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 Amanda on

4 of 5 stars

Share
Feb. 2016 reread: Couldn't resist this series during the 8 Weeks of Bridgertons leading up to the latest JQ release, and... of course it didn't disappoint.

---

*flails all over you until it’s awkward*

Hi. HI. I love Julia Quinn. Many talk about how much they love the Bridgertons, but I didn’t start my Julia Quinn reads with this series, which is often suggested you do.

(I don’t always follow suggestions.)

Even so, words cannot convey how much I adore this family and how Julia Quinn portrays them. I love the Bridgertons. I could read an entire book devoted to their antics. And because I started with book 7 (who am I?), seeing them at the very beginning was that much better.

I was so excited for the rest of the books that I bought book 2 and requested book 3. Everyone says book 4 is the one to die for. Or that it’s their favorite. Because Colin. I can already see it. And I am excited.

But the duke. And Daphne. This isn’t necessarily my favorite couple. I wasn’t always fond of the duke and his choices. (Sorry, Simon, but Daphne was so right it hurt.) But I couldn’t help getting swept up in their romance. And for me? That’s a win.

Julia Quinn is the ultimate comfort read. And I can’t wait to dive into the rest of this series.

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 13 February, 2016: Finished reading
  • 13 February, 2016: Reviewed
  • Started reading
  • Finished reading
  • 13 February, 2016: Reviewed