Bringing Down the Duke

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.... - excerpt from Goodreads

Bringing down the duke by Evie Dunmore was praised to be the future of historical romance but I did not feel especially fascinated by it. I have read many of books in this genre and the thing that sets it apart from others is the message behind the book. No doubt having an issue to highlight in a fiction is a good move but sometime I just want to immerse myself in a brainless, funny, swoon-worthy story. 

The classic hierarchy, social circles and ranks will always exist in genres like this because that's how that era was built on. Royalty or anyone close to it will always be on top of the social circle. So when our heroine appears to be a nobody and trying her best effort to recruit men to fight for women's right, she had to stumble upon someone who is the most powerful Duke in England. 

Both lead characters are interesting people with interesting past. A good amount of attraction exist because of opposite traits and personalities. Their status itself makes it a trope, someone low class falling in love with someone out of reach. I enjoyed the alternating perspectives from the characters as it focuses on different situations of the story. Sebastian the male lead had really good growth in the book as Annabelle manages to bring out the best in him. As for Annabelle, I would say that circumstances and life lessons truly shapes her, resulting in her actions. The way she acts at times are agreeable, at times you would feel a tad annoyed because there is much stubbornness. 

I would say the plot of this book is driven by events happening in the book, such as a peaceful demonstration, dinner parties and many more. Through these, our characters are tested in many ways even though this is just a romance book. The struggles of a lady in that era and also men who tries to support them are not acceptable in society. Side characters plays a strong part in supporting the leads, some being reasons of actions, some being the "villains" that changes their path.

Overall, this is just an okay book for me as it focuses more on the message the author is trying to share, feminism. I would not comment on this subject because everyone has their own opinions on how to go about this. I am not fascinated by it as many historical romances has always urge the same topic, we woman are not objects for men to parade around and we have strong opinions too. A woman with great personality makes a good wife and also brings out the best in men themselves. So if you're looking for something sweet and sweeps you of your feet, this is not the one for you. You want to read about women empowerment, this is up your alley.

Duels and Deception

Miss Lydia Whitfield, heiress to the family fortune, has her future entirely planned out. She will run the family estate until she marries the man of her late father's choosing, and then she will spend the rest of her days as a devoted wife. Confident in those arrangements, Lydia has tasked her young law clerk, Mr. Robert Newton, to begin drawing up the marriage contracts. Everything is going according to plan.

Until the day Lydia is kidnapped - and Robert along with her. Someone is after her fortune and won't hesitate to destroy her reputation to get it. With Robert's help, Lydia strives to keep her family's good name unsullied and expose whoever is behind this devious plot. But as their investigation delves deeper and their affections for each other grow, Lydia starts to wonder whether her carefully planned future is what she truly wants..... - excerpt from book.

Duels & Deception  by Cindy Anstey  is about sometimes planned things are not the best things for you. I have a confession to make, historical romance is my guilty pleasure. My all time favourite is Julia Quinn and so I often compare her writing to many who are in the same genre. I thoroughly enjoyed the author's debut book so when I came across this one in the bookstore with it's cutesy green colour cover, it's was an instant buy. As usual the setting is the Victorian age in England which is my favourite. When reading the summary it felt like something fresh and not so cliche but when I delve more into the plot it felt that everything happened too fast. I wished there was more interactions between the main and side characters.

Don't get me wrong, the character build up and growth were quite well written but sadly it was lacking strong reactions from incidents around. Lydia and Robert are quite strong characters with wonderful personalities but seems a bit too perfect, I would have loved if the author stressed about their flaws which would make them more realistic. One thing I do love is the different perspectives of the characters as emotions and thoughts are made clearer to us readers.

There are two major incidents happening parallel in the plot where in my opinion seems too much as the focus changes all the time and there wasn't enough room for those incident to climate properly in the book. Things just happened too fast and it felt like the story ended too quickly as well. The plot twist felt dry and rushed as well. I might be too critical as I have read too many historical romance, nonetheless the characters made up for the story. I wouldn't say this book was a total let down as I did enjoy it but not up to my expectations. If I were to compare this book with the author's debut, then I would say that the first book was better as the story had more focus. As for this book, I could kinda predict what's coming. I wouldn't really recommend this book as adult historical romance are way better.

Love, Lies and Spies

Juliana Telford isn’t your ordinary nineteenth-century lady. She’s more interested in publishing her research on ladybugs than in marriage or fashionable dresses. Spencer Northam isn’t your ordinary nineteenth-century gentleman. He’s a spy for the War Office on his first mission. But when Spencer’s assignment involved keeping an eye on the lovely Juliana and her friends, their plans for a season without romance are unapologetically foiled. – excerpt from book.

Love, Lies and Spies by Cindy Anstey is a historical romance in the YA genre because of the main character’s age I guess. I have always loved this genre and if you’ve been reading my reviews then you know I’ve read many. So the bad thing is that I can compare it with many other books and my verdict for this book is it was just okay. It has a plot that is similar to many other books and I find it quite repeating at some point. But I guess this is because a season London is always the same for the ladies, you can’t run from traditions. So when there was one or two plot twist in the book, those were the parts that managed to capture my attention well. Other than that, generally I was always waiting for something romantic to happen between the characters.

As for the characters, I really wanted more interactions between them. They were not particularly characters that grew with the story because they are who they are. I felt that the side characters were also a bit bland and didn’t necessarily supported the main characters well enough. Sometimes it felt like they were just there hovering around in the background without doing much. Although I have much criticism, I do like the personality of the characters which is one of the reasons that I kept reading the book. They are not special people but their personality fit the plot very well.

In conclusion, I would say that this book is not boring but not too exciting to read. It certainly was entertaining but at the borderline of almost dropping to the boredom line. I don’t really recommend this to historical romance readers because there are way better books than this. But if you’re interested in the characters themselves maybe you can give it a go, find it in a library. Sadly this is one of those books that I would not read again and probably don’t mind not having in my collection.

Because of Miss Bridgerton

Sometimes you find love in the most unexpected of places...

This is not one of those times.

Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbours for centuries, and as a child the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband...someday.

There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate, and that is George. He may be the eldest heir to the earldom, but he's arrogant, annoying and she's absolutely certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can't stand the sight of him.

But sometimes fate has a wicked sense of humour...

When Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, sparks begin to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can't abide is the one person they can't live without... - excerpt from book

Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn is the latest book related to the Bridgerton series. The timeline of the book is set before The Duke and I and if I'm not wrong it's the aunty of the Bridgerton siblings. I really loved this book because it was funny and also heart warming at the same time. The characters really shine in this book. I love both the main characters very very much.Their interactions with each other is truly entertaining. The side characters for the book which is brother to the main  male was hilarious too. So much personality in all the characters which makes the storyline come alive. 

Speaking of the plot, it's unexpected where I couldn't make any guesses. It was fun reading a romance where I can't predict but I know that the main characters will end up with each other. Throughout the book, the twists that came was really good. I couldn't stop reading because I wanted more interactions between Billie and George. I flew through the book so quickly I somehow wanted more and I felt that the ending was a bit too rushed for me. It would be fun if it stretched more. I liked that the plot is now in a different timeline which makes thing very interesting for me. So much of the history is different for the timeline in the book. Even the fashion is different which intrigues me. 

If you're looking for a fun historical romance then I think this book really hits the spot. The feeling I got from the book was just like when I read the first book in the series. Throughout the Bridgerton series, after the third book it was just okay for me. It's been a long time since I got excited for the Bridgerton family although in this case it was a different member. A very quick read because you can't stop turning the pages and before you know it, the book finished. I highly recommend this for those who already love the author's books. If you're new to historical romance, this book won't spoil you on the sequel series.

How to Marry a Marquis

When Elizabeth Hotchkiss stumbles upon a copy of How to Marry a Marquis in her employer's library, she's convinced someone is playing a joke. But with three younger siblings to support she has to marry for money, so a guidebook to seduction might be just the things she needs - and what harm could there be in taking a little peek?

James Sidwell, the Marquis of Riverdale, has been summoned to rescue his aunt from a blackmailer,. And, posing as the new estate manager, his primary suspect is his aunt's companion - Elizabeth. Intrigued by the alluring young woman with the curious rulebook, he gallantly offers to help her find a husband - by allowing her to practise her wiles on him. But when practise becomes all too perfect, James decides that there is only one rule worth following - that Elizabeth marry her marquis.  - excerpt from book

How to Marry a Marquis by Julia Quinn is a wonderful story about a woman trying to get marry and unexpectedly falling in love. I have not read a historical romance for quite some time now, probably a year's time and I was happy that I picked up this book. I adored Julia Quinn's writing and so far she is the only historical romance author that I've been reading. After reading so many of her titles, I'm still satisfied with her stories. This book was no exception, it was funny and at times your heart beats fast feeling excited for the heroine.

What I love about this book is the characters, the male and female characters were quite realistic. This is because at that timeline, I would agree that people of their status reacting the way they did. The female character was not the typical lady who swoons so easily and have gone through much herself. I love that the value of family is strongly highlighted in the story, and it's important to the characters. The interactions of the characters are wonderful parts, the conversations so interesting. The male character himself also have some issues but overall he is a man who would be wonderful to be married to.

I also love the plot of the book very much, it's such a simple love story, nothing rushed, no instant love and it's at a good pace. The events that happened in the book were funny at times and one of the twists was exciting. I love that the book did not try to drag on too long. Everything happened at wonderful timing.

Overall it was a very good romance book as I could not stop reading to find out how their love would happen. The thrill of the romance is definitely the moments for the characters and I loved all of it. I highly recommend this book to readers who love romance books, historical romance, fans of Jane Austen would love this too. Before I end my post I have to share this line from the book:

"Never forget that love is the most precious gift of all. Money and social status are poor subtitutes for a warm, tender embrace, and there is little in life more fulfilling than the joy of loving and knowledge that you are loved in return." - Page 375, line 14

The Lost Duke of Wyndham

"Jack Audley has been a highwayman, a soldier, and he has always been a rogue. What he is not, and wanted to be, is a peer of the realm. But when he is recognised as the long lost son of the House of Wyndham, his carefree life is over. And if his birth proves to be legitimate, then he will find himself with the one title he never wanted: Duke of Wyndham.

Grace Eversleigh has spent the last five years toiling as the companion to the dowager Duchess of Wyndham. It is a thankless job, with very little break from the routine...until Jack Audley lands in her life, all rakish smiles and debonair charm. He is not a man who takes no for an answer, and when she is in his arms, she's not a woman who wants to say no. But if he is the true duke, then he is the one man she can never have..." excerpt from book.

The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn is about a man who has his whole world changed once he was found out to be in line for dukedom. I find that this book was just okay compared to other books of the same author. The characters were good but the storyline was not exciting enough. I thought that the romance was also just okay because I wanted more romantic gesture from the gentleman.

Everything went really well for the plots where there isn't much twists involved. The start and the end of the book was acceptable for me and I find the middle of the book to be slow. I didn't get the usual excitement or happy feelings from her other books.  I think I probably expected too much from the book as her other historical romance books were fantastic. It wasn't bad but just not as good as others. I don't really recommend this book for keeping as I don't I would read it again.

The Sum of All Kisses

Lord Hugh Prentice made a mistake three years ago and it was a costly mistake. This mistake cost him to unable to walk properly, it was a mistake that affected many people. Lady Sarah Pleinsworth hates Hugh because he ruined her relatives which made her life hell and she did not get to début on her first year. That season 14 couples got married and she missed the chance. She hate him because of that and also that her cousin was exiled from the country to hide from Hugh's father as he wanted to kill him for causing his son to be crippled.

It was Honoria's wedding weekend and Hugh was invited to the wedding to show society that her brother Daniel and Hugh have resolved their problems. One of the cousins of Honoria and Sarah was to sit at the head  table but he fell ill so Honoria asked Hugh to replace him and his partner is Sarah. Sarah was not pleased that she had to sit there with him but it was better than with Cousin Arthur. Honoria also asked for a favour from Sarah to accompany and make Hugh were welcomed this weekend. Sarah is best at chatting with people and making them feel welcomed so the task was hers to do. Sarah hates him and Hugh just can't understand women like her but they're forced to be each other's company for the wedding weekend.

The Sum of all Kisses by Julia Quinn is the third book of the Smythe-Smith quartet. At the start of this book, it dwells quite a bit on the past to explain some things that are significant to the characters. I find the story a bit slow at the beginning  and midway but the pace quickens nearing the end of the book. I feel that I know the hero quite well but the heroine on the other hand I do not know her well enough. I feel that the heroine did not get enough emphasis on her personality at all.

This book is not romantic enough and I feel that more could happen between the characters before they fall in love with each other. I would love if more events and incidents for the couple happened in the book. The conversations were good and the involvement of the other characters from the previous books were good too. The book was only okay for me because it did not feel that it made the same impression as the previous two books in the quartet series. I absolutely love the other characters of the first two books but these two characters was just fine for me. I doubt I would reread this book as it did not have the all the romantic and funniness that matched the author's usual writing. I'm sad to say I was slightly disappointed because I usually have a lot of fun reading Julia Quinn's books.

Splendid

Emma Dunster grew up in Boston because her father's shipping business was there. Her aunt who loves her dearly was in London and invited her to join the season which was encouraged by her father too. Emma wants to stay and help her father with the business and hopes to one day take over the business. Sadly, not many people would like to do business with a female and so deep down she know it could be hopeless. Alex Ridgely is the Duke of Ashbourne who did not believe in marriage. He is also a well know rake in the society and he keeps several mistress.

Emma was going to have a debut party and her aunt wanted her to help make all sorts of decision which also includes flower arrangement and it was boring. Emma and her cousin Belle changed into maid's clothing and sneaked to the kitchen to hide. The kitchen was very busy and the girls insisted in helping and so the cook gave up and gave them petty tasks. The cook soon found out they were out of eggs and Emma volunteered to go buy them. While on the way back, there was a child who was going to be crushed because of being on the roads. Emma rushed to him and saved him from harm's way but hit her head on the ground in the process. It was Alex's nephew that Emma saved and he moved her into his carriage to try to wake her up. While he attempts to do so, he could not help that this maid was so beautiful and when Emma woke up, he kissed her. It gave Emma a shock and she then lied about her name.

Alex and her sister was very grateful to Emma and offered to send her home. Emma was afraid to tell how she came to be in costume and it was quite hard to explain the situation. They offered to hire Emma if her house was not treating her well but seeing that she works for Emma's aunt they felt that she was in a good place. Emma rushed into the house with the eggs and told her cousin part of the story excluding the kiss. Alex was really curious of the maid and since there was a party he decided to attend to check on her. When he was at the party he soon realized that Emma is related to the hostess and was crowded by the ton.

Splendid by Julia Quinn is her debut book which was why I got excited when I was reading it. It's about one man who is against marriage and a lady who wanted to inherit her father's business in America. They met unexpectedly and soon became friends. But they could not deny that they were attracted to each other but since the male is a known rake, it's best not to get involved with him.

Seeing it's her first book I thought it was not bad although there are some parts that are a tad boring but before the book ended it was exciting. The characters are interesting people and they often have cross fire between each other which made conversations funny. Other members involve were not greatly focused hence you not know much about others. Because I have read many of her other books, I could tell the difference and the mass improvement from then on. I did enjoy it but I won't read it again because there's not much parts that I would like to reconcile.