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The Duke and I

Book 1 in the series:Bridgertons

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'The Duke and I' by Julia Quinn is a historical romance novel that follows the story of Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. The book explores themes of manipulation, misunderstandings, and the complexities of relationships in early 19th-century England. The plot revolves around Daphne's desire for love and Simon's reluctance to marry due to his past trauma, leading to a fake engagement that turns into a genuine love story. The writing style of the book is described as witty, humorous, and engaging, with well-developed characters and entertaining dialogues that bring the story to life.

Characters:

The characters are well-defined, with Simon as a tortured hero and Daphne as a naïve but strong heroine, surrounded by a humorous and loving family.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style features humorous and engaging dialogue, making it light-hearted and accessible, though some find it predictable.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a fake engagement between Daphne and Simon, complicated by childhood trauma and misunderstandings about love and family.

Setting:

The setting is Regency-era England, showcasing the complexities of high society and familial relationships.

Pacing:

The pacing begins slowly to establish character dynamics, picks up with dramatic tension, and maintains a humorous tone throughout.
The Bridgertons are by far the most prolific family in the upper echelons of society. Such industriousness on the part of the viscountess and the late viscount is commendable, although one can find on...

Notes:

The Duke and I is the first book in Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series.
Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, is portrayed as a tortured hero with a tragic past.
Daphne Bridgerton comes from a large, loving family, contrasting with Simon's harsh upbringing.
The story involves a fake courtship agreement meant to help both Simon and Daphne in society.
In a major plot twist, Daphne unknowingly manipulates Simon into a situation that raises consent issues, leading to significant conflict between them.
The book blends humor and romance while addressing heavier themes like trauma and family expectations.
Lady Whistledown, a gossip columnist, features prominently throughout the series, adding a layer of social commentary.
The series is known for its witty banter and family dynamics, making it enjoyable for readers.
The first book has received mixed reactions due to its controversial scenes and themes of consent.
The series has gained popularity thanks to the Netflix adaptation, which has drawn new readers to Julia Quinn's work.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of sexual assault and manipulation, particularly in regards to consent, which may be distressing for some readers.

Has Romance?

The romance is a central focus of the story, with a high level of emotional and physical attraction between the main characters.

From The Publisher:

A #1 New York Times Bestseller

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn comes the story of Daphne Bridgerton, in the first of her beloved Regency-set novels featuring the charming, powerful Bridgerton family, now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix.

In the ballrooms and drawing rooms of Regency London, rules abound. From their earliest days, children of aristocrats learn how to address an earl and curtsey before a prince-while other dictates of the ton are unspoken yet universally understood. A proper duke should be imperious and aloof. A young, marriageable lady should be amiable…but not too amiable.

Daphne Bridgerton has always failed at the latter. The fourth of eight siblings in her close-knit family, she has formed friendships with the most eligible young men in London. Everyone likes Daphne for her kindness and wit. But no one truly desires her. She is simply too deuced honest for that, too unwilling to play the romantic games that captivate gentlemen.

Amiability is not a characteristic shared by Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. Recently returned to England from abroad, he intends to shun both marriage and society-just as his callous father shunned Simon throughout his painful childhood. Yet an encounter with his best friend's sister offers another option. If Daphne agrees to a fake courtship, Simon can deter the mamas who parade their daughters before him. Daphne, meanwhile, will see her prospects and her reputation soar.

The plan works like a charm-at first. But amid the glittering, gossipy, cut-throat world of London's elite, there is only one certainty: love ignores every rule...

This novel includes the 2nd epilogue, a peek at the story after the story.

Ratings (180)

Incredible (13)
Loved It (65)
Liked It (62)
It Was OK (26)
Did Not Like (9)
Hated It (5)

Reader Stats (276):

Read It (198)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (40)
Did Not Finish (5)
Not Interested (32)

4 comment(s)

Hated It
2 weeks

I read it about a year ago and gave it two stars. But because of the hype and the show I feelt I need to reread it, because surely I must have missed something that would make me join the hype. But no I even give it less stars in the end. A romance novel shouldn't include a rape scene that is ju brushed off lightly. It should at least lead to consequences for the abuser. But the book didn't have that.

I didn't enjoy the book to begin with, it was an ok story but definitely not the best historical romance. But a good place to start if it wasn't for that scene. But I am glad they have started doing shows inspired by historical romance. It's a great thing.

 
Loved It
1 month

I miss historical romances -- I should read more of them. No controlling governments, weird diseases or exploding volcanoes. Just two people overcoming all the odds to fall in love.

I liked Daphne and Simon a lot. And I loved the entire Bridgerton family. I can't wait to read about the rest of the clan!

 
Did Not Like
1 month

I really did like this book... right up to the point where Daphne became ridiculous.

I don't think what she did to Simon was fair. I dislike that she forced him to come around and do exactly what she has wanted from the outset. From the duel onward, she took a turn that, to me, was outright manipulative... and honestly really hurt her character, in my eyes.

I'm not saying Simon was 100% right either. But I hate that neither of them really talked to each other. They each took a hard line about what they wanted, and it became a matter of who could bully the other into their way of thinking. It's not a romance to me, at that point.

It definitely hurt my enjoyment of the book.

 
Incredible
1 year

I loved Bridgerton. Rarely do regency romances contain the drama and spice this series does. i couldn't put the book down.

 
 
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