Bringing Down the Duke

A League of Extraordinary Women, Book 1

De: Evie Dunmore

Narrado por: Elizabeth Jasicki

“Dunmore is my new find in historical romance. Her A League of Extraordinary Women series is extraordinary.”—Julia Quinn, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“This series balances friendship, politics, history, and romance in just the right mix.”—U.S. Representative Katie Porter

A stunning debut for author Evie Dunmore and her Oxford suffragists in which a fiercely independent vicar's daughter takes on a powerful duke in a fiery love story that threatens to upend the British social order.

England, 1879. Annabelle Archer, the brilliant but destitute daughter of a country vicar, has earned herself a place among the first cohort of female students at the renowned University of Oxford. In return for her scholarship, she must support the rising women's suffrage movement. Her charge: recruit men of influence to champion their cause. Her target: Sebastian Devereux, the cold and calculating Duke of Montgomery who steers Britain's politics at the Queen's command. Her challenge: not to give in to the powerful attraction she can't deny for the man who opposes everything she stands for.

Sebastian is appalled to find a suffragist squad has infiltrated his ducal home, but the real threat is his impossible feelings for green-eyed beauty Annabelle. He is looking for a wife of equal standing to secure the legacy he has worked so hard to rebuild, not an outspoken commoner who could never be his duchess. But he wouldn't be the greatest strategist of the Kingdom if he couldn't claim this alluring bluestocking without the promise of a ring...or could he?

Locked in a battle with rising passion and a will matching her own, Annabelle will learn just what it takes to topple a duke....

“With her sterling debut, Evie Dunmore dives into a fresh new space in historical romance that hits all the right notes.”—Entertainment Weekly

“There is nothing quite so satisfying as seeing such a man brought to his knees by a beautiful woman with nothing to her name except an inviolable sense of her own self-worth.”—NPR

©2019 Evie Dunmore (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

One of Publishers Weekly's Best Romances of 2019

"With her smart, well-researched stories and wildly appealing characters, Evie Dunmore has a unique ability to write historical romance for the modern reader. Evie Dunmore is my favorite new historical romance author!"—Lisa Kleypas, New York Times bestselling author

“Evie Dunmore’s debut is a marvel....A stunning blend of history and romance that will enchant readers.”—Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author

“Evie Dunmore's Bringing Down the Duke dazzles and reminds us all why we fell in love with historical romance.”—Julia London, New York Times bestselling author

Loved it!

An impressive debut novel by Evie Dunmore, Bringing Down the Duke was fresh and fun read that I couldn’t put down. Told against the backdrop of the women suffragist movement in England, the love story between Annabelle Archer and the Duke of Montgomery, Sebastian Deveraux has hints of Pride and Prejudice.

The writing style of the author was very enjoying, not too flowery and not too simple.

The Highlights

Both main characters were fully realized with deep and complex emotions that went beyond their feelings for each other. Their chemistry was sizzling from the moment they met and didn’t let up until the end. Their romance also felt very adult, even though it was a bit of a romp at times, it could be lighthearted at times, without being light. There’s some prime angst happening throughout the book as well.

It also had a great cast of secondary characters that were once again fully realize with personalities of their own - outside the needs of the MC. It’s clear we’ll get stories from the main female characters and I’m very excited to read how their HEA comes about.

The historical backdrop of the suffragist was more the than just an interesting theme, it was an integral part of the story and important to the development of the MC.

Finally, I enjoy both clean and steamy romances - this is a steamy romance but it has the right amount of steam. Just enough to went your palette.

The Lowlights

There weren’t many things that bothered me, the thing that bothered me the most was the dragging of the “will they/won’t they”. It might have gone on just a little too much.

There’s a scene towards the end where the heroine - who up to that point had been pretty good - acts in the typical “I can’t” heroine way. It was frustrating because for the most part this book had avoided the worst of the romance genre cliches.

Conclusion

This is a great historical romance, with a fresh perspective. I highly recommend it and I can’t wait for book two!

Audible Note

The narrator Elizabeth Jasicki was very good. I enjoyed listening to her and wouldn’t mind listening to other of her narrations.

Brilliant story and excellent narration

I loved this book. I have now listened to it four times. I listen to a lot of Regency / Victorian era romance novels and this is one of the best I've listened to in a long time. The two main characters are well developed and their chemistry is nicely written, with funny and touching scenes and interesting side characters. It's great.

A TRUE HISTORICAL ROMANCE WINNER!

Refreshingly different! This is a smart, sophisticated, well paced story with much homepage to the pioneering women of England for higher education and civil rights. The reader will be entertained, and educated on this most important subject to all of mankind.

Splendid!

What a delight! Such a heartwarming story. If you’re a fan of Jane Austen then it’s a must read! And... it’s quite horny!

Fun and interesting romance

Wasn’t expecting this book to be sooo good. A great story and well narrated. Loved the romance and the character development. . Book 2 is coming soon but not sure I’ll find Lucie as interesting as this heroine. Excellent purchase. Stays in my library.

One of my favorite series

I love this series so much. The storyline, character development, imagery, and wit are so engaging and entertaining while incorporating the history and struggles of women from various classes during this time period. And I’m so picky about narrators that I will return a book solely because if it, so when I say Elizabeth Jasicki is the best choice for the narration of this series, I don’t say that light. So much so that I have listened to this one twice!

Smexy

I had put off reading Brining Down the Duke for some unknown reason. But have in the end Loved it. Smart flawed characters that fight for what they believe is best for everyone, Even if it is not particularly what their hearts desire. Sebastian is determined to make up for his fathers failings and rebuild the family legacy.
Annabelle is a woman before her time. with an interesting past of her own. Striving desperately for the education she she needs.
Needs to break free Of her past and.
Depressing future.
I like the Suffragette aspect of the story.
But it was the smoldering. Attraction between practically polar Opposites that Kept me on the edge of my seat.
The narrators were wonderful. I will definitely read book two in this series.

It was hilarious and brilliant.

I realize most people either loved or hated this book. There wasn’t much middle/ground. Though I thoroughly enjoy reading critical analysis and review of media, rarely am I as critical in my reviews as I feel I could be at times. If that’s how you review, I love it for you and I’ll likely love reading it.

The feminist in me loved the premise of this story. The concept and beautifully detailed execution were honestly really enjoyably for me. Attentive writing style. The focus on suffragists was motivating enough for me to appreciate the story; the love interest and banter only made it better. The Duke falls for someone outside his standing. Shocker. Was it predictable? Of course. Did I still enjoy the slow-burn chemistry? Absolutely.

It was hilarious and brilliant. So many parts made me laugh out loud! The characters were so fun to keep up with. Not to mention the fight for women’s rights as well as the attack on misogyny and classism - an enlightening and delightful experience to partake in. I’m honestly excited to read the rest of the books in this series. I don’t read many historical romances / fiction, but I’m glad I read this!

I’d give this 4.5⭐️ but rounded back to 4 for the purpose of this app

Political, Romantic and Sexual!

The turn of events were not expected at all, it was funny, loving and very HOT! I’m obsessed!

Very good

Unique subject matter and an enjoyable read. If you like historical fiction, you will like this