That could be okay if the sex scenes didn't feel so one-sided. Annabelle loses her identity and agency. The Duke's desires subsume her own and feels so toxic. He doesn't really seem to care about Annabelle's needs or wants or how their sexual exploits would ruin her future. Bah! I just couldn't take it anymore. I abandoned this one in disgust even more annoyed because it had so much early potential. Plus it promised, but didn't really deliver, women at Oxford and suffragettes. Arrr! Things went well up until the first real meeting of the pair. The pretext for their run-in was the first hint of bad things to come because it was a badly devised supposed suffragette subplot. Now mind ye the only reason Annabelle is involved with the political movement is exchange for them paying her tuition. She doesn't actively want to be involved. Neither do any of the women in the group. The suffragette aspect is extremely minor and used poorly. This was supposed to be one of the highlights of the book.

Bringing Down the Duke (A League of Extraordinary Women Book 1) Bringing Down the Duke (A League of Extraordinary Women Book 1)

This strongly driven and complex man, with a cold and severe poise (and how much of it is just that, poise?), starts to gradually reconsider every aspect of his life and his outlook on his role and duties, with the same thoroughness he dedicates to political battles. Thanks to this compelling and passionate woman questioning him every step of the way, who challenges and infuriates him... and who probably makes him yearn for "more" for the first time in his privileged but somehow confining and inhibited existence.

I really didn't see what Annabelle saw in him. Eventually, yes, he was quite the great guy. But right off the bat? No. I have read the future of historical romance, and it’s Evie Dunmore’ Eva Leigh, author of Dare to Love a Duke

Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore | Goodreads

Bringing Down the Duke is the best historical romance I’ve read all year.. . . Evie Dunmore is a marvellous, fresh new voice in romance who is sure to go far. Don’t miss her brilliant debut!’ ANNA CAMPBELL, bestselling author of the Dashing Widows seriesSebastian was so lovely, and attentive. I love it when a character comes across as cold and aloof, but secretly they have the biggest heart hidden away! It melts me every time!

Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore, Paperback | Barnes Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore, Paperback | Barnes

Sometimes a wonderful book leaves an emotional mark on us, but Bringing Down the Duke left a physical mark on me too. Ms. Dunmore brilliantly allows you to get to know the emotional complexities of the main characters independent of each other. The reader can clearly see the “why” behind their choices made. This allows you to truly submerse yourself in the emotional pull they are feeling. As they struggle to find love, it is easy to sympathize with the struggle on both sides. This series balances friendship, politics, history, and romance in just the right mix.” —U.S. Representative Katie Porter I think could have probably gone with the I-love-you-because-true-love stuff if the book hadn't been so realistic-ish in other areas. Maybe if it were a bit more silly like other historical romances tend to be, you know?I mean, it's got a strong feminist vibe, good message about finding yourself, and main characters that aren't horrid. It just didn't grab me and pull me in like I wanted it to. A steamy, intelligent and feel good historical romance, set in Victorian England at the time of the Suffragette movement! 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!