bookwife's review against another edition
4.0
I loved all the witty banter. This book was sweet, with a witty, sassy heroine. The whole book was pretty funny. My kind of Historical Romance. I found another author! YAY
cottagecowgirl's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The book really is just okay, very bland. The tv show was way better, not worth a read imo.
rebekahology's review against another edition
4.0
Honestly? Quite good for a romance novel. I see why they used this for a TV series.
hollyking11's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Gaslighting, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Abandonment and Ableism
Minor: Death of parent
gregoreads's review against another edition
2.0
I was thoroughly enjoying The Duke and I at the beginning, because the dialogue was so witty and charming, and I loved the characters and the dynamic of the eight Bridgerton siblings and their mother. It became quite melodramatic, but I could live with that. But THEN there was THAT scene and I was just very uncomfortable for the rest of the book! I think this book just did not age well, given that it came out in 2000, on the cusp of romance novels that we view as problematic today, and the transition to more healthy romance stories that we enjoy now.
I will definitely be continuing the series, to get back to what I loved about it in the beginning and see what happens to the rest of the Bridgertons, and assuming that the other books won't have something go so catastrophically wrong. I'm also really excited for the Netflix show, which I think will patch up all the dodgy parts of the story. And hopefully pave the way for more historical romance adaptations!
Definite TW:
About the ending:
I will definitely be continuing the series, to get back to what I loved about it in the beginning and see what happens to the rest of the Bridgertons, and assuming that the other books won't have something go so catastrophically wrong. I'm also really excited for the Netflix show, which I think will patch up all the dodgy parts of the story. And hopefully pave the way for more historical romance adaptations!
Definite TW:
Spoiler
Rape: There is a scene after Daphne and Simon get married where Simon comes home drunk and Daphne takes advantage of him, and forces him to not pull out so that she might become pregnant. Simon is momentarily traumatized and reverts to his stutter. Ultimately, Simon and Daphne both blame Simon and pretty much agree that he deserved it?About the ending:
Spoiler
I also don't like when people who are adamant about not wanting children end up reluctantly having children because their partner wants it. Children shouldn't be subjected to that! I think there needed to be more development on that end.marsina's review against another edition
3.0
I cannot possibly bring myself to rate this book any higher because of the rape scene.
It is really a pity, honestly. Without the sexual abuse, I would have rated it 4 stars. I was having so much fun before :( The sibling dynamic was so engaging.
I will keep reading the saga because I am interested in the other characters and their stories. Hopefully, I won't have to endure another 50 pages of rape justification.
It is really a pity, honestly. Without the sexual abuse, I would have rated it 4 stars. I was having so much fun before :( The sibling dynamic was so engaging.
I will keep reading the saga because I am interested in the other characters and their stories. Hopefully, I won't have to endure another 50 pages of rape justification.
farhanac's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
mandler_'s review against another edition
4.0
Rating: 4.5/5
Rounded down to 4 stars
I was pleasantly surprised, I truly enjoyed this one. I looked forward to reading this and enjoyed it throughout the experience. I rated it 4.5 stars due to the fact that the switch from "fake courting" to actual feelings felt really quick. I would have liked to see more scenes of them talking, but that's just me personally.
Rounded down to 4 stars
I was pleasantly surprised, I truly enjoyed this one. I looked forward to reading this and enjoyed it throughout the experience. I rated it 4.5 stars due to the fact that the switch from "fake courting" to actual feelings felt really quick. I would have liked to see more scenes of them talking, but that's just me personally.
swell_gal's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual content