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A review by el_thegoblinwitch
The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I dont even know what to say about this one 😅 I knew going into it that it was going to be ridiculous, and at the start it was in a good way. But as Daphne and Simon's relationship progress I spotted so many red flags that I almost DNFed it.
*some spoilers below*
I get that Simon's upbringing wasn't great, and he's obviously got trauma, but wow I hated him. His anger was often justified, but the way he kept threatening to kill/strangle people (including Daphne) was so not a good vibe. The sex scenes were so possessive and at times definitely not consensual, which obviously was very uncomfortable to read.
I honestly struggled to see the romance in their relationship at all and found myself struggling to root for them. I understand that the 1800s was a very different era, but as a modern book, I thought this series would at least be a little more progressive than classic regency novels.
The whole thing was just so problematic and uncomfortable that I don't think I'll be continuing the series 😬
*some spoilers below*
I get that Simon's upbringing wasn't great, and he's obviously got trauma, but wow I hated him. His anger was often justified, but the way he kept threatening to kill/strangle people (including Daphne) was so not a good vibe. The sex scenes were so possessive and at times definitely not consensual, which obviously was very uncomfortable to read.
I honestly struggled to see the romance in their relationship at all and found myself struggling to root for them. I understand that the 1800s was a very different era, but as a modern book, I thought this series would at least be a little more progressive than classic regency novels.
The whole thing was just so problematic and uncomfortable that I don't think I'll be continuing the series 😬
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infertility, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, and Pregnancy