The Duke and I

Description

In Regency-era London, the elusive Duke of Hastings devises a clever scheme to escape the relentless pursuit of marriage-minded society mothers by pretending to court the spirited debutante Daphne Bridgerton. What begins as a mutually beneficial arrangement—allowing Simon to maintain his freedom while elevating Daphne's desirability in the marriage market—soon becomes dangerously complicated as genuine feelings threaten to upend their carefully constructed deception. As Daphne finds herself captivated by the brooding duke's charm and intensity, she must navigate the impossible task of guarding her heart against a man who has sworn never to marry. Julia Quinn masterfully weaves wit, romance, and emotional depth into this enchanting tale of two people discovering that the best-laid plans often crumble in the face of unexpected love. A delightful debut that launched the beloved Bridgerton series, this novel captures the magic of falling in love when you least expect it.