The Duke and I

The first novel in Julia Quinn`s worldwide bestselling Bridgerton novels, now a series created by Shondaland for Netflix. This is the story of Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke: welcome to the ballrooms of Regency London . . . ________________________________________ Can there be any greater challenge to London`s Ambitious Mamas than an unmarried duke? Lady Whistledown`s Society Papers, April 1813 By all accounts, Simon Basset is on the verge of proposing to his best friend`s sister, the lovely - and almost-on-the-shelf - Daphne Bridgerton. But the two of them know the truth - it`s all an elaborate plan to keep Simon free from marriage-minded society mothers. And as for Daphne, surely she will attract some worthy suitors now that it seems a duke has declared her desirable . . . Their ruse works like a charm - at first. But as Daphne waltzes across ballroom after ballroom with Simon, it`s hard to remember that their courtship is a complete sham. Maybe it`s his devilish smile, certainly it`s the way his eyes seem to burn every time he looks at her. It wasn`t the plan, but it seems she`s falling for the duke, for real. And amidst the glittering, gossipy, cut-throat world of London`s elite, there is only one certainty: love ignores every rule . . .