Have you heard of the Bridgerton family? Would you enjoy reading a love story written in the 19th century? Well, I have a story for you! “The Duke and I” is written by Julia Quinn and it follows the forbidden love story of the Duke and the fourth Bridgerton child and first daughter Daphne Bridgerton.

First of all, I know I am late to this party. But it’s better late than never! Right??

Daphne’s mother, Violet, is on the hunt for Daphne’s future husband, and Daphne doesn’t want anything to do with her mother’s plans. All the while, Simon, the Duke of Hastings, has returned to London after some time away, just enough to save Daphne, the most annoying suitor of them all and one who doesn’t know how to take no for an answer. This ultimately saves the day. Daphne soon realizes that she could use the help of Simon and convinces the Duke of Hastings to start a fake relationship with her.

However, with all great fake love plots, something always has to go wrong. Daphne’s oldest brother finds out and forces the young Duke to prose marriage to his sister for real. The Duke agrees just with one condition. No Children!

Even though this story was based in the 19th century, and yes, it had a lot of the correct gender roles for that time. I did appreciate the elements of women empowerment and the times when Daphne held her ground and stayed true to herself. Also, the compromising parts were where both Daphne and Simon talked their issues out and came to agreements together. I am also just a sucker for a good love story with drama, and this book had it all!! Drama and love! What could possibly go wrong?