The Duke and I Deluxe Collector's Edition

In the midst of her second Season, Daphne - the eldest girl in the Bridgerton family of eight -- has all but given up on the hope of making a love match. Daphne is the girl that everyone likes, that everyone wants to be friends with -- always the chum, the good sport, but never the lover inspiring flowery declarations of passionate intent. Buy Daphne's closely-held dream of loving husband and family, her desire to not settle, makes her reluctance to compete in the Season's Marriage Market threatens to make her the bane of her loving mother Violet's existence. Violet, after all, must think beyond her eldest daughter's reluctance to make a match to the three girls waiting in the wings to make their own debuts. When Daphne meets the newly-minted and arrived in London Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset, she's alternately maddened by his haughty demeanor and unsettled by his direct, passionate gaze. The infamous rake is her oldest brother Anthony's long-time best friend, the type of man a good society miss avoids at all costs -- until he makes an intriguing offer, one that promises a blessed reprieve from her marriage-minded mama -- but with the unintended side effect of imperiling her heart. Only one thing could induce Simon to forsake his world travels and return to London -- his estranged father's death. The old duke made Simon's life a torment from childhood, belittling the boy for his stammer, leaving him to be raised by servants and forge a successful path in life through sheer force of will -- the will to prove his hated sire wrong. However, he was not prepared for the attention his new title brought to his personal life as Ambitious Mamas flocked to his side to introduce their debutante daughters. When Simon meets Daphne, he's shocked by how quickly she puts him at ease, intrigue colored with a desire to possess her beauty -- until he learns that she's Anthony's sister, which places her in the Strictly Forbidden category of romantic dalliances. Even so, he cannot resist suggesting an audacious scheme -- he'll pay court to Daphne, ostensibly removing himself from the Marriage Market, and she'll become more desirable than ever by virtue of being associated with London's newest duke. But when the fake courtship gives birth to real attachment, lines are crossed -- could marriage between the girl no one wanted and the duke determined to die alone become a love affair for the social record book? After several years of two very dear friends telling me I'd love Julia Quinn's Regency romances, I finally decided to give The Duke and I a try, and I'm SO glad I did. The first installment in Quinn's popular Bridgerton series sparkles with wit, warmth, and a genuine emotional and intellectual connection that goes far deeper than any physical attraction that sparks between the duke and Daphne. I've read reviews comparing Quinn to Jane Austen, and while Quinn's sly humor and sharp characterizations were certainly inspired by Austen, I think a more apt comparison would liken Quinn to Georgette Heyer, with a dash of the chick-lit sensibilities found in the likes of Hester Browne's or Jill Mansell's novels. In other words, The Duke and I is a clever, funny, warm-hearted romp through Regency England with a romance that will take your breath away and an unexpectedly deep emotional resonance between its hero and heroine -- this is, refreshingly, the story of a physical, emotional, and intellectual union of complementary equals. I adored the family dynamic exhibited here -- the Bridgertons are the type of sprawling fictional family I love to read about. The may fight and squabble but they are loyal to a fault (as Simon quickly learns even during the early days of his "faux courtship" with Daphne). Although this is very much Daphne's story, Quinn does an excellent job introducing the siblings that will feature in later installments. From the rakish Colin, newly-returned from Europe, to Anthony the eldest, nearly driving himself batty attempting to navigate the Marriage Mart as a very eligible viscount while sheperding his strong-willed family through society's social whirl, to the precocious ten-year-old Hyacinth, whose outspoken wisdom beyond her years marks her as a force to be reckoned with once she comes of age. And I adore their mother, Violet! At first I feared she was Mrs. Bennet reborn, but her occasional flighty absent-mindedness masks the razor sharp wit and intelligence required to survive as matriarch to the lively Bridgerton children. Although Daphne and Simon's journey from courtship to marriage covers only the span of a few short weeks, I loved the emphasis Quinn placed on their intellectual and emotional compatibility. Yes, they each are highly appreciative of the other's fine form, what makes their romance make my heart sing is how they are both so utterly disarmed and genuinely comfortable in each other's company. Looks may fade with time, but personality is forever, eh? And while keeping with the fact that since this is a mainstream historical romance there are some spicy scenes, refreshingly those occur after marriage. I was really impressed by how Quinn touched on the intimacies of the marital relationship making each partner vulnerable to the other, and how that trust, if lost (speaking of misunderstanding, not abuse) can create a painful rift. Daphne and Simon's commitment to each other, despite their marriage's rocky start and subsequent misunderstandings, is the hook that got me so emotionally invested in this couple and kept my fingers flying to turn the pages. Quinn possesses a delightfully breezy writing style that oft-times belies the serious issues of emotional weight that she addresses within the pages of Simon and Daphne's story. The prologue, revealing Simon's tragic childhood, reads with the matter of fact tone of a dark fairy tale, one leaving readers to question the possibility of the tortured heir's future happiness. The warmth and humor with which she imbues this romance makes the heart of The Duke and I all the more compelling and memorable, because Quinn doesn't shy away from the difficult issues that could make or break a marriage. Even if her breezy writing style lends itself to playing a *bit* fast and loose with period mannerisms, that is forgivable since The Duke and I is thoroughly engaging, romance for the heart and the mind at its finest. This is wholly memorable, utterly delightful introduction to the Bridgerton clan -- and with the added mystery of the mysterious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown's true identity, whose quips are peppered throughout the novel -- I cannot WAIT to revisit this family in subsequent novels.

The Duke and I is the first book to Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series. The first book focuses on Daphne, the fourth of eight siblings in the Bridgerton family, and the Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset. Readers will also meet the other Bridgertons’ and other secondary characters that I liked getting to know more than the main characters at times in this book. Female Protagonist: Daphne Bridgerton is a beautiful young lady who everyone loves as a friend, but nothing more. I liked her character but did not connect with her. She was sweet at first but turned into something else later on, especially after working with the Duke to have a pretend relationship that grew into something more. She’s determined to get what she wants, and she’ll do anything, even do something that I found unforgivable. Male Protagonist: Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, has to be my favorite in this book. He’s a handsome young Duke that every woman wants to be with, but he has no desire to be with them unless it’s casual. He has his reasons. He is considered a Rake by many, but he changes once he meets Daphne. He has a past that made me feel for him immediately. I loved everything about him. Yes, I have a thing for flawed heroes. 🙂 Storyline/My Thoughts: My thoughts on The Duke and I are that I enjoyed the book, up until one particular scene, which I mention in my review’s forewarning (below). This is the first book I read by Julia Quinn, so I did enjoy the storyline of how Daphne and Simon met in this book. I also love the trope(s) that were in this book. One, in particular, the Fake/Pretend Relationship. You know it’s never going to continue to be fake. One character or both will eventually fall in love. It’s inevitable. Julia Quinn was very descriptive in details with the events the characters went to in the book, making it feel like I was there with them. I’m afraid I could not live back in a day where marriages were arranged, and women were not allowed to do certain things because it was frowned upon back then. There’s also the issue of wearing dresses every day. Nope, not this gal here. I love wearing my t-shirt and jeans, especially living in a rural area with livestock. There was so much drama in this book that kept me turning the pages. Daphne has three older brothers who are protective of her. What does she think they will let her marry just anyone? Nope! This book has a Gossip Girl feel to it, with the gossip papers from Lady Whistledown going around. I may know who she is but won’t give it away to readers who have yet read the book/series. Forewarning: This book does have a scene that I would consider a rape scene. I will not go into details with it because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read the book or watched the show on Netflix. I was disappointed with this scene, so I gave it 3.5 stars instead of 5 stars. Standalone or Part of Series: Part of Series. Steaminess: Some steam towards the end of the book. HEA: Yes. Trope: Fake/Pretend Relationship, Friends to Lovers, Shotgun Marriage Would I recommend this book? Yes. I would recommend it to Historical Romance readers out there if you have read any of Julia Quinn’s other books, too. Again, this was the first book I read from Julia Quinn, and I look forward to diving into the rest of the Bridgerton series this year (2021). I’ll need to read them before the next season comes out on Netflix. I will say this; this will be my first time I loved the show better than the book. I know it’s due to Shonda Rhimes. She’s amazing! (Although I may be the only person who hasn’t seen Grey’s Anatomy, I plan on changing that soon. I did fall for her show Scandal. I loved that show!!) Shonda Rhimes did a fantastic job with the first season of Bridgerton.

Duke and I, is the first book of the Bridgerton Series. 2nd book is The Viscount who love me, 3rd would be the An Offer From A Gentleman which is still coming soon on July,2001. I read this book in one sitting, finished at 5am in the morning & was a zombie at work few hours afterwards :-) Since Julia Quinn is new to me, I honestly didn't think this book was going to keep me up all night. I was mistaken. Simon Basset, Earl of Clyvedon, Duke of Hasting is far from the regular heroes of most historical romance novels that I have read. Yes, he was described as handsome, rich, intelligent & a RAKE - just like most heroes... What made him different from the others is that he have a stuttering problems, which he has learned to control as he grew up yet it's still there when he's nervous or upset. This flaw made Simon more human, realistic. He had an awfully sad childhood too. His father denied him love and privileged because of his stuttering. His father was so shamed of him that he told people he no longer had a son. He would rather passed his dukedom to his cousin than to his son who he called stupid, idiot, imbecile and nitwit. This lead Simon to hate and yet it inspired him to worked hard in order to proved his father wrong. In the end, his father proudly saw that Simon was actually worthy of his dukedom and passed it on to him when he died. Because of his father's obsession on his dukedom lineage, Simon vowed never to marry, never to have children - to end the blood line with him. But when he returned to England & inherited his dukedom after his father's death, he was sought after by every MOTHER of the ton with marriageable daughters. Dafne Bridgerton on the other hand had a full happy childhood. Even if her father had died when she was only 10, She grew up with a loving mother, 7 brothers & sisters - who are all close knit. Naturally, because of her happy experience as a child, she longed to get married and have lots of children just like what she was use to growing up with. Being a wife and motherhood is her simple dream. Unlike most heroines of historical romances novels, Dafne didn't have an extra ordinary beauty but she is sweet, funny, philosophical, strong willed & determined. She might not have "THAT" extra ordinary beauty but she is well liked by everybody... and that is somehow a problem in finding a suitable husband. She possessed a unique character that draws every people to view her simply as A FRIEND. That is one of the two reasons why most eligible bachelors doesn't court her. She was everybody's friend. The other reason was his 3 elder brothers ( Anthony, Benedict & Colin) who watched her like a hawk. To keep ambitious mothers with marriageable daughters away from him, Simon propose a scheme to Dafne, who happens to be Anthony's (Simon's best friend) younger sister. They will feign "attachment". In return, he insisted to Dafne that when the Ton realize that the Duke had captured an interest towards her, Eligible bachelors who viewed her as a friend would eventually see her in different light. Rather conceited perhaps? She agreed & gotten 6 suitors the very next day. Interesting. So far, the scheme seems to be working well with both of them until Dafne realized she was slowly falling in love with Simon. That's when things got complicated. At the same time, Simon's feelings towards her were getting stronger. He tries so hard to keep it in control. After all, Thou shalt not lust after thy friend's sister! But what happens if Dafne seduces him? Would he be able to keep his emotions in control? Would he remember the most important rule amongst friends? I normally prefer the man to be the seducer but in this book, I rather like the way Julia Quinn wrote and described Dafne's thoughts. The way Dafne shows her emotions didn't sound disgusting nor exaggerated. She still have innocence but with a spark if naive naughtiness... Her actions are believable, understandable & practical considering the situation Simon is in, well.. the situation, they're both in. I also liked the idea that Simon & Dafne started as friends then developed into something deeper. They shared thoughts & dreams as well as fears & insecurities. They understood each other before words are passed, they formed a special bond before marriage - this is somewhat unusual in historical romances novels that I have read so far. I would like to mention my teeny bitty complaint about this story though, I wondered what happened to Nurse Hopkins. She who supposedly loved and took care of Simon ever since he was a baby. I would have loved to read about her. It would be nice to read her proud reaction to see what Simon had accomplished. Since she was the encouragement & Simon's maternal support, it would have been nice to see her involved in Simon's life all throughout the book. Oh well, this is just a small flaw which I thought I'd mention. Oh it won't be fair not to mention the famous Lady Whistledown's gossip column. My! Not only is she mysteriously accurate, she is soooo funny. Her column is one of my favorites in this book. I have a couple of guess who this lady might be but I'm not 100% sure. When you finish reading this book, email me your guess. It would be fun to compare thoughts and guess about this. I sure can't wait to read the rest of the Bridgerton Series to know who this elite lady is. This book is my first of Julia Quinn and definitely wasn't the last. I was thoroughly pleased & entertained with this one that I am now in the process of reading "The Viscount who love me", that is Anthony's story. Anthony is Simon's best friend & Dafne's eldest brother. Will write a review on that soon afterwards too.

In "The Duke and I," Julia Quinn skillfully introduces readers to the enchanting yet complex world of Regency London, where societal rules dictate the lives and loves of its aristocrats. At the center of the story is Daphne Bridgerton, a spirited and honest young woman who, despite her popularity among the eligible bachelors of London, finds herself overlooked in matters of the heart. That is, until a clever deal emerges between her and the aloof Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, who is determined to avoid the marriage-minded ladies of the ton. What begins as a strategic "fake courtship" quickly transforms into an intricate dance of emotions, as Simon and Daphne navigate the expectations of society while battling their own reservations about love. As their connection deepens amidst the glittering ballrooms and bustling drawing rooms, they come to realize that genuine feelings defy the very rules they sought to uphold. Quinn masterfully blends humor, romance, and an insightful look into the constraints of societal norms, making "The Duke and I" an irresistible read filled with witty banter and heartfelt moments. This delightful novel not only captivates but also adds an enticing second epilogue, offering a glimpse into the life that unfolds after the final page, making this story all the more memorable.

Julia Quinn is a very good writer, and I have enjoyed her Bridgerton series. Most of it. The two weakest and most annoying characters are Daphne and Francesca, imo. Daphne would be great except for her fixation about having children. It's a normal urge until it pushes into a variation of OCD, and she's close to do it. Interesting to those who share the obsession, not interesting to those who don't. Otherwise, Daphne is a great character, if a bit too determined to have her way regardless of what anyone else wants. And Francesca is equally boring and even more annoying, because she is a walking pregnancy OCD. Nothing else going on there. The only thing that saves her book is that it contains one of the best characters in the series, Michael Stirling. Her other Bridgerton books are pretty good, great stories.

I hesitated to buy this book at first because some of the reviews seemed to suggest that parts of it were really sad, and I generally prefer to read lighthearted stories. However, I am really glad that I read it, because my fear were unfounded. While it is true that the author makes use of childhood emotional abuse and disability to create Simon's character, the tone never became outright depressing or angst-y, though it is highly possible that some readers might react more strongly than others, due to personal experience. In contrast to other period romances I've read, the source of romantic and dramatic tension is not derived from some twist of fate that set the hero and heroine at cross purposes, or some cloak-and-dagger intrigue threatening one or both their lives, but from the psychological barriers that Simon had set up as a coping method for his father's emotional abuse. It might sound a bit cheesy, and in truth this plot device is not exactly innovative, but Ms. Quinn's characterization is so well-executed that it feels very genuine, and not contrived or hackneyed at all. What I find tedious in a lot of period romances is romantic tension being fabricated out of some misunderstanding between the hero and heroine, and getting dragged out over the book as they keep being too stupid to just say what they're thinking. Thankfully, Julia Quinn's leading men and ladies are never that ridiculously pig-headed. The romantic chemistry is credible, and the resulting tension arises naturally as their personalities interact. The interactions between the Bridgerton siblings also feel natural and endearing. Perhaps the only criticism that I would like to make is that sometimes the jocundity between family members gets a bit over-played, and so the humor feels heavy-handed at times. Nevertheless, the atmosphere of the book never becomes flat or cliche. The entire reading experience is very enjoyable, with very polished prose, consistent and engaging characterization, and well-paced plot development. The novel follows one continuous dramatic arc that never feels rushed or dragging, with a very satisfying resolution and happily ever after. This was my first time reading a novel by Ms. Quinn and it has turned me into a big fan. I bought The Viscount Who Loved Me immediately after finishing this book, and will probably finish the entire Bridgerton series. Her plot elements may not be the most original, but they are well-written and a pleasure to read. They do draw from slightly more weighty subject matter than most books in this genre, to create believable and profound dramatic tension, but the reading experience is never emotionally-taxing, and so I would still consider these to be light and enjoyable reading.

Summary: In "Bridgerton: The Duke & I," Daphne Bridgerton, the charming eldest daughter of the Bridgerton family, forms a fake courtship with the brooding Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset. Their arrangement is meant to benefit them both: Daphne appears more desirable to potential suitors, while Simon avoids the pressure to marry. However, their feigned romance soon stirs real feelings, creating a complicated and passionate connection. Set against the opulent backdrop of Regency-era London, the story unfolds with humor, wit, and the poignant struggles of navigating love and societal expectations, evoking empathy from the readers. Review: I rated this book a Page Turner (4.0-5.0) with an overall score of 4.4 out of 5 stars. I created a custom rating system to consistently review Julia Quinn's historical romances, focusing solely on comparing her books with one another rather than the entire genre. My five categories—Authenticity of Historical Setting, Romantic Tension and Chemistry, Character Relationships & Growth, Engagement of Plot and Pacing, and Emotional Depth and Heartfelt Moments—allow for a tailored evaluation. However, I rated all books a four in historical authenticity, having already been influenced by the vivid imagery from the Bridgerton series. My scoring levels for Quinn's books include Page-Turner (4.0 – 5.0) for books that deliver a strong, compelling experience, Casual Read (2.5 – 3.9) for enjoyable books with some notable weaknesses, and Hard Pass (1.0 – 2.4) for books that fall short in multiple areas. Authenticity of Historical Setting: 4 Romantic Tension and Chemistry: 5 Character Relationships & Growth: 5 Engagement of Plot and Pacing: 4 Emotional Depth and Heartfelt Moments: 4 Overall Rating: 4.4 "Bridgerton: The Duke and I" transports readers to an engaging Regency-era setting that feels authentic and immersive, full of vibrant details that bring the period to life. The romantic tension and chemistry between Daphne and Simon are exceptional, with a captivating blend of wit, passion, and emotional depth that makes their connection truly memorable. The characters display significant growth, especially as they confront personal fears and societal expectations, adding richness to their relationship and interactions with family and friends. The plot moves smoothly, balancing humor and emotional complexity, and while it remains focused on the romance, plenty of heartfelt, impactful moments leave a lasting impression. Altogether, it's a delightful and well-rounded romance showcasing Julia Quinn's skill at crafting genuine characters and an unforgettable love story.

Simon Basset is the new minted Duke of Hastings, a title he’s loathed since he was a child. He’s sworn to never marry or have children and the last thing he needs is a gaggle of debutantes and their ambitious Mamas chasing after him. Daphne Bridgerton is well into her third season and desperately avoiding the unwanted attentions of an already rejected suitor when she stumbles upon Simon and. when the Duke proposes an alliance that might benefit both their common interests, she will follow suit only to fall into the oldest of traps and in love with a man who refuses to marry. I’ve wanted to read this book for a long time and only after I watched the 2 first seasons of the show, decided it was time to jump the hurdles and find out how the story really goes. Needless to say, it’s so much better than anything they put on TV I don’t even know how the author allowed for the travesty. Simon and Daphne’s story is much better than anything I expected. Romantic, funny and she’s definitely a force to be reckoned with. The eldest Bridgerton girl is not to be trifled with and she’s not intimidated by men or beast, including the Duke or her brothers and that’s just perfect for this character. I liked Simon, understood where he was coming from and liked the fact that he could find love and family with the Bridgertons. Their story is filled with love and passion and it’s a great way to start a series, not to mention the very clever Whistledown gossip paper as means to introduce the characters and every chapter. I can’t wait to read the rest! 5 stars