Publication
Berkley, c2019.
Status
Available
Description
Fiction. Literature. Romance. Historical Fiction. HTML:�??Dunmore is my new find in historical romance. Her A League of Extraordinary Women series is, well, extraordinary.�?��??Julia Quinn, #1 New York Times bestselling author �??With her sterling debut, Evie Dunmore dives into a fresh new space in historical romance that hits all the right notes.�?��??Entertainment Weekly A stunning debut for author Evie Dunmore and her Oxford suffragists in which a fiercely independent vicar's daughter takes on a powerful duke in a fiery love story that threatens to upend the British social order. England, 1879. Annabelle Archer, the brilliant but destitute daughter of a country vicar, has earned herself a place among the first cohort of female students at the renowned University of Oxford. In return for her scholarship, she must support the rising women's suffrage movement. Her charge: recruit men of influence to champion their cause. Her target: Sebastian Devereux, the cold and calculating Duke of Montgomery who steers Britain's politics at the Queen's command. Her challenge: not to give in to the powerful attraction she can't deny for the man who opposes everything she stands for. Sebastian is appalled to find a suffragist squad has infiltrated his ducal home, but the real threat is his impossible feelings for green-eyed beauty Annabelle. He is looking for a wife of equal standing to secure the legacy he has worked so hard to rebuild, not an outspoken commoner who could never be his duchess. But he wouldn't be the greatest strategist of the Kingdom if he couldn't claim this alluring bluestocking without the promise of a ring...or could he? Locked in a battle with rising passion and a will matching her own, Annabelle will learn just what it takes to topple a duke.... �??There is nothing quite so satisfying as seeing such a man brought to his knees by a beautiful woman with nothing to her name except an inviolable sense of her own self… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member WhiskeyintheJar
3.7 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
In 1870s Victorian England, Annabelle didn't have a lot options when her father dies and is forced to live with her cousin who treats her like help he
Having to take over the Dukedom at the age of nineteen, that his father did his best to gamble away, Sebastian has always felt the heavy weight of responsibility. The Queen has personally asked him to be strategic advisory for the Tory party and he never shirks his duties. When a suffragette boldly approaches him, she definitely catches his attention.
In a time where societal strictures are felt everywhere, Annabelle and Sebastian are going to have to decide what consequences they're willing to face to follow their hearts.
“Fortunately, an old spinster from the country should be quite safe from any scandals,” she said brightly, “even at Oxford.”
The first in the League of Extraordinary Women series and Evie Dunmore's debut, Bringing Down the Duke was a romantic but grounded historical romance. Annabelle's set-up could be any number of women's story from this time period and the consequences of her wanting to pursue her dreams and snatch any kind of freedom for herself are never far from her mind. Becoming friends with and joining the Suffragettes is dangerous for her but fighting to amend the Married Women's Act and wanting the right to vote is essential to the freedom she craves. I loved how the author kept Annabelle grounded in reality and while this kept the tone from being light and airy, it also gave the character and setting the gravitas it deserved; acknowledging the danger and societal norms they were pushing against only gives more feeling to what these women did. Annabelle was courageous with what seems like a simple act of handing out pamphlets (the author does a fantastic job of differentiating how the consequences were different for commoner Annabelle and her nobility friends) and wisely wary of what a relationship with a Duke would mean for her.
This was intimacy, knowing he could look this way. Very few people would ever see him like this, Montgomery the man, not the duke. How she wished he were only a man.
Due to Sebastian's background of given such a heavy burden at such a young age, he is more closed off. I would have liked a little more depth to his background to be seen on page, especially regards to his first wife (we get a little more much later on in the story) and more with his younger brother. He's a cool customer and we get glimpses at how strong his heart beats but I think he could have been fleshed out more.
Annabelle and Sebastian's relationship is more of a slow burn and given their positions and situations, this fits perfectly. The spark of attraction is there when their eyes meet but they're forced to do more of a reach for and retreat, which creates some great burning for. The very real obstacles of a Duke and a commoner having a relationship provided the angst and I loved how the author handled this with an authenticity that, I personally, feel has been missing from historical romances lately. It is the very reality that make this fairy tale romantic.
“Don’t,” he said hoarsely, “don’t throw away what we have just because you cannot have everything.”
Secondary characters like Annabelle's friends, Hattie, Lucie, and Catriona, Sebastian's brother Lord Devereux, a wicked Lord Ballentine, and a Queen Victoria, who reminds us not all women are part of the sisterhood, round out the story well. We will obviously see some of these secondary characters again (Lucie the leader of the suffragettes and the rakish Ballentine look to be next up) but the author did a good job giving us just enough to entice and not have them clog or steal from Annabelle and Sebastian's story.
She knew then that she would never be able to unsee him again.
I thought the first half had some shorter and choppier sentences that broke up some of the flow of the story, background depth was at times missing from the characters, and I thought it took too long to see and feel the heart of Sebastian. However, this felt truly grounded in a historical romance sense and Annabelle's struggles with following her heart, rather due to laws, consequences, or fear, will have you fighting the emotion back. This debut will definitely have me waiting in anticipation of the next in the series.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
In 1870s Victorian England, Annabelle didn't have a lot options when her father dies and is forced to live with her cousin who treats her like help he
Show More
doesn't have to pay. When a former friend of her father and professor from Oxford who she has been corresponding with offers a scholarship to their women's college, she works out a plan to attend. There she joins up with the National Society for Women's Suffrage, makes friends, see's a pathway to gaining any smidgen of freedom, and meets a Duke.Having to take over the Dukedom at the age of nineteen, that his father did his best to gamble away, Sebastian has always felt the heavy weight of responsibility. The Queen has personally asked him to be strategic advisory for the Tory party and he never shirks his duties. When a suffragette boldly approaches him, she definitely catches his attention.
In a time where societal strictures are felt everywhere, Annabelle and Sebastian are going to have to decide what consequences they're willing to face to follow their hearts.
“Fortunately, an old spinster from the country should be quite safe from any scandals,” she said brightly, “even at Oxford.”
The first in the League of Extraordinary Women series and Evie Dunmore's debut, Bringing Down the Duke was a romantic but grounded historical romance. Annabelle's set-up could be any number of women's story from this time period and the consequences of her wanting to pursue her dreams and snatch any kind of freedom for herself are never far from her mind. Becoming friends with and joining the Suffragettes is dangerous for her but fighting to amend the Married Women's Act and wanting the right to vote is essential to the freedom she craves. I loved how the author kept Annabelle grounded in reality and while this kept the tone from being light and airy, it also gave the character and setting the gravitas it deserved; acknowledging the danger and societal norms they were pushing against only gives more feeling to what these women did. Annabelle was courageous with what seems like a simple act of handing out pamphlets (the author does a fantastic job of differentiating how the consequences were different for commoner Annabelle and her nobility friends) and wisely wary of what a relationship with a Duke would mean for her.
This was intimacy, knowing he could look this way. Very few people would ever see him like this, Montgomery the man, not the duke. How she wished he were only a man.
Due to Sebastian's background of given such a heavy burden at such a young age, he is more closed off. I would have liked a little more depth to his background to be seen on page, especially regards to his first wife (we get a little more much later on in the story) and more with his younger brother. He's a cool customer and we get glimpses at how strong his heart beats but I think he could have been fleshed out more.
Annabelle and Sebastian's relationship is more of a slow burn and given their positions and situations, this fits perfectly. The spark of attraction is there when their eyes meet but they're forced to do more of a reach for and retreat, which creates some great burning for. The very real obstacles of a Duke and a commoner having a relationship provided the angst and I loved how the author handled this with an authenticity that, I personally, feel has been missing from historical romances lately. It is the very reality that make this fairy tale romantic.
“Don’t,” he said hoarsely, “don’t throw away what we have just because you cannot have everything.”
Secondary characters like Annabelle's friends, Hattie, Lucie, and Catriona, Sebastian's brother Lord Devereux, a wicked Lord Ballentine, and a Queen Victoria, who reminds us not all women are part of the sisterhood, round out the story well. We will obviously see some of these secondary characters again (Lucie the leader of the suffragettes and the rakish Ballentine look to be next up) but the author did a good job giving us just enough to entice and not have them clog or steal from Annabelle and Sebastian's story.
She knew then that she would never be able to unsee him again.
I thought the first half had some shorter and choppier sentences that broke up some of the flow of the story, background depth was at times missing from the characters, and I thought it took too long to see and feel the heart of Sebastian. However, this felt truly grounded in a historical romance sense and Annabelle's struggles with following her heart, rather due to laws, consequences, or fear, will have you fighting the emotion back. This debut will definitely have me waiting in anticipation of the next in the series.
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LibraryThing member eyes.2c
A classy read!
Well what a satisfying read by debut writer Evie Dunmore.
I cheered for Annabelle Archer, intelligently gifted vicar's daughter as she struggled to make her dreams come true. An education at Oxford. It's 1879 and that august institution has just opened its doors to women. I chafed at
And Annabelle's involvement with the suffragettes!
(I love any stories that point out these amazing women. We stand on their shoulders with the right to vote and to hold property, and to not be property, because of their sacrifices, even unto death.)
Annabelle has been charged with targeting Sebastian Devereux, the rather frightening Duke of Montgomery to the cause. Meanwhile Sebastian has been charged by Queen Victoria to work to bring Disraeli back into power in the upcoming election.
Victoria's disgust of the suffragettes is total. (Which to our modern way of thinking is totally strange. But then Victoria saw the gulf between royalty and the commoner as something ordained by God. So not even on her radar is the discrepancy that one of the most powerful people on the planet at this time being a woman.)
Naturally Sebastian and Annabelle are on course for a resounding head on collision.
And that contact leaves both of them shaken. From this grows a story that has quite a few surprises and gigantic heart.
Well researched, grounding the novel in reality. Coupled with a depth of emotion, all the ingredients to make this a winner!
A Berkley Group ARC via NetGalley
Well what a satisfying read by debut writer Evie Dunmore.
I cheered for Annabelle Archer, intelligently gifted vicar's daughter as she struggled to make her dreams come true. An education at Oxford. It's 1879 and that august institution has just opened its doors to women. I chafed at
Show More
the burdens Annabelle was forced to endure as the daughter of a deceased vicar whose livelihood now depended upon her brother. Now she was not only poor, but a cheap downtrodden worker without any recourse, for that same opined brother?And Annabelle's involvement with the suffragettes!
(I love any stories that point out these amazing women. We stand on their shoulders with the right to vote and to hold property, and to not be property, because of their sacrifices, even unto death.)
Annabelle has been charged with targeting Sebastian Devereux, the rather frightening Duke of Montgomery to the cause. Meanwhile Sebastian has been charged by Queen Victoria to work to bring Disraeli back into power in the upcoming election.
Victoria's disgust of the suffragettes is total. (Which to our modern way of thinking is totally strange. But then Victoria saw the gulf between royalty and the commoner as something ordained by God. So not even on her radar is the discrepancy that one of the most powerful people on the planet at this time being a woman.)
Naturally Sebastian and Annabelle are on course for a resounding head on collision.
And that contact leaves both of them shaken. From this grows a story that has quite a few surprises and gigantic heart.
Well researched, grounding the novel in reality. Coupled with a depth of emotion, all the ingredients to make this a winner!
A Berkley Group ARC via NetGalley
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LibraryThing member ecataldi
A historical romance that is not only witty, but a tad bit steamy too! Certain plot lines read right out of a Jane Austen novel, but that only served to make the book more enjoyable! In her mid-twenties, Annabelle is practically a spinster, she convinces her closest relations to let her study at
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Oxford (now that women can attend) and finds herself getting more and more involved in the women's suffragette movement. While she's busy trying to recruit men to the cause she stumbles into Duke Montgomery, a dashing and infuriating man. Even though he is far above her station they keep finding their paths crossing. He is so insufferably attractive and witty; it would be easier if she could just hate the man and move on with her life. Soon they are both wanting to rip off each others clothes, but Annabelle has a lot more to lose if a scandal occurs. Charming, steamy, and unerringly witty; a nice romantic read. Show Less
LibraryThing member schatzi
I read this book because it had a lot of buzz. Usually the "buzzy" books end up being books I don't like for various reasons, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It definitely deserves all of the hype.
First off, I loved the character of Annabelle (the heroine). She wasfor example, turning down Sebastian's proposal to be his mistress ). I also adored her friends and fellow suffragettes, and I'm looking forward to reading their stories in the future.
I also loved the hero of the story, Sebastian (the Duke in the title). You can see him grow as a character throughout the book, and it's fun to watch. He goes from being an extremely overbearing, controlling type who can't show any emotions,to just doing what he wants when he wants and enjoying life a little .
There were a couple of problems (the biggest one for me was the forms of address, which were often incorrect), but that didn't bother me enough to ding it any stars.
Recommended.
First off, I loved the character of Annabelle (the heroine). She was
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true to herself in a time when it was extremely difficult to be, and she wasn't afraid to do what she wanted (going to Oxford, for example) and refused to compromise her values (I also loved the hero of the story, Sebastian (the Duke in the title). You can see him grow as a character throughout the book, and it's fun to watch. He goes from being an extremely overbearing, controlling type who can't show any emotions,
There were a couple of problems (the biggest one for me was the forms of address, which were often incorrect), but that didn't bother me enough to ding it any stars.
Recommended.
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LibraryThing member kimkimkim
This was a little bit nice,
a little bit of fun,
a little bit of historical significance,
a little lesson in the Bluestocking movement
set in Victorian England
AND
a lot racy.
a little bit of fun,
a little bit of historical significance,
a little lesson in the Bluestocking movement
set in Victorian England
AND
a lot racy.
LibraryThing member libraryhead
Entertaining. Good chemistry. Some laughably anachronistic dialogue ("It is what it is"?). Secondary characters so underdeveloped I kept forgetting who they were.
LibraryThing member julienne_preacher
At first, I was enthralled by the writing, but everything else seemed way too contrived to please me. After reading through one third of this book, I was captivated. It has been described as Jane Austen with sex, and in my opinion there's nothing wrong with that. My problem with this novel is that
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the description and the cover led me to believe it's a witty but lighthearted romance, when in fact the novel is quite serious and emotional with concerns of gender and class. I ended up (crying and) loving the book, but it (mostly the crying) wasn't what I was looking for when I started. Show Less
LibraryThing member mplantenga11
Based on the summary and reviews I read, I thought this novel would be the classic "royal man falls in love with peasant girl but can't have her because of his family status". While that is mostly true for this story, the way it was told and the way the main characters handled their problems made
Overall this was a good story and a quick read. The romance was a little overplayed, but I don't typically read romance novels so maybe I'm just not used to it. I'm looking forward to the second book in the series that will follow Lucie.
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it unique. It was refreshing to see that it was mostly Annabelle, the lowly country girl, who opposed the marriage even though it would make her a duchess.Overall this was a good story and a quick read. The romance was a little overplayed, but I don't typically read romance novels so maybe I'm just not used to it. I'm looking forward to the second book in the series that will follow Lucie.
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LibraryThing member kglattstein
3.5 stars Enjoyable romance set in Victorian England. I haven't read a traditional romance in a long time and found this book an entertaining quick escape. If you are a political activist in women's rights - don't be fooled by the book description. If you have ever wished to be swept away by a
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"knight in shining armor" who can accept that you have independent thoughts and dreams - then pick this one up and enjoy. My 3.5 stars reflect that it was very light on the historical setting and a little too much on the romantic interludes. However, it definitely will appeal to any who wants a romance novel. Show Less
LibraryThing member SJGirl
Fun, feminist, and genuinely romantic.
An Oxford student at a time when it was fairly uncommon for women, Annabelle is active in the suffragist movement which leads to a somewhat icy meet cute with the Duke of Montgomery. Annabelle and Sebastian come from different social standings and find
One of the most impressive things this book manages is the balancing act between the serious fight for equal rights and the more lighthearted aspects of this story found in the friendships and the romance, those tonal shifts were handled seamlessly.
I really enjoyed Annabelle and Sebastian, her intelligence and independence, and how he’s this powerful presence yet doesn’t wield his power in an obnoxious way. I loved that his gestures towards her, anything he does for her, it always came from such a thoughtful place and something thoughtful is always a thousand times more romantic than something that’s just about expense.
While things wound up working out easier in the end than the angst leading up to it implied it might, I’m certainly not complaining about a happy ever after for this couple, especially a happily ever after that didn’t require the heroine to make concessions on what she wants in life.
An Oxford student at a time when it was fairly uncommon for women, Annabelle is active in the suffragist movement which leads to a somewhat icy meet cute with the Duke of Montgomery. Annabelle and Sebastian come from different social standings and find
Show More
themselves on opposite sides politically and yet they are very, very drawn to one another. One of the most impressive things this book manages is the balancing act between the serious fight for equal rights and the more lighthearted aspects of this story found in the friendships and the romance, those tonal shifts were handled seamlessly.
I really enjoyed Annabelle and Sebastian, her intelligence and independence, and how he’s this powerful presence yet doesn’t wield his power in an obnoxious way. I loved that his gestures towards her, anything he does for her, it always came from such a thoughtful place and something thoughtful is always a thousand times more romantic than something that’s just about expense.
While things wound up working out easier in the end than the angst leading up to it implied it might, I’m certainly not complaining about a happy ever after for this couple, especially a happily ever after that didn’t require the heroine to make concessions on what she wants in life.
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LibraryThing member Narshkite
Sweet and fun. I thought in the beginning that this might stray from a typical romance more into historical fiction, but it did not do that. This is not a dig -- I love romance and am not particularly attracted to historical fiction though I like some -- I just think its worth mentioning. I liked
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both the hero and heroine quite a bit. This is full of pretty, smart, socially and politically active people getting to swoon. That is just what I want in a romance. Show Less
LibraryThing member samnreader
I ate this up. Looking forward to more from this author.
LibraryThing member N.W.Moors
Annabelle Archer has earned a place among the first female students at Oxford University. She is a member of the suffragette movement and comes to the attention of Sebastien Devereau, Duke of Montgomery, whose support is needed for their cause. He's busy looking for the perfect wife: beautiful, of
This is one of those books that Amazon keeps recommending to me, and I resisted, not sure it was a romance for me, but I finally gave in and loved it.
The couple have lots of chemistry, and their romance is a lot of fun. The suffragette history added in was enough to be interesting, adding plot complications, but doesn't detract from the romance. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next in the series.
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his class, and docile, and can't be bothered with the commoner daughter of a vicar. This is one of those books that Amazon keeps recommending to me, and I resisted, not sure it was a romance for me, but I finally gave in and loved it.
The couple have lots of chemistry, and their romance is a lot of fun. The suffragette history added in was enough to be interesting, adding plot complications, but doesn't detract from the romance. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next in the series.
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LibraryThing member scoutmomskf
Terrific book. Rather than being a typical Regency romance set among the aristocracy, this one takes a different road. The story takes place near the end of Victorian times, at the beginning of the suffragist movement, as they try to get the Women's Property Act amended. Most men are adamantly
The heroine of the story, Annabelle Archer, is the daughter of a vicar. Upon his death, she is left destitute and reduced to being an unpaid servant for her cousin. Thanks to a friend of her father's, the brilliant Annabelle earned a scholarship to the first class of women at Oxford. As part of that scholarship, she must support the suffrage movement by recruiting powerful men to their cause. For her first attempt, she confronts Sebastian, Duke of Montgomery, the most powerful duke in England.
Sebastian became the duke at the age of nineteen when his father drowned in a puddle while drunk. He was left with a dukedom near bankruptcy thanks to his father's gambling and mismanagement. Now thirty-five, Sebastian is well-known for his cold and aloof bearing, and his ability to intimidate with just a look. He's taken aback by Annabelle's actions but tries to put her out of his mind.
The development of the relationship between Annabelle and Sebastian was not an easy one. It gets off to a rough start when Sebastian misunderstands her presence at a house party given by his younger brother. Once that is straightened out, Sebastian and Annabelle have a chance to get to know each other. The spark of attraction that they felt at their first meeting is still there, and their interactions only make them stronger. I loved their banter, as Anabelle's intelligence and wit intrigue Sebastian. Both of them are well aware of the gulf between them. I was disappointed in Sebastian when he proposed an "arrangement" with Annabelle and loved her response to him. It made me happy to see that her self-respect was as important to her as Sebastian's family name was to him.
Though self-preservation made Sebastian and Annabelle try to avoid each other, fate had something else in mind. Each time they encountered each other, the battle between head and heart became more intense. The obstacles between them seem insurmountable, as they yearn for something they can't have. I ached for both of them when Sebastian finally listens to his heart only to have Annabelle deny hers to protect him. I loved how Sebastian went about fighting for her and their future. The ending was fantastic.
The secondary characters were just as wonderful. Annabelle's friends and fellow suffragists were equally intriguing. I liked the picture painted of each and how the movement treats each of them differently. I appreciated the way that they supported each other, both in the movement and in their personal lives. Another interesting character was Sebastian's younger brother, Peregrin. His reaction to the prospect of being Sebastian's heir and having to live up to his brother's expectations and reputation was not too surprising. I ached for him and his belief that Sebastian didn't care about him. I loved how Annabelle set him straight and how Peregrin repaid her. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
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opposed to the idea, and even the Queen opposes it.The heroine of the story, Annabelle Archer, is the daughter of a vicar. Upon his death, she is left destitute and reduced to being an unpaid servant for her cousin. Thanks to a friend of her father's, the brilliant Annabelle earned a scholarship to the first class of women at Oxford. As part of that scholarship, she must support the suffrage movement by recruiting powerful men to their cause. For her first attempt, she confronts Sebastian, Duke of Montgomery, the most powerful duke in England.
Sebastian became the duke at the age of nineteen when his father drowned in a puddle while drunk. He was left with a dukedom near bankruptcy thanks to his father's gambling and mismanagement. Now thirty-five, Sebastian is well-known for his cold and aloof bearing, and his ability to intimidate with just a look. He's taken aback by Annabelle's actions but tries to put her out of his mind.
The development of the relationship between Annabelle and Sebastian was not an easy one. It gets off to a rough start when Sebastian misunderstands her presence at a house party given by his younger brother. Once that is straightened out, Sebastian and Annabelle have a chance to get to know each other. The spark of attraction that they felt at their first meeting is still there, and their interactions only make them stronger. I loved their banter, as Anabelle's intelligence and wit intrigue Sebastian. Both of them are well aware of the gulf between them. I was disappointed in Sebastian when he proposed an "arrangement" with Annabelle and loved her response to him. It made me happy to see that her self-respect was as important to her as Sebastian's family name was to him.
Though self-preservation made Sebastian and Annabelle try to avoid each other, fate had something else in mind. Each time they encountered each other, the battle between head and heart became more intense. The obstacles between them seem insurmountable, as they yearn for something they can't have. I ached for both of them when Sebastian finally listens to his heart only to have Annabelle deny hers to protect him. I loved how Sebastian went about fighting for her and their future. The ending was fantastic.
The secondary characters were just as wonderful. Annabelle's friends and fellow suffragists were equally intriguing. I liked the picture painted of each and how the movement treats each of them differently. I appreciated the way that they supported each other, both in the movement and in their personal lives. Another interesting character was Sebastian's younger brother, Peregrin. His reaction to the prospect of being Sebastian's heir and having to live up to his brother's expectations and reputation was not too surprising. I ached for him and his belief that Sebastian didn't care about him. I loved how Annabelle set him straight and how Peregrin repaid her. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
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LibraryThing member AllAndAnyBooks
General info
Annabelle is a poor girl from the countryside who gets into the first female college at Oxford university. She’s actively trying to get government to give women the vote.
Then there is Duke of Montgomery. He’s all about duty and when he meets Annabelle, his life turns upside down.
Things I liked
I have to say I really like the poor country girl and a rich duke set up a lot. It might be a bit cliche but not in a historical romance usually. I also really like the characters and especially Annabelle. She’s strong, inspiring and clever. And I appreciate Montgomery too. He’s brilliant and in the end he does the right thing.
Things I didn’t like
At least right now, there’s nothing I could say that I didn’t like. Well certain characters but I guess that’s a given with any book and that’s good thing really.
Conclusion
All in all, this book is great. It has strong characters, a beautiful plot and it truly shows the type of life women had in the past. The happy ending truly was just the cherry on top.
* ARC received from the publisher through First to Read scheme
Annabelle is a poor girl from the countryside who gets into the first female college at Oxford university. She’s actively trying to get government to give women the vote.
Then there is Duke of Montgomery. He’s all about duty and when he meets Annabelle, his life turns upside down.
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They go through ups and downs when they face the expectations of the society and other obstacles. This is a beautiful story about real love and soul mates. Things I liked
I have to say I really like the poor country girl and a rich duke set up a lot. It might be a bit cliche but not in a historical romance usually. I also really like the characters and especially Annabelle. She’s strong, inspiring and clever. And I appreciate Montgomery too. He’s brilliant and in the end he does the right thing.
Things I didn’t like
At least right now, there’s nothing I could say that I didn’t like. Well certain characters but I guess that’s a given with any book and that’s good thing really.
Conclusion
All in all, this book is great. It has strong characters, a beautiful plot and it truly shows the type of life women had in the past. The happy ending truly was just the cherry on top.
* ARC received from the publisher through First to Read scheme
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LibraryThing member snickel63
I was pleasantly surprised by the book. I am not a huge fan of romance, but that had just the right amount. It still talked about different issues such as women's rights, but in a way that was not overwhelming or forceful to readers. I cannot wait to read the second book.
LibraryThing member kbranfield
4.5 stars.
Set in 1879, Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore is a captivating historical romance.
Twenty-five year old Annabelle Archer is a highly intelligent young woman with a scandalous past. She lives with her cousin who exploits her lack of funds by forcing her to work in his household for no
Soon ensconced at the prestigious university, Annabelle tries to fly under the radar as she fulfills the conditions of her scholarship from the National Society for Women’s Suffrage. Tasked with convincing influential gentleman to support their efforts to overturn The Married Women’s Property Act, Annabelle approaches the Duke of Montgomery, Sebastian Deveruex. Will the spirited Annabelle convince the uptight Montgomery to throw his considerable political clout behind their cause?
The daughter of a country vicar, Annabelle never quite recovered from scandal that occurred several years earlier. Highly educated, she is forced to live off the largesse of her priggish cousin which makes her all the more eager to study at Oxford. Annabelle is no shrinking violet but she does adhere to the tenets of society. All too aware her lack of a title, Annabelle is ever cognizant that her behavior must be exemplary. Which is why she is so dismayed by her unexpected attraction to Sebastian.
Sebastian has managed to pull his family back from the brink of bankruptcy following his father's ignoble demise. He keeps his emotions tightly in check as he goes about his ducal business. But he is frustrated as he deals with his rapscallion younger brother Peregrin's antics. Sebastian is a favorite of Queen Victoria and his latest political maneuvering could finally help him regain an important family estate. Sebastian is taken off guard by how much he enjoys Annabelle's company, but will he be able to ignore his sizzling passion for the feisty young woman?
Sebastian and Annabelle are a well-matched couple but their different social statuses are a huge obstacle for them to overcome. Annabelle has good reason to be leery of his pursuit but subduing her passionate nature takes considerable effort. Sebastian has already survived one scandal and he is not willing to put himself in the midst of another. How long will they be able to ignore the simmering attraction that underlies their witty banter and sparkling conversations?
Bringing Down the Duke is an enchanting historical romance that features winsome characters and a well-researched storyline. Annabelle is a plucky woman who is willing to sacrifice her happiness for the man she loves. Sebastian is initially a bit staid and proper, but he begins to loosen up after meeting Annabelle and his priorities begin to shift. Their romance is a deliciously tortured slow burn that is entrancing yet frustrating due to their inevitable conflict. This first installment in Evie Dunmore's A League of Extraordinary Women is sure to be a hit with readers who enjoy historical romances.
Set in 1879, Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore is a captivating historical romance.
Twenty-five year old Annabelle Archer is a highly intelligent young woman with a scandalous past. She lives with her cousin who exploits her lack of funds by forcing her to work in his household for no
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pay. When Annabelle gets the opportunity to be one of the first women students at Oxford, she has to convince him to allow her to attend. Soon ensconced at the prestigious university, Annabelle tries to fly under the radar as she fulfills the conditions of her scholarship from the National Society for Women’s Suffrage. Tasked with convincing influential gentleman to support their efforts to overturn The Married Women’s Property Act, Annabelle approaches the Duke of Montgomery, Sebastian Deveruex. Will the spirited Annabelle convince the uptight Montgomery to throw his considerable political clout behind their cause?
The daughter of a country vicar, Annabelle never quite recovered from scandal that occurred several years earlier. Highly educated, she is forced to live off the largesse of her priggish cousin which makes her all the more eager to study at Oxford. Annabelle is no shrinking violet but she does adhere to the tenets of society. All too aware her lack of a title, Annabelle is ever cognizant that her behavior must be exemplary. Which is why she is so dismayed by her unexpected attraction to Sebastian.
Sebastian has managed to pull his family back from the brink of bankruptcy following his father's ignoble demise. He keeps his emotions tightly in check as he goes about his ducal business. But he is frustrated as he deals with his rapscallion younger brother Peregrin's antics. Sebastian is a favorite of Queen Victoria and his latest political maneuvering could finally help him regain an important family estate. Sebastian is taken off guard by how much he enjoys Annabelle's company, but will he be able to ignore his sizzling passion for the feisty young woman?
Sebastian and Annabelle are a well-matched couple but their different social statuses are a huge obstacle for them to overcome. Annabelle has good reason to be leery of his pursuit but subduing her passionate nature takes considerable effort. Sebastian has already survived one scandal and he is not willing to put himself in the midst of another. How long will they be able to ignore the simmering attraction that underlies their witty banter and sparkling conversations?
Bringing Down the Duke is an enchanting historical romance that features winsome characters and a well-researched storyline. Annabelle is a plucky woman who is willing to sacrifice her happiness for the man she loves. Sebastian is initially a bit staid and proper, but he begins to loosen up after meeting Annabelle and his priorities begin to shift. Their romance is a deliciously tortured slow burn that is entrancing yet frustrating due to their inevitable conflict. This first installment in Evie Dunmore's A League of Extraordinary Women is sure to be a hit with readers who enjoy historical romances.
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LibraryThing member AKBouterse
This was super fun! I've been getting more into some historical romance and this was part of that. I definitely didn't like this as much as some of the other books of this type I've read but this was still really good.
Going into this I knew a little bit about the plot and it seemed really
I also liked the characters of both Annabelle and and Sebastian. Sebastian is a character type I really enjoy in romance where he starts off as a bit of a jerk and through his relationships he learns to become a better person. I love seeing that dynamic play out and it was done very well here. I also really liked seeing how they both navigated their relationship while trying to keep up social propriety. I really appreciated that they actually discussed the implications of the relationship for Annabelle and how it would impact other aspects of her life.
I will definitely been reading the later books in this series and I can't wait for the next book in September. I would recommend this if you want to read a lighthearted romance that still deals with interesting politics.
Going into this I knew a little bit about the plot and it seemed really
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interesting. I hadn't seen too many historical romances involving nobility where the women was explicitly involved with politics. I thought this plot definitely lived up to my expectations. This is what I want in a romance where there is some plot but it plays into the romance rather than overshadowing it. I also liked the characters of both Annabelle and and Sebastian. Sebastian is a character type I really enjoy in romance where he starts off as a bit of a jerk and through his relationships he learns to become a better person. I love seeing that dynamic play out and it was done very well here. I also really liked seeing how they both navigated their relationship while trying to keep up social propriety. I really appreciated that they actually discussed the implications of the relationship for Annabelle and how it would impact other aspects of her life.
I will definitely been reading the later books in this series and I can't wait for the next book in September. I would recommend this if you want to read a lighthearted romance that still deals with interesting politics.
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LibraryThing member JorgeousJotts
There are a few things I wish had been altered, Her comments to him in their major argument... maybe don't give him lifelong trust issues "out of love" lol. And then to turn right around and tell his brother, what the Hell even? Either you've decided to lie about it or not, there's zero point in
I enjoyed the thought put into the little details, like her falling in with the suffragettes only because of a scholarship at first, and being run ragged trying to put herself through school, and that their other suitors had some nuance.
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doing all that to his face and then just blurting it out to his brother. ? but overall I enjoyed it. I look forward to the next in the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member purpledog
While there is nothing outstanding in this book, it is a good historical romance. I liked the characters, especially Annabelle. I liked how the troupe of enemies to lovers played out in this book. The prose was good. One small negative, the book felt a little too commercial, if you know what I mean.
LibraryThing member thewestwing
Really loved this book. Could not put it down til I finished it. Gave me vibes of Pride and Prejudice. Great character interactions.
LibraryThing member yonitdm
A fun take on the lower class girl meets Duke. There were a couple red herrings along the way as to the main conflict and/or resolution so I couldn't completely guess how everything was going to go down. I found the characters likeable, and I'm hoping the side characters will each get their own
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story because they were well crafted to be multi-dimensional people. Show Less
LibraryThing member clp412
3.5 stars rounded up. I liked the premise of this book, the time period, the language, and the movement (women's rights) but somehow it ended up being a bit too much with the romantic "descriptions" for me. Definitely skimmed parts. Overall I liked it and am glad I read it, but I am hesitant to
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recommend to others because of the sauciness at times! Show Less
LibraryThing member amberwitch
I got this book by accident, thinking l bought a historical fantasy. Instead I got a regency romance.
I thought it was quite nice, nice enough to finish, even if I am not the target audience. Not quite sure the characters were quite historical accurate, but they did seem relatively well rounded and
I thought it was quite nice, nice enough to finish, even if I am not the target audience. Not quite sure the characters were quite historical accurate, but they did seem relatively well rounded and
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articulated, and the plot was quite entertaining. Show Less
LibraryThing member MarthaJeanne
This book would have been much better without the porn. There is a strong plot, fairly well-drawn characters, a good deal of research went into the portrayal of the Suffrage movement. Adding in overt sexual description is going to hurt its appeal to many who would otherwise enjoy it.
Language
Original language
English
ISBN
9781984805690
Original publication date
2019-09-03