The Duke and I Deluxe Collector's Edition

In the midst of her second Season, Daphne - the eldest girl in the Bridgerton family of eight -- has all but given up on the hope of making a love match. Daphne is the girl that everyone likes, that everyone wants to be friends with -- always the chum, the good sport, but never the lover inspiring flowery declarations of passionate intent. Buy Daphne's closely-held dream of loving husband and family, her desire to not settle, makes her reluctance to compete in the Season's Marriage Market threatens to make her the bane of her loving mother Violet's existence. Violet, after all, must think beyond her eldest daughter's reluctance to make a match to the three girls waiting in the wings to make their own debuts. When Daphne meets the newly-minted and arrived in London Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset, she's alternately maddened by his haughty demeanor and unsettled by his direct, passionate gaze. The infamous rake is her oldest brother Anthony's long-time best friend, the type of man a good society miss avoids at all costs -- until he makes an intriguing offer, one that promises a blessed reprieve from her marriage-minded mama -- but with the unintended side effect of imperiling her heart. Only one thing could induce Simon to forsake his world travels and return to London -- his estranged father's death. The old duke made Simon's life a torment from childhood, belittling the boy for his stammer, leaving him to be raised by servants and forge a successful path in life through sheer force of will -- the will to prove his hated sire wrong. However, he was not prepared for the attention his new title brought to his personal life as Ambitious Mamas flocked to his side to introduce their debutante daughters. When Simon meets Daphne, he's shocked by how quickly she puts him at ease, intrigue colored with a desire to possess her beauty -- until he learns that she's Anthony's sister, which places her in the Strictly Forbidden category of romantic dalliances. Even so, he cannot resist suggesting an audacious scheme -- he'll pay court to Daphne, ostensibly removing himself from the Marriage Market, and she'll become more desirable than ever by virtue of being associated with London's newest duke. But when the fake courtship gives birth to real attachment, lines are crossed -- could marriage between the girl no one wanted and the duke determined to die alone become a love affair for the social record book? After several years of two very dear friends telling me I'd love Julia Quinn's Regency romances, I finally decided to give The Duke and I a try, and I'm SO glad I did. The first installment in Quinn's popular Bridgerton series sparkles with wit, warmth, and a genuine emotional and intellectual connection that goes far deeper than any physical attraction that sparks between the duke and Daphne. I've read reviews comparing Quinn to Jane Austen, and while Quinn's sly humor and sharp characterizations were certainly inspired by Austen, I think a more apt comparison would liken Quinn to Georgette Heyer, with a dash of the chick-lit sensibilities found in the likes of Hester Browne's or Jill Mansell's novels. In other words, The Duke and I is a clever, funny, warm-hearted romp through Regency England with a romance that will take your breath away and an unexpectedly deep emotional resonance between its hero and heroine -- this is, refreshingly, the story of a physical, emotional, and intellectual union of complementary equals. I adored the family dynamic exhibited here -- the Bridgertons are the type of sprawling fictional family I love to read about. The may fight and squabble but they are loyal to a fault (as Simon quickly learns even during the early days of his "faux courtship" with Daphne). Although this is very much Daphne's story, Quinn does an excellent job introducing the siblings that will feature in later installments. From the rakish Colin, newly-returned from Europe, to Anthony the eldest, nearly driving himself batty attempting to navigate the Marriage Mart as a very eligible viscount while sheperding his strong-willed family through society's social whirl, to the precocious ten-year-old Hyacinth, whose outspoken wisdom beyond her years marks her as a force to be reckoned with once she comes of age. And I adore their mother, Violet! At first I feared she was Mrs. Bennet reborn, but her occasional flighty absent-mindedness masks the razor sharp wit and intelligence required to survive as matriarch to the lively Bridgerton children. Although Daphne and Simon's journey from courtship to marriage covers only the span of a few short weeks, I loved the emphasis Quinn placed on their intellectual and emotional compatibility. Yes, they each are highly appreciative of the other's fine form, what makes their romance make my heart sing is how they are both so utterly disarmed and genuinely comfortable in each other's company. Looks may fade with time, but personality is forever, eh? And while keeping with the fact that since this is a mainstream historical romance there are some spicy scenes, refreshingly those occur after marriage. I was really impressed by how Quinn touched on the intimacies of the marital relationship making each partner vulnerable to the other, and how that trust, if lost (speaking of misunderstanding, not abuse) can create a painful rift. Daphne and Simon's commitment to each other, despite their marriage's rocky start and subsequent misunderstandings, is the hook that got me so emotionally invested in this couple and kept my fingers flying to turn the pages. Quinn possesses a delightfully breezy writing style that oft-times belies the serious issues of emotional weight that she addresses within the pages of Simon and Daphne's story. The prologue, revealing Simon's tragic childhood, reads with the matter of fact tone of a dark fairy tale, one leaving readers to question the possibility of the tortured heir's future happiness. The warmth and humor with which she imbues this romance makes the heart of The Duke and I all the more compelling and memorable, because Quinn doesn't shy away from the difficult issues that could make or break a marriage. Even if her breezy writing style lends itself to playing a *bit* fast and loose with period mannerisms, that is forgivable since The Duke and I is thoroughly engaging, romance for the heart and the mind at its finest. This is wholly memorable, utterly delightful introduction to the Bridgerton clan -- and with the added mystery of the mysterious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown's true identity, whose quips are peppered throughout the novel -- I cannot WAIT to revisit this family in subsequent novels.

I liked this book from the very beginning. I enjoyed the tone and the characters. I had no trouble picturing the Duke (Simon Bassett) or the Bridgerton siblings. At the center of the first Bridgerton book is 20-year-old Daphne, (4th child after 3 older brothers, all named in alphabetical order!) and the Duke of Hastings, aka Simon. Simon is best friends with Daphne's oldest brother Anthony, and with his blessing, Simon and Daphne enter a pretend engagement for 2 reasons. 1: Simon says he never wants to marry and wishes to avoid the annoying mothers of the "ton." 2. Daphne is having trouble securing marriage proposals she'd actually like to say yes to, mainly because a lot of eligible guys see her as just a friend (and they're kind of frightened of her older brothers). I am glad that there wasn't a lot of ballroom scenes, because those could get pretty tedious. Also, there wasn't an awful lot of gown-fitting scenes or picking out food or any of the boringness. This was really a character-driven story, which made it more enjoyable than a lot of Regency books I've recently read. The banter between Daphne and Simon, and actually between all the characters in this book, is excellent. You can see genuine care between the siblings, and a real attachment growing between Simon and Daphne. In fact, their first meeting is hilarious. I'm kind of surprised the book wasn't stuffier, and that Simon is such a likeable character. Of course, he's weighed down by his past, and is a bit too dramatic at times. Daphne is supposed to free him from his past, and is supposed to represent goodness and love. (nothing new there). I felt that often, Daphne was taking a page from Jane Austen's infamous characters Elizabeth Bennett and Emma Woodhouse with her sense of humor and ability to talk back and put guys in their place. I guess that's ok. There were some unnecessary scenes, such as the duel in the field, and even the riding incident seemed a bit out of place, but the story flowed. I thought the scene in the garden was well written (the one at the party with Anthony, Simon & Daphne), and the fact that Anthony is supposed to be Daphne's big brother and Simon's best friend is always played out well. The sex scenes are a bit overboard and overdone. I'm not a prude and I enjoy good sex scenes, but it felt like the author was trying too hard. It's a very quick, enjoyable read. Since she's written books on all 8 siblings, I will probably read them all, hoping that they're as enjoyable as this first one. This one got off to a quick start (I'm glad we weren't subjected to too many scenes with the Duke's father or his years at Eton or abroad), after all, this wasn't the Duke's story, it was Daphne's.

Duke and I, is the first book of the Bridgerton Series. 2nd book is The Viscount who love me, 3rd would be the An Offer From A Gentleman which is still coming soon on July,2001. I read this book in one sitting, finished at 5am in the morning & was a zombie at work few hours afterwards :-) Since Julia Quinn is new to me, I honestly didn't think this book was going to keep me up all night. I was mistaken. Simon Basset, Earl of Clyvedon, Duke of Hasting is far from the regular heroes of most historical romance novels that I have read. Yes, he was described as handsome, rich, intelligent & a RAKE - just like most heroes... What made him different from the others is that he have a stuttering problems, which he has learned to control as he grew up yet it's still there when he's nervous or upset. This flaw made Simon more human, realistic. He had an awfully sad childhood too. His father denied him love and privileged because of his stuttering. His father was so shamed of him that he told people he no longer had a son. He would rather passed his dukedom to his cousin than to his son who he called stupid, idiot, imbecile and nitwit. This lead Simon to hate and yet it inspired him to worked hard in order to proved his father wrong. In the end, his father proudly saw that Simon was actually worthy of his dukedom and passed it on to him when he died. Because of his father's obsession on his dukedom lineage, Simon vowed never to marry, never to have children - to end the blood line with him. But when he returned to England & inherited his dukedom after his father's death, he was sought after by every MOTHER of the ton with marriageable daughters. Dafne Bridgerton on the other hand had a full happy childhood. Even if her father had died when she was only 10, She grew up with a loving mother, 7 brothers & sisters - who are all close knit. Naturally, because of her happy experience as a child, she longed to get married and have lots of children just like what she was use to growing up with. Being a wife and motherhood is her simple dream. Unlike most heroines of historical romances novels, Dafne didn't have an extra ordinary beauty but she is sweet, funny, philosophical, strong willed & determined. She might not have "THAT" extra ordinary beauty but she is well liked by everybody... and that is somehow a problem in finding a suitable husband. She possessed a unique character that draws every people to view her simply as A FRIEND. That is one of the two reasons why most eligible bachelors doesn't court her. She was everybody's friend. The other reason was his 3 elder brothers ( Anthony, Benedict & Colin) who watched her like a hawk. To keep ambitious mothers with marriageable daughters away from him, Simon propose a scheme to Dafne, who happens to be Anthony's (Simon's best friend) younger sister. They will feign "attachment". In return, he insisted to Dafne that when the Ton realize that the Duke had captured an interest towards her, Eligible bachelors who viewed her as a friend would eventually see her in different light. Rather conceited perhaps? She agreed & gotten 6 suitors the very next day. Interesting. So far, the scheme seems to be working well with both of them until Dafne realized she was slowly falling in love with Simon. That's when things got complicated. At the same time, Simon's feelings towards her were getting stronger. He tries so hard to keep it in control. After all, Thou shalt not lust after thy friend's sister! But what happens if Dafne seduces him? Would he be able to keep his emotions in control? Would he remember the most important rule amongst friends? I normally prefer the man to be the seducer but in this book, I rather like the way Julia Quinn wrote and described Dafne's thoughts. The way Dafne shows her emotions didn't sound disgusting nor exaggerated. She still have innocence but with a spark if naive naughtiness... Her actions are believable, understandable & practical considering the situation Simon is in, well.. the situation, they're both in. I also liked the idea that Simon & Dafne started as friends then developed into something deeper. They shared thoughts & dreams as well as fears & insecurities. They understood each other before words are passed, they formed a special bond before marriage - this is somewhat unusual in historical romances novels that I have read so far. I would like to mention my teeny bitty complaint about this story though, I wondered what happened to Nurse Hopkins. She who supposedly loved and took care of Simon ever since he was a baby. I would have loved to read about her. It would be nice to read her proud reaction to see what Simon had accomplished. Since she was the encouragement & Simon's maternal support, it would have been nice to see her involved in Simon's life all throughout the book. Oh well, this is just a small flaw which I thought I'd mention. Oh it won't be fair not to mention the famous Lady Whistledown's gossip column. My! Not only is she mysteriously accurate, she is soooo funny. Her column is one of my favorites in this book. I have a couple of guess who this lady might be but I'm not 100% sure. When you finish reading this book, email me your guess. It would be fun to compare thoughts and guess about this. I sure can't wait to read the rest of the Bridgerton Series to know who this elite lady is. This book is my first of Julia Quinn and definitely wasn't the last. I was thoroughly pleased & entertained with this one that I am now in the process of reading "The Viscount who love me", that is Anthony's story. Anthony is Simon's best friend & Dafne's eldest brother. Will write a review on that soon afterwards too.

In "The Duke and I," Julia Quinn skillfully introduces readers to the enchanting yet complex world of Regency London, where societal rules dictate the lives and loves of its aristocrats. At the center of the story is Daphne Bridgerton, a spirited and honest young woman who, despite her popularity among the eligible bachelors of London, finds herself overlooked in matters of the heart. That is, until a clever deal emerges between her and the aloof Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, who is determined to avoid the marriage-minded ladies of the ton. What begins as a strategic "fake courtship" quickly transforms into an intricate dance of emotions, as Simon and Daphne navigate the expectations of society while battling their own reservations about love. As their connection deepens amidst the glittering ballrooms and bustling drawing rooms, they come to realize that genuine feelings defy the very rules they sought to uphold. Quinn masterfully blends humor, romance, and an insightful look into the constraints of societal norms, making "The Duke and I" an irresistible read filled with witty banter and heartfelt moments. This delightful novel not only captivates but also adds an enticing second epilogue, offering a glimpse into the life that unfolds after the final page, making this story all the more memorable.

Julia Quinn is a very good writer, and I have enjoyed her Bridgerton series. Most of it. The two weakest and most annoying characters are Daphne and Francesca, imo. Daphne would be great except for her fixation about having children. It's a normal urge until it pushes into a variation of OCD, and she's close to do it. Interesting to those who share the obsession, not interesting to those who don't. Otherwise, Daphne is a great character, if a bit too determined to have her way regardless of what anyone else wants. And Francesca is equally boring and even more annoying, because she is a walking pregnancy OCD. Nothing else going on there. The only thing that saves her book is that it contains one of the best characters in the series, Michael Stirling. Her other Bridgerton books are pretty good, great stories.

The most beautiful pages on this book series ever!! I also like the fact that the books come with a tassel to mark your place, very helpful. Definitely read the books if you’ve watched the series on Netflix the books might be better in certain areas.

Summary: In "Bridgerton: The Duke & I," Daphne Bridgerton, the charming eldest daughter of the Bridgerton family, forms a fake courtship with the brooding Duke of Hastings, Simon Basset. Their arrangement is meant to benefit them both: Daphne appears more desirable to potential suitors, while Simon avoids the pressure to marry. However, their feigned romance soon stirs real feelings, creating a complicated and passionate connection. Set against the opulent backdrop of Regency-era London, the story unfolds with humor, wit, and the poignant struggles of navigating love and societal expectations, evoking empathy from the readers. Review: I rated this book a Page Turner (4.0-5.0) with an overall score of 4.4 out of 5 stars. I created a custom rating system to consistently review Julia Quinn's historical romances, focusing solely on comparing her books with one another rather than the entire genre. My five categories—Authenticity of Historical Setting, Romantic Tension and Chemistry, Character Relationships & Growth, Engagement of Plot and Pacing, and Emotional Depth and Heartfelt Moments—allow for a tailored evaluation. However, I rated all books a four in historical authenticity, having already been influenced by the vivid imagery from the Bridgerton series. My scoring levels for Quinn's books include Page-Turner (4.0 – 5.0) for books that deliver a strong, compelling experience, Casual Read (2.5 – 3.9) for enjoyable books with some notable weaknesses, and Hard Pass (1.0 – 2.4) for books that fall short in multiple areas. Authenticity of Historical Setting: 4 Romantic Tension and Chemistry: 5 Character Relationships & Growth: 5 Engagement of Plot and Pacing: 4 Emotional Depth and Heartfelt Moments: 4 Overall Rating: 4.4 "Bridgerton: The Duke and I" transports readers to an engaging Regency-era setting that feels authentic and immersive, full of vibrant details that bring the period to life. The romantic tension and chemistry between Daphne and Simon are exceptional, with a captivating blend of wit, passion, and emotional depth that makes their connection truly memorable. The characters display significant growth, especially as they confront personal fears and societal expectations, adding richness to their relationship and interactions with family and friends. The plot moves smoothly, balancing humor and emotional complexity, and while it remains focused on the romance, plenty of heartfelt, impactful moments leave a lasting impression. Altogether, it's a delightful and well-rounded romance showcasing Julia Quinn's skill at crafting genuine characters and an unforgettable love story.

Simon Basset is the new minted Duke of Hastings, a title he’s loathed since he was a child. He’s sworn to never marry or have children and the last thing he needs is a gaggle of debutantes and their ambitious Mamas chasing after him. Daphne Bridgerton is well into her third season and desperately avoiding the unwanted attentions of an already rejected suitor when she stumbles upon Simon and. when the Duke proposes an alliance that might benefit both their common interests, she will follow suit only to fall into the oldest of traps and in love with a man who refuses to marry. I’ve wanted to read this book for a long time and only after I watched the 2 first seasons of the show, decided it was time to jump the hurdles and find out how the story really goes. Needless to say, it’s so much better than anything they put on TV I don’t even know how the author allowed for the travesty. Simon and Daphne’s story is much better than anything I expected. Romantic, funny and she’s definitely a force to be reckoned with. The eldest Bridgerton girl is not to be trifled with and she’s not intimidated by men or beast, including the Duke or her brothers and that’s just perfect for this character. I liked Simon, understood where he was coming from and liked the fact that he could find love and family with the Bridgertons. Their story is filled with love and passion and it’s a great way to start a series, not to mention the very clever Whistledown gossip paper as means to introduce the characters and every chapter. I can’t wait to read the rest! 5 stars

entrega super rápida chegou em 7 dias aqui no brasil, praticamente sem nenhum amassado, veio super bem embalado n da nem pra reclamar. É a coisa mais linda amei demais o livro e ainda vem com um capítulo extra!! Comprei a versão de capa dura

Omg it’s so cuteeee i love it

Polecam 100% !

Les Bridgerton sont une fratrie de 8 frères et soeurs (le marquis et ses frères et soeurs, chaperonnés par leur adorable mère), nommés de A à H du plus âgé au plus jeune. Ils fréquentent les plus hauts cercles de la noblesse au début des années 1800 (1815 à 1825 environ). Ce premier tome s'attache à la soeur aînée, Daphné, et c'est celui que j'ai préféré. C'est un des meilleurs romans "régence" que j'ai eu l'occasion de lire. C'est très spirituel (en particulier les extraits du journal de lady W.), l'histoire est bien troussée, crédible et les personnages sont très attachants, notamment grâce à une fine analyse psychologique et grâce à une pléthore de seconds rôles dont certains deviendront à leur tour les héros des romans suivants de la saga des Bridgerton. Le second livre de la saga porte sur l'aîné, Anthony (l'aîné, comme l'initial de son prénom le laisse entendre), mais la trame est un peu trop classique à mon goût (il préfère la soeur discrète à celle mise en avant par sa famille et la société). Le troisième, qui est une sorte de pastiche de Cendrillon, s'attarde sur Benedict. J'ai encore moins aimé ce tome car côté crédibilité on peut repasser. Le quatrième, où l'identité de la mystérieuse lady W. est révélée, porte sur Colin et est un peu plus prenant. Le cinquième est dédié à la deuxième soeur, Eloise. Il est bien écrit mais ne m'a pas fait rêver un seul instant (ce qui est quand même un peu dommage pour un roman d'amour!). J'ai beaucoup apprécié le sixième sur Francesca, car là encore la psychologie des personnages est bien creusée et l'histoire s'étend dans le temps, permettant aux héros d'évoluer. Le septième est aussi un de mes préférés à cause du personnage de Hyacinth, qui a un caractère haut en couleur et qui est une héroîne fascinante. On voit également beaucoup plus lady Dandbury, un des meilleurs personnages secondaires que l'on croise de roman en roman. Le dernier concerne Gregory et paradoxalement apporte pas mal de fraîcheur, avec un héros qui croit à l'Amour... puisque tous ses frères et soeurs l'ont trouvé... et qui découvre qu'il se leurre lui-même. Bref, c'est une saga à conseiller vivement. Si vous ne devez en acheter qu'un, jetez votre dévolu sur "The Duke and I", vous ne le regretterez pas!

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