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The Duke and I
(Bridgertons #1)
by
From New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn comes the first novel in the beloved Regency-set world of her charming, powerful Bridgerton family, now a series created by Shonda Rhimes for Netflix.
In the ballrooms and drawing rooms of Regency London, rules abound. From their earliest days, children of aristocrats learn how to address an earl and curtsey before a prince ...more
In the ballrooms and drawing rooms of Regency London, rules abound. From their earliest days, children of aristocrats learn how to address an earl and curtsey before a prince ...more
Get A Copy
Paperback, 339 pages
Published
June 30th 2010
by Piatkus Books
(first published January 5th 2000)
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ChocoholicReader
I guess clean is a matter of opinion, but this book has 2 fully descriptive sex scenes, so I would not describe it as clean.
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30

Start your review of The Duke and I (Bridgertons, #1)

Jan 06, 2020
chan ☆
rated it
it was ok
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2020,
historical-romance
why would you ruin a perfectly good romance with a rape scene. just because it was a guy doesn’t mean it’s not rape!!!!
hoping the creators of the netflix adaptation uh change that
hoping the creators of the netflix adaptation uh change that

Okay here we go. I read this because it's my friend's favorite and she wanted me to give it a go. I think it's important to try new things because I've fallen in love with genres this way. Unfortunately, I really didn't like this, and here's why:
What I liked:
- The build up for this romance was really well done. The characters had great chemistry when they were falling in love.
- My initial intro to the characters was great, easy to latch on to them
- The male MC has a stutter. My son has a stutter ...more
What I liked:
- The build up for this romance was really well done. The characters had great chemistry when they were falling in love.
- My initial intro to the characters was great, easy to latch on to them
- The male MC has a stutter. My son has a stutter ...more

Feb 23, 2015
✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans)
rated it
did not like it
·
review of another edition
Recommended to ✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) by:
Navessa
This review is dedicated to my dear friend (haha) Navessa who was thoughtful enough to challenge me to read this book. (view spoiler)
My name is Sarah and I'm a survivor.
Yes I am. Because I have done it. I have read all 384 pages of this Historical Romance masterpiece. And I am still alive to talk about it. Someone please give me a medal.

Where to begin? The possibilities are quite ...more
My name is Sarah and I'm a survivor.
Yes I am. Because I have done it. I have read all 384 pages of this Historical Romance masterpiece. And I am still alive to talk about it. Someone please give me a medal.

Where to begin? The possibilities are quite ...more

review posted on Got Fiction? Books
2.5
A lot of my GR buddies love this book, and a few have recommended it to me. So I ordered it, and up until a certain part in the end, I really was enjoying it.
I won't feel bad about the spoilers in here, because this is an older book, and a ton of people have read it.
I liked Daphne, and I really liked Daphne and Simon's interactions, witty reparte, banter. all of the above. Obviously they were meant for each other, and not in the sickeningly sweet sort of way ...more
2.5
A lot of my GR buddies love this book, and a few have recommended it to me. So I ordered it, and up until a certain part in the end, I really was enjoying it.
I won't feel bad about the spoilers in here, because this is an older book, and a ton of people have read it.
I liked Daphne, and I really liked Daphne and Simon's interactions, witty reparte, banter. all of the above. Obviously they were meant for each other, and not in the sickeningly sweet sort of way ...more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.

I am not sure what to rate this book so for now I’m leaving it blank.
I mainly read this because Shonda freakin’ Rhimes is creating the Netflix series. And also because I adore historical romances and Julia Quinn is well loved.
Up until the scene, this book was pretty much perfect. The introduction to the Bridgerton family was amazing. The relationship that began to develop between Daphne and Simon was equally as amazing. Their buildup and their overall chemistry was one of the best things I’ve ...more
I mainly read this because Shonda freakin’ Rhimes is creating the Netflix series. And also because I adore historical romances and Julia Quinn is well loved.
Up until the scene, this book was pretty much perfect. The introduction to the Bridgerton family was amazing. The relationship that began to develop between Daphne and Simon was equally as amazing. Their buildup and their overall chemistry was one of the best things I’ve ...more

Oct 16, 2016
Katerina
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-romance,
regency
“Can there be any greater challenge to London’s Ambitious Mamas than an unmarried duke?”
Well my Mama refused to find me a duke, even though she is desperate to see me settled down (apparently, I am a spinster at the ripe age of 24). In fact, she laughed at the idea, and then started her "stop reading-start living" lectures, while arranging to introduce me to the Lady of the Caramel's son, who is "rich, young and available"(I think available is her most important quality). Me, well, ...more

Feb 17, 2019
Nenia ✨️ Socially Awkward Trash Panda ✨️ Campbell
rated it
it was ok
·
review of another edition

Instagram || Twitter || Facebook || Amazon || Pinterest
I think it's been a while since I've seen such an even split among my friends when it comes to how they rated the book. Half my friends loved THE DUKE AND I and the other half apparently hated it. The Bridgertons series is Julia Quinn's most famous historical romance offering so I've been wanting to read it for a while, but I'm not unfamiliar with her work. In my opinion, she's a bit notorious for over-aggressive heroines who come across ...more

Feb 07, 2016
Heather K (dentist in my spare time)
rated it
did not like it
·
review of another edition

Disappointed. Actually, disappointed doesn't even begin to describe it.
*Unpopular opinion time*
Once upon a time, I wasn't into historical romance. I thought they were silly and anti-women, and I wasn't even interested in trying them. Thankfully, I discovered historical romances by Tessa Dare and Courtney Milan, and I fell head over heels for the genre.
I'm thanking my lucky stars that I didn't try this book first because I fear I would have never read the genre again.
I've been meaning to try th ...more

It's okay to rape your husband. (Source: Chapter 18 onwards.)
Up until this chapter The Duke and I was on the road to four stars. Four and not five because of:
➜ Anthony's behaviour after witnessing his friend's mouth on his sister's chest in the garden of a house party, challenging his FRIEND to a duel after Simon refused to marry Daphne on the grounds it would make her unhappy because he couldn't give her what she'd always wanted i.e. children and therefore happiness. If Simon really was a frien ...more
Up until this chapter The Duke and I was on the road to four stars. Four and not five because of:
➜ Anthony's behaviour after witnessing his friend's mouth on his sister's chest in the garden of a house party, challenging his FRIEND to a duel after Simon refused to marry Daphne on the grounds it would make her unhappy because he couldn't give her what she'd always wanted i.e. children and therefore happiness. If Simon really was a frien ...more

Dec 10, 2018
Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
4.5 Simon makes my heart stutter Stars
The Duke and I has been on my TBR list for years, but I just never got around to reading it. Now I can't believe I waited so long. I wasn't two chapters into this book before I knew two things for sure 1. I loved the Bridgertons and 2. Julia Quinn would be a new favorite author. This book grabbed me right out the gate. It captivated my heart, and I fell in love with this big, loud but sweet family. This book was cute, at times sad and had me laughing out ...more

The Duke and I has been on my TBR list for years, but I just never got around to reading it. Now I can't believe I waited so long. I wasn't two chapters into this book before I knew two things for sure 1. I loved the Bridgertons and 2. Julia Quinn would be a new favorite author. This book grabbed me right out the gate. It captivated my heart, and I fell in love with this big, loud but sweet family. This book was cute, at times sad and had me laughing out ...more

Feb 02, 2019
Mo
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
audible,
favourite-ever
UPDATE, after watching the NETFLIX series ...
Please watch it. It is fantastic - I adored it. Loved the casting, the set, the acting ... The Duke, Daphne! It was beautiful ...


--------------------------- ORIGINAL REVIEW(s) below ...
I know, I know ... not another listen/read of this one? Well, when you are in a bit of a book slump go back to an old favourite. Seriously, I will never tire of reading this series. I am awaiting the Netflix series with a bit of trepidation... in my mind I have my visi ...more
Please watch it. It is fantastic - I adored it. Loved the casting, the set, the acting ... The Duke, Daphne! It was beautiful ...


--------------------------- ORIGINAL REVIEW(s) below ...
I know, I know ... not another listen/read of this one? Well, when you are in a bit of a book slump go back to an old favourite. Seriously, I will never tire of reading this series. I am awaiting the Netflix series with a bit of trepidation... in my mind I have my visi ...more

Nov 23, 2020
Christy
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2020-new-to-me-author,
2020-audio
4 stars
I've been trying to read more historical romance novels this year and I've obviously been failing... but I'm so glad I listened to this one. Honestly, I really want to watch the series next month so I made time for this. I loved it. Daphane and Simon were fantastic and I can't wait to read more from this series.
There were rules among friends, commandments, really, and the most important one was Thou Shalt Not Lust After Thy Friend’s Sister.
I've been trying to read more historical romance novels this year and I've obviously been failing... but I'm so glad I listened to this one. Honestly, I really want to watch the series next month so I made time for this. I loved it. Daphane and Simon were fantastic and I can't wait to read more from this series.
Audio book source: Libby (library...more

Nov 02, 2008
Danielle The Book Huntress (Back to the Books)
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Fans of light Regencies with a bit of angst
When I read a book, I want to become involved emotionally. A book that does that is more likely to be highly rated. Such was the case with The Duke and I.
I have a sickness, an infatuation for tortured, dark, conflicted heroes. The happy-go-lucky guys don't capture my imagination nearly so much as their darker counterparts. Fortunately, Simon was tortured enough to keep me happy.
The beginning of this book was brilliantly done. I was already captivated with Simon, the future Duke of Hastings. My h ...more
I have a sickness, an infatuation for tortured, dark, conflicted heroes. The happy-go-lucky guys don't capture my imagination nearly so much as their darker counterparts. Fortunately, Simon was tortured enough to keep me happy.
The beginning of this book was brilliantly done. I was already captivated with Simon, the future Duke of Hastings. My h ...more

Once upon a time in a make believe world...
Jane: I love you, but I can’t marry you. I can’t have children and I want you to be happy.
John: We were seen kissing. If we don’t marry, they shall literally burn you at the stake. Please marry me, Jane.
Jane: Only if you understand that I cannot have children because I know how badly you want them.
John: I understand.
Jane: Okay. I’ll marry you.
A few weeks later...
John: Why do you have birth control pills?
Jane: To prevent pregnancy.
John: I thoug ...more
Jane: I love you, but I can’t marry you. I can’t have children and I want you to be happy.
John: We were seen kissing. If we don’t marry, they shall literally burn you at the stake. Please marry me, Jane.
Jane: Only if you understand that I cannot have children because I know how badly you want them.
John: I understand.
Jane: Okay. I’ll marry you.
A few weeks later...
John: Why do you have birth control pills?
Jane: To prevent pregnancy.
John: I thoug ...more

I read this book a LONG time ago. And since then, I've LOVED the Bridgerton series. (Until the last several years when the writing went way downhill).
BUT, I will recall this start fondly, tho it's not my fave of the "good" Bridgerton books. It nevertheless made me fall in love with an author for that time in my life.
Well, I can't tell you all that much about the writing of the book now, looking at soooo many years ago, but I CAN tell you that 1) I would prob not like it as much now bc my tastes ...more
BUT, I will recall this start fondly, tho it's not my fave of the "good" Bridgerton books. It nevertheless made me fall in love with an author for that time in my life.
Well, I can't tell you all that much about the writing of the book now, looking at soooo many years ago, but I CAN tell you that 1) I would prob not like it as much now bc my tastes ...more

I don't wanna be that guy but let Aunty Liz tell you a spoilerish story! gather 'round, dear children:
A loving husband, very much in love, is eager to start a family but his wife is not mentally ready yet. She's been through a lot so she asks him to wait. She needs time to heal.
That night, the wife enters the bedroom a little drunk. Yeah, she's been drinking, my children, don't drive if you're drinking. Anyways, the wife is very drunk so she goes to sleep. Suddenly, the husband lures her with k ...more
A loving husband, very much in love, is eager to start a family but his wife is not mentally ready yet. She's been through a lot so she asks him to wait. She needs time to heal.
That night, the wife enters the bedroom a little drunk. Yeah, she's been drinking, my children, don't drive if you're drinking. Anyways, the wife is very drunk so she goes to sleep. Suddenly, the husband lures her with k ...more

Apr 13, 2009
Shawna
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Fans of regency romance, steadfast heroines, & tortured "I can't give you what you want" heroes
Re-read/listened to the audiobook version Oct'2018:
5 stars (with some quibbles) - Historical Romance
The audiobook narrator was great, and overall, it's still a 5-star read for me. But I will say, I didn't like or agree with the heroine's actions. (view spoiler) ...more
5 stars (with some quibbles) - Historical Romance
The audiobook narrator was great, and overall, it's still a 5-star read for me. But I will say, I didn't like or agree with the heroine's actions. (view spoiler) ...more

Mar 17, 2013
Wendy'sThoughts
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Julia Quinn Fans, Historical, Romance
5 Whistledown Netflix Stars * * * * *
January 8, 2021-Happy New Year! This Interview with Nicola Coughlan is very good BUT has SPOILERS https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020...
12/31/2021, I can't seem to stop! Happy New Year To All<333
and Here is A Profile on Nicola Coughlan, Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbZTv...
12/30/2020-UPDATE-There has been many articles about this series, whether they be positive or negative. On Bustle.com, they have quite a few articles covering all sorts of persp ...more
January 8, 2021-Happy New Year! This Interview with Nicola Coughlan is very good BUT has SPOILERS https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020...
12/31/2021, I can't seem to stop! Happy New Year To All<333
and Here is A Profile on Nicola Coughlan, Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbZTv...
12/30/2020-UPDATE-There has been many articles about this series, whether they be positive or negative. On Bustle.com, they have quite a few articles covering all sorts of persp ...more

Feb 12, 2020
Cait (Caitsbooks)
rated it
did not like it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
reviewed,
disappointed
Check out this review (and more) over on my blog!
Quick Stats:
Overall: 1/5 Stars
Characters: 3/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 4/5
Awesomeness Factor: 1/5
Review in a Nutshell: The Duke and I had the potential to be an amazing book, but one scene ruined it all for me.
// Content Warning: Child Abuse & Neglect, Rape //
Trigger Warning: I will be discussing the handling of rape and non-consensual sex a lot in this review
Release Date: 1/5/2000
Publisher: Avon Books
Page Count: 384 pages
Premise:
Th ...more
Quick Stats:
Overall: 1/5 Stars
Characters: 3/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 4/5
Awesomeness Factor: 1/5
Review in a Nutshell: The Duke and I had the potential to be an amazing book, but one scene ruined it all for me.
// Content Warning: Child Abuse & Neglect, Rape //
Trigger Warning: I will be discussing the handling of rape and non-consensual sex a lot in this review
Release Date: 1/5/2000
Publisher: Avon Books
Page Count: 384 pages
Premise:
Th ...more

2.5 stars
How in the world are they going to turn this into a Netflix series?! It's coming out on Netflix on Christmas Day and is produced by THE Shonda Rhimes, but seriously I have no idea how they are going to pull it off because there are some SERIOUSLY QUESTIONABLE things going on in this book. (12/28/202 UPDATE: I have now watched the Netflix series, that comparison is at the end of this review) The book starts off great - I loved the introduction to the large Bridgerton family, they felt li ...more
How in the world are they going to turn this into a Netflix series?! It's coming out on Netflix on Christmas Day and is produced by THE Shonda Rhimes, but seriously I have no idea how they are going to pull it off because there are some SERIOUSLY QUESTIONABLE things going on in this book. (12/28/202 UPDATE: I have now watched the Netflix series, that comparison is at the end of this review) The book starts off great - I loved the introduction to the large Bridgerton family, they felt li ...more

Some spoilers ahead, so consider yourself forewarned.
Oh where to begin...
I suppose the beginning was not that bad. The characters were a little bit flat, but it was interesting enough. Cheesy, but readable.
The part when they kiss for the first time was hilarious. I'm not really sure if it was intended, but still.
But then, as Daphne became increasingly pathetic with every chapter, and Simon became an even bigger asshole, the book was quickly turning from readable to insufferable.
And then it culm ...more
Oh where to begin...
I suppose the beginning was not that bad. The characters were a little bit flat, but it was interesting enough. Cheesy, but readable.
The part when they kiss for the first time was hilarious. I'm not really sure if it was intended, but still.
But then, as Daphne became increasingly pathetic with every chapter, and Simon became an even bigger asshole, the book was quickly turning from readable to insufferable.
And then it culm ...more

I can't believe I never got around to writing a review on this! I loved this book so so much and how it was a fake dating story. The whole Bridgerton family is so endearing and I loved how close they all were to each other. Anthony, Benedict, and Colin are overbearing older brothers and I loved them and how protective they were of Daphne. When Simon comes into the picture, it was so cute when he realized that Daphne was actually his best friend's sister, another romance trope I love.
From the pr ...more
From the pr ...more

So...writing this review is tricky because there is a very controversial scene in this book that a lot of people (pretty understandably) hate and it has soured them on the story. I knew going in that such a scene existed, even if I didn't know all of the details, and that may have colored my experience.
That said....I loved The Duke and I! And cannot wait to read on in the series. I fell in love with the characters, the world, and the tone almost immediately. From Lady Whistledown to the entire, ...more
That said....I loved The Duke and I! And cannot wait to read on in the series. I fell in love with the characters, the world, and the tone almost immediately. From Lady Whistledown to the entire, ...more

Jul 28, 2015
NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books}
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-romance-etc
***4,5 lovely stars from me***
The Bridgertons are a really crazy, but wonderfull family!!!
I really had a great time...
This book was funny, interesting and i couldn't put it down!!!

The only reason that i put 4,5 stars was because i was torn between and 4 and 5... and that's because even though that it was a really great story, somewhere before the middle had a really slow pace for my taste!!!
Well, well, well...
I have to tell you that the Bridgerton family aparts from nine members...
The mother ...more
The Bridgertons are a really crazy, but wonderfull family!!!
I really had a great time...
This book was funny, interesting and i couldn't put it down!!!

The only reason that i put 4,5 stars was because i was torn between and 4 and 5... and that's because even though that it was a really great story, somewhere before the middle had a really slow pace for my taste!!!
Well, well, well...
I have to tell you that the Bridgerton family aparts from nine members...
The mother ...more

One of my 2020 reading goals was more reading and less reviewing. That being said, The Duke and I was a scrumptious bite of historical romance and I was 100% along for the ride. Angsty, with a hero who is a jerk (but actually not). Since the series will be coming soon, you need to make this book a reading priority asap!

May 13, 2014
Catarina
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
cotton-candy-romance,
cat-heart-these-books
5 Fairytale Stars!
There was nothing more attractive to mothers of single daughters than a single duke. Unforunately for Simon he is one. And he is single. And considing he never wants to get married, those mothers are a pain in his arse.
So he makes a proposition to Daphne, the younger sister of his best-friend who is also tired of rejecting pretendents she doesn't want. The deal is pretending to be interested in each other and everyone will leave them alone. What they don't expect is those fe ...more
There was nothing more attractive to mothers of single daughters than a single duke. Unforunately for Simon he is one. And he is single. And considing he never wants to get married, those mothers are a pain in his arse.
So he makes a proposition to Daphne, the younger sister of his best-friend who is also tired of rejecting pretendents she doesn't want. The deal is pretending to be interested in each other and everyone will leave them alone. What they don't expect is those fe ...more

3 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was an enjoyable read. I did, however, have some major issues with Daphne's behavior towards the end that causes their separation (view spoiler) ...more
Overall Opinion: This was an enjoyable read. I did, however, have some major issues with Daphne's behavior towards the end that causes their separation (view spoiler) ...more

Julia Quinn writes delightfully funny banters.
Julia Quinn has an obvious knack for romantic comedy.
Julia Quinn can turn the simple act of taking a glove off into something sensual.
Julia Quinn is utterly confused about what constitutes consent and what doesn't.
*spoilers ahead*
Just imagine: you've repeatedly stated that you do not want to have kids. You're taking every possible measure to ensure you don't end up pregnant. But hey, your partner knows best. So the day you have way too much to drink ...more
Julia Quinn has an obvious knack for romantic comedy.
Julia Quinn can turn the simple act of taking a glove off into something sensual.
Julia Quinn is utterly confused about what constitutes consent and what doesn't.
*spoilers ahead*
Just imagine: you've repeatedly stated that you do not want to have kids. You're taking every possible measure to ensure you don't end up pregnant. But hey, your partner knows best. So the day you have way too much to drink ...more

My Review:
This was an entertaining read. I loved Simon, the ‘tortured from childhood’ soul, and Daphne Bridgerton, the one woman who could rescue him from his bitter, angry existence, and give him a future filled with happiness, family and the love he never dreamed he could have.
The family interactions were highly amusing in the way Daphne’s siblings protected her honor even when she didn’t want it protected. Another fun side to this book was the inclusion of Lady Whistledown’s gossip columns wh ...more
This was an entertaining read. I loved Simon, the ‘tortured from childhood’ soul, and Daphne Bridgerton, the one woman who could rescue him from his bitter, angry existence, and give him a future filled with happiness, family and the love he never dreamed he could have.
The family interactions were highly amusing in the way Daphne’s siblings protected her honor even when she didn’t want it protected. Another fun side to this book was the inclusion of Lady Whistledown’s gossip columns wh ...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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The Book Was Better: Bridgerton Series | 10 | 92 | 17 hours, 20 min ago | |
Thoughts ??? ADULTS ONLY | 1 | 26 | Jan 06, 2021 06:49PM | |
Play Book Tag: The Duke and I by Julia Quinn - 2 stars | 2 | 29 | May 20, 2020 02:30PM | |
Bookmans Midtown ...: * March: The Duke & I by Julia Quinn | 1 | 11 | Feb 28, 2020 02:34PM |
#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn loves to dispel the myth that smart women don't read (or write) romance, and and if you watch reruns of the game show The Weakest Link you might just catch her winning the $79,000 jackpot. She displayed a decided lack of knowledge about baseball, country music, and plush toys, but she is proud to say that she aced all things British and literary, an
...more
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“Men are sheep. Where one goes, the rest will soon follow.
-Lady Whistledown”
—
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-Lady Whistledown”
“Where is he? Bridgerton!" he bellowed.
Three chestnut heads swiveled in his direction. Simon stomped across the grass, murder in his eyes.
"I meant the idiot Bridgerton."
"That, I believe," Anthony said mildly, tilting his chin toward Colin, "would refer to you.”
—
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More quotes…
Three chestnut heads swiveled in his direction. Simon stomped across the grass, murder in his eyes.
"I meant the idiot Bridgerton."
"That, I believe," Anthony said mildly, tilting his chin toward Colin, "would refer to you.”