Title: The Duke and I ReRead
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Regency romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2000
I read the entirety of the Bridgertons series a long while ago, before the TV show even came out. And, honestly, after I felt like the second season of the series was an absolute flop, I was intrigued to see how a reread of The Duke and I was going to sit. It’s always a risk to return to a loved show, but, luckily for me, I absolutely loved this! It made me feel grateful and kind of validated that I had had the pleasure of reading this the first time, but that I also got to enjoy this so much on a reread. There is just something about Daphne and the rest of the Bridgertons that Quinn does a brilliant job of creating. Something that still pulls me in and makes me just devour the pages of the book.
Daphne and her willingness to buck against tradition a little, but still trying to fit the mould was still something I really adored. I mean, not many people in reality (no matter what time period you’re focusing on) are going to completely go against the grain. That just paints a target on your back, but Daphne did a perfect job of still going with the expectations and flow of society, but also finding a way to stay true to herself. I particularly loved how willing she was to punch Bedgebrooke in the face when he overstepped his bounds. One of the things I really didn’t enjoy about the TV series was that Anthony is really pushy about placing her with such a fool. But, in the book, he is 100% on her side – knowing that Bedgebrooke is an absolute fool and not wanting to commit her to that for the rest of her life.
Quinn works really well at writing strong sibling relationships – I have read a few of her books, and this is always something that shines out to me. I love how loyal and steadfast the siblings are to one another. But, also the fact that they are total pains in the butt to each other on a daily, if not minutely basis. Again, I particularly loved Anthony throughout the book – he turned down multiple unwanted suitors for Daphne, he actually wanted to go along with their scheme when he realised how it would benefit his sister. And just in general, was a good guy. But, he is also the reason that his sister throws a mean right hook and drives her to no end of frustration with his pigheadedness. Because brothers.
Then there is Quinn’s ability to create Violet. She is a beautiful powerhouse of a woman and one that I absolutely adored. The first time I read The Duke and I, there were no children in sight within my life. Now, as a mother, man do I want to be a mum like Violet. She controls her household with love and affection. But, is also able to steer her children toward a better future with an iron will and a big heart. I particularly love the scenes in which she grabs her tall, strapping sons by the ears and maneuvers them how she sees fit. Or kicks them out of the house when they overstep – a mother that I really want to turn into. Especially when I have a son who is absolutely going to tower over me in the coming years.
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