Thanks to Forever for the review copy via Netgalley and this is my honest review.

I'm such a big sucker for childhood friends to lovers, there's no angst and wistfulness quite like it, and also the longing! I loved how the story started right in the middle when they've not seen each other for a while, so much hurt and history while navigating a mystery they have to investigate together.

I love a heroine who loves her job and is good at what she does when she's privileged enough to not have to work. Also really enjoyed the frank conversations the characters have about their feelings and actions that led to misunderstanding and when they got called out by others about their ideals and privilege.

I look forward to the rest of the series, I am invested!

The characters were the highlight of "Duchess Material" for me: Phoebe's independence and progressiveness and Will's honorableness were so well done. I was delighted by Will's discomfort with his attraction to Phoebe - what a classic! I appreciated that he did not pursue an engagement he wasn't interested in, but also didn't sleep with anyone else while he was exploring the potential of that relationship. It was a nice change from historical romances where the men get to fool around regardless of circumstances, and the women must be innocent.

I enjoyed the buildup of both the mystery and romance, but the last quarter of the book felt rushed. It all wrapped up a little too easily.

The distinct personalities of each of the sisters were great, and I am very interested in the Inspector. I would love to see this series continue, especially if it has the Inspector as a hero!

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for providing an eARC for review.

A swoony, witty historical romance with a heroine who knows her worth. Emily Sullivan blends sparkling banter, slow-burn chemistry, and just the right touch of drama into a charming, heartfelt story. Perfect for fans of strong heroines and richly drawn romance.

This story took my heart right away. The daring independent Phoebe takes the world by storm. Nothing will stand in her way. The mystery of the story keeps the attention while we search for her missing student. The plot is so well played out with one twist after the next. I love the banter and connection between Phoebe and Will. Having never expected to be a Duke, it is entertaining to see Will struggle to balance the life he knew and the life he has now been trained for. I love that helping Phoebe brings out the man he was and helps him see that living for himself Will serve the duchy more than conforming. Their romance is filled with intrigue of mystery and wonderful banter.

This clever Regency romance hits all the right notes for fans of strong heroines, brooding dukes, and slow-burning tension.

Phoebe Atkinson is everything I want in a historical heroine: independent, principled, and refreshingly unbothered by society’s expectations. Instead of glittering ballrooms, she’s chosen chalkboards and leaky ceilings—and when her favorite student vanishes, she turns to the last person she ever thought she’d ask for help: the aloof, rule-following Duke of Ellis.

William Margrave, newly burdened with a title he never wanted, is set on being the perfect duke—which naturally means marrying someone quiet, compliant, and boring. Enter Phoebe: fierce, intelligent, and exactly the kind of woman he tells himself he shouldn't want.

What follows is a delightful blend of mystery and romance. The stakes are high, the banter is delicious, and the chemistry between Phoebe and William simmers from page one. I especially loved how their shared history lent emotional depth to their relationship—this isn’t just a case of opposites attracting, but of two people rediscovering the connection they once had and realizing how it’s changed them both.

A sparkling, heartfelt read that proves love—and justice—can thrive outside society’s rules.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

This was nice! I enjoyed the unique historical setting (late victorian) and found the main characters' backgrounds and connection to each other compelling.

That said, I found it a bit too easy to put down without the urge to pick back up again. I did finish it, but only because I pushed myself at certain points. There are some scenes that feel like filler and don't contribute enough to the momentum of the story. And as a romance, I thought there were some aspects that missed the mark a little--places where the drama and romance could have been dialed up a bit to really make me feel something as a reader. Instead, this was a smidge flat.

It was refreshing to read a historical romance set in the 1890s, with all the modern advances that comes with and the changing positions of women in society.

Overall I felt like the pacing was a bit off, I wish Alex being the voice of reason to the leads happened much sooner. I really enjoyed her character and can’t wait for her book next. I ended up kind of wishing we didn’t have the MMC POV as his thoughts were very cyclical when it came to his problems, I just wanted to shake him which is basically what Alex ended up doing 😂. I felt that if you shorted some of the first parts that would have meant the last half had more time to breathe.

I really loved Phoebe the lead and her journey of trying to find her place in the world while doing what she was passionate about (teaching). You could tell how much the author researched women in this time period choosing this new way of life, independence in a way previously not open to them and the conflicts this causes.

I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series, which is Alex’s story. There were hints as to what might be the set up but she’s just a unique character of the time and I can’t wait to see her story unfold.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I was unfortunately delayed in picking this up before its release date due to COVID but I’m glad to have finally gotten to it.

This was a cute romance! I enjoy the “brother’s friend” trope and this did it well. There were a few times when both were being stubborn and dense, which frustrated me. That said, there were lots of cute moments.

With how important Alex becomes, it’s a shame we didn’t really get to see much of her. There are some tidbits that are dropped about her past, but she was kind of an enigma throughout the story. Even though she is best friends with the Will, they didn’t feel all that close.

Emily Sullivan is just that historical romance writer. Duchess Material was just so freaking good!! I was so incredibly excited when I was offered this book by Forever (thank you so much for realizing I am in love with Sullivan's works), that I literally put everything down and then read it in one sitting. And now I've probably reread it like 3 more times.

Will and Phoebe knew each other growing up, but that changed when Will became a duke and Phoebe needed to go her own way. The two of them reconnect with Phoebe needing Will's help with one of her students. Duh duh duh. Since it's an Emily Sullivan book there is a light mystery to the book. The characters are both incredibly solid and grow to rely on each other and trust their feelings throughout the novel. Side characters--perfect. Plot -- perfect. Swoon level-- perfect. Commentary on social issues -- perfect.

All in all this is a very amazing novel that I am so happy I got to read (I bought myself a physical copy too....). HIGHLY recommend for those who enjoy historical romance. A must read!

A delightful Victorian romance featuring Will, who quite by surprise, became heir to a Dukedom; and Phoebe, a lady who became a schoolteacher, even living on her own. They were childhood friends who drifted apart after Will became the Duke. This book is part mystery where one of Phoebe’s students disappeared. Will and Phoebe end up teaming up to find her, and uncover a corrupt conspiracy. At the same time, they fall in love. I really enjoyed the world this book operates in, especially Phoebe’s sisters, Alex and Freddie. What I also liked is how the mystery will carry into subsequent books. An important part of this love story is both characters growing and becoming comfortable in their own skins. In particular, Will had to reconcile the boy he used to be and the responsibilities of being a Duke now. Phoebe had to face her own insecurities in order to accept that she would be suitable as a Duchess. This character work elevated the material considerably. I definitely will read more by this author!

Thanks, Hachette Audio, for ALC!⁣ Thanks, Forever, for the arc!
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I love Emily Sullivan's books. I love them even more as audiobooks because they come alive so well in audio form. DUCHESS MATERIAL does just that with its narration by Zara Hampton-Brown. I was giggling and kicking my feet with glee while swooning as the story progressed. I’m not always a fan of the miscommunication trope, but when it is done well, and the adults are talking and apologizing - that trope is way more swoony than I ever expected!⁣
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I like that this took place in 1890s England, a different part of the ton, for a historical romance. It was refreshing, as were the characters, childhood friends to lovers, Phoebe Atkinson and William Margave, the Duke of Ellis, and her sister’s friend. I loved the dynamic of the Duke knowing Phoebe and her family his entire life. It made the banter fun because it wasn’t just banter between the FMC and MMC; we also had it between the sisters and then the MMC and his bestie. Lots of fantastic banter all around!⁣
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Quick thoughts on things I loved:⁣
•Phoebe is a character you will love if you are a reader, and if you love Eloise, you will love Phoebe.⁣
•The disguise. I won’t say anything more, but these scenes were exquisite, and I’m laughing and swooning as I type this.⁣
•The mystery. They are never what I expect in historical romances, and this one falls into that category, but I enjoyed Phoebe and the Duke trying to solve it.⁣
•The set up of the following books: I can’t wait for the sister’s stories, as I enjoyed them so much in this book!⁣
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Finally, the question that should seal the deal for many of you is: Do you love PRIDE AND PREJUDICE? If you do, you’ll love this. And even if P&P isn’t your thing, I still think any historical romance fan can enjoy DUCHESS MATERIAL.⁣ Reading or listening, you are in for a fantastic time!

I had a great time reading this, it was a perfect mix of mystery solving + angsty sort of second chance romance. Both MCs had intriguing and realistic character developments, and I absolutely loved the family/friend dynamics on both their sides.

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

I love a romance that is also a caper / mystery and DUCHESS MATERIAL by Emily Sullivan did not disappoint. Phoebe is a schoolteacher who begrudgingly accepts help from a duke to find her missing student. Obviously they’re going to solve the mystery and fall in love!!! I ate it up. Would recommend! It’s funny and fiery

Will became a Duke without knowing that was really in the cards for him and it took his life from one where he and Phoebe might have been able to be something to one where he's courting Lady something or other because her dad is his mentor and she would make a good duchess. Meanwhile, Phoebe is trying to find her missing student and teaching at a school in the seedier part of town and constantly in conflict with her dad and older sister. The two of them wind up reconnecting when Phoebe asks Will for help locating said missing student and suddenly Will's life gets complicated all over again.

I think if you have more tolerance for Benedict's book from Bridgerton, this book is going to work better for you than it did for me. What I mean by that is, when you cut your teeth on Tessa Dare's Any Duchess Will Do, it makes it real hard to buy into the conflict of needing to have the "right" wife to become a duchess. Like, you're a Duke. Live your life. Nobody can say anything. But also, there's something about the way that Benedict's attitude towards Sophie and insisting she should just be happy to be his mistress that made me feel like Will and how he was treating Phoebe. That said, I also loved the overall plot in this one and I'm upset because as far as I can tell, we're not getting Phoebe's siblings books and I want them?? So, conflicted feelings all in all, but I had mostly a really fun time with this one.

Phoebe Atkinson is making her own way in the world. She may not fit into society's standards, but she is happy teaching at a school for impoverished girls. William was friends with Phoebe and her sisters when they were younger, but that all changed now that he is a Duke. When Phoebe starts investigating a missing student and finds herself getting into trouble more frequently than she'd like, it's William she calls for help. With William's offered assistance, Phoebe has more freedom to safely figure out what is afoot.

I had so much fun reading this book. I loved the romance between William and Phoebe and how sweet they were together. William has spent much of his time since inheriting the Dukedom looking for the perfect wife and trying to be the perfect noble, but he drops everything as soon as Phoebe needs him. This book had plenty of funny moments throughout - Phoebe raiding the costumes truck for one of their stakeouts was hilarious.

I'd love to read more from this author in the future. Thank you to Forever for an eARC.

Thank you Forever and Netgalley for my gifted copy for review. This was a fun historical romance centered around Phoebe who while of society decides to live away from her family as well as hold a job as a teacher. After a student goes missing Phoebe must ask help from an old friend who is now a powerful Duke. The two get up to some great fun while trying to find Phoebe's missing student and I thoroughly enjoyed their shenanigans. Can't wait to read what Emily puts out next.

I really like the way their relationship was developed, especially since they knew each other before and there were already some feelings between them. I also feel like the author did a good job balancing the little bit of mystery that we get and it didn't feel like a separate entity from the plot. I really liked Phoebe as a main character. She was so smart and independent and I love that she stood up for what she believed in. You can also definitely see the chemistry between her and Will and the author did their slow burn SO well.

EXCUSE ME. THIS BOOK THOUGH.
The way that I devoured this is unreal!!
The childhood friends to not to more?! The mystery, the contrast between our two main characters, the romance: UGH
I'm obsessed and I need to read more by Emily Sullivan ASAP.

Thank you so much for my ARC, I truly appreciate it!

4/5

3.5 stars. Super cute romance with a decent amount of spice. I love how strong the MFC is. There Were some loose ends that were not tied up at the end of the book with the sisters. Could lead to additional books in the series but that is not clear at this time.

Thank you Forever and NetGalley for the DRC of Duchess Material! All opinions in this review are my own.

While I am a newer Emily Sullivan, Duchess Material once again proves why I fell in love with her books in the first place! I love the romance between Phoebe and William, especially since they have a history prior to the book starting. I hope this becomes a series because there are a few side characters that deserve their own romances as well!