I have my free time tonight so I'll try to write a more detailed review.

Julia Quinn is one of the queens of historical romance. I really liked her writing style. There's enough mixture of old-school formality and contemporary that makes it compulsively readable. I also liked the way the Bridgertons were introduced. This is Daphne's book, but we also get to know majority of her siblings—Anthony up to Colin. And when I say siblings, I say dynamics! These people have good chemistry with each other, and their personalities, although not yet explored thoroughly, appeared to be unique from each other.

The banters in this book are also amazing. I giggled a few times, and I tried taking notes on some of the lines I really enjoyed. The chemistry between Simon and Daphne is enjoyable, the way their relationship blossoms is slow but realistic. Although I have noticed that the declaration of love seems a bit shallow—I wasn't really convinced that they would LOVE each other because the things they do for love are not that deep and profound for me—the romance is cute and a bit swoony.

BUT everything seems to crumble when they get married all the way to that horrible rape scene.

Simon says he CANNOT have children. Then Daphne discovers Simon's emotional trauma from his father. I get Simon's action in here but he not being truly honest with Daphne and he used Daphne's naivety and innocence in sex to somehow be in control of their relationship. So in return Daphne thinks Simon is being unreasonable because at first she thought he was impotent, then it turns out, he was just afraid that if he had a child, that baby would have the same fate as his. Realization dawns to Daphne when Simon comes outside during their sex—on the sheets—instead inside her. Then one night, after their fight, Simon went home drunk and they had sex. Daphne was sober, she was in control, she was straddling him, being the dominant on top. When Simon felt that he was about to climax, he said to Daphne that he didn't wanna do it, but Daphne insisted anyways and took advantage of Simon's drunkenness. Simon came inside her. I understand Daphne's reasoning here. She thought that she could FIX Simon, that she could make Simon understand that his father won't win, should he have a child. BUT what I didn't like in here was that Daphne didn't face consequences from her actions. Maybe it's because of the timeline. Men, during those times, especially if you are married, ARE NOT IN ANY WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM suitable of complaining to be abused or molested. Although he said to her that she took advantage of him, the next day, Simon left and Daphne returned to her home. And then Simon realized that he loves her and he wants her back, with another assumption that she could be pregnant because of this misinterpretation with Daphne's letter. Then Simon went to Daphne's house, declaration of love, realization that maybe she's right—that his father won't be able to control him from the grave—and happy ever after. What about Daphne? Did she even realize that what she did was wrong? I don't think so.

So here I am conflicted. Personally, that rape scene disturbed me but I did understand Daphne's psyche. So I dunno, three stars it is. Because the entire book was a 4 star, just that scene bumped the rating down.

As you can see, I have read the 2nd book (which I am yet to write a review), and I am currently reading the third book. I will finish the series, and that's a self-pledge, before watching the Netflix show.