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siglerbooknook'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? It's complicated
4.75
I don't think a book has ever made me laugh as much as The Duke and I. I adored every character we got a chance to know. I was surprised how little a part Lady Whistledown played in the book. Many of the conflicts in the book were far more satisfying than the show, feeling much more realistic and believable.
I would definitely suggest checking trigger warnings. Even with the show I wasn't expecting so much talk on a few heartbreaking subjects that could be sensitive.
All in all I'm very excited to start the next book even though Ibwas hesitant before having not really enjoyed Anthony's season of the show.
Graphic: Pregnancy, Ableism, and Miscarriage
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Infertility, Sexism, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Bullying, Alcohol, Classism, Child abuse, and Death of parent
Pregnancy lossnikogatts's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
2.0
I did my best to judge this book on its own merits, but I feel like a comparison to the Netflix adaptation by Shonda Rhimes is warranted when discussing how sparse the story feels. Without the show's (in my opinion, much more interesting) side characters and B-plots, you're left with one mostly straightforward story and a handful of characters with one-word personalities. A lot of the witty banter felt like it went back-and-forth much longer than it needed to, and it feels a bit like the author was just padding out the page count.
Admittedly, this was the first book in the series, and presumably the author hadn't planned out many of the side characters or decided what to do with the other Bridgertons beyond the standard hallmarks of the genre (overprotective brothers, marriage-obsessed mother, etc.). Again, trying to provide the benefit of the doubt.
What I did like: Lady Whistledown as a scene-setting device, Daphne throwing hands with a creepy guy, Daphne and Simon's meet-cute involving them planning what to do with the body of the guy they knocked out, Daphne refusing to bow to the pressure of her three overbearing brothers. Judging this as a standard Regency romance with a few erotic scenes, it's pretty decent. But for me, this book didn't go beyond "just okay" and any memorable parts of it will be memorable for being horrific.
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
Moderate: Pregnancy
jaimien's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual assault
kittycuthbert'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
3.0
Graphic: Alcohol, Rape, Abandonment, Vomit, Child abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Pregnancy
hayleyvem's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Rape, Ableism, Emotional abuse, Grief, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Gun violence, Abandonment, Alcoholism, and Child abuse
Moderate: Alcohol, Death of parent, and Violence
hmlongstreet's review against another edition
- 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
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.
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Ableism, Rape, Abandonment, Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, and Pregnancy
Minor: Violence, Alcohol, and Racism
blueberryelf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Abandonment, Ableism, Child abuse, Sexual harassment, Sexism, Pregnancy, Panic attacks/disorders, Misogyny, Gun violence, and Death of parent
cadybooks'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
1.0
Graphic: Infertility, Sexism, Abandonment, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Rape, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Classism and Alcoholism
thereadinghammock's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The banter between Daphne and Simon was *chef's kiss* perfect as was the sibling dynamic between the Bridgerton siblings (loved the trio dynamic between her older brothers and Daphne especially). Was a bit disappointed Eloise was merely a mention in this book, but I suppose it can't be helped and that her character will be more forthcoming in the future books.
Graphic: Bullying and Child abuse
Moderate: Ableism, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, and Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent