The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

The Duke and I (Bridgertons, #1)

by Julia Quinn

'Men are sheep. Where one goes, the rest soon follow'.
– Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, 30 April 1813.

After enduring two seasons in London, Daphne Bridgerton is no longer nave enough to believe she will be able to be marry for love. But is it really too much to hope for a husband for whom she at least has some affection?

Her brother's old school friend Simon Bassett—the new Duke of Hastings—has no intention of ever marrying. However, newly returned to England, he finds himself the target of the many marriage-minded society mothers who remain convinced that reformed rakes make the best husbands.

To deflect their attention, the handsome hell-raiser proposes to Daphne that they pretend an attachment. In return, his interest in Daphne will ensure she becomes the belle of London society with suitors beating a path to her door. There's just one problem, Daphne now in danger of falling for a man who has no intention of making their charade a reality.

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on

4 of 5 stars

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An almost on the shelf, strong, confident, and feisty heroine and a damaged Duke form a plan to enjoy the season by faking a courtship. And the game is afoot. I absolutely love this trope and Quinn's version was delightful. I read this tale years and years ago and only had a vague recollection of enjoying it. The tale was narrated by Rosalyn Landor, and she brought these characters to life. I enjoyed the voices she created for each character. She nailed the Bridgerton siblings capturing their back and forth banter and interference. I felt she nailed Daphne from her candid honesty to determination. It is rare that I enjoy a female narrator's male voices, but she brought Simon to life.

So these two are faking a courtship. The momma's of the ton aren't chasing Simon with their unwed daughters in tow, and other men are starting to take notice of Daphne. Only things are getting complicated. Simon is dreaming of kissing his best friend's sister, and Daphne just might be falling for the Duke himself.

Quinn did a fantastic job of introducing us to all of the Bridgerton siblings and their mother. I loved her brothers, and her mother made me gigglesnort more than once. She gave us a strong sense of Daphne and why she hasn't found a match. Simon Basset's story will tear at your heart even as you want to whack him over the head with your fan. Their chemistry felt genuine, even if it shocked them. I loved that Daphne was bold, and Simon scolded himself for his wicked thoughts. It was delivered with a delightful mix of courtship, friendship, laughter, and angst.

While I am not a fan of drama, angst, and miscommunication, Quinn made it realistic and didn't draw it out. She had me experiencing their emotions as she threw in meddling family. This couple went through growing pains and their own personal growth. The tale wrapped up wonderfully and included an epilogue that made me smile.

The audio edition also includes a novella, THE DUKE AND I: THE EPILOGUE II (Bridgertons #1.5) I adored this peak into the future lives of this couple and others. I always imagine what happens to a couple and it was extra sweet having loose ends wrapped up while discovering what is happening in their future. We also get a glimpse into Colin and Penelope's life.

Audio provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 9 March, 2017: Finished reading
  • 9 March, 2017: Reviewed