Author: Julia Quinn,
Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction
Personal Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 out of 5 stars)
I wasn’t a fan of romance-centered novels before I read Bridgerton and now I have been converted. I didn’t even know that I can enjoy reading regal romance since it took me a while to read Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen) and I wasn’t particularly fond of the overall writing feel. Of course, that was a product of its own time so I’m really glad that the Bridgerton books had a sense of modernism in them enough to enjoy it.
I love a lot of things about this book.
First of all, Daphne, although conditioned by society that marriage is the most important thing a young woman can do in her lifetime, actually had deeper motivations for why she wanted to get married in her first year of being presented to the court. The more we get a glimpse of the Bridgerton household, the more it made sense. Although the modern movement for women is focused more on being able to do anything aside from being a housewife, this was a great reminder that having the ultimate goal of being a loving mother does not make anyone less of a woman and is actually an integral part of a harmonious society. Daphne adored her parents’ relationship and she wanted nothing more than to have the same. If all mothers can aspire to be that, imagine how many less abused children the world can have.
Secondly, the Duke’s character was also fleshed out really well. I am amazed at how the dialogue showed Simon’s exterior – cool, collected, someone who’s concerned about his image due to his position, but playful around his close circle like Anthony and Lady Danbury. But most of all, you’ll feel the mood switch when his thoughts around his upbringing motivate his actions.
Third, the writer did an amazing job of introducing characters as they matter in the story. The rest of the Bridgerton siblings were barely highlighted because they didn’t need to be; except of course the elder Bridgerton male siblings who participated in protecting her honor and their mother. I didn’t feel overloaded no matter how many characters were introduced. I was reminded of the time I read Crazy Rich Asians and how I got so tired of reading brand names, company relations, and relatives that would literally fill an entire paragraph or more. Bridgerton’s author gives brief introductions and would only be needed an extension to maintain that regal tone.
Fourth, I feel like every reader who loved this will agree with me when I say that you just can’t help falling in love with the Bridgerton siblings. I find myself smiling at their interactions a lot. They feel like a real family who banters yet love each other so deeply. It’s also really wise to make them stand out by characterizing their chestnut hair and how they’re consistently described as looking similar to each other. It builds the external perspective really well.
Lastly, it’s a bonus because I didn’t really expect it, but the sexual scenes were really well-written. I find it uncomfortable to read those a lot of times but in this book, the build-up was so sneakily and wonderfully done that it didn’t make me uncomfortable to read at all. It seemed natural and, dare I say, really intense.
I’m definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I feel a little desperate of getting more Bridgerton content because they really are a fun family to be with.
Favorite Quote(s):
“I-I’ve always known that I wasn’t the sort of woman men dream of, but I never thought anyone would prefer death to marriage with me.”
― Daphne Bridgerton, The Duke and I
The Stray Reader 
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