Like the rest of the world, I devoured season one of Bridgerton when it came out. My friend and I watched it together via FaceTime during lockdown, and we were absolutely obsessed with Daphne and Simon. I mean, how can you not be? I didn't watch season 2 because Anthony in season one annoyed me so much, and as a younger sister I don't really believe in redemption for know-it-all older brothers. But now, with season 3 released, I know I need to catch up. Recently, said friend read the first Bridgerton book and highly recommended it, and I thought, Why not? I have a library card.

The Duke and I very much exists in the realm of historical romance of the 2000s. That's not an insult, just a statement so that readers know how much spice to expect. There's maybe three sex scenes in this book, and the first one doesn't occur until almost half through the book. Bridgerton as a show is much spicier, but The Duke and I still succeeds at building a romance filled with tension and longing. I found myself preferring book Daphne, who is more girl next door than diamond. Also, book Anthony is so much better that you have to wonder why the show committed so much characters assassination on him in season 1. Also, the Bridgerton family is way more active in the books than the show, which is incredibly fun. I lived for any Bridgerton family interaction.

The stuff that is controversial in the show is more so in the books, but what struck me was how much the books emphasize how little Daphne actually knew about sex. I know that's mentioned in the show, but it's more discussed in The Duke and I.

I will definitely continue in the Bridgerton series. I'm waiting on book 2 so I can listen to it and then watch Anthony's season. If you're a fan of historical romance, you'll like this. If you're a die-hard Bridgerton fan who wants more content, you'll also like this. But if you're looking for an incredibly spicy read, this is not for you!