The Duke & I - The Bridgertons - Book 1

Simon Basset, the irresistible Duke of Hastings, has just returned to London after six years traveling the world. Rich, handsome and single, he is a perfect fit for high society mothers, who only think about finding a good match for their daughters.

Simon, however, has a firm intention of never getting married. So, to free yourself from the clutches of these women, you need a foolproof plan.

That's when Daphne Bridgerton, his best friend's younger sister, enters the scene. Although she is witty and has a striking personality, all the men who are interested in her are too old, unintelligent or devoid of any type of charm. And those who have the potential to be good husbands only see her as a good friend.

Simon's idea is to pretend to court her. This way, in one fell swoop, he will be able to fend off young women obsessed with a husband and attract several suitors for Daphne. After all, if a duke is interested in her, the young woman must have more attractions than she appears.

But as their charade unfolds, Simon's wicked smile and lust-filled eyes make it increasingly difficult for Daphne to remember that it's all just an act. Now, she needs to do the impossible to not fall in love with this inveterate conqueror who has an aversion to everything she wants most in life.

The first of nine books in the Bridgertons series, The Duke and I is a beautiful story about the power of love, told with Julia Quinn's trademark sharp sense of humor and sensitivity.