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olivialandryxo 's review for:
The Duke and I
by Julia Quinn
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was far from perfect—the chapters were ridiculously long-winded, for one, and there were many more differences from the show than I’d anticipated, not all of them positive—but it was still entertaining. I liked that book Daphne had a stronger personality, and really liked the scenes with Simon and all eight Bridgerton siblings. The fact that those were cut from the show is honestly a crime. As is Julia Quinn’s version of Colin. Show Colin is my precious cinnamon roll, but I don’t claim this one. He’s obnoxious. I refuse.
Past that, and on a more serious note, I have very mixed feelings about the end of the book. I really, really don’t like what Daphne did to Simon, or how utterly unrepentant she was afterward. Girl says she loves her husband and then shows a complete disregard for anyone’s feelings except her own. It bothered me immensely, and it doesn’t feel like they truly resolved the issue, either. Or any issue. They said “I love you” and forgot everything else existed, which does admittedly feel very in line for a romance novel, but still isn’t going to work for me. It doesn’t matter how cute they can be—and they can, sometimes; I especially found the final chapter sweet—if they can’t communicate with one another and respect boundaries.
Overall, I’d say the book had a better start, but the show had a stronger finish. Both had their strengths and weaknesses, putting them roughly on the same page, though I’m much more likely to rewatch than to reread. I don’t know exactly when I’ll get to the second book, but Kate and Anthony’s season has been my favorite of the show so far, and book Anthony is already much more tolerable, so I have high hopes. Fingers crossed.
Past that, and on a more serious note, I have very mixed feelings about the end of the book. I really, really don’t like what Daphne did to Simon, or how utterly unrepentant she was afterward. Girl says she loves her husband and then shows a complete disregard for anyone’s feelings except her own. It bothered me immensely, and it doesn’t feel like they truly resolved the issue, either. Or any issue. They said “I love you” and forgot everything else existed, which does admittedly feel very in line for a romance novel, but still isn’t going to work for me. It doesn’t matter how cute they can be—and they can, sometimes; I especially found the final chapter sweet—if they can’t communicate with one another and respect boundaries.
Overall, I’d say the book had a better start, but the show had a stronger finish. Both had their strengths and weaknesses, putting them roughly on the same page, though I’m much more likely to rewatch than to reread. I don’t know exactly when I’ll get to the second book, but Kate and Anthony’s season has been my favorite of the show so far, and book Anthony is already much more tolerable, so I have high hopes. Fingers crossed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual assault, Death of parent
Minor: Pregnancy
Some descriptions of how MMC was neglected and emotionally abused by his father as a child, and mentions of said father’s (previous, off-page) death. Multiple scenes with consensual sexual content, and then one that seemed highly questionable to me; FMC initiated while the MMC was intoxicated and couldn’t consent, and then crossed the clear boundary he’d set prior. Additionally, some discussions of pregnancy in the main story, and actual pregnancy in the second epilogue.