Reviews with content warning for Cursing - The Duke and I

The Duke and I (Bridgertons Book 1)
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (story/paperback)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (audiobook)
Format: Kindle/Audiobook

The Duke and I was an enjoyable start to the Bridgerton series. It had some of my favorite tropes: fake dating, marriage of convenience, and brother's best friend. I liked the contemporary take in this regency era drama, and the writing style flowed easily while keeping that classic regency era tone and vernacular. I enjoyed Daphne's and Simon's journey from strangers, to friends, then to lovers. I loved watching their relationship grow as the story progressed. I also love that Simon worked to overcome his past to hold on to his present...Daphne.

However, I will say that I watched the Netflix show first, and I had some trouble reconciling the differences between the two. I realize that the show took creative license in some areas, which doesn't bother me too much as they didn't change imperative plot points. My main issue was the tension. In the show, it was almost palpable between the MC's, and while we did have that in the book, I feel like it wasn't as enthralling. I also enjoyed seeing the more in depth moments that came with turning this book into a show. I feel like there were a couple of missed opportunities to give the audience those things in the book. Overall, I still loved the book and will definitely be continuing the series!

⚠️Warning⚠️
Language, low to medium spice, adult content

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eva_vva's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted tense medium-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

3.0

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fanboyriot's review against another edition

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lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Dearest Gentle Reader, this book wasn’t what I was expecting. While it did bring to life the characters and their stories, I feel as though it fell rather flat compared to the show. I did enjoy the epilogues and the audiobook was narrated rather nicely, I don’t think I will be continuing this book series as of now. It was entertaining just not really worth it to me, perhaps I’ll revisit this series later though.

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apirlroge's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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bookowl805's review against another edition

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relaxing slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

it was linda boeing to read, but that’s peobably be cause i had already watched the show. Also, the story is different and some characters from the series don’t exist in the book (ex: Lord Berbrooke)

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britwalsh16's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I usually prefer reading the book before the movie or tv show adaptation, but with this series I fell in love with the show first & then decided to read the book, & usually I struggle to get through it, but overall I usually like the book more. This series is different. I definitely enjoyed the book, & I love all the little details we didn’t get in the tv show; but I miss all the side characters. Though season 1 focuses on Daphne & The Duke, you get to see all the side characters & learn a bit about everyone. In the book, you only learn about the other characters if they are interacting with Daphne or Simon. So I just really struggled to get through this book because of that. That being said, I’m definitely going to read the other books, just maybe not in order, I’ll come back to the Viscount since I know his story already. Lol

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dremmavendetta's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted sad 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? It's complicated

3.0

Had to read this after enjoying the series but feeling like they handled the marital rape poorly. I think the book makes it even more clear that it was assault but handles it even worse, trying to walk the clear assault back from the character’s perspective.

I will say, I appreciate the emotionality of the writing and the female perspective on sex. And the necessity of sex education the book makes a case for. It, unfortunately, fell short of rising to its own standard.

Also i find Daphne a bit annoying and Simon a bit too melancholy. Not sure why either is desirable in their circles except that we presume they are good looking.

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