The Duke and I by Julia Quinn
Synopsis:
By all accounts, Simon Basset is on the verge of proposing to his best friend’s sister, the lovely—and almost-on-the-shelf—Daphne 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.
"I'm quite immune to your games."
"Oh?"
She gave his arm a reassuring pat. "But yours was a most admirable attempt. And truly, I'm quite flattered you thought me worthy of such a magnificent display of dukish rakishness." She grinned, her smile wide and unfeigned. "Or do you prefer rakish dukishness?"Simon stroked his jaw thoughtfully, trying to regain his mood of menacing predator. "You're a most annoying little chit, did you know that, Miss Bridgerton?"She gave him her sickliest of smiles. "Most people find me the soul of kindness and amiability.""Most people," Simon said bluntly, "are fools."
I delighted in the family dynamic exhibited here — the Bridgeton's are the sprawling fictional family I love to read about. They may argue and quarrel but they are devoted to a fault. Although this is very much Daphne’s story, Quinn makes a great work presenting the siblings that will feature in later installments.
The chemistry between Simon and Daphne is sizzling but harmonized with a great quantity of humor. I also liked the concept that Simon and Dafne started as friends later developed into something deeper. They shared thoughts and dreams and fears and insecurities. They formed a significant bond before marriage - this is rare in historical romances novels that I have read so far.
The way Dafne displays her emotions didn’t sound disgusting nor exaggerated. She still has innocence but with a spark if naive naughtiness. Her actions are believable, understandable and practical dealing with the situation Simon is in — the situation, they’re both in.
I love all the different parts to Simon that we see. He’s a charming, smart man on the outside who tends to not let too many people get close. But with Daphne, he lets himself be vulnerable and lets his guard down so he’s eventually able to deal with all the feelings he’s held inside for so many years. To weigh out some heaviness of Simon’s story, the humor and laughs that Daphne, her brothers, and the whole Bridgerton family provide, makes this a charming story.
A brilliant introduction into the Bridgerton family and as a stand-alone novel, humorous, heart-wrenching, angsty, sensual, sexy and brilliant.
My Rating:
✬✬✬✬✬
0 Comments