Synopsis: After enduring two seasons in London, Daphne Bridgerton is no longer naive enough to believe she will be able to be marry for love. But is it really too much to hope for a husband for whom she at least has some affection?
Her brother’s old school friend Simon Basset – the new Duke of Hastings – has no intention of ever marrying. However, newly returned to England, he finds himself the target of the many marriage-minded society mothers who remain convinced that reformed rakes make the best husbands.
To deflect their attention, the handsome hell-raiser proposes to Daphne that they pretend an attachment. In return, his interest in Daphne will ensure she becomes the belle of London society with suitors beating a path to her door. There’s just one problem, Daphne is in very real danger of falling for a man who has no intention of making their charade a reality…
Title: The Duke and I
Author: Julia Quinn
Publisher: Piatkus
Pages: 352
ISBN: 9780749936570
Rating: 
Have you ever read a book simply on the basis that you know it’ll put a smile on your face? It may not have to be a Man Booker Prize winner, or even very good – as long as you love it, that’s what’s important…
The entire Bridgerton Series (eight books!) has that effect on me, but the first novel, The Duke and I, holds a special place in my heart. Maybe it’s because I connect to the female protagonist the most; maybe I’d consider the male protagonist to be ‘my type’; whatever it is, I can’t help but love this book.
I’m not a huge fan of chic lit, in fact I’d go as far as saying I avoid it where possible. I’m also definitely not a fan of women’s literature, heaving breasts and pulsating loins are just not my thing. In her defence, Julia Quinn is probably the tamest of romance novelists but I’m more accustomed to swords, magic and battles; so it came as a shock that I’d find a collection of historical romance novels so entertaining.
These books aren’t just romantic, however, they’re incredibly funny. Quinn balances a perfect mixture of sarcasm and wit with romance, creating stories that have made me laugh out loud, sigh, smirk and blush.
This is the third time I’ve read The Duke and I, and it’s definitely not the last. It’s an easy going, feel good, entertaining read – what more could a girl want?
A Literary Mind 