The Duke and I (Bridgertons #1) by Julia Quinn

 

Summary (from the publisher): In the ballrooms and drawing rooms of Regency London, rules abound. From their earliest days, children of aristocrats learn how to address an earl and curtsey before a prince—while other dictates of the ton are unspoken yet universally understood. A proper duke should be imperious and aloof. A young, marriageable lady should be amiable… but not too amiable.

Daphne Bridgerton has always failed at the latter. The fourth of eight siblings in her close-knit family, she has formed friendships with the most eligible young men in London. Everyone likes Daphne for her kindness and wit. But no one truly desires her. She is simply too deuced honest for that, too unwilling to play the romantic games that captivate gentlemen.

Amiability is not a characteristic shared by Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. Recently returned to England from abroad, he intends to shun both marriage and society—just as his callous father shunned Simon throughout his painful childhood. Yet an encounter with his best friend’s sister offers another option. If Daphne agrees to a fake courtship, Simon can deter the mamas who parade their daughters before him. Daphne, meanwhile, will see her prospects and her reputation soar.

The plan works like a charm—at first. But amid the glittering, gossipy, cut-throat world of London’s elite, there is only one certainty: love ignores every rule...

Review: Daphne Bridgerton is the fourth of eight siblings in her close-knit aristocratic family in Regency London. She is facing significant pressure from her mother to marry but hasn't yet found a good match. That is, until she runs into her older brother's good friend, Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings. Simon is a man hiding deep emotional wounds after a childhood of his father rejecting him as not being good enough. He has vowed never to marry and sees Daphne as the perfect ruse to get society ladies off his back, while also stirring up interest in Daphne so that she can make a good match. Their plan is perfect except for one thing: their growing interest in each other. 

If you're looking for a historically accurate novel with a fully believable plotline, this book isn't for you. But if you're looking for an entertaining historical romance, this absolutely fits the bill. I greatly enjoyed Daphne and Simon's love story. Unlike many romances, Quinn does a good job of providing heft and background to her characters. Simon's story of overcoming a childhood story and a cruel father gave a great deal of depth to his character. Likewise, Daphne's large and boisterous family was entertaining and a fun element to the story. I'm intrigued to keep reading more in the series to learn more about the mysterious gossip writer Lady Whistledown and to see more of the Bridgerton siblings fall in love. 

As many others have noted, there's some problematic elements to the characters behavior regarding consent and manipulation. However, given the historical setting and the fictional nature, I could let it slide. I enjoyed the book as an entertaining, light read that was a nice break from much of my usual dense non-fiction. I would definitely read the second installment in this series. 

Stars: 3