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A review by middle_name_joy
The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
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
3.5
I preferred the first third of the book when everyone was bantering wittily and going on hilariously doomed picnics. It got rather dreary once Daphne and Simon were wed, due to the former's woeful naviete and the latter's emotional constipation. Not to mention was all the deception and *cough* taking of liberties.
I have to say, when comparing this to the TV adaptation, I'm glad they spent more time building Daphne and Simon's friendship. Here, it was as if there was a word limit rushing everything along.
Also, and maybe it's me, but I found the tone of the book...a little juvenile? Lacking complexity? The emotions were on the surface and not analyzed too deeply, perhaps because of the third-person omniscient POV. Whatever the reason, I was left chilled, especially when it came to the intimacy. I expected more from an author hailed as romance writing royalty.
I have to say, when comparing this to the TV adaptation, I'm glad they spent more time building Daphne and Simon's friendship. Here, it was as if there was a word limit rushing everything along.
Also, and maybe it's me, but I found the tone of the book...a little juvenile? Lacking complexity? The emotions were on the surface and not analyzed too deeply, perhaps because of the third-person omniscient POV. Whatever the reason, I was left chilled, especially when it came to the intimacy. I expected more from an author hailed as romance writing royalty.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent