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booksalacarte's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Duke and I- 3.75⭐️ 3🌶️
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 honest for 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 2nd epilogue, a peek at the story after the story.
✨My Opinion✨
This is just the best regency romance writing you can get. It’s so feel good and fluffy, you can’t help but love it.
With my second re-read, I have to say that this just a really solidly good historical romance novel. The family dynamics are so well done and gave great insight to the bridgerton family as a whole.
Simon’s inner struggle was so much more compelling on page. I found the stutter to be a huge aspect in his struggle as a character. Something that wasn’t as present in the TV show.
Daphne’s character was a little less interesting, but I found the situational plot to be more interesting and held tension between the couple so much better.
This is a comfort read/series for me, for sure.
Plot tropes: fake dating, ruined reputation duel, quick marriage
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting and Grief
Moderate: Sexual content and Vomit
Minor: Pregnancy
livbugg's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
wow Netflix made a book better, that’s shocking
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Alcohol, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Child abuse, Cursing, Abandonment, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Grief, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Pregnancy, Violence, and Physical abuse
Minor: Miscarriage
leavesofmytree's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Gaslighting and Emotional abuse
roadesntoades's review against another edition
emotional
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
- 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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Gaslighting, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Moderate: Child abuse, Death of parent, and Misogyny
sudatot's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Abandonment, Rape, Sexual assault, and Ableism
Moderate: Pregnancy, Miscarriage, Gaslighting, Infertility, Sexism, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Gun violence
helloimjacq's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- 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’m actually quite surprised at how similar this was to the show. If anything, in some ways the show was a bit more enjoyable since there was more action overall. Not a lot happens, but it was still a decent read. I mean what’s not to like about enemies to lovers that are fake dating (or I guess courting in this case)?
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!
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!
Content Warnings
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
medium-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Ableism, Sexual assault, Sexism, Misogyny, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Abandonment, Sexual content, Vomit, Toxic relationship, and Pregnancy
em_davies7019's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
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
torireads13's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Gaslighting, Medical trauma, Rape, and Emotional abuse
hmlongstreet's review against another edition
challenging
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Having watched the Netflix show first, I found at times always comparing the show to the book and vice versa. I have also read serval other comments on multiple different platforms about peoples opinions on the book before I had finished it. Some love it some hate it and I would be lying if I said other peoples opinions on this novel didn't affect my opinion on the it. But putting that aside I will give MY opinion on the events of the book and to what others have said about it.
Firsts things first I consider the books and shows as separate entities and did compare the two but only because I liked to see what the show added and what the book added to the overall story.
This whole section will be spoilers so skip to the bottom if you want my overall view.
One common thing I heard being said was the racist undertones which I have a bit to say about. Simon says "I am not some sacrificial lamb to be slaughtered on the altar of your mother" and Colin replies "You have spent a lot of time in Africa, haven't you?" It is just that one line towards the beginning of the book. This line could be taken as a racist remark, and I am not sure if this is actually the line everyone is referring to when they speak of the racism in the book. I will say it is off putting when you first read it, considering it has no significance to the story. It can also be taken two ways, 1. that actual humans are being sacrificed in Africa or 2. Colin is referring to an African tradition of slaughtering a lamb and it it most likely the latter. It is worded strange and if you read it fast it can come off as concerning.
The rape scene, the one everyone talks about. I heard about this scene long before I decided to read the books. The only thing that I didn't know is what lead up to it and the events after. I don't condone rape. However, I did hint at the authors attempt to rectify the situation by making both parties feel ponder their actions. That being said there was no strong repercussions to Daphne and she still got what she wanted in the end. I believe that along with the act itself this is the main reason I why people did not like. I am not trying to glancing over it, but it is just one aspect of the book that was a distasteful inclusion, which can be the case with any other book.
Finally the misogynistic and possessiveness of the characters. All I can say is that, some people like that and it is 1813. Woman were literally property of their husbands and it creates historical relevance.
With all that out of the way it was a pretty alright story. At times I found it cute, sweet and passionate and other times I had my nose turning and saying "This is awkward". However I probably wouldn't have picked up this book if it weren't for the show, which I watched first. However I will be reading the whole series so If you care about my reviews there will be many more Bridgerton ones to come.
Firsts things first I consider the books and shows as separate entities and did compare the two but only because I liked to see what the show added and what the book added to the overall story.
This whole section will be spoilers so skip to the bottom if you want my overall view.
The rape scene, the one everyone talks about. I heard about this scene long before I decided to read the books. The only thing that I didn't know is what lead up to it and the events after. I don't condone rape. However, I did hint at the authors attempt to rectify the situation by making both parties feel ponder their actions. That being said there was no strong repercussions to Daphne and she still got what she wanted in the end. I believe that along with the act itself this is the main reason I why people did not like. I am not trying to glancing over it, but it is just one aspect of the book that was a distasteful inclusion, which can be the case with any other book.
Finally the misogynistic and possessiveness of the characters. All I can say is that, some people like that and it is 1813. Woman were literally property of their husbands and it creates historical relevance.
With all that out of the way it was a pretty alright story. At times I found it cute, sweet and passionate and other times I had my nose turning and saying "This is awkward". However I probably wouldn't have picked up this book if it weren't for the show, which I watched first. However I will be reading the whole series so If you care about my reviews there will be many more Bridgerton ones to come.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Ableism, Rape, Abandonment, Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, and Pregnancy
Minor: Violence, Alcohol, and Racism