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The Duke and I: The (Bridgertons Book 1)

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Description

A 1 New York Times Bestseller From 1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn comes the story of Daphne Bridgerton, in the first of her beloved Regency-set novels featuring the charming, powerful Bridgerton family, now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix.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 honestfor 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...This novel includes the second epilogue, a peek at the story after the story. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Avon


Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 11, 2019


Edition ‏ : ‎ First Edition


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 464 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062911414


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 14


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.31 x 0.74 x 8 inches


Book 1 of 8 ‏ : ‎ Bridgertons


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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Laugh & Sigh - totally entertaining
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. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2001 by Abbys

  • Page Turner
Format: Mass Market Paperback
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. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2024 by AmazonUser

  • A frothy, humorous, and heart-stopping romance!
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. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2014 by Ruth Anderson

  • Five “what an idiot I was back in 2015” stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: Kindle
I read this book for the first time back in 2015, and I have no idea why I gave it a measly three stars. Maybe it was because I discovered it when I was in the middle of my first Julie Garwood historical romance binge and most of those books are very low angst, that coupled with the fact that I was 25—an immature, anti-angst 25—and I dismissed this wonderful work. When I saw the trailer for the Netflix show I must admit I was exited, not because I had fond memories of the book, mind you, it’s just that it’s so rare for a romance novel to have a good big or small screen adaptation that I was happy for the genre in general, and when I saw it was produced by Shondaland I was in heaven. So, I loved the show and, from what I remembered of the book, I thought it was a good adaptation, I even said it was better than the book. However, I must remind you that I hadn’t read the book—or bothered with the rest of the series—in five years, and I read A LOT, so I only remembered the basics of the story. So, since I LOVED the show—I binge-watched it in two days—I dug the book from the depths of my kindle to verify certain things I was curious about. I was supposed to just read a few passages but ended up reading the whole thing. OH. MY, GOD. What a book! After watching the show and remembering how underwhelmed I was by the book back in 2015 I could’ve sworn the show was so much better, but now I’m not so sure. I mean, for sure, the show is awesome, but it has a completely different atmosphere from the book, and there’s one massive difference: Simon. And no, it’s not because he’s black. Jesus! In the show the actor went for brooding and stoic, which is a part of Simon’s personality, but in the book Simon is such a tortured soul, he’s sweet, he’s funny and playful, he’s wicked, and he’s stoic because he’s worried about his stutter. I like book Simon better for all the depth the character showed, but my respects for Regé Jean Page, he made the character his own in a way that I just don’t think most could’ve done without looking cheesy or ridiculous. I like Daphne, I know everyone reviles and accuses her of rape, but honestly—I’m guessing I’ll loose some GR friends for saying this—IMO she didn’t rape him, I think it’s different to have sex with someone that’s literary asking for you to have sex with them, than forcing someone who isn’t even conscious, even if the person is drunk, I find it condescending to presume one knows better of other’s wants or/and needs. For sure, there was some borderline situation there, but everything was muddled by Simon’s lie, Daphne’s innocence, and the morals of the time, so I don’t hate her for it, in the end she didn’t even know what came over her, and Simon’s angrier about his stutter than the unprotected sex. Don’t get me wrong, men can be raped and I don’t wish such violence on anyone. But I don’t think we should apply 21st century values on a story that takes place in 1813 England, and in the end this is fiction. But I digress, as I was saying, I like Daphne, she’s funny and smart, but not in an I’m-above-being-a-debutant-and-having-to-get-married way, I liked that she had conviction and that she knew what she wanted—a good and happy marriage like her parents’—and went for it. In the end I think that the book and the sow should stand as different works, each good in their own way. The show does lack a bit of the sweetness and the humor of the book, but the side stories they came up with were amazing. And in the book the Bridgerton brothers are a bit more handsome and interesting than in the show but, in that regard, we shall see. All in all, I must have been an annoying and dull girl back when I was 25 because this book is filled with dry humor, smart remarks, and sweet romance. And it’s definitely going to my “favorite” shelf. I’m also giving “The Viscount Who Loved Me” a chance, and, just maybe, I might read all eight books, fingers crossed! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2021 by Travers

  • I LOVED this couple.
Format: Kindle
I loved the first half of this book. Could not sit still or stay quiet. I was telling my friends how much I was loving this book. I knew there was more things to come in the story that it had to deal with and I was crossing my fingers it would go well. And for the most part it did alright; It didn't take drastic measures to push the plot and that I was thankful for. I still enjoyed reading the entire book (except the second epilogue) but the latter half just wasn't as enjoyable to read. *Minor Spoilers* I LOVED this couple. Other than the few lines where Daphne thinks she could change his mind, I loved how they were together. The way they also became friends and enjoyed themselves and it wasn't just lust (although that was definitely there). And how they could easily and comfortable talk and the way the relationship throughout there was a closeness trust (albeit some scenes...) The way he was with her family. Her mother was great. I liked her. I want more fictional moms like her. The oldest brother's reaction from the moment he found out the two met to his last scene in the book bugged me some. I understood it... But I also didn't like it. How he treats his best friend and his sister. The whole I know you so well and that's why I don't trust you... The entire time it's like he didn't even think his friend was a proper man who could be trusted and yet he still made them married and interfered with the marriage. *laughs* He keeps duking it out with the Duke. (Maybe it's just me and a personal peeve when people don't trust people they know to make good or smart decisions.) I don't read this genre often, but I had heard some reviews on it and had to read it myself. I'm glad I did. It fulfilled the romance reading mood I was in and If there are more like this, than I want to read more! If you're not bugged by meddling family, sexual scenes and issues (Drunk Sex/Rape). Give it a try. At least read the beginning half and have a good time. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2019 by Jessi

  • Great book
Format: Kindle
I enjoyed reading this book. Now, I want to read all of the bridgerton books. I need to go back and read the first book though.
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2026 by Patrina Jones

  • Exceptional Regency romance series beginning!
Format: Hardcover
I’m usually not one to watch the show before reading it, but I watched Bridgerton. I watched it a lot. I finally read THE DUKE & I, and I have to say… I adored it! I can see why Shonda Rhimes wanted to turn this series into a tv show. What an exceptional Regency romance series beginning! Why you should read this: •I feel like I don’t need to say this, but if you watched Bridgerton… like hello, obviously… •You like to see people actually work for their relationships •Back to point one, you are interested in more depth to Daphne and Simon’s relationship Likes: •Unlike the tv show and much like romance novels, this is all, and I repeat, all, Daphne and Simon. Some of the other Bridgerton’s and the Ton make an appearance, but I loved that it was entirely in their heads, and I felt like I had more insight into their relationship. •The books are less distracting than the show when it focuses on one couple. I genuinely feel like I know Daphne and Simon now. •Julia Quinn’s writing is so easy to fall in love with. She weaves a tale that makes you want to keep reading, and suddenly you are at the end of the book! •The steamy factor - yes, they interpreted that perfectly on screen from the book! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Frustrations: •That scene. We all know if you have watched the show or read the book. It wasn’t as uncomfortable reading as I expected, I think, because I’ve been desensitized from people yelling about it from the show. I do like the show’s interpretation of it much better, as I think Rhimes handle the scene in tasteful way. Could I do without the scene in both the show and book? Yes. Do I get why it’s there? Yes, I see how women did not have many choices in that era and I think that was the point that Quinn wanted to get across. Do I agree with it? No. But I think it brings forward a great conversation. Would be discussing it like this if it was a man? No. It would just be a SA scene. I think it was shocking because it was a woman doing the SA so it brings a different form of conversation. •Daphne is super close with Colin in the book. I was just sad they didn’t include this tv show. I really liked this in the novel. Maybe this should be a like? Overall, this was an excellent introduction to a Regency romance series. Even if you haven’t watched the tv show, I would recommend it to readers interested in trying Regency because of the ease of the writing. Plus, the storyline is romantic and steamy. I’m excited to dive further into the series and see what happens next, especially since I don’t know, having only watched the first season of Bridgerton! Content Warnings: child abuse, ableism, familial death, sexual assault, miscarriage ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2022 by Katie | niftyreads

  • A Duke so good
Format: Kindle
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 ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2023 by louvejita

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