And we're back with another "Things Netflix Made me Read." But seriously, this TV show and this book have been everywhere so I just had to pick it up. This was also my first dive into historical romance and I am not too sure how I feel...specifically with this one.
Synopsis: Daphne Bridgerton is 1 of 8 Bridgertons living in high society London in the 1800s. She is out in society looking for a love-match meanwhile the Duke of Hastings, Simon, is sworn against marriage. The two make a deal to fake a courtship to keep the matchmakers at bay for Simon and to draw attention and suitors to Daphne. But it doesn't seem to just be pretend forever.
Plot: Okay, so I'm just going to come out and say it. *TRIGGER ALERT/SPOILER ALERT* Why would you ruin a perfectly good romance with a rape scene? Honestly why? I don't blame Netflix for taking creative liberties because this was shocking and completely unexpected. I was all for the banter and longing and relationship between Simon and Daphne and then she has to go and ruin it. That is all I have to say for plot, romance's aren't generally plot heavy as I have mentioned before but this was just a huge letdown. This would have been a 3.5 star read if it wasn't for that. I even considered DNFing the book simply because of that, but it was in the last 15% so I powered through.
Characters: The whole first half of the book Daphne is witty and knowledgable and holds her own while "not being like other girls." But then, she takes a complete 180 and makes horrible decisions and is totally ignorant. She is a completely unknowing about sex and marriage (which I don't think is just a time period thing but is just a Daphne thing) and then willing marries a man knowing he doesn't want kids, but decides to force it on him anyway once she learns how to do so. Afterwards she doesn't feel any remorse for what she did to Simon, someone she supposedly loves. It's disgusting and completely ruins all like-ability Daphne had. Simon on the other hand, our hero and rake, is alright I suppose. He is a perfectly likable character with a troublesome past that is interesting to read about and see him work through. But that being said, he is also stupid for kissing Daphne to begin with when he knew what the consequences would be and knowing that he didn't want to marry. Bottom line: the characters are stupid and Daphne is the worst.
I am so disappointed with this read. I was really hoping to like it since the Netflix show is so great but that wasn't the case. I am also however, currently reading the second book in the Bridgerton series and unfortunately am not liking it either...super dull read. So I believe this is the end of me and the Bridgetons in book form. Maybe I just didn't pick up the right historical romance?
2/5 stars.
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