El Duque y Yo (original 2000; edition 1999)

After having problems with the previous book I wanted something light, funny and refreshing to relax myself. And this book delivered all that.

I loved Bridgertons and their sense of humor. I was missing craziness and chaos of big family since I finished The Hathaways series by Lisa Kleypas and this turned out to be nice replacement for them.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series. :) ( )

April 1, 2007

(#1 in the Bridgerton Series)

Another fine example of Julia Quinn's amazing prologues. This one was about Simon (another of Lady Danbury's nephews), who has a BIG ISSUE with his father. (His mother died during childbirth, so wasn't around to mediate.) You see, Simon didn't speak until he was four (although he could already write) and when he DID, he stuttered REALLY BADLY, and his father, who had been soooo excited to have an heir (after two stillbirths and three miscarriages), dismissed him as being an idiot. He even went so far as to tell people Simon was dead. And Simon, who could hold a grudge with the best of women, swore that if he couldn't be the son his father wanted, then he'd be the exact opposite... which included a lot of bad behavior, of course, but he also swore never to marry—to put an end to his father's line and the dukedom.

Anyway, Simon is Anthony Bridgerton's good friend from Eton and Oxford (rakes, the both of them)... and Daphne, who he doesn't recognize, but who immediately attracts him, turns out to be none other than Anthony's little sister, who is BEYOND off limits.

So Daphne wants her mother to lay off about marriage. And Simon... I can't remember what he gets out of the deal, but they decide to fake a courtship, which PISSES Anthony OFF. Anyway, she falls in love with him and they're forced to marry (there's even a duel involved). But Simon isn't completely truthful with her, and she finds out and gets PISSED OFF and tricks him, then moves to his's house in London. And the WHOLE family tries to figure out what's wrong. And then Anthony (at least) goes and threatens Simon, and all sorts of trouble like that.

But they work it all out in the end. :) And they end up MADLY in love, of course.

Also read:
April 1, 2007
January 3, 2010
September 1, 2010 ( )

The Duke and I
4.5 Stars

Synopsis:
To protect himself from ambitious mothers, Simon Basset Duke of Hastings, makes a deal with his best friend’s sister – they will pretend to be engaged. For Daphne Bridgerton, the pretend betrothal turns out to be quite lucrative as she becomes the belle of the ball. The only problem is that Daphne begins falling for the devastating Duke who has made it clear that he has no intention of ever marrying.

Review:
After hearing such marvelous things about this book and the series as a whole, I just had to see for myself and was not at all disappointed. The Duke and I is a wonderfully sweet and charming story with engaging characters and some of the funniest dialogue.

Julia Quinn’s writing style makes it impossible not to feel for her characters. Simon is a heart-wrenchingly tortured hero but unlike the physical torment that many characters of this type endure, Simon’s suffering is all emotional and as such even more compelling. It is amazing that he is still capable of love after the rejection that he bore as a child.

Daphne is a spunky heroine and the way in which she handles both Simon and her brothers is inspiring. She and Simon have great chemistry and their banter is excellent. Their relationship develops in a predictable way. However, there is one questionable scene that some readers may find offensive. I don’t want to give too much away but suffice it to say that Daphne can be seen as taking advantage of Simon. I won’t say that the scene didn’t bother me because it places Daphne in a rather negative light but taken within the context of the story it is understandable if not quite acceptable.

The introduction to the other Bridgerton siblings is mainly focused on Anthony and Colin. While both brothers are sympathetic and engaging, Anthony’s overprotectiveness and belligerence is often grating and excessive. Nevertheless, the Bridgerton family dynamic is one of the highlights of the story and I look forward to reading the rest of the series soon. ( )

Fantastic book. Charming story and endearing characters. Will have to read the rest of the series.
( )

I haven't read any of the books published be Ms Quinn in quite a few years. A mistake I need to remedy. I had forgotten what a quick wit she has. I love all the grumbling that the characters do. All the sibling sniping that goes on in the Bridgerton books. I have already laugh several times and I have barely gotten past the third chapter. I don't remember reading this story and it is shame I missed it. Next to Anthony I think Simon is going to be one of my favorite alphas from this series. I also am enjoying Daphne. Ms. Quinn does a wonderful job of making her very believable. I have a brother and I know how they can be. So having four brothers had to be quite the experience. Especially when three of them are older.

I love a book that has me laughing and occasionally crying. Julia Quinn has a wonderful ability to write sharp, smart characters that can be sarcastic but not necessarily mean. There have been times that I would like to smack Simon upside the head and then shake him until he realizes how destructive he is being. Some of the scenes when he talks or thinks about his father are just heartbreaking. There are however other times that he so very witty and funny and loving. It is hard to decide if he would be better off with Dahpne or not. The scene were Violet, Lady Brdgerton, is trying to talk to Daphne about her wedding night is very, very funny. I have to wonder how Violet is going to get through three more of these talks. I also loved the scene in the inn after the wedding. I kinds of felt sorry for both Daphne and Simon. I mean that could have gotten ugly if Simon hadn't been so patient and willing to teach Daphne the error of her misconceptions. There is one more really sad scene and that is when Simon thinks that Daphne has betrayed him. However Ms. Quinn doesn't keep the reader in that very sad place. The scene where Daphne's three older brothers confront Simon and her in their home is very funny.

I am glad that I as re-reading and in some case reading for the first time this series. I have always enjoyed Ms. Quinn's stories and now I remember why. Her characters are witty and so very real. Her voice is fresh and enchanting. I can't recommend this series enough. ( )