Dear Readers,
This book dares to be classified as Historical Romance. Just look at the cover. It has the word “Duke” in it, but there isn’t a ripped bodice in sight. Bringing Down the Duke has all the elements of a Victorian-era romance…the handsome Duke, the lovely damsel, the meddling friends, but what it lacks are the cliches of the genre.
Plot Overview:Anabelle is presented with the opportunity to further her education at Oxford. In order to pursue her dreams, Annabelle must join the women’s suffrage movement. While she is working for the cause of women’s rights, she meets the handsome and intimidating Duke of Montgomery. He is known for being a cold-hearted strategist who is unsympathetic to the cause, but Annabelle may be the one woman who can change his mind.
Pros:
- great characters: Annabelle and Montgomery sing off the page
- world-building: get ready to be whisked back to the 1800s London
- romance: the sex scenes are almost vague, but they are still hot
- book boyfriend: Montgomery is a true swoon-worthy hero
- writing: Dunmore has a captivating style that is poetic and page-turning
Cons:
- predictability: it was pretty obvious that Montgomery was going to rescue Annabelle time after time (after time)
- TSTL: at times Annabelle was too stupid to live. How many times will she go out into the cold without a coat? And punching a police officer is never a good idea.
IN SUMMARY: You need to read this book, even if it is to see what all the hype is about. It lives up to it, by the way. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. A quick read that will have you laughing and truly appreciating the greatness of a talented writer.
Until we meet again, K. Lane
