Reviews with content warning for Violence - The Duke and I

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.

Content Warnings

jen1804's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted relaxing sad medium-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

I had watched the series prior to reading so did have preconceptions but was not mad about it.
I loved the Bridgerton brothers content we got during this book! And absolutely adore Violet’s character, and her relationship with her children is everything.
Dare I say I think Simon’s character is more likeable in the book than the series? Though he and Daphne certainly do have a tumultuous relationship.
Overall a great read and I really look forward to reading the rest of the series and getting ahead of the to show.
Satisfactory ending? Yes.

Content Warnings

annanas's review against another edition

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challenging emotional tense 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

0.5

If you're thinking about reading this book, please check the content warnings before!

I can't believe that 81% of people here has has voted that this book is lighthearted (and 40% has voted that it is funny, lol when?). It started out very innocently and slow but the last part of the book was horrifying. It hit too close at home for me personally since I have experience with dysfunctional relationships, childhood trauma and mental disability. And all of these sensitive topics were not handled well at all. I feel horrible after finishing it. I'm so disappointed since I just wanted a lighthearted steamy read and it didn't feel that romantic or sexy at all 😕

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j_emerson18's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Didn't expect to like this as much as I do, happily surprised and looking forward to the rest of the series. Significantly better than the show, also vastly different then the show for a multitude of reasons. Loved the character development and how much background and relatability I got from both Simon and Daphne.

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hsmorgan's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad tense medium-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

4.5

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haileybones's review against another edition

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funny 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

1.25

I was frequently drawn out of the narrative by fan fiction trope language -- clumsy repetition of story beats/descriptions, orbs instead of eyes, etc. -- but I'd be willing to forgive it if not for the unrepentant sexual violence and physical violence. Simon threatens to kill everyone at some point, even Daphne, and frequently comes to blows with other men. It's really unsettling and unromantic.

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jax00's review against another edition

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adventurous funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

Tw: sa, rape

This was a 4.5/5 star book until that scene. The characters were funny but still had darker parts. The build up was also nice.

However, Simon said he never wanted children and could never have children. Daphne agreed with this and married him. However, one nights after a fight, Simon gets drunk and is sleeping and Daphne decides to have sex with him. She then forces him to finish in her, even after he's stated (as much as a drunk man can) he does not want to. Then he runs off, which expected and good. However, he is the one to apologize and Daphne is never thought to be wrong.

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