Genres: Historical Romance
Published by Avon
Released on June 27, 2006
Pages: 384
Format: Paperback
Source: Giveaway
The Delight
This! This book is proof that participating in reading challenges is a wondrous thing. I needed a historical romance off my shelf that met the criteria for a #Romance-opoly Challenge space and this one fit the bill. I’ve been meaning to read this author and this series for eons (you’ve never said that before, right?) So, finally, here we are. Me sitting with a big grin of satisfaction, but also a wince or two for waiting so long to enjoy the good times of this intro to the boisterous and fun Bridgerton clan and the men and women who fall in love with them.
Review
First up in the series, The Duke and I, was a splendid start. From the early moments we meet the future duke, Simon, as a child, I wanted to hug him hard and cheer him on. Then kick his arrogant jerk of a father in the seat of the britches. Daphne Bridgerton, liked by all and not able to meet a worthy man who wanted to be more than friends, was the perfect match for this man who didn’t think he had it in him to love and marry.
Their meet cute was hilarious and set the tone for everything that came after. I loved their banter, acrimonious and fun exchanges, friendship, and the growth of more than attraction between them. Their ‘let’s pretend we’re an item’ along with Simon being the friend of the oldest Bridgerton was the ploy that kept them in each other’s sights.
The humorous tone to this book got my attention early, but it was the heartfelt situations and personality of Simon that really captured me. I was all in and flew through this book, barely coming up for air. I sighed, laughed, and swooned in turn.
But, there is a reason this isn’t a five star. Around the half-way point, I started to encounter a bossy, manipulative, overly naive heroine. I didn’t find her amusing. She had her mind set and that was that. Did I hate her no, but I dropped down into ‘she’s okay’ while still adoring Simon. A little shine off the apple, but it didn’t ruin the book for me.
I can’t wait for Anthony’s book. Not sure when I’ll get to it, but I sure won’t wait years like I did with this one. Yep, worth the love that I saw so many people giving this one. Historical Romance fans who want a solid gem from the backlist and dusty shelves can do no better than The Duke and I.
Challenges Met
Mt. TBR #24
Oldie But a Goodie #6
Literary Pickers #57 fake mates
Romance-opoly #11 Austen Row (HR recommended by hosts)
Preview
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It’s an author I heard so much about and I really need to try her books!
That was me, too. I was glad to finally get my first book by her off my stack and it turned out fun. 🙂
A heroine like that can put a damper on the enjoyment of the book.
Yeah! I really liked her at first and then gradually got put off so that I barely tolerated her in the end. It might have been meant to be funny, but it didn’t hit me that way. Oh well…
I need to start attacking my book challenges. I have been lax
Ha! Glad I could help motivate. The challenges help me keep my TBR pile under some semblance of control.
I listened to this series and had a blast. I am so glad you enjoyed this 🙂
I think this would make a great one on audio with all the banter they do.
I have to admit that I have had this book on my shelf AND in my audible library for a very long time. I started the audiobook once but decided I wasn’t in the mood for it after a few minutes and moved on to another genre. It sounds like I need to dust this one off and meet Simon myself.
Ugh! I know how that mood thing works. It’s done me in a few times. But, always best to go with it or it won’t be a fun read.
Oh yes, Simon is worth it when you get the chance, Carole!
I read this awhile back. I loved it too until Daphne pulled that huge stunt with Simon. She flat out made me mad. It went from 5 stars to 4 at that point. I will say you will like her better in the next books. I think I’ve read 4 of them so far. It’s my favorite of the historicals I’ve read(or listened to)when I started back reading them again. Glad you liked it!
Oh fun! I can’t believe how many older series there are that I’ve missed.
Yeah, she got my dander up and I could barely tolerate her at times after a certain point.
Read this recently and loved it too. Definitely curious to read about Anthony, but wasn’t crazy about his portrayal in the Netflix series. However, loved his book persona.
I was debating whether I needed to read a few more in the book series before starting in on the TV series. Man, too bad about the difference in the character portrayal. He was part of the fun of this one.