Thank you to Netgalley for providing an eARC of this novel in 2019 in exchange for an honest review. My deepest apologies for my review being so egregiously late.

This novel solidified Evie Dunmore as a new must read author. This book had everything I love in a historical romance, and left me smiling so hard my cheeks hurt long after I set the book down. I believe fans of Bridgerton or Pride and Prejudice would become absolutely immersed in this story.

Our story follows Annabelle, a woman from the country, and Sebastian who is more commonly known as Duke Montgomery. We flash back and forth between both Annabelle and the Duke’s points of views, getting personalized glimpses into their worlds as individuals, and as a budding couple. While their romance kept me turning the page, devouring each flirty interaction, seering look, and lingering touch, our characters also had steadfast, plot driven storylines that complimented their romantic narrative. 

There were so many moments throughout this story that helped build our characters’ connection to one another. The plot devices that kept these two orbiting one another were exactly what I would have written if I was driving this narrative, and made me giddy with conspiratorial glee. 

I loved getting to see Annabelle’s involvement in the women’s suffrage movement, her studies in Oxford, her newly developed friendships, as well as the Duke’s goings on in running his estates, managing his brother, and his political machinations. There was such a healthy balance between the historical plot points and the romance that I never found myself bored with the story, or waiting impatiently for things to heat up between these characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride whether we were discussing Annabelle’s studies at Oxford, the scandalous, stolen moments in the maze, or the Duke’s political negotiations with the Queen.

This story had so many heartwarming undertones including the Duke’s, at times, frustrating relationship with his younger brother and heir, as well as the relationships Annabelle was cultivating with other women at Oxford. Including these secondary and tertiary relationships was a great way to show what healthy relationships and boundaries can look like, as well as crafting fully developed characters of substance. 

These characters were so likable, relatable (despite the time period), witty, intelligent, and well matched. I often found myself giggling at their quick banter, and even found my face flushing at their more intimate moments. Getting to watch this pair give in to their sizzling chemistry a little more with each interaction made their ultimate coupling that much more intense. 

This novel was the perfect balance of sweet, intelligent, historical, silly, serious, and heartwarming storytelling. I fell head over heels for these characters while watching them fall even harder for one another. This was a feel good historical romance with a touch of misunderstanding, that eventually smoothed out into a very deserved happily ever after.

The series kicks off in England in 1879 which was the early era of the women’s suffrage movement. Oxford has just opened its first women’s college, and Annabelle Archer hopes to attend. Since the death of her father, Annabelle has been serving as essentially a maid for her cousin Gilbert. It takes quite a bit of manipulation, but eventually Gilbert agrees to allow Annabelle to attend Oxford. The catch is that she must send him money each week so he can hire a replacement to care for the household and display excellent moral conduct (if you are seething and rolling your eyes—same).

This might be a problem for Annabelle, since she has received a scholarship in exchange for helping the women’s suffrage movement. Her task is to attempt to win over the Duke of Montgomery to support the cause. Sebastian (the Duke) is not interested—he has his own family problems to work through, not the least of which is to reclaim the land that his late father lost in a game of cards (men…). Sebastian has also been ordered by Queen Victoria (who does not support women’s suffrage in the real world or this series) to ensure the Tories win the upcoming election. If Sebastian is successful, he will get one of his castles back.

This is a romance novel, after all, so in the course of Annabelle and Sebastian spending time together at his estate, they fall in love. Unfortunately for Annabelle, an aristocrat like Sebastian cannot marry a commoner. He is looking to marry someone of equal or greater status to secure his family’s legacy. He also has to worry about ensure the election goes in the Queen’s favor. However, he can’t seem to resist Annabelle. Can he find a way to have it all?

This book is an entertaining and quick read, though it is not very heavy on plot. There really aren’t many stand-out scenes, but the characters make up for some of that. Annabelle is a fun, spicy character and she also meets a group of women through her work with the suffragists who were fun to read about. Sebastian was only okay as a leading man. I found him a bit cold and not in the fun way. If it weren’t for the title (and genre) I really thought Annabelle might end up with Professor Jenkins, who sounded quite attractive. Plus, who doesn’t find a man with a big brain sexy? Annabelle is not remotely interested in the smoldering Professor.

The villains were a bit one-dimensional. The tension between Annabelle and Sebastian was largely fun, though they spend most of the book bemoaning that they can’t marry only for them to find a way to marry right at the end. And to be honest, the solution is one that could have happened nearly 300 pages earlier! But of course, then we wouldn’t have a story.

I enjoyed this book enough to pick up the second book right after. A fun premise and good chemistry between the leads make up for a forgettable plot. I think we are all hoping that Professor Jenkins is the love interest next and that he finds a woman who was as intrigued by him as I was!

I love a good historical romance and this is a great one! I enjoyed Sebastian and Annabelle's love story, but also the political landscape of the times and the suffragists efforts to create change. Intelligent and witty with a bit of spice, this is a fantastic debut and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

This was so cute and fun! I will absolutely be looking for more from this author in the future.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A

I really enjoyed Evie Dunmore's first book! The historical setting still felt fresh and new because of her writing style and I liked the way the characters were written. I'm looking forward to reading more by her! Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

It’s like this book was made especially for me: strong-willed woman fighting against gender norms and overcoming societal expectations while being witty. Add a splash of romance and I’m buying a copy.

Expect to read this in one sitting. Your cheeks may hurt from the constant smiling.

So cute! A historical with a decidedly modern bent, Bringing Down the Duke solidified Evie Dunmore as a one-click author for me.

This was funny and timely--even though it takes place so long ago--and spicy! I love a book that takes place in Victorian times that has a strong-willed woman who won't bend to what society thinks she should be and do. This was cute and even a little bit emotional, and I can't wait to read the next one!

A smart and sassy debut historical romance, that will appeal to readers who like strong determined heroines. An enjoyable read.

This book was absolutely amazing—feminist, romantic, fun, informative—as is the rest of the series! Highly recommended.

Debut author Evie Dunmore delivers a humorous, suspenseful, and romantic historical fiction series. Set in the late 1800s England, Dunmore explores the gender and social roles in a time when the aristocracy was in decline and the national suffrage movement was gaining traction.
In Bringing Down the Duke, Annabelle is one of the first female students at the University of Oxford and a suffragette. Sebastian is a Duke, who is trying to rebuild his family’s legacy. Polar opposites, in ideals and social standing, the two are continuously tangled together.

I've sadly tried to read Bringing Down the Duke a few times, unfortunately the story never seems to grab me more than a handful of chapters. Eventually when I'm in more of a historical romance mood I will finish it, I've heard great things and I think once I get into the story I could enjoy it. For now its a DNF

Annabelle Archer is an impoverished daughter of a vicar. Sebastian Devereux, is the Duke of Montgomery and a master strategist, with the respect, and fear, of the entire peerage. Annabelle is one of the first female students of Oxford University and part of the suffragist movement. Sebastian is mired in the traditions of the aristocracy and focussed on rebuilding his family legacy. When Annabelle is chosen to target the Duke of Montgomery to try and get him to champion the suffragist movement in parliament, neither one of them expect the powerful but impossible attraction that blooms between them.

I did it again! My eyes had decided that I was going to read this book before my brain engaged. I couldn’t help it I love this cover. Luckily my brain and I are pretty happy with the results. Bringing Down the Duke is Evie Dunmore’s debut novel and it’s a solid addition to the historical romance genre. I didn’t necessarily knock my socks off, but it was an enjoyable read.

If you’re a fan of a slow burn, then you will enjoy this book. The relationship between Annabelle and Sebastian grows relatively slowly as they find themselves reluctantly drawn to one another. For me, it was a bit too slow. It then fell into the trap of everything happening very quickly at the end, when the rest of the book had been a gradual and fairly plodding build up. However, Dunmore did do a good job of showing the chemistry between them. I also liked that she outlined some of the realities of Sebastian marrying ‘down’, even if it was ultimately ignored in the end in pursuit of a HEA.

As well as our hero and heroine, there was an interesting cast of secondary characters. I especially liked Sebastian’s younger brother. Of all the secondary characters I felt like his was the most well fleshed out and I particularly liked how it showed the brothers contentious relationship as their very disparate personalities clash.

This was a good start to this series and I will certainly be picking up the next book.

This story takes place at a time when women in England were actively trying to get their rights and privileges upgraded to be more than servant class. It also shows the problems with class differences, when daughter of a clergyman, Annabelle, meets up with Sebastian, the Duke of Montgomery. How they resolve these differences is a good start to the series. Can't wait for the next book.

I didn’t even joy this book as much as I thought I would. It was particularly boring. I couldn’t dive into the writing or even the characters. I tried reading it months ago, so I even forgot what it was about. The details have left my brain. I just know that I really didn’t even enjoy it.

Full review on Fresh Fiction
BRINGING DOWN THE DUKE by Evie Dunmore is a spectacular historical romance debut and the first book in the League of Extraordinary Women series. Readers will feel for Annabelle, a determined young woman who wants to make the most of life. When the opportunity to study at Oxford arises, she does whatever it takes to get there, even if that means standing up to her stingy cousin, who she is beholden to for a place to live. Once she’s at Oxford, Annabelle meets a delightful group of fellow female scholars - their strong friendships are among the highlights of the novel, and hopefully, all of their stories will be told in the League of Extraordinary Women series. Sebastian is a hero who takes time to warm to - he is referred to as icy, both in demeanor and appearance - but once he lets his guard down around Annabelle, he’s a goner, and it’s delightful to watch him fall. The differences in class, political leanings, and worldly experiences cause misunderstanding, but thankfully, these characters are able to talk things through, leading to a deep and meaningful connection. BRINGING DOWN THE DUKE is emotional and well-written. . . an impressive debut.

Exclusive Excerpt also shared: https://freshfiction.com/page.php?id=10214

Kind of a shaky start but this, like Montgomery, grew on me. Nice balance of conflict to romance and def shipped it. Secondary characters also had personality; hopefully they feature in the rest of the series. Charming, fun.

I had a lot of fun with this, and in fact recommended it to my book club, but I'll admit I wasn't blown away by it. I wish Dunmore had leaned in a little more to the suffragist premise, but I'm simultaneously glad that politics wasn't used as a crutch for creating chemistry and tension between the leads.
Overall, a good read, but it did leave me wanting a bit more of a zing, for lack of a better term.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele

Bringing Down the Duke is flat out fun! Evie Dunmore has taken a common theme in historical romances (unsuitable couples) and made it fresh and entertaining.

The story features clever Annabelle and her newly found suffragette friends at Oxford, where she is a scholarship student. Charged by the group with swaying important people in politics to take on the cause for women’s right to vote, she sets her sights on Sebastian, the uber-influential Duke of Montgomery. He rejects her platform but is definitely attracted to the socially unsuitable vicar’s daughter. He is consumed with his reputation, his legacy, and his thoughts of her. Needless to say, he is stunned to find Annabelle and her friends, invited by his brother, at his home for the Christmas holiday. Thus ensues a delightful push and pull as the two work through their feelings, assumptions, and social challenges.

One might think that a novel about suffragettes would be feminist in nature. Even though Annabelle is smart, plucky, and independent, she is conventional in her want for financial security and love. I have no problem with this as it keeps the story true to its late nineteenth century time period. Sebastian is a pretty classic alpha-type male romantic interest, but I find him appealing. Dunmore gets their palpable chemistry and witty banter just right. The story is compulsively readable and moves along at a quick pace.

Is this book always historically correct? Probably not. Is it a woke battle cry for women’s rights and equality? Not really. It is an entertaining, diverting read in these troubled times, and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. Recommended to any historical romance fan looking for well drawn characters and sizzling romance.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

I loved this story! It was fun and fast-paced and I was sad for it to end. I will definitely be looking for more from this author.