I love a good pairing of a Duke who's worried about the dukedom and all the responsibilities that come with, including finding a Duchess who will be up to the task, and an FMC who is NOT Duchess material in the traditional and expected sense. Add to that, the fact that they were friends when they were younger, plus the Atkinson sisters (all of them with their very own distinctive personalities), a mystery sub-plot, and women engaged in political and social activism.
Duchess Material was a slow-burn to a happy ending, one that I really enjoyed.

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

3.75⭐️

This was a cute read! Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review “Duchess Material”. One thing I think will appeal to readers (especially being new to the genre) is that this doesn’t 100% read or feel like as a historical romance, in the sense that contemporary romance lovers would enjoy this. As a reader, I knew it was that going into it because I was told, but it felt very modern day with verbiage thrown in (such a carriages for example). The plot is also largely miscommunication trope where the two love interests are assuming they know how the other feels or are purposely missing key information that is so obvious to other characters outside of them. I love the main characters- Phoebe is such a girlboss and Will is our brooding but soft lover boy. Ultimately, I did think it was very cute and hope there’s a sequel!

Thank you Netgalley and Forever for this arc.

I enjoyed this historical romance. Will is a duke and his childhood friend Phoebe ropes him into helping her get out of trouble. The beginning plot of Phoebes missing student did stretch for a bit and then wrapped up a little anticlimactic. However I did enjoy the lower conflict aspect of this book, it's my first of this author so may have to check out other.

I look forward to the next one.

Duchess Material was such a delightful read. I had no trouble getting into this one at all.

I loved that Phoebe didn't mold herself to what was expected of her by her peers or societal norms of the time. She set her own path and was determined to do it to her utmost ability.

Will was a good, well rounded character albeit a little stuffy from feeling he must portray himself worthy of the title of Duke that was bestowed upon him. I did feel that his whole "she's not Duchess material" carried on a bit too much in the book. Other than that this book was just an overall fantastic read and I hope we get to delve into the lives of the other Atkinson sisters very soon.

**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed.**

Thank you to NetGalley, Forever & Emily Sullivan for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

I love love love period/historical romance stories that deal with injustices towards women and their rights. This book checks all my boxes for chemistry driven tension and social progress.

I'm very hopeful that this is the start of a new series because I'd love to see more from Freddie & Alex plus the various side characters!

4.25 ⭐️ This was the first book I’ve read by Emily Sullivan and definitely won’t be the last; I couldn’t put it down.

DUCHESS MATERIAL follows the independent bluestocking, Phoebe, as she tries to find one of her students who has gone missing. Being the badass that she is, she ends up in hot water during her investigation (just a little trip to jail nbd) and reluctantly calls her childhood friend, Will, to bail her out.

But Phoebe hasn’t been close with Will for the past 8 years, ever since he (surprisingly) inherited a dukedom at age 18. And while The Duke of Ellis is still just Will at heart, he is now saddled with societal expectations and Parlimentary responsibilities. With the two back in each other’s orbit, the sparks that were starting to flicker when they were teenagers have turned into a roaring a fire.

Bridgerton besties you’re going to love this one. Phoebe was amazing. She defied societal norms while working as a teacher and advocating for a better quality of life amongst the lower income town members. I loved how forward thinking she was too. There is a subplot that involves sex workers and Phoebe is quick to offer her support rather than judgment. Will was a total golden retriever with major Colin “my wife” Bridgerton vibes. He looked at Phoebe as if she hung the moon and the stars. The side characters were equally as amazing and I really hope we get books for Phoebe’s two sisters 🤞🏼

DUCHESS MATERIAL is out November 19th 💙

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.

A fun historical romance featuring a strong female character. This second chance romance was a perfect weekend read to relax with. I am hoping this is the start of a new series as there are side characters I am curious about.

This was a cute fun read. I always appreciate a Woman with her own mind in these regency and Pheobe is a delight. A bit misguided at times but her heart is always in the right place.

I've always had a soft spot for childhood sweethearts, and "Duchess Material" by Emily Sullivan perfectly captures that blend of wistful longing and undeniable chemistry. William Margrave never expected to become a Duke, but when an unexpected dukedom comes his way, it pulls him away from everything familiar—especially from Phoebe Atkinson, the bluestocking sister of his best friend. Fast forward to years later, and Will is grappling with the duties he never wanted, a mystery that needs untangling and a second chance he didn't realize he was missing.

Emily Sullivan weaves an engaging historical romance featuring an idealistic, outspoken schoolteacher and a reluctant Duke. Will has been working hard to be the best Duke he can be, convinced that marrying the elegant Gwen Fairbanks is his best option—until a letter from Phoebe turns his world upside down. Even after all those years apart, Will can't ignore Phoebe's plea for help. Their reunion is charged with emotion as they navigate the years of separation, and their chemistry and shared history create an undeniable spark that can't be ignored.

Phoebe and Will are wonderfully fleshed out characters; I loved witnessing their growth as they reconnect. Will's loyalty to those he cares about shines through, while Phoebe's spirited personality and her blend of optimism with realism make her an admirable heroine. Together, they peel back the layers of a thrilling mystery, which adds an exciting tension to the romance.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the story, there were moments when the narrative leaned too heavily on the characters' ideals, causing the romance to take a backseat. A stronger focus on their love story could have amplified the emotional impact. Nevertheless, the wistfulness, unresolved emotions, and beautiful second-chance chemistry make this book memorable. This series is off to a fantastic start with Will and Phoebe, and I can't wait to see what unfolds in the next installment!

Many thanks to Emily Sullivan, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and NetGalley for the eARC of "Duchess Material."
The book will be available for purchase on November 19th, 2024.

5 Stars! I absolutely loved Duchess Material by Emily Sullivan. All the characters (both main and supporting) are interesting, full of life and well thought out. This story focuses on Phoebe and Will who were next door neighbors and friends in childhood. Also, Phoebe had a big crush on Will when they were young. When Will was 15, he inherited a title that he didn’t know about and was sent away to learn more about the dukedom.

The story has them reconnecting as adults and investigating a missing student and falling more in love with each other. We see both of the main characters learn, grow and adapt to each other and their circumstances with some strong chemistry. There is some good spice along the way!
Truly a fun story (maybe a little long at times) but the character development is wonderful, and I look forward to reading about Phoebe’s sisters with their own books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for sharing an ARC. This review is completely voluntary and joyfully shared.

While I appreciated the politics and social commentary that accompanied the plot, I found the romance lacking emotional depth and the character development pretty meh. This book was a quick read, but for me, it fell short. Overall I’d say it was just okay.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the digital ARC.

I love the dynamic between the main characters, they each feel fleshed out and real. I was hooked from the first page and that is rare!

This book is fun and charming. I love the mystery and she’s an independent blue stocking and he’s a Duke is one of my favorite combos. The second half of this book is very Pride and Prejudice including the phrase “most ardently” and recreating the Colin Firth in the lake scene which is also good but the two halves felt a little disjointed. More solving the crimes please! All in all it’s a fun historical romp and I look forward to the next.

Duchess Material, written by Emily Sullivan, is a captivating Victorian-era romance that follows the story of a humble Duke and a forward-thinking schoolteacher as they navigate themes of privilege, class, and women's rights. Join them on their journey as they confront societal norms and challenge the status quo in this compelling tale of love and empowerment.

A reluctant duke, a stubborn school teacher, and a mystery that keeping pulling them together. Will Margrave, the Duke of Ellis is never wanted a dukedom so when he unexpectedly inherited one as a young man it came as quite a shock, and with a lot of responsibilities. Phoebe Atkinson on the other hand has been trying to make a life for herself away from her family and society, becoming a teacher at a school in a poorer area of London. The two were childhood friends but no longer run in the same circles and haven't seen each other in years. What else to bring them together then the disappearance of one of Phoebe's students. In their quest to uncover the mystery the pair rekindle their friendship, and perhaps more?
I enjoyed this book immensely and once I started I couldn't put it down. Phoebe is such a girl boss and I love that she is stubborn and wants to make her own way in life without the help of her family. Historical romance with a dash of mystery is my favorite kind of book, I think that it just adds so much to the story. The story set against the setting of 1890s london was perfect and I really liked that there was attention brought to the underlying issues of the time like brothels and the struggles of lower class women. Will was such a perfect hero because mostly he wasn't there to save Phoebe but to help her on her journey, pretend he had control over what sticky situations they got into, and add a sarcastic comment here and there. I loved his character arc and how he was able to stop hiding his own personality and thoughts. The two of them just made a perfect pair and I was giggling went ever there was a tension filled moment or sweet words exchanged.
I hope that there will be more books coming because I want to know what is happening with the other Atkinson sisters, Will's brother, the inspector and the other side characters, I am hooked to say the least!

A reunited friends to lovers romance that has plenty of longing looks and pining. I really liked the build up to the relationship. I don't mind a little angst before the couple gets together so I enjoyed that. I also liked that they were childhood friends seeing each other again for the first time in forever. It was nice to see the characters reconnect and bond. I really liked their flirting and the steamy scenes were great.

My one issue was Will. I had a hard time liking Will at first since he does see Phoebe as beneath him in status. There just didn't seem to be a good enough reason why he thought this way for majority of the book and that made me like him less.

A great series starter and can't wait to see the other characters fall in love.

This was absolutely a fantastic historical romance, with an engaging story that I had a hard time putting down!

Phoebe and Will were childhood friends who have drifted apart due to Will inheriting a Dukedom. The author does such a good job at weaving a mystery into her stories and pushing her characters together in a way to help each other figure them out.

Phoebe and Will have amazing chemistry, and I adored how each one of Phoebe’s sisters are so unique and different. The author writes characters you just want to sink into, they are so well written.

I absolutely cannot wait for the other two books in the series, as they will follow Phoebe‘s sisters.

"When her student goes missing, an independent bluestocking must seek the help of the arrogant duke who spurned her in this sizzling tale of romance and intrigue, perfect for fans of Netflix's Bridgerton series.

Phoebe Atkinson is what society might call unconventional. Instead of marrying well like other women born to wealth, she chose to be a schoolteacher. Not to mention she lives in a leaky flat in an unfashionable part of town rather than stay in her parents' mansion. But when her most promising pupil goes missing she has only one option: beg her sister's best friend, the powerful Duke of Ellis, for help.

The last thing William Margrave ever expected was to inherit a dukedom. But now that he has it, he's determined to act the part perfectly - and that includes marrying the perfect duchess. A bluestocking Bohemian schoolteacher is decidedly not duchess material. But he can't resist her plea for help regarding her missing student.

As they fall further into the mystery, William discovers that he never got over his childhood crush on Phoebe..."

I think a bluestocking Bohemian schoolteacher would be the better duchess by far. She'd be so well organized!

If you can't call on your estranged childhood friend to assist in getting you out of jail. Than who can you? Especially now that he is a duke.

Phoebe Atkinson, the daughter of a self-made man, gave up the prestige of societal events for a schoolroom. But when one of her working class students goes missing, she will stop at nothing to find out what happened. Even if that means being arrested and having to summon William Margrave, the Duke of Ellis. The man she has loved since childhood and has rarely spoken to after he ascended to the title. And Will knows Phoebe won't stop until she has answers which has him staying by her side to keep her out of trouble.

I loved that this a falling for your sister's best friend trope. That twist was perfect in this instance as it was continually believed by Will's family that his friendship with Alex would lead to something when he was drawn to the middle sister. It was a nice twist and worked really well when Alex needed to step in and help both Phoebe and Will see things clearly.

Phoebe's strength and conviction made me very drawn to her character. I enjoyed the fact that she continually was learning and striving to do better by her students. How her call to educating them was also a continual education for herself as she discovered more and more the balance between what her students needed to know and what she could teach them. How she was so convinced in uncovering the fate of her missing student because she truly cared about her future. I found it very intriguing the class perspective of her father particularly and how he was self-made but still held somewhat outdated views on his daughter's educating working class women. It was a juxtaposition which brought a lot of insight into Phoebe's actions.

I was intrigued by Will seeing the unexpected inheritance of a dukedom as something to mourn the life he wanted and lost. Typically it feels in HR that there is a learning curve but they settle into the role to like it more. Or it is seen as a coveted role. Yet Will does not. The responsibilities not only from the dukedom itself but from his brother's worry about inheriting the title spurs Will to make a match. He is almost condemning himself to a life his mentors believed he should live until Phoebe pops back into his life and he finds himself able to be more of his true self.

There were moments in this novel where Phoebe and Will would say rather unkind things/truths to the other/about the other. What I really appreciated that they would both step back and think about what the other said and come back and communicate. It was very refreshing to see that aspect of their characters grow and change.

Duchess Material is a great start to a new series by Emily Sullivan and I am so excited to see where the series will go. The steam was perfection and that greenhouse scene will live rent free in my mind for quite some time!

In Emily Sullivan's historical romance, Duchess Material, readers are taken on a thrilling journey set in 1890s Britain, where independent bluestocking Phoebe Atkinson must enlist the help of the arrogant Duke of Ellis, William Margrave, after her promising student goes missing. This novel is a delightful blend of romance, intrigue, and social commentary that many readers are sure to enjoy.

Phoebe defies societal expectations by choosing to be a schoolteacher instead of marrying into wealth. Living in a modest flat and dedicating her life to educating working-class girls, she remains undeterred by her unconventional choices. However, when disaster strikes, she has no choice but to reach out to William, her sister's best friend and the powerful duke who once spurned her.

William, who has reluctantly embraced his title, finds himself torn between the expectations of the aristocracy and his lingering feelings for Phoebe. As they navigate the search for her missing student, they both confront their past and the undeniable chemistry that still exists between them. Their banter, mutual respect, and growth as characters are beautifully portrayed, making their reunion a compelling narrative. Sullivan masterfully explores themes of class differences and progressive ideals, presenting Phoebe as a strong, intelligent woman who challenges the status quo. William's journey of self-discovery adds depth to the story, demonstrating the struggle between duty and desire. The chemistry between Phoebe and William is palpable, with moments of tension and spice that keep readers engaged.

Duchess Material is a sweet and spicy romance that balances light-hearted adventure with serious social issues. The plot offers both familiarity and intrigue, with a satisfying resolution that hints at further stories to come. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and romance, this book is a delightful read that will brighten your day. I really enjoyed this book!

Thanks to #NetGalley and Forever Books @readforeverpub for an Advance Reader Copy.