Book Review: The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

Series: The Bridgertons Book #1

Format: Ebook

Rating: 3 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

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.

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… but somehow Daphne is falling for the dashing duke… for real! And now she must do the impossible and convince the handsome rogue that their clever little scheme deserves a slight alteration, and that nothing makes quite as much sense as falling in love…

Review

I have decided to reread the whole Bridgerton series so I can do a video review. This is a perfectly good book, but has some issues. Daphne does some questionable things which is probably my biggest problem. But the Bridgertons are a fun family. I'm excited to read these in order for the first time so I can see everyone grows up.

Simon is my favorite part. He has a dark-ish past to make him that stereotypical brooding hero. His silence is traditional, but the reason for it is a nice change. He's also adorable with Violet and the younger Bridgertons. 

The romance felt a little rushed especially once they were married. Actually, the whole second half was fast. Simon and Daphne worked through some pretty serious issues a little too quickly for my taste.

Can I say how much I hate the over-protective big brother character? A little protectiveness can be endearing, but this was too much. Personally, I think 2 consensual adults can make their own decision. Anthony is one of my favorite Bridgertons, but he was just ridiculous here. Eventually it changes from protecting a woman to a d**k measuring contest. And I think it's disrespectful not to protect your sister to make her own decisions.

Time to talk about the thing that made me cringe.

This may be considered a spoiler.

So, Daphne rapes Simon. It isn't in the traditional way, but I still consider it rape. He clearly stated his feelings on children and she prevents him from using birth control (however ineffective pulling out is). This is made even worse by the fact that she doesn't feel bad about it. It was a hard scene to read and I can't really get passed it.

Of course, I will continue reading the series. I am curious to see how I feel-especially about my favorites-now that I'm older and more well read then I was when I first read these books.

Thanks for reading!

Holly