Book: The Duke And I by Julia Quinn (The Bridgerton's #1)
Published by Avon Books; January 2000
384 pages
Format: Paperback
Genres: Historical Romance/Regency Romance
I bought this book.
Synopsis via Goodreads: By all accounts, Simon Basset is on the verge of proposing to his best friend's sister, the lovely---and almost-on-the-shelf---Daphney 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 suitors 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...
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...
I have been a fan of Julia Quinn's novels for quite some time. I am a sucker for historical romance; there's just something about Regency gentleman and the idea that city-wide scandal that can result from a kiss. It's absolutely fantastic.
I love the Bridgerton's. They are a large family, a widowed mother with eight children named alphabetically. They are a really close family and according to society mothers, blessed in the looks department. It's similar to Jane Austen in that society mothers love to get their children marry attractive people with money.
I love Daphne and Simon, separately and as a couple. I also love that Quinn started the series by writing from the perspective of the 4th Bridgerton child. Daphne and Simon are both stubborn and tenacious and perfectly suited for each other but they just don't see it. They pretend to be engaged so that they don't have to deal with society mothers trying to get them to marry other people. Naturally, hilarity ensues.
It was moving, romantic, heartbreaking, funny...you feel ALL THE THINGS when reading Julia Quinn. Oh, and of course there are sexytimes. You don't get that from Jane Austen. (Though I have heard that there have been some rumblings of people rewriting the classics like Jane Eyre to include sexytimes. Does anyone know if this is true?)
Anyway, this is a great read for fans of historical romance. Or those who believe that chivalry isn't dead. I can't wait to finish out the series.
:) I love Julia Quinn
ReplyDeleteAnd chivalry is so not dead! Chivalry is great, it deserves a big comeback. You know the honeyman gets mad at me if I don't wait for him to open doors for me? But I'm a fast walker, so I get to the door and kind of just stand there for a second like a princess until he opens it. I feel like a spoiled brat, but I guess that's okay.
Now I'm wishing I had brought a Quinn novel with me to work to read.
Yes! Chivalry isn't dead. But some people are just...non-practicing? That's sweet about the honeyman holding doors for you. I was talking to Matt this morning about despite the fifty shades (eww) popularity, the only romance book I will ever enjoy is one with chivalry.
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