The Duke and I: Bridgerton: 1

I have told my favourite nephew to put a gun to my head and force me to watch a movie or a TV series that he likes and wants me to watch at the earliest. This was one of those episodes where I end up finding a gem of a series (at least to start with), followed by a much-loved (I believe) TV series, which, as of now, I am not liking very much (two episodes done now). But the book is a breeze to read, especially the Duke and his love interest, the eldest Bridgerton sister. Hilarious is the entire family of Bridgertons, starting with the eldest kid with alphabet A leading till H, so we know who is who from the family and never forget the hierarchy in the first place. I am finding it comical yet very entertaining to keep track of the entire family when it comes to their names and mentions. The purpose of Violet Bridgerton's (the mother) life is to get her Sons and Daughters married at the earliest to the right partners (especially the girls, whatever age they may be). First book is a love story but with a twist and a big secret of the duke as why he can’t marry or father any chidlren to take his line forward. If you are a big-time Bridgerton fan, let me tell you that I was introduced to Queen Charlotte first by my nephew through the terrific TV series of the same name, and then I was allowed to read the books on the Bridgerton family. Now that I am hooked to the series at least in the bookish way, I need to get the remaining seven from the same series and read them at the earliest, as the Fourth adaptation of the book into a TV series is right around the corner. The only thing that surprised me while reading and watching the series is the Duke; there is no mention of him being black in the book, while his picture on the book cover is of the same guy playing in the TV series, and he is black for some reason. Do let me know if you have read The Duke and I or any other series from Ms Quinn, as I believe she has written almost 30+ books so far, more or less all of them are regency novels.

Burdens & expectations on Simon started with his first breath. They reduced him to under-confidence and a deep-sated hatred for his father. This hatred fuelled him to excel and grow into the man he is. Daphne grew up in a close knit family. Having 3 elder brothers, she is quite pragmatic, witty, honest and funny. When he meets Daphne, he’s instantaneously drawn to her. Internal jokes took foot between them from the get go; their enticing, forbidden gazes expressing the romance. Did anyone say fated? Clever conversations and witty jibes at each other’s expense become the beginnings of them falling for each other. If he wanted to marry and have a chance at a family, Daphne would be the one! Daphne is soon made aware of his vehement denial to take a wife. But fate had a different plan for them and their desire wins! They have an enchanted wedding. Shortly, the truth about his demons is out in the open. Brave Daphne forces him to confront them. Simon realises that life with Daphne is too precious to be governed by anyone else but the two of them. They fulfil their lives in love, companionship & ever-present desire.

✨ Book Review ✨ ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨/5 The Duke and I is the first book in the Bridgerton historical romance series, following Daphne Bridgerton, the fourth sibling, as she navigates London's high society in search of love. This is my first-ever historical romance, and I'm so glad it is, because it's not just good—it’s pretty great! As a huge fan of the Bridgerton show, I was inspired to pick up the book—and I’m so glad I did! Just as I loved Daphne and Simon on screen, I found them just as captivating in the novel. The romance is beautifully written, with language that's refreshingly simple compared to what I’d imagine most historical romances to be (though I can't say for sure, since this is my first!). The show has done a fantastic job of bringing the book to life, capturing much of its essence. But, like any adaptation, there are always those little details that only the book can fully deliver—and that’s exactly why we love books so much! In the end, I definitely prefer the book over the show! As a true fan of Lady Whistledown, let me put it this way… “This reader is thoroughly delighted with the author’s work!” And if you are a Bridgerton fan, and love these tropes, 🌿 Fake Dating 🌿 Friends to Lovers 🌿 Damaged Hero 🌿 Regency High Society 🌿 Strong Family Ties 🌿 Brother's Best Friend 🌿 Marriage of Convenience then this one is a must read!

I picked this book to read after watching the fabulous and scandalous Netflix original series Bridgerton. I was so captivated by the characters in the series that though I know the story from the series I choose to read the first book. Turned out the story in the book is slightly different and in a good way too. The book is an utter delight to read. It is brilliantly written with intricate plot. The writer has well captured the description of characters, situations and emotions they go through. The words just flawlessly fell into place and made me fall in love with the style of writing. Especially lady whistledown who without any care in the world reveals all the scandalous details of the ton. The romance between protagonists is dreamy.

Well honestly, the starting of the story was not that bad. The introduction to Bridgerton family, to the heroine Daphne and the hero Simon was quite interesting. The witty banter between Daphne and Simon was also fun to read, and Anthony's silly tactics were quite good too. But everything started to loose it's sense after Daphne suddenly discovered she loved Simon. She pestered Simon into loving her, became a silly whiny character and actually raped her husband (Simon) at one point! Yes in my opinion you still need the consent even if the roles are reversed. Of course the story ended on a happy note, usually all sappy romance stories do. Overall, all the issues between the husband and wife could've been avoided with just some open conversations, but the story had to choose the harder path. This was just my opinion after reading the story. Please don't think I am trying to demean the author or the story in any way. This story just did not sync with my mindset. let me know if you have read this and also your opinion, I would love to discuss more on this.

A light heart read! The pleasure of reading lies in the mere fact that everything was just so simply laid out before the audience. There were no heavy sex scenes, had a genuine storyline and talked about an authentic child problem. When I read other reviews, (mostly were one star) I was a little bit apprehensive. But honestly, I didn't find anything offensive here. The so-called 'rape scene' that everyone is talking about didn't look to me like a rape scene at all. (Disclaimer: Mind it, people, this is my personal opinion. Others might vary on this) I am stuffed with erotica, BDSM, kinks, role-plays and other variations of a romance book but this one was beautifully written. I am a sucker for the traditional British writing so some may call me biased on that point too, but all in all, I liked it. I plan to read the entire series. This sounds interesting and looks like it has a lot of potentials

No of pages 339

I always have thought i will never read a romantic novel, as it will not be as good as watching a romantic movie. But, since i watched Bridgerton series, i craved to read the book. Though Still, i thought what difference can it make reading or watching... and then, their is a catch!. I can indeed definitely say that--just went insane... Just Insane. Took me maximum four days to finish the damn book. Even after reading the dialogues and banter, the intensity of Daphne and Simon has been embedded in my head. For sure, i can say now reading a romantic scene is much a big deal than watching. Seriously i mean it... As some parts you can be shot and shown on tv but.. but the mind can feel it and picture it out while reading. That can be more wild than anything else. 🥰🥰🥰 I can say for me, i can imagine more things while reading!!!💞💞💞 A great purchase indeed.