by Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgertons #1
Narrator: Rosalyn Landor
Length: 12 hours and 8 minutes
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Narration: 3.5 cups
By all accounts, Simon Basset is on the verge of proposing to his best friend’s sister, the lovely—and almost-on-the-shelf—Daphne Bridgerton. But the two of them know the truth—it’s all an elaborate plan to keep Simon free from marriage-minded society mothers. And as for Daphne, surely she will attract some worthy sutiors now that it seems a duke has declared her desirable.
But as Daphne waltzes across ballroom after ballroom with Simon, it’s hard to remember that their courtship is a complete sham. Maybe it’s his devilish smile, certainly it’s the way his eyes seem to burn every time he looks at her… but somehow Daphne is falling for the dashing duke… for real! And now she must do the impossible and convince the handsome rogue that their clever little scheme deserves a slight alteration, and that nothing makes quite as much sense as falling in love…
Can there be any greater challenge to London’s Ambitious Mamas than an unmarried duke?
—Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers, April 1813
When the opportunity to review the audio of THE DUKE AND I, by Julia Quinn came along, I jumped at the chance. The first book in the Bridgertons series, this historical romance delivered with strong characters, humor, delicious banter and swoons.
An almost on the shelf, strong, confident, and feisty heroine and a damaged Duke form a plan to enjoy the season by faking a courtship. And the game is afoot. I absolutely love this trope and Quinn’s version was delightful. I read this tale years and years ago and only had a vague recollection of enjoying it. The tale was narrated by Rosalyn Landor, and she brought these characters to life. I enjoyed the voices she created for each character. She nailed the Bridgerton siblings capturing their back and forth banter and interference. I felt she nailed Daphne from her candid honesty to determination. It is rare that I enjoy a female narrator’s male voices, but she brought Simon to life.
So these two are faking a courtship. The momma’s of the ton aren’t chasing Simon with their unwed daughters in tow, and other men are starting to take notice of Daphne. Only things are getting complicated. Simon is dreaming of kissing his best friend’s sister, and Daphne just might be falling for the Duke himself.
Quinn did a fantastic job of introducing us to all of the Bridgerton siblings and their mother. I loved her brothers, and her mother made me gigglesnort more than once. She gave us a strong sense of Daphne and why she hasn’t found a match. Simon Basset’s story will tear at your heart even as you want to whack him over the head with your fan. Their chemistry felt genuine, even if it shocked them. I loved that Daphne was bold, and Simon scolded himself for his wicked thoughts. It was delivered with a delightful mix of courtship, friendship, laughter, and angst.
While I am not a fan of drama, angst, and miscommunication, Quinn made it realistic and didn’t draw it out. She had me experiencing their emotions as she threw in meddling family. This couple went through growing pains and their own personal growth. The tale wrapped up wonderfully and included an epilogue that made me smile.
The audio edition also includes a novella, THE DUKE AND I: THE EPILOGUE II (Bridgertons #1.5) I adored this peak into the future lives of this couple and others. I always imagine what happens to a couple and it was extra sweet having loose ends wrapped up while discovering what is happening in their future. We also get a glimpse into Colin and Penelope’s life.
[bctt tweet=”The Duke and I by Julia Quinn narrated by Rosalyn Landor offered swoons, banter and a family I want to spend time with. ” username=”kimbacaffeinate”]
Lark
I like this book; it has a lot going for it, including Quinn’s trademark witty humor. But there’s one scene that has always really bothered me. I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone, so I’ll just say that Daphne does something that would make a lot of readers uncomfortable if their genders were reversed. (You can probably figure out which scene I’m talking about.)
kimbacaffeinate
Oh, I do but I kind of like the reversal on that.
Katherine
I reread this one recently and was surprised that I loved it just as much as I did the first time! I did read there was some controversy on an action of Daphne’s part that leads to the biggest conflict. I’m torn about it because while he wasn’t willing on the very end he was very willing on all the rest and knew who she was and all that. I love getting to know the Bridgertons and can imagine this was a delight on audio!
kimbacaffeinate
I had forgotten so many details. I have book two up next to listen to 🙂
Lampshade Reader
It’s been awhile since I read Julia Quinn. I’ll probably have to start at the very beginning. 🙂 I love a faking romance courtship, one of my favorite tropes. Great review. ~Aleen
kimbacaffeinate
I am doing just that, and already have book two queued up and waiting,
Quinn's Book Nook
OH man, I remember just adoring this book when I first read it years and years ago. I am so glad that they are releasing these books in audio with a good narrator, although Landor isn’t my favorite. I love Susan Duerden a lot for historical romance
kimbacaffeinate
I like Duerden too, but Landor did a good job. I am getting ready to listen to the next one.
Christy LoveOfBooks
A feisty heroine, a fake courtship, and family … sounds like a great combo to me!
kimbacaffeinate
Right. I think would actually enjoy this one Christy.
The Bibliophile Babe
I need to try one of her books one day!
kimbacaffeinate
Her characters are always such fun.
Melissa (Books and Things)
You totally sold me when you said you aren’t a fan of drama, angst and miscommunication but it worked here for you. Yep, I’m the same so this totally makes me curious. AND another Quinn book I need to read. 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo I wonder if your library has it on audio?!?
Mckenzie
I adored this awesome review! This book sounds so good! I love hearing that the female narrator nailed the male voices, as well. Thank you for putting this on our list!
~Mckenzie
kimbacaffeinate
Thank you Mckenzie, This is a clean romance and is so much fun. I loved the characters.
Anna
Great review, Kimba! I’ve been wanting to read this for a while now, and have been debating on whether or not to choose the ebook or the audiobook option. I’m glad to know that the narrator for this is a good one!
kimbacaffeinate
It was a lot of fun to listen to, and in fact I grabbed the second on audio too!
Angela Adams
“his devilish smile” — that smile will hook a gal all the time! Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
Ha, yes every time!
Bookworm Brandee
A fake relationship and a series revolving around a family?? Win! A feisty heroine?? Win-win! Quinn is an author I’ve been dying to read, Kimberly. Glad you enjoyed your revisit with this one and that the narrator did such a great job of bringing the characters to life! If I don’t already own this one – and you never know with me 😉 – I think I’ll pick up this one in audio since it has the novella. 🙂
Mary Kirkland
Great review, this sounds. like a great book and story.
Geybie's Book Blog
I love the sound of this! Interesting. I don’t mind drama and angst as long as they are put in a story for purpose and everything works together. Awesome review, as always, Kim. 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, and this was well done
Kristin (Book Sniffers Anonymous)
I can’t stand it when the characters don’t communicate throughout the whole book. So, I’m glad to hear that it wasn’t drawn out in this story.
kimbacaffeinate
Nope, this was well done, Kristin.
Sophia Rose
It’s in the next room, just sitting there waiting for me. And I know I’ll really enjoy it after reading your thoughts on the situation and pair here. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Oh go get it, it is calling you!
Deborah Haupt
Great review Kim, I’m not a fan of drama and angst either but I do think sometimes they fit better in historicals merely because of the situations. You’ve convinced me to put this on my wish list
kimbacaffeinate
This was delightful!
Nick
I’m so glad you enjoyed this one, Kim. I adore Julia Quinn’s books. They always leave me with a happy glow because they are so charming. I do wish they would be a bit more steamier than they are? But really that’s not a legit complaint, because her books have such great romances!
Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
I can go either way with the steam, and she does give you plenty of feels and laughs.
Angela
I’ve heard so many great things about this book and your review confirms them. I need to read more Quinn.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh, you do Angela. I am starting on the second soon!
Vanessa
Haven’t tried historical romance this year, and I think I’ll add another book in my already-swarming TBR lol. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I hope you start with Quinn. Her characters are such fun!
kindlemom1
Gotta love a strong feisty heroine and a fake love that turns into something else. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Right. So good!
Cyn
The Duke and I was my first Julia Quinn and I absolutely adored it! I’m glad to hear the second time around it was still awesome and the narration was good! I love the little epilogues! Great review, Kim!
Nadene
To be honest I am a bit wary about audio books, but after reading your review I am kind thinking I may give it a try. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
kimbacaffeinate
Nadene, I felt the same way two years ago. Now I am an addict. It takes a little while, you need to train your brain to listen. In the beginning, I would sit and listen. Now I can multitask and listen. I even listen in the shower! I recommend started with a favorite author or genre.
cindy
great review and I need to read this book and author! You always have great books for my shelf! Thanks so much 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Cindy. This was a lot of fun.
Marsha Ingrao
Well done review. I haven’t thought about review the audio portion of the book. I loved that. Audio books make them come alive. Thanks for sharing this. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thank you Marsha, yes publishers send audio copies for review. Readers want to know about the narrator and story.
Marsha Ingrao
That is very cool! I’m definitely checking into doing that. I love audio books. Love your website!
blodeuedd
I liked it 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yes!
Melliane
I always heard a lot of great things about her books! I need to try one day
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you pick it up Melliane