Can there be any greater challenge to London's Ambitious Mamas than an unmarried duke?—Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1813
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 ruse 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 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.
Book Review
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If you’ve seen the Netflix adaptation, reading The Duke and I feels a bit like revisiting familiar territory but with more warmth, more humor, and a notably more playful tone. Julia Quinn writes the Bridgertons the way you imagine a big, affectionate family should be—constantly teasing one another, loudly existing in each other’s business, and somehow always managing to feel endearing rather than overwhelming. Daphne, in particular, comes across as capable and kind, the sort of heroine who doesn’t need to posture to be likable.
Then there’s Simon, the Duke of Hastings, who is all brooding edges and emotional knots. Their arrangement—to pretend an interest in one another so she can seem desirable and he can avoid society’s matchmaking frenzy—sets the stage for that delightful “we’re definitely not falling for each other” dynamic that everyone secretly knows is heading in exactly that direction. The chemistry works, mostly because Quinn gives them plenty of banter and little windows into what’s going on in their heads.
While the tone of the book is light and often funny, it does dip into more complicated emotional territory, especially with Simon’s childhood trauma and how it shapes his adult decisions. There’s also a controversial scene involving consent that many readers find troubling, and it adds a layer of complexity that may influence how someone feels about the book overall.
Still, the story moves quickly, carried by a mix of charm, flirtation, family chaos, and just enough emotional weight to keep things interesting. It’s the kind of romance that feels like slipping into something cozy: easy to read, entertaining, and full of characters who make you want to stick around.
If you enjoy Regency settings with witty dialogue and a sense of fun, this one delivers, even if it isn’t without its more challenging moments. Overall, it’s an engaging and lively start to the Bridgerton series and a pleasant companion for anyone who likes their historical romances with equal parts sparkle and heart.
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