A romance novel set in the late-Victorian period is an automatic win for me. Add in a bluestocking FMC, an interesting mystery, and a swoon-worthy MMC and you have a book that had me so hooked I read it in two days. Emily Sullivan is now an auto-read for me.

Love a historical romance and this one was fun! The set up was lovely - childhood friends where something almost happened but life got in the way. The MMC was great and I found myself rooting for the FMC. Their tension and love felt real and I enjoyed it! I wasn’t as into the mystery, but that’s because I’m here for the romance

✨ARC Review✨ I positively devoured this historical romance set in 1896 London.

Phoebe, although belonging to a wealthy family, has no notion to be a simple gentlewoman, taking tea with the ladies of her circle. She lives with a fellow schoolteacher in a decidedly not-genteel part of London to be close to the school where she teaches.

One of her students goes missing and Phoebe is desperate to find her. She ends up being taken to the police station for trespassing and calls upon her most affluent family friend for help, the Duke of Ellis. Her childhood friend and irresistible crush, Will Margrave.

Will, of course, comes to her rescue and thus begins his involvement in the investigation of Alice Clarke’s whereabouts and renewing his own interest in Phoebe Atkinson.

I absolutely loved this book. The dynamics between bluestocking do-gooder Phoebe and staid, mind your manners Will is delectable. She helps him remember when he also wanted to do good. What a fun, bantery, intense, slow burn! Highly recommend for any historical romance lover or for those who may not know what historical romance has to offer. 😉

I received this eARC via #netgalley and @readforeverpub. All thoughts are mine alone.

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I really enjoyed this one. I’m a sucker for a non-traditional historical romance and really enjoyed the banter and intrigue in this one. Emily Sullivan never misses!

I loved Emily Sullivan's previous series, so no surprise I loved this one as well. The late Victorian period is such an interesting time of change and upheaval, and Sullivan uses it to great effect to position the story. Will and Phoebe have excellent chemistry, and the mystery isn't all-consuming but makes a nice backdrop. The family dynamics were a highlight. There's clearly a lot of set-up for the rest of the series, and I look forward to reading those books.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

William Margrave, the Duke of Ellis, strives to be the perfect aristocrat. He toes the line and left his progressive ideals behind once he inherited his title. The time has come for him to wed, and William plans to take a wife who aligns with the version of himself he presents to society. It seems like a solid enough plan except for the fact that his friend’s younger sister keeps wreaking havoc on his carefully controlled life, and he finds he doesn’t mind that at all.

Phoebe Atkinson is a bold and outspoken bluestocking. She and her sisters are known for not playing by society’s rules. Phoebe spends her days teaching working class girls. When her star student goes missing, she turns to the Duke of Ellis, the most powerful man she knows. As they search the streets of London for the missing girl, Phoebe comes to realize that there’s more to this stuffy Duke than he lets on.

Phoebe is a strong, intelligent, and independent woman. I really admired her tenacity. Not only is the school she teaches at in danger of closing due to lack of funding, but one of her students has gone missing, and yet rather than give up she finds solutions. I loved her as a character.

Will had quite the journey to go on. Stuck in the games the ton plays, he’s chomping at the bit to break free, but it’s hard for him to let go. At the start of the novel, he’s actively pursuing Lady Gwen, though they’re not engaged yet. I did appreciate that after he shares a scorching kiss with Phoebe, he decides to end his pursuit. He’s become complacent in his life going along with what is expected of him. Phoebe helps him to realize there’s so much more he wants from his life. He no longer wants to be reined in by the expectations put on him by the ton.

I enjoyed how they bantered and challenged each other. Will respected Phoebe’s opinions and took them into serious consideration. He’s in a very unique position that allows him to enact change in parliament. Phoebe opens his eyes to the realities those in the working class face daily and the threat a new bill will pose on them, and he aims to make changes.

There was so much yearning on both sides and the chemistry between them jumped off the page. Phoebe and Will grew up together and had crushes on each other as children. But that all changed once he inherited the dukedom. Since then, they’ve been estranged. Once they reunite again in order to search for Phoebe’s missing student, they each realize the feelings they had for each other when they were young have not gone away. The more time they spend together, the more that initial spark turns into a roaring flame.

It’s not smooth sailing for them, however. Both have to let go of expectations that they harbor, and there is a bit of a separation after the third act breakup while they each think about what it is they truly want. Ultimately though, true love prevails, and we get a perfectly timed happily ever after. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC of this story, this is my objective review. Meet Will Hargrave, the young Duke of Ellis. He seems rigid and austere, and he wanted to be a lawyer instead of a young duke. Phoebe Atkinson is his friend's younger sister, they are childhood acquaintances but became distant after Will became a Duke. Phoebe is a schoolteacher, teaching underprivileged girls in an effort to provide equal education for both London girls and boys. The story starts with Phoebe looking for a missing student, and she becomes reacquainted with Will as he helps in her search. There's not a lot new here, although the renewed relationship between Phoebe and Will is very sweet, especially as they realize that there is still fondness between them despite some distance, and as they realize that they are better together than they are apart. This open-door romance is told in dual 3rd-person POVs, which I always enjoy. And friends-to-lovers is one of my absolute favorite tropes. There's a nice touch of mystery and danger that will keep you reading until the end. (Based on the tone of the story and the epilogue, this seems like the start of a series.) I gave this 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.

3.75 stars - An entertaining historical romance featuring a reluctant Duke and an idealistic and outspoken schoolteacher. Ten years ago William Margrave inherited an unexpected Dukedom and has been trying to find his footing and live up to his new title ever since. Part of this involves taking a wife, and Will is sure he'd found his Duchess in Gwen Fairbanks, a lovely and well-bred woman who will surely be perfect for the role. Yet all his planning goes out the window with a single note - his childhood friend's younger sister is asking for help, and Will has never been able to say no to Phoebe Atkinson.

Filled with mystery, spice, and a whole lot of strong women, this was a delightful read. I adored that Will would do anything for those he cares for and loved Phoebe's realistic yet optimistic view of the world, both facts that lead to these two into their fair share of messes, but what's a good historical romance without a little chaos and sneaking around? This series is off to a wonderful start with Will and Phoebe's adventure, and I am very much looking forward to the next book!

Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 2🌶️

Tropes/Themes:
- Adult historical romance
- Second chance
- Childhood friends
- Duke x School teacher
- Both MCs resisting their attraction for one another
- Mystery subplot
- Meddling siblings
- Feminist ideals
- Bridgerton vibes

I don’t read many historical romances, but this was a very fun read! The plot was engaging and the characters were interesting. The author did a great job with detailing the characters’ backgrounds, ideals, conflicts, and motivations. I honestly could not put this book down! I recommend it for any historical romance lover, and Bridgerton fans will definitely enjoy this book as well.

this was a great historical romance! I loved the fact that Phoebe was a teacher. You typically do not see women having jobs in these historical romances so it was a nice surprise to have such an independent woman. Her relationship with Will was really great! I enjoyed their dynamic I also loved that there was a little bit of a mystery to the book. It was a nice addition to the romance! I loved this book!

I really enjoyed this story - I believe this is my first book from Emily Sullivan but will definitely be checking out her other titles!

Thank you for the early copy for review!

Historical Romance lovers looking for a heroine with an unconventional job (she's a teacher!), a childhood friends to lovers or best friend's sister tropes, or a dash of mystery will certainly find something to enjoy! The pacing was a bit slow for me personally, but otherwise I loved the premise and set up, as well as the character's backstories.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Vibes:

—childhood friends

—sister's best friend

—class politics

—he's self-conscious, she's rebellious

Heat Index: 6.5/10

The Basics:

After coming into a dukedom unexpectedly, William falls out of touch with his friend's little sister, offbeat schoolteacher Phoebe. They next run into each other when she requests his help in getting out of an arrest—only to then beg him for more help after her favorite pupil goes missing. Will solving the mystery bring them back together, or is William too lost to his new status to accept Phoebe's "radical" perspectives?

The Review:

I really enjoy a childhood sweethearts romance, and this one has the perfect combo of wistfulness and longing. William doesn't even truly realize how much he wanted Phoebe until he's lost her (not that it's really his fault here—he didn't ask for the dukedom). There's a lovely chemistry between them, two people who clearly know each other and can get under each other's skin, while at the same time having this chasm of years between them.

That's where this book sparkles. In the little moments between William and Phoebe, the flirtatiousness after they've Done Stuff and he knows she's thinking about doing More Stuff. I also think it's really cool that Alex, Phoebe's sister, is William's close friend—as opposed to a brother, the way one typically sees with this trope. Alex is an interesting character, and I'd lvoe to see more of her and her romance.

However, the pacing was kind of slow, and I wondered why until realizing it was the same issue I see in a lot of historical romances right now. The couple is held apart for too long. And I don't mean romantically, I mean it takes a while before the book really commits to them being almost-constantly together. Which, for me, is when a romance really takes off.

I did know going into this that Phoebe would be a more political heroine, and that's totally cool for me. I mean, I agree with her politics. But her conversations with William seemed very... self-sacrificing, shall we say? A little holier than thou.

Will's issues were understandable in theory, but a little tired in reality. He has the weight of the dukedom on his shoulders, but also, he didn't really grow up with it on his shoulders. So why is it this big a deal to him on an emotional level? I never really got it. And the thing is that this is the conflict: Will doesn't really think that Phoebe is suitable as his duchess.

But why does he need a suitable duchess? Why does it matter that Phoebe isn't good enough~ for the role? I think Will was presented in a way that seemed like... at odds with him being an asshole? And everyone makes mistakes, but to me, you either commit to an asshole hero or you don't. I love an asshole hero. Will wasn't one, but I think I would've preferred it if he had been.

This is one of those books where I finished it and thought, "I liked a lot of that". The issues I had with it were few, just more noticeable than I'd lke.

The Sex:

Several explicit scenes, all well-done. I really liked the way that Phoebe approached sex, and I liked Will's reaction to her baldly asking for what she wanted... even more.

Not a home run but a solid book. I just think it would've been better if we'd had less focus on the characters' theoretical morals and beliefs, and more on the romance. Because the other two things are important! but we can't let them make the romance drag.

Nonetheless, if you're a fan of Evie Dunmore, I honestly think you'd love this. Similar bluestocking-y vibe with a somewhat starchy hero.

Thanks to Forever and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book swept me off my feet faster than Phoebe Atkinson can ask for help (which is saying something, considering her fierce independence)! Her unexpected plea to the Duke of Ellis creates tension thicker than a Victorian corset, and I was here for it. The chemistry between Phoebe and William Margrave is like a pot of boiling water—strained at first, then bubbling over into something wonderfully passionate!

Add in a mystery about a missing progeny, and you’ve got a plot that’s more layered than a well-made trifle. Watching their relationship evolve was like seeing two cats fight over a sunny spot—awkward but utterly captivating. The heartfelt moments had me grinning like a fool, and the thrilling bits kept me on my toes—who knew romance could be this suspenseful?

I’m already planning my next reading session with this author’s other works and will be shoving this book into the hands of everyone I meet. Seriously, if you like romance with a side of intrigue and a sprinkle of humor, this is the book for you!

Duchess Material is an enjoyable historical with an idealistic schoolteacher and a Duke whose inherited title weighs heavy on his shoulders. There is quite a bit of sneaking around investigating disappearances and deaths while two people obviously drawn to each other learn what they want not only in love but in their lives.

I had fun with this story but did find it dragged at a few points. I’m looking forward to Alex’s book. She sparked my interest.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

I thought Duchess Material was a sweet and fun historical romance! We have Will Margrave who inherited the title of Duke from a distant relative, but he was never expected to become a duke, nor raised to be one, so he takes his responsibilities extremely seriously. He meets up with an old friend from childhood, Phoebe Atkinson, who is now a headstrong, independent schoolteacher. Their romance is cute and heartwarming, but I wish there had been a bit more of an arc than "I want this woman but she's not good enough to be my duchess."

I was absolutely blown away by how much I love this book. I had read Emily Sullivan‘s previous books and enjoyed the heck out of them, but this new book (which hopefully is a series) was so good!! I felt the tension and love between Phoebe and Will the second they interacted (in the police station I see see you Scarlet and the Duke.). There was so much about this book that rang true – the sisterly relationship, the role of best friends, society impacting your life choices, especially romantic ones. Phoebe and Will both had their own internal struggle and I’m so happy it was a dual POV, so we got to see that. But at the end of the day there was no denying to each other, or to the reader that they belong to each other. And Emily Sullivan did such a wonderful job conveying that!


Thank you #netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

The spice was spicing in this one!! 🥵🔥🌶 I love me some Duke and Duchess books. This one DID NOT disappoint. Phoebe (FMC) was truly remarkable. She didn't let anyone mold her into anything, and she had the most kind heart. Will.... yall .... WILL 🥵🥵 There is so much I could say about Will (MMC). He's wonderful, and the way the FMC helped him open his eyes and change was a beautiful thing to watch happen. Freddie was such a character! I was deeply moved by Maude and Alice. I felt like this had all of the greatness in it.... funny moments, deep moments, and spicy scenes. All around a lovely read!

I received this book from NetGalley and Forever (GCP) to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.

My favourite types of historical romance are ones featuring unconventional men and women and this really hit the spot.

I adored Phoebe and Will together. The pining and the love they had for each other while dealing with their individual hurdles. I loved how Phoebe challenged Will on his internalised pressure to be a duke he thinks he needs to be, instead of making the role fit him. Also Will’s slow realisations about how much he loves Phoebe and her independent spirit. I also loved the dash of mystery and intrigue finding out what happened to Phoebe’s missing student.

I also appreciated the book acknowledged the racial and class differences. Phoebe is reminded she’s also a privileged white woman by her half-Indian flatmate.

This book is a swoony, banter-filled and touching historical romance that I devoured in one sitting. I can’t wait to read the next books featuring the Atkinson sisters. I hope it’s Alex’s story before Freddie.

Thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the ARC.

I was so surprised who much I loved this book! The dialogue is so sharp and smart. Overall this fun swoony historical romance with most delightful couple.

A special thank you to NetGalley and Forever ( Grand Central Publishing ) for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.