Bridgerton – The Duke & I, by Julia Quinn

It is interesting going to the source material of the epic Netflix series success. It’s possibly harsh to judge the first book as a standalone, given Shonda Rhimes had all eight books of the series to draw on. Book one focuses in on the primary relationship between the eldest Miss Bridgerton, Daphne, and Simon, the Duke of Hastings. Although Daphne’s mother and three elder brothers feature in the story, her younger siblings are barely mentioned. There is enough here to eliminate aspersions of a Jane Austen, or even a Georgette Heyer wannabe. Yes, it is a regency romance, but there is more to it. Undeniably sexy, the story quietly champions women and their right to autonomy and choices about their own bodies. There are a few jarring Americanisms and the continual threats of violence between the men is a bit overdone, but the book is mostly true to the period. The downside of this new edition of the book is that, as well as its original epilogue an extended one has been added that contains significant spoilers to future books. This is totally unnecessary and really annoying.