Fans of Netflix's Bridgerton series will love this captivating first book in a dazzling new Victorian historical romance series, perfect for fans of Evie Dunmore, Amalie Howard, and Martha Waters! Ever since unexpectedly inheriting a dukedom over a decade ago, William Margrave, the Duke of Ellis has strived to silence his critics and please his disapproving relatives by being the perfect aristocrat —even though that meant leaving behind the progressive ideals he once held. Now the time has come for Will to wed and he intends to find his duchess using the same relentlessly clinical approach that has led to his success thus far. The only problem? His old friend’s unconventional younger sister keeps interrupting his carefully controlled life. And to make matters worse, Will discovers he rather likes it.
The Atkinson sisters are known for two their father’s self-made fortune and their disinterest in playing by society’s rules. Middle sister Phoebe Atkinson revels in her role as the outspoken bluestocking Bohemian, much to the exasperation of her older sister Alexandra, the budding economist, and the amusement of her younger sister Winifred, the endlessly charming social butterfly. Though her parents would love to see her married to an upstanding member of the ton, Phoebe traded the ballroom for the schoolroom years ago and now spends her days teaching working class girls. But when her most promising student goes missing, Phoebe reluctantly turns to the most powerful man she knows, the Duke of Ellis. He was once the object of her girlhood affections until he ascended to the dukedom and left his old life behind. But as they search across London, she discovers that perhaps Will hasn’t changed as much as she thought—and neither have her feelings.
The Atkinson sisters are known for two their father’s self-made fortune and their disinterest in playing by society’s rules. Middle sister Phoebe Atkinson revels in her role as the outspoken bluestocking Bohemian, much to the exasperation of her older sister Alexandra, the budding economist, and the amusement of her younger sister Winifred, the endlessly charming social butterfly. Though her parents would love to see her married to an upstanding member of the ton, Phoebe traded the ballroom for the schoolroom years ago and now spends her days teaching working class girls. But when her most promising student goes missing, Phoebe reluctantly turns to the most powerful man she knows, the Duke of Ellis. He was once the object of her girlhood affections until he ascended to the dukedom and left his old life behind. But as they search across London, she discovers that perhaps Will hasn’t changed as much as she thought—and neither have her feelings.
Title: Duchess Material
Author: Emily Sullivan
Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
Expected Publication Date: November 19, 2024
Review:
Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing me with an egalley of this book for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I think I might be in my regency romance era. I've read a few period romance pieces and I'm just loving the vibe. When the blurb says fans of Bridgerton will like this one, it is absolutely correct!
The story is told in third person point of view, which I think fits the period pieces well. We have a birds eye of view of all that is happening to the characters and a link to what they are feeling. I love how easily the characters are developed with this way of writing.
The plot doesn't only revolve around the romance, though. This book brings to the forefront the upheaval that was happening during this time period. How women were trying to become more and do more. How they wanted to be more than just a wife or the pretty lady on the man's arm. And there's a bit of a mystery to solve, as well!
Sullivan does an excellent job of alternating the point of view between the FMC and MMC, Phoebe and Will. I loved their relationship. How they grew up together and were a certain way with each other until Will got drawn into his role as Duke. Phoebe is so independent. And, while there is pushback from her family regarding this, she does not fold and run from what she knows she wants to do. Will is busy trying to find a duchess for himself through the ton. But he's not really feeling like those ladies fit him. When he and Phoebe are thrown into each other's paths when Phoebe ends up at the police station, you can feel their chemistry from the start. And as the book progresses, the slow burn really ramps up and the romantic zing between the two becomes very apparent. Phoebe was just so relatable, it was hard not to love her. And Will was super protective of her from the start, even though they had not had interaction since they were teens.
There's definitely some spice in this one. So be prepared for that. But the interactions are also somewhat tender.
Sullivan is spot on with her pacing in this one. Each chapter even more interesting than the next.
The author does a fabulous job combining mystery, romance with some slow burn, and family tensions while telling a fun story where you will definitely want to know how the story ends!
Author:
Emily Sullivan is an award-winning author of historical romance and mysteries set in the late Victorian period. Her books have received multiple starred reviews from trade journals including Publishers Weekly and Booklist, and have been praised in publications such as Entertainment Weekly, Buzzfeed, Self, and Bookpage.
She lives in New England with her family, where she enjoys reading about history and writing about rebellious women.
She lives in New England with her family, where she enjoys reading about history and writing about rebellious women.
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