: Their sham relationship quickly becomes real, but Simon’s traumatic past and his vow never to sire an heir—driven by spite toward his late father—threaten their future together. Critical Reception Go to product viewer dialog for this item. The Duke and I
Set in 1813 London, the story follows , a young woman beloved for her wit but struggling to find a suitor who sees her as more than a "good friend". She enters a mutually beneficial "fake courtship" with Simon Basset , the brooding Duke of Hastings.
Julia Quinn's is the first novel in the beloved Bridgerton series, blending witty banter, Regency-era scandal, and the popular "fake dating" trope. Originally published in 2000, it gained renewed global popularity following its 2020 Netflix adaptation. Plot Overview
: For Simon, the fake romance deters marriage-minded mothers; for Daphne, appearing desirable to a duke boosts her social standing and attracts other suitors.