the hint of Benedict and Sophie in this one. This fic is truly structured like the show. Good stuff.
Again, these are completed fics, and these are just a handful of recent ones. Enjoyable fanfiction like this is definitely a fun way to make it through the Bridgerton drought until next season. So, Polin fans, indulge yourselves in these treats to hold you over.
Bridgerton is streaming on Netflix.
