Bringing Down the Duke: 1 (League of Extraordinary Women)

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As well as Annabelle and Sebastian we get a well built, and tight-knit, cast of side characters. From Annabelle’s friends in the Women’s suffrage movement( all of whom get their own books) to members of society that Annabelle meets on her journey to happiness. These characters were all so well developed, some you will love and others you will want to punch, but they’re all brilliantly used to further the relationship between our two MC’s. When I started at BOTM, I was a professed literary snob—and probably flaunted that term with pride (cue eye roll). I never read romance books because I assumed they were too cheesy and poorly written to be considered worthy of my time. Years later, dozens of romance books devoured, I’m so happy to report that, on that score, I was wrong. However, looks only go as far, and his personality really distracted from the hotness, in my opinion. Stodgy dudes just don't get my panties wet.

Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore | Goodreads

there are so many things i enjoyed about this. first, the writing is delightful - the story is written with a quality that is very reminiscent of the time period, but also feel refreshingly modern. additionally, although much of the story focuses on the social structure of victorian england and the politics that surround social positions, i was never bored. i enjoyed the feminist inclusion and found the womens suffrage subplot enlightening. and i am wholeheartedly behind annabelle and sebastian as a couple. their banter, their exchanges of wit, and their palpable chemistry make them such entertaining characters.

She’s been told she must recruit men to support the cause, and in her sights is the Duke of Montgomery, Sebastian Devereux. Their dynamic was amazing! They were both so fiercely intelligent and stubborn, with so much chemistry. The sexual tension was strong in this one, and I revelled in it! Their relationship was actually a lot steamier than I expected it to be! Oh the angst as the Duke battled with his duty and his heart...swoon! Through the alternating perspectives of Annabelle and Sebastian, we get to see that the greatest angle of this love story is that the characters weren’t delirious on love at first sight, or obsessed with how attractive the other was. In fact, if anything, there was a little hostility between the pair similar to the romance of Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet in Pride & Prejudice. That was why they called it temptation—it never presented itself as something ugly, or tepid, or harmless; no, it came in the guise of glorious feelings and a sense of utter rightness, even when it was wrong. That was why one needed principles. Regrettable, that her grasp on them was so shaky when it counted.”

Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore | Book of the Month Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore | Book of the Month

That was why they called it temptation—it never presented itself as something ugly, or tepid, or harmless; no, it came in the guise of glorious feelings and a sense of utter rightness, even when it was wrong. That was why one needed principles. Regrettable, that”

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I like how Annabelle sees beyond his cold, severe ducal facade to the man beneath - a man with a steadfast heart, who can be charming and makes her feel cherished. The Regency Vows series continues with a witty, charming, and joyful novel following a seasoned debutante and a rakish theater owner as they navigate a complicated marriage of convenience.