A review by moonytoast
Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

minus one star for the number of times biological essentialism shows its face in describing certain neutral things as particularly "masculine/male" or "feminine/male"... here are the most egregious examples in my opinion:

  • "a less discerning male eye"
  • "the singular male intent"
  • "feminine apprehension"
  • "her every feminine instinct"*

*I highlighted this quote and literally wrote in my notes "what does that even mean?????"

i understand that this isn't necessarily an uncommon language pattern in heterosexual historical romances, but it's a weird experience to see this in a story that is so explicitly about women's suffrage and trying to push back against the historical constraints women faced. evie dunmore does a great job of creating a really compelling narrative and romance for these characters, but it's hard for me to ignore the way that the biological essentialism seems completely anathema to the nature of the story. it feels like an oversight by an editor.

all that being said....... i did really enjoy this book! i think it's a testament to dunmore's writing that i still continued to be pulled in by these characters and their romance despite my gripes. i was really out here CACKLING at how straight up Obsessed montgomery is with annabelle to the point that i was so excited to see him lose his mind when he saw that painting of her as helen of troy. if you're a fan of rooting for a man's downfall (not derogatory) as he becomes the romantic lead, then this is for you.
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