The Duke and I by Julia Quinn (Bridgertons #1) by Julia Quinn

• Format: Kindle Edition
• Print Length: 437 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0062353594
• Publisher: Avon (28 April 2015)
• ASIN: B00UG8RP8Q

Can there be any greater challenge to London’s Ambitious Mamas than an unmarried duke?

—Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers, April 1813

By all accounts, Simon Basset is on the verge of proposing to his best friend’s sister, the lovely—and almost-on-the-shelf—Daphne Bridgerton. But the two of them know the truth—it’s all an elaborate plan to keep Simon free from marriage-minded society mothers. And as for Daphne, surely she will attract some worthy sutiors now that it seems a duke has declared her desirable.

But as Daphne waltzes across ballroom after ballroom with Simon, it’s hard to remember that their courtship is a complete sham. Maybe it’s his devilish smile, certainly it’s the way his eyes seem to burn every time he looks at her… but somehow Daphne is falling for the dashing duke… for real! And now she must do the impossible and convince the handsome rogue that their clever little scheme deserves a slight alteration, and that nothing makes quite as much sense as falling in love…

Cover: Nothing to really like or dislike about this cover. Although I do like that this series doesn’t have models on the front so that you can actually imagine how the characters look based on the author’s descriptions and not what the publisher decided to whack on the cover (although don’t get me wrong I can sometimes love a bodice ripping cover).

I read the second book in this series first, and loved it, so was looking forward to picking up the first book. I’ve discovered a new favourite Regency author and am looking forward to devouring more books from her.

Simon was such a great character- his father was disappointed in him, because when he was small he had a stutter and so he thought he must be stupid, and unworthy of the title. But Simon beat his stutter, and the anger against his father drives him, motivating him to master control of himself. But as the ultimate revenge against his father he resolves never to marry and have the title die with him.

There’s only one problem with this plan- Daphne Bridgerton.

The chemistry between the two of them was undeniable. I found myself really rooting for them. I wanted Simon to come to his senses and see that he and Daphne were made for each other. That the ultimate revenge on his father would be to live a happy life, not being miserable.

Highly recommend picking this one up guys- I thoroughly enjoyed it!!

5/5 stars.