A review by kamrynkoble
The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

emotional 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

4.0

I really enjoyed this. I haven’t read much classic “genre” historical romance and while I still think I like the nitty gritty and ambiguity of romantic historical fiction—I think I’ve found a new series to return to often. 

I’ve put off watching the show until I read the book, while I love the additions and wider scope of the show, this book was so endearing. I laughed out loud and truly enjoyed the dialogue especially. 

I saw parts of myself in Daphne and Simon that I have never come across in any other novels. It’s a little frightening, honestly. 

I’m not surprised that there’s controversy around one specific part of their marriage (if you know, you know). But I do respect stories where good people make wrong decisions and have to crawl their way back from it. It makes for good fiction, and does not surprise me within the context of the story. 

There’s definitely sexual content (less than the show but still present), and murky consent within marriage. It doesn’t have sexual assault in the context of a stranger or some unwanted man brutalizing a woman (like Outlander), but tread carefully if you think that might upset you. 
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