Bringing Down the Duke: swoony, feminist and romantic, perfect for fans of Bridgerton (A League of Extraordinary Women)

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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. Montgomery even confesses to her that if their stations were equal, then he would have made her his wife. She stomps into his room to suck his dick in one scene, but then literally struggles under him when he goes to “mount” her because of her “feminine resistance. There was so much tension between them, the impossibility of their love made this story heartwrenching.

Inspiring in them even just a kernel of that same passion for evolving, improving, changing that has led and sustained her during these difficult first months in Oxford. A deliciously romantic story firmly grounded in the late Victorian setting, but posing some timeless questions about love against duty and honour or about reputation and safety against freedom and passion, questions that transcend the historical declinations and contingencies while making the tangible inner struggles of the characters deeply resonate. Evie Dunmore's debut novel Bringing Down the Duke is about personal growth, leaving preconceived notions behind and the long hard fight for women's rights. And then the ideal target in sight, whoever he may be, "the kind who had his confidence bred into his bones, who oozed entitlement from the self-assured way he held himself to his perfectly straight aristo nose," and she the only activist among the ones in her group having the courage, or the foolishness, to accost him.There are a few times when her passion about women’s rights and the classics shine through, but for the most part, she’s a bystander in her own story.

He has the nerve to be offended when she tells him that he only thinks she’s good enough to be his whore. Other possible arrangements for their love are stymied by an Annabelle unwilling to ruin her life, her reputation, or lose her self respect. Annabelle is stupid and makes rash decisions constantly, not behaving as a woman in that time (even a “feminist”) would. Their sex scenes were so weird and uncomfortable, as Annabelle was consistently the one out of control and lacking agency. I am always disappointed when there’s no Epilogue but the final chapter provided a charming end to the story.The ending really solidified this as a 5 star read for me, it just really struck me in the last 5 or so chapters especially, how much thought was put into making this such a well rounded plot.

I think the most crucial point for me was that even though I love modern and trail-blazing heroines, I didn’t feel that Annabelle was extraordinary for her time, not like the series promised. Sebastian’s protective instincts come to fore when he arranges for Annabelle to be released from prison despite knowing how this will anger the Queen. This book had such a different feel than any others I have read from the time period and I loved how it made me feel. There is implacable opposition to this from all corners, not just from men alone but other women too, and including the Tory party and Queen Victoria. At the same time, she’s not of the upper class, and must therefore talk to socialites with deference.I love it when a character comes across as cold and aloof, but secretly they have the biggest heart hidden away! Dunmore introduces a number of secondary characters who I am sure are destined to have their own books. Thanks to this compelling and passionate woman questioning him every step of the way, who challenges and infuriates him. Even though she's resilient and can take care of herself, he's still protective of her and comes to her aid.