Book 1 The Bridgertons
Simon Basset, Duke Of Hastings, returns to England and is bombarded by matchmaking mamas. After his late father practically disowned him as a child because he has a speech impediment, he has vowed never to marry, and plans to to be the last in the Basset line.
Daphne Bridgerton wants to marry and have children, but is tired of her lack of success. To help each other out, they agree to feign an attachment. That way, she will appear desirable to other gentleman, while he gets a break from the matchmaking mothers of the ton. As always, things don’t go to plan.
This is the first book in the very popular Bridgerton series and I’m surprised I have not read it before. The Bridgertons are a large brood, and they are all very loveable and amusing. They make the book very enjoyable and I look forward to reading each of their stories.
I really did enjoy this story. The conflict between the characters was inevitable, but there was one area that soured my love of Daphne and Simon. I don’t want to spoil it for other readers, but I did not like it when she “seduced” him when he was still drunk.
She took something from him without his consent, knowing full well he did not want to give it to her. If it was a man treating a woman in this way would it be deemed okay because it was something he wanted, but she did not? Of course not.
Then he ran away. The whole scenario involved childish behaviour on both their parts. Eventually, they both realise their mistake, regret their actions, and managed to win me over, although others may disagree.
I loved it when her brothers turned up and demanded evidence that he loves her. He finally opens his heart before them all and says:
‘“I didn’t want a wife, I didn’t want a family, and I definitely didn’t want to fall in love.” He brushed his mouth softly against hers, sending shivers down both of their bodies. “But what I found”—his lips touched hers again—“much to my dismay”—and again—“was that it’s quite impossible not to love you.”’
Despite my reservations about Daphne’s actions, this was an enjoyable read and I particularly liked the additional second epilogue in this edition which confirmed the HEA for them all.
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Feels: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
