"The Duke and I," the first book in the Bridgerton book series, just like the first season of the Netflix adaptation, centers on Daphne Bridgerton, the eldest daughter and fourth-eldest Bridgerton sibling. Daphne has been "out" in society for a couple of seasons and, while well-liked, seems to be viewed as a friend rather than a potential wife by most eligible suitors.
When she crosses paths with Simon, the newly returned Duke of Hastings, the unlikely pair realize they can help one another. They'll fake a courtship to improve Daphne's prospects and to ward off the meddling mamas pushing their daughters at Simon — but as any fan of the "fake dating" trope expects, the line soon gets blurred between their fake relationships and real feelings.
