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mattiedancer's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
- Readers looking for a fun, fluffy read
- People who love romance novels
- Those looking for a fake-dating, period novel
Graphic: Sexual violence, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Misogyny, and Child abuse
Minor: Blood, Violence, Classism, Death of parent, Death, Bullying, Grief, and Abandonment
kelly_e's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #1
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: 3.75
Pub Date: December 1, 2020
T H R E E • W O R D S
Charming • Playful • Entertaining
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Daphne Bridgeton, the fourth of eight siblings, has formed friendships with many of London's finest, yet finds herself unwilling to play their romantic games. Everyone likes her for her kindness yet no one truly desires her.
Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings, has recently returned to England and is dead set against marriage. After a difficult childhood, in thanks to his very own father, he has no intentions of fulfilling his royal duties.
After an encounter with Daphne (his best friend's sister), Simon thinks there may be another option, one that could deter the elite from parading their daughters before him. His plan: a fake courtship with Daphne that will in turn help boost her prospects.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Historical romance is a genre I tend to stay away from, yet I decided to see what all the fuss was about with this series. And of course, I was pleasantly surprised with this first installment and was not expecting the witty humour
I have to say it was surprisingly well-written and the Bridgerton family captured my heart from the very first page, their family dynamic felt so genuine and relatable, and the regency setting was enticing. I'm a sucker for books with a real sense of community, and The Duke and I certainly delivers on that front.
During the first half of the book, I appreciated Daphne's character development, but unfortunately for me things kind of fell apart in the second half with some of her questionable choices. When it comes to the romance, I enjoyed the playful banter, which helped make their romance feel genuine.
Overall, I picked this up looking for an escape, and it delivered. I'll definitely be looking forward to the next installment and getting to know each of the Bridgerton siblings' stories.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• fans of Downtown Abbey
• historical romances enthusiasts
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Heartache, Daphne eventually learned, never really went away; it just dulled. The sharp, stabbing pain that one felt with each breath eventually gave way to a blunter, lower ache—the kind that one could almost—but never quite—ignore."
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Rape
Moderate: Sexism, Emotional abuse, Ableism, Sexual violence, Misogyny, Child abuse, Abandonment, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Death of parent, Fatphobia, Death, Miscarriage, and Pregnancy
helloimjacq's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I would have given it a higher rating, but the clear sexism and manipulative behavior was a huge turn off. I’m not sure if this is how historical romances are supposed to be, but certain aspects definitely didn’t sit well with me.
All-in-all, if you’re looking for something quick and easy, this is your book. But, if you’re looking for something riveting… well then this probably isn’t your book.
Oh, and just a side note but if you would like to avoid all spoilers, I would highly suggest not reading the second epilogue until you’ve completed the series!
Graphic: Abandonment, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Death of parent, Infertility, Toxic relationship, Vomit, and Emotional abuse
trs01's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.25
Graphic: Rape, Ableism, Sexual assault, Sexism, Misogyny, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Abandonment, Sexual content, Vomit, Toxic relationship, and Pregnancy
kels_18's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Rape, Child abuse, Death of parent, Grief, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Sexual assault, and Toxic relationship
whimsykat's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Emotional abuse, Vomit, and Child abuse
em_davies7019's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Death of parent, Child abuse, Ableism, Alcohol, and Abandonment
Moderate: Infertility, Grief, and Gaslighting
Minor: Fatphobia and Injury/Injury detail
sillyduckie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Abandonment, Ableism, Violence, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Sexism, Rape, Misogyny, Miscarriage, Infertility, Grief, Death of parent, Child abuse, Body shaming, and Classism
Moderate: Stalking and Colonisation
Minor: Death and Vomit
janalu's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Rape and Toxic relationship
gallsop06's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Rape and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexual assault