The Duke and I is the first book in the Bridgerton series, a Regency-era historical romance series by Julia Quinn. It follows the story of Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings.
The plot centres around their arrangement to pretend to court each other in order for Daphne to attract suitable suitors and Simon to avoid the matchmaking efforts of society. However, as they spend more time together, their feigned romance starts to feel all too real.
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In the ballrooms and drawing rooms of Regency London, rules abound. From their earliest days, children of aristocrats learn how to address an earl and curtsey before a prince—while other dictates of the ton are unspoken yet universally understood. A proper duke should be imperious and aloof. A young, marriageable lady should be amiable…but not too amiable.
Daphne Bridgerton has always failed at the latter. The fourth of eight siblings in her close-knit family, she has formed friendships with the most eligible young men in London. Everyone likes Daphne for her kindness and wit. But no one truly desires her. She is simply too deuced honestfor that, too unwilling to play the romantic games that captivate gentlemen.
Amiability is not a characteristic shared by Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. Recently returned to England from abroad, he intends to shun both marriage and society—just as his callous father shunned Simon throughout his painful childhood. Yet an encounter with his best friend’s sister offers another option. If Daphne agrees to a fake courtship, Simon can deter the mamas who parade their daughters before him. Daphne, meanwhile, will see her prospects and her reputation soar.
The plan works like a charm—at first. But amid the glittering, gossipy, cut-throat world of London’s elite, there is only one certainty: love ignores every rule…
About the Author
As a bestselling seller, Julia Quinn is best known for her historical romance novels. Julia Quinn has written numerous popular romance series, including the Bridgerton books series, the Smythe-Smith Quartet, and the Bevelstoke series.
Julia Quinn books have garnered numerous awards and accolades within the romance genre. The books focusing on the Bridgerton siblings have been adapted into a popular Netflix series aptly named Bridgerton, which premiered in 2020.
