I love a good historical romance and have heard so many amazing things about the Bridgerton series that I had to give it a try. I was not disappointed! This was a great introduction to this wonderful family and I am looking forward to what's to come.
The Duke and I (Bridgertons #1) by Julia Quinn
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn comes the first novel in her beloved Regency-set series featuring the charming, powerful Bridgerton family—soon to be a Netflix series.
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…
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…
4 out of 5 stars
The Duke and I was so entertaining! I love how
the story was told, it flowed so well and was outright fun to read with a whimsical
feel. I enjoyed the humor and wit and laughed my way through.
Simon and Daphne were great characters. A bit antagonistic
but I liked the challenge between them, the growing friendship, and their fake
relationship. Daphne was sometimes extremely naive and Simon ridiculously stubborn
and set in his ways but I enjoyed their ups and downs, them growing, accepting,
moving on from past hurts, and embracing life, and falling in love. There were
just so many great scenes happening as details were revealed, and emotions and
drama occurred. It was a light, easy read for the most part that made me
smile.
I loved the Bridgerton family, they were a rowdy bunch and
full of life. I liked the meddlesome brothers and mother and am excited where
everything will go. This was such a fantastic introduction to the series. There
was such an awesome evolution to their relationship with so much healing
happening for Simon, it was awesome. I'm excited for the rest of the series.
The second epilogue was like icing on the cake. It made my heart happy! This
was my first book by Julia Quinn and it certainly won’t be my last.
Connect with Julia Quinn
I think fake relationship tropes are incredibly fun to read. Do you enjoy them? Let me know some of your favorites!
