Rating: 
Summary: Gimme more Hastings please!
Review: I think I could read this book again and again. I wish there was a bit more of Simon in the other Bridgerton books. The thing I love most about Quinn's books is that there isn't too much denial in the characters when it comes to attraction for one another. Especially this book and Benedicts story, the love was declared early on and it made me, as the reader, more comfortable in reading through the conflicts. Also, there is something about the friendship between two big handsome guys that really catches my attention. Oh just get it and read it!
Rating: 
Summary: Sensational
Review: All right, I've just got to admit it: this book was incredible. It tells the story of two young people. One, Daphne Bridgerton, from a grand family with 8 children who are named alphabetically, and the other, Simon Basset, a very disturbed, yet very debonair and intelligent, young man. The two put up a ruse that they were attached, so that Daphne would get more suitors, but they ended up falling for one another instead. There's a wild tangle full of romance afterwards and ended happily ever after.
The Reason why this book did not receive five stars was because of Simon. He had serious mental issues. And I found myself saying all through the book, especially when he practically had a hemmorhage upon being seduced by his wife "GET OVER IT! MOVE ON TO SOMETHING BETTER! YOUR FATHER WAS AN [], DON'T LET HIM DICTATE YOUR LIFE!" Of all the Bridgertonnovels, I rank this third.
Rating:
Summary: (3.5 stars really) - Another "almost" good novel fr/ Quinn
Review: I love romance novels set in regency era England and I especially like those that include lighthearted, witty dialogue. Julia Quinn novels have these traits, which is why I've read all but one (Romancing Mister Bridgerton) in the Bridgerton series. I've read them out of sequence, reading this first one in the series only recently. Like so many of her other novels, The Duke and I has a contrived conflict; this, perhaps, is Quinn's greatest weakness in all her novels. The conflict that she creates between the hero and the heroine is always something that seems silly after a while. It's always an internal (i.e., mental) conflict on the part of the hero. And, while I concede that those type of problems can be serious, I just can't really accept that the heroes of her novels would risk their entire lives for something abstract. For example, in this novel, the hero would rather get killed than marry Daphne and have children because his father was so rotten to him as a child; he can't let go of the anger. I guess I'd be more likely to accept this if the hero didn't admit to his own internal conflict, if, for example, the problem was so deeply buried within him that he's not aware of why he acts as he does and then later has an epiphany of sorts. It just doesn't seem realistic that he's aware enough of himself to know where his problem lies, but isn't aware enough to conquer it until it's almost too late.
Of all the novels in this series, "An Offer from a Gentleman" is my favorite (that's Benedict's story) because the conflict is real. It's a conflict between classes, with Benedict trying to find some way to have a relationship with a woman who is a servant. The Duke and I is a cute romance, with the standard Quinn witty repartee and humourous moments. However, it lacks depth as the conflict seems so contrived that readers are likely to get frustrated at times. I would recommend that Quinn fans (particularly those who've read other novels in her Bridgerton series) read this because it is mildly entertaining --- just don't expect a mememorable read.
Rating:
Summary: One for the Bookshelf
Review: Julia Quinn has a knack for witty, humorous dialogue that no other romance writer has. I laugh constantly throughout her books and am impressed at how easily they flow from humor to sensual. She's mastered the art of making us care about the characters and involving many other friendly faces into the thick of things. In the Duke and I, Simon (duke of Hastings) quickly changes his mind that marriage is not for him after facing Daphne Bridgerton (the sweetest girl he's ever known) down before a duel. That doesn't mean he's given up vows he's carried for a long time and doesn't realize he's destroying his chance of happiness with Daphne. In the end, love, laughter and family teach this cynical duke what it really means to be alive. A great read that's fun, fast and worth owning because you will want to read it again and again.
Rating:
Summary: I wish it was THE DUKE and ME
Review: This book was fantastic! This was the first book by Quinn I had the great luck to find and read. The story is imaginative with dialogue both witty and tender. The characters are so wonderfully created, that you can't help loving them. The Duke wins your heart immediately and it was easy to cheer on the spirited Daphne. I plan to read all of the books that are related to the Bridgerton family and other creations from the artisitic Ms. Quinn
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Book
Review: What a wonderful story. JQ makes all of her characters come alive to the point you think they must be someone you know. She takes the time to develop the characters so that you believe the story. In this one the Duke is bound and determined to not go against promises he made to himself long ago. Even if it might cost him the love of his life. He is determined to do what he thinks is correct without thinking about it like an adult, just going on the old promise he made as a kid. I loved Daphnes brothers trying to protect her when she is acutally one of the strongest people ever. Even though they were not a huge part of the story it makes you want to find out more about them. This is an excellent romance if you like them with a good story line!
Rating:
Summary: Laughing and Crying
Review: The Duke and I has to be one of the most refreshing, romantic, and funny romances I have read all year. Daphne and Simon's love story was delightful. One second I was laughing over Daphne's "ideas" about the marriage bed and crying over Simon's deception. Also a big applause for Violet, Daphne's mother I envy that woman!
Rating:
Summary: What Can I Say It A JQ Book
Review: This is the first book in the Bridgerton series and if this book is any indication of how good the series is going to be I can hardly wait to read the rest of them. This book has everything that is trademark JQ with all of her humor and wit. And don't forget unforgettable characters and romance. This book is a great way to spend the weekend. If you love JQ books you will love this one.
Rating:
Summary: Julia Quinn is great!
Review: I have not enjoyed a romance like this in a while. The combination of this large family, the developing love and a hero who is imperfect. Simon overcame his speaking difficulties and his unsupportive father just on his will alone that was heartbreaking. Then when he gets together with Daphne and they make it work, its wonderful.
Rating:
Summary: A love story with humor!
Review: One of the things I like best about Ms. Quinn's writing is the humor. All her books are exceptional, but The Duke and I is more so. She has romance, but she shows family ties, not just honor, but a bond that is a strong emotional commitment to each other. A mother who always knows what her children are about, as if she has a sensory that connects to each child. This knowing is displayed in a very funny way. Every page you read makes you want to read another. The anticipation of what is to happen is always with you. Ms. Quinn is definitely a 5 star writer, and The Duke and I is evidence of it.
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