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 stacey_is_sassy on

5 of 5 stars

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Lots of forgiveness needed...

A wee bit spoilery, you know the drill...

Deceit is a tricky thing. Who sets the rules? Who defines whether it's deceitful or not? Do you get to resent YOUR wrong interpretation?

I love The Duke and I but there's a little part of me that finds it hard to accept parts of the storyline in this one. He didn't give full disclosure when he proclaimed that he couldn't have children. She took advantage of his vulnerable position and forced him to give in to her desire.

Of course, it all works out in the end and I'm left with a big goofy smile, but there's this little part of me that can't forget or forgive them for their deceit. Maybe, in this case, two wrongs do make a right.

I can't change my rating on this one because even with the above, I love that Bridgerton family SO HARD. Violet, the mother is AWESOME!! Even when I read this years ago, I aimed to be the kind of mother she is. Loving, sweet, slightly manipulative and so extremely in control that those poor kids thought she had spies, eyes in the back of her head and voodoo powers. The perfect mother.

Rosalyn Landor is the BEST historical romance narrator. The woman can do no wrong in my eyes.

I can't wait to go on and reacquaint myself with all of the Bridgertons.

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  • Started reading
  • 11 September, 2018: Finished reading
  • 11 September, 2018: Reviewed
  • Started reading
  • Finished reading
  • 11 September, 2018: Reviewed