Bringing Down the Duke

Clever, independent Annabelle Archer is suffocating in her role as maidservant to her oppressive cousin and his large family in the country. When she learns about Oxford's brand-new college for women, she cannot let the opportunity pass her by. She pays her cousin to let her go, and receives a stipend to cover her tuition. The catch is that her stipend has come from a suffrage group, so Annabelle is obligated to participate in women's suffrage activities on top of her schoolwork. During one such activity she makes the mistake of targeting one of England's most powerful men, the frosty Duke of Montgomery. As a result she is assigned to get the duke on the women's side, and what follows is a fun tale of independence, persistence, friendship, and love.

This book was a delight. I was pulled into the story almost immediately and had a hard time putting it down. There are a lot of parallels to Pride and Prejudice, but it still feels unique. There is good character development, and the romantic intensity starts early and doesn't let up. Though lighthearted, this book also makes you think about what women have had to endure to get the rights they have today. A great read for anyone who likes romantic historical fiction.