The Duke and I

The Duke and I cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Buy online
Technical
  • ID: 6486
  • Added: 2025-11-18
  • Updated: 2025-11-18
  • ISBN: 9780061741388
  • Publisher: Harper Collins
  • Published: 2009-10-13
  • Reviews: 3

In the glittering ballrooms of Regency London, Daphne Bridgerton, the amiable but overlooked daughter of the Bridgerton family, finds herself in a peculiar arrangement with Simon Basset, the aloof Duke of Hastings. Their plan to fake a courtship to further their own social ambitions quickly spirals into a complex web of emotions and societal expectations. As they navigate the cut-throat world of the ton, they must confront their own desires and the unspoken rules that govern their lives. The novel includes a special epilogue that offers a glimpse into the story after the story, adding an extra layer of charm to this beloved tale of love and intrigue. /n/nThe Duke And I is the first book in Julia Quinn's beloved Bridgerton series, which has been adapted into a popular Netflix series created by Shondaland. This novel is a delightful blend of wit, romance, and social commentary, set against the backdrop of high society in early 19th-century England. It explores themes of love, identity, and the constraints of societal norms, all while delivering a captivating and heartwarming story that has enchanted readers worldwide.

Reviews
Bookish Wayfarer · 2023-01-01
engaging 4.00

The book starts strong with engaging romance and witty dialogue, but loses momentum after chapter 18. The settings and humor are highlights.

The reviewer found the beginning of the book to be incredibly engaging, with a great balance of romance, humor, and vivid settings. However, they felt that the story lost some of its charm after chapter 18. The dialogue remains a strong point throughout, keeping the reader invested in the characters and their journey. The reviewer appreciated the witty banter and the lush descriptions that bring the Regency era to life.


Quick quotes

    The Duke and I has a promising start; up until chapter 18, it is a true page turner replete with romance, witty banter, lush settings, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

    The dialogue is sharp and engaging, making the characters feel real and relatable.

    The settings are beautifully described, transporting the reader to the Regency era.

The Blogger and the Geek · 2019-06-09
fantastic 4.50

The book is highly recommended for its humor, honesty, and sexy content. It delivers a wonderful and entertaining read.

The reviewer absolutely loved this book and would recommend it without hesitation. They found Julia Quinn's writing to be funny, honest, and sexy, making it a delightful read. The reviewer appreciated the balance of humor and romance, which kept them engaged throughout. The characters were well-developed, and the story was both entertaining and heartwarming. The reviewer also noted that the book is not suitable for teenagers or those looking for a 'clean read'.


Quick quotes

    Julia Quinn delivers in such a wonderful, funny, honest, and sexy way that is impossible NOT to love.

    Overall, I would recommend this book with my eyes closed.

    The characters are well-developed, and the story is both entertaining and heartwarming.

All About Romance · 2016-09-26
disappointing 2.00

The book felt clinical and did not capture the warmth and wit typical of Julia Quinn's writing. It was a disappointment.

The reviewer found this book to be a rather clinical retelling of the story, lacking the warmth, wit, and charm that Julia Quinn usually brings to her novels. They felt that the characters of Simon and Daphne did not receive the treatment they deserved, which made the story feel flat and uninspiring. The reviewer was disappointed, as they had high expectations based on Quinn's other works. They suggested that readers might find more satisfying romance novels elsewhere.


Quick quotes

    This was a rather clinical retelling of their story, and really not worthy of the wonderful, witty, warm way JQ brings Simon and Daphne to Happy Ever After.

    The characters did not receive the treatment they deserved, which made the story feel flat and uninspiring.

    Readers might find more satisfying romance novels elsewhere.