Thursday, March 18

Audiobook Review: The Duke and I by Julia Quinn


Author: Julia Quinn
Narrator:  Rosalyn Landor
Title: The Duke and I
(Bridgertons #1)
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published: January 5th 2000
Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 
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 honest for 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…


Review:
I want to watch the Netflix show, but I wanted to read the book that started it all. Plus I found it at the library! So perf!

The story follows Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. Daphne is the fourth of eight siblings in her close-knit family. She has been able to become friends with all the most eligible young men in London...but she can't capture their hearts. Talk about friend zone! Simon has just returned to England from abroad and he intends to shun both marriage and society. He doesn't want to continue his family line and pass on the Dukedom, because of his painful childhood his father inflected upon him. And what a better revenge plan on his deceased father! Yet...things change when his best friend's sister offers a different option. If Daphne agrees to a fake courtship, Simon can deter the matchmaking mamas of the ton and Daphne's prospects and reputation will soar. The plan seems to work...until love ruins everything. 

So fun. I really did like this story. I liked Daphne and I liked Simon. They were perfect for each other from page 1. Plus, Simon needs a good family. His sucked. Especially his asshat father. GRRR. Her family is a lot to handle, but I love them! Her siblings are crazy and funny and so dang lovable. 

I loved the whole issue Simon had to battle. It was really good way to make him seem so human and added a whole extra layer to him. I really applauded this because it is rare you find a hero who has speech issues. 

I love Simon...don't get me wrong....but I wanted to smack him. SURE Daphne did something NOT cool, but chillax man!!! 

Also...I feel like there are some storylines and plot things that are being missed. Maybe book 2? I feel like Simon and Daphne need more! I could be biased ;) 

The ending made me smile. I loved it. I want more. Onto book 2 for sure! Especially if I can get the audio from my library. This narrator is flawless and I love her work. She is perfect especially for these romances! Her guy voices make me smile. 

In the end, I am going to FINALLY check out the show now on Netflix. I will try to not compare the two because I really did like this one. I can't wait to start book 2. I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 






Challenge(s):
- #15 for Audiobook challenge
- #10 for Romance Bingo - Borrowed from lib.





3 comments:

Blodeuedd said...

Onwards! Many more to come :D

Jen Twimom said...

I've added these to my list - when I find the time!

Carole Rae said...

B, moreee!

Jen, same! I have a few before I can even looks at book 2.