This novel is the first book in the popular Bridgerton series, which has captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Set in Regency-era England, The Duke and I follows the story of Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, and Daphne Bridgerton.
This romantic comedy is stuffed full of witty dialogue, charming characters and isn’t without some steamy scandals! Join us as we dive into the world of Bridgeroyon by Julia Quinn and explore the romance and drama of Regency-era England.
‘Like an episode of Downton Abbey mixed with a great rom-com’
iBooks Best Books of March
‘Full of wit, charm and smouldering attraction . . . an unputdownable story that I think romance fans will treasure’
Harlequin Junkie
Table of Contents [CLICK HERE TO OPEN]
About the Series
The Bridgerton series is a collection of romance novels written by Julia Quinn. The series is set in the Regency era of England, and follows the lives of the eight Bridgerton siblings as they navigate love, marriage, and society. Each book in the series is centred on one of the siblings, and follows their love story as they find their happily ever after. The series has gained a large following and has been adapted into a popular Netflix show.
There are nine books in the series:
- The Duke & I (Daphne & Simon)
- The Viscount Who Loved Me (Anthony & Kate)
- An Offer from a Gentleman (Benedict & Sophie)
- Romancing Mister Bridgerton (Colin & Penelope)
- To Sir Phillip, With Love (Eloise & Phillip)
- When He Was Wicked (Francesca & Michael)
- It’s In His Kiss (Hyacinth & Gareth)
- On the Way to the Wedding (Gregory & Lucy)
- The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After
We are also blessed with a number of collections , as well as two collections:
- The Wit and Wisdom of Bridgerton (Lady Whistledown’s Official Guide)
- The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown
- Lady Whistledown Strikes Back
Official Description
The Duke and I
By all accounts, Simon Basset is on the verge of proposing to his best friend’s sister, the lovely – and almost-on-the-shelf – Daphne Bridgerton. But the two of them know the truth – it’s all an elaborate plan to keep Simon free from marriage-minded society mothers. And as for Daphne, surely she will attract some worthy suitors now that it seems a duke has declared her desirable . . .
Their ruse works like a charm – at first. But as Daphne waltzes across ballroom after ballroom with Simon, it’s hard to remember that their courtship is a complete sham. Maybe it’s his devilish smile, certainly it’s the way his eyes seem to burn every time he looks at her. It wasn’t the plan, but it seems she’s falling for the duke, for real. And amidst the glittering, gossipy, cut-throat world of London’s elite, there is only one certainty: love ignores every rule . . .
Our Overview
‘Powered by a surfeit of dazzling wit and graced with a cast of unforgettable characters’
Booklist
The Duke and I is the first book in the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn. It follows the love story of Daphne Bridgerton, the eldest daughter of the Bridgerton family, and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings.
At the beginning of the book, Daphne is presented at court and becomes a sought-after debutante. Simon, meanwhile, has no interest in finding a wife, and instead decides to enter into a fake courtship with Daphne in order to deter other suitors. Despite their agreement to keep their relationship purely platonic, Daphne and Simon find themselves falling for each other.
As their feelings grow, they struggle with the fact that their relationship is based on a lie and with the societal expectations placed upon them. In the end, they must decide whether to follow their hearts or to do what is expected of them!
Our Review
We absolutely loved “The Duke and I” by Julia Quinn! The characters, Daphne and Simon, were so well-developed and their chemistry was off the charts. I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning, and was thoroughly invested in their love story.
The setting of the Regency era added an extra layer of charm to the novel, and I enjoyed learning about the societal expectations and customs of the time period. Historical fiction can be daunting, but Quinn presents it in such a way that it’s almost second-hand how simple it is to follow and comprehend.
Overall, this book was a delightful and heartwarming read that left me with a smile on my face. I highly recommend it to fans of historical romance or anyone looking for a feel-good love story. We can certainly see why the Netflix adaption became such a hit!
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
Fancy More…?
The Netflix Series
The hit Netflix series has taken off as an international sensation. The Duke & I is the inspiration for series 1 starring Regé Jean Page as Simon Basset and Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton.
Bridgerton Season 1, which is based on Julia Quinn’s book “The Duke and I,” makes several changes to the source material. Some of the biggest changes include the expansion of the role of the Featherington family, the inclusion of characters of color in prominent roles, and the alteration of certain plot points and relationships. Additionally, the show also includes more explicit sexual content, which is not present in the book.
However, the show stays true to the overall story and spirit of the book, which follows the courtship and eventual marriage of Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. The show also maintains the book’s focus on the romantic relationships and scandals among the members of the Bridgerton and Featherington families, as well as the societal pressure on women to marry.
Both the book and the show have been well received by audiences and critics, and both have been praised for their strong characters and engaging storylines.
Check out the trailer for the relevant series which follows the first book below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Duke and I the same as Bridgerton
The Duke & I is the first book in the Bridgertons series, following Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset.
Is The Duke and I steamy?
There are quite a few steamy sex scenes, but they are not the focus of the novels, so those who wish to avoid them can skip over the scenes.
Is The Duke and I book appropriate?
Many consider the Duke and I to not be fit for teenagers as there is quite a lot of sex scenes, but it may be up to the parents discretion if sex is considered unsuitable in this context.
What is the conflict in The Duke and I?
Daphne’s desire to have a family is a driving force in this book and is the source of huge conflict in the story. Daphne’s desire for family drives her to a desperate and almost cruel act that both she and Simon must come to terms with if they are to achieve their happy every after.
Is Daphne pregnant in The Duke and I?
Daphne asks Simon if he ever considered whether he truly doesn’t want children or if he just wants to spite his father. Simon ultimately realizes that he wants to live for himself instead of his father. Four years later, Daphne gives birth to their fourth child and first son, David.
