Scan barcode
sarahmae531's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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
3.0
Love the show and thought I’d give the books a try, but I think I’ll be stopping here…
The changes the show made to both the characters and the plot were far more enjoyable than their book counterparts. If you’re considering reading, I’d recommend just skipping to the show.
The changes the show made to both the characters and the plot were far more enjoyable than their book counterparts. If you’re considering reading, I’d recommend just skipping to the show.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexism
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, and 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
justno's review against another edition
emotional
fast-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
3.5
I started this book because the audiobook was free on Google play books, after hearing a lot of mixed reviews I was pleasantly surprised when I started to enjoy it, the banter between Simon and Daphne, how fun their conversations were, the relationship of the Bridgerton siblings, and also the narration of the book made it to be a very enjoyable experience.
And then things started going downhill, and it was extremely hard to get back up. I forgave the book many times acknowledging that many of the things they said and how they acted (Refering to having daughters as a disgrace, the painful conversation between Violet and Daphne before she got married) are just a reflection of the time the book is set in, but some others are even painful to read (or hear, in my case)
I might give the other books a chance, definitely only in audiobook format, the narrator was at leats 50% of the fun I had with the book
And then things started going downhill, and it was extremely hard to get back up. I forgave the book many times acknowledging that many of the things they said and how they acted (Refering to having daughters as a disgrace, the painful conversation between Violet and Daphne before she got married) are just a reflection of the time the book is set in, but some others are even painful to read (or hear, in my case)
I might give the other books a chance, definitely only in audiobook format, the narrator was at leats 50% of the fun I had with the book
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual content, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Abandonment, Fatphobia, Infertility, and Cursing
Minor: Body shaming
samdrys23's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual content, and Sexual assault
mattiedancer's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- 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
Bridgerton: The Duke & I by Julia Quinn
Writing: 3.5⭐️/5
The writing is manageable and succinct, but nothing outstanding.
Characters: 3⭐️/5
I think the characters fell short for me. I wanted much more from each of the characters. Several characters felt flat during the course of the book when I feel like small moments could have been used to draw out various characters’ personalities. This might be a result of comparing to the show too much, but I felt like a lot of the characters didn’t have any personality that was deep and meaningful.
Plot: 3.5⭐️/5
While the plot was fun to read, parts of it were a bit less fleshed out than I would have hoped. It reads nicely and smoothly, but certain scenes could have been more detailed and thought out. In particular, I would have loved for the plot to explore Daphne and Simon’s connections.
Post-Reading Rating: 4⭐️/5
Fun read. Easy read. Cute.
Who Should Read This?
- Readers looking for a fun, fluffy read
- People who love romance novels
- Those looking for a fake-dating, period novel
CW: Misogyny, emotional abuse, violence, domestic abuse, pregnancy, sexual assault, rape
Final Rating: 3.25⭐️/5
Content Warnings
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
deeofbkb's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Miscarriage, Cursing, Death, Rape, Vomit, Pregnancy, Misogyny, Emotional abuse, and Alcohol
kabarton416's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexism
sudatot's review
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
kelly_e's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
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
3.75
Title: The Duke and I
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."
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."
Content Warnings
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
booksbyantheia's review against another edition
challenging
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? It's complicated
1.75
Leer estos libros en traducción se me hace más fácil que en su versión original. Todavía no sé por qué. Quizás porque la prosa de Julia Quinn se vuelve bastante insufrible a veces.
No voy a ahondar en detalles, prácticamente. Todos sabemos de los tonos racistas de este libro en particular, del machismo del cual se hace gala en casi todos los varones (razón por la cual resaltan los personajes femeninos; aún no logro entender si esto es una virtud o realmente Quinn es tonta). Un trope interesante, dos personajes construidos perfectamente. Una sensible y otro reacio a las emociones.
Tenía el tono perfecto. Por un 80% del libro, los tonos racistas y machistas quedaban como datos hechos por y para resaltar a otros.
Y después, la violación.
Es irónico. Páginas antes, Daphne le plantea un no. Se niega a compartir su lecho con Simon. El duque se vuelve violento, un machito más. Pero se va. SE VA.
UNA ESCENA PODEROSA DEL CONSENTIMIENTO.
PARA LUEGO HACER ESO.
Lo que más molesta del caso es cómo Daphne (y Julia, y el tarado del showrunner después) intentan justificarse. Que él la animó, que él no cumplió, que él la engaño. Ver cómo Simon se vuelve tan vulnerable prácticamente quema.
Odio a Julia Quinn. Realmente no puedo entender cómo esta serie siguió. Incluso con las leves mejoras (es decir, CONSENTIMIENTO), ¿nadie puso un alto?
La última parte del libro se te pasa en un suspiro porque no querés leerla. Ni siquiera el cierre casi cíclico de la historia te hace sonreír, de la bronca.
En fin. Ya estoy acostumbrada a las novelas históricas, pero realmente esto me saca de quicio. Quinn se vende a sí misma y a sus libros como "histórica y feminista" cuando no es más que una blanca con un grave complejo sexista.
Igual que Daphne.
No voy a ahondar en detalles, prácticamente. Todos sabemos de los tonos racistas de este libro en particular, del machismo del cual se hace gala en casi todos los varones (razón por la cual resaltan los personajes femeninos; aún no logro entender si esto es una virtud o realmente Quinn es tonta). Un trope interesante, dos personajes construidos perfectamente. Una sensible y otro reacio a las emociones.
Tenía el tono perfecto. Por un 80% del libro, los tonos racistas y machistas quedaban como datos hechos por y para resaltar a otros.
Y después, la violación.
Es irónico. Páginas antes, Daphne le plantea un no. Se niega a compartir su lecho con Simon. El duque se vuelve violento, un machito más. Pero se va. SE VA.
UNA ESCENA PODEROSA DEL CONSENTIMIENTO.
PARA LUEGO HACER ESO.
Lo que más molesta del caso es cómo Daphne (y Julia, y el tarado del showrunner después) intentan justificarse. Que él la animó, que él no cumplió, que él la engaño. Ver cómo Simon se vuelve tan vulnerable prácticamente quema.
Odio a Julia Quinn. Realmente no puedo entender cómo esta serie siguió. Incluso con las leves mejoras (es decir, CONSENTIMIENTO), ¿nadie puso un alto?
La última parte del libro se te pasa en un suspiro porque no querés leerla. Ni siquiera el cierre casi cíclico de la historia te hace sonreír, de la bronca.
En fin. Ya estoy acostumbrada a las novelas históricas, pero realmente esto me saca de quicio. Quinn se vende a sí misma y a sus libros como "histórica y feminista" cuando no es más que una blanca con un grave complejo sexista.
Igual que Daphne.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Sexual violence, Rape, Sexism, Racism, Sexual assault, and Sexual content