Duchess Material by Emily Sullivan book review

In Emily Sullivan's historical romance, Duchess Material, readers are taken on a thrilling journey set in 1890s Britain, where independent bluestocking Phoebe Atkinson must enlist the help of the arrogant Duke of Ellis, William Margrave, after her promising student goes missing. This novel is a delightful blend of romance, intrigue, and social commentary that many readers are sure to enjoy. 

Phoebe defies societal expectations by choosing to be a schoolteacher instead of marrying into wealth. Living in a modest flat and dedicating her life to educating working-class girls, she remains undeterred by her unconventional choices. However, when disaster strikes, she has no choice but to reach out to William, her sister's best friend and the powerful duke who once spurned her. 

William, who has reluctantly embraced his title, finds himself torn between the expectations of the aristocracy and his lingering feelings for Phoebe. As they navigate the search for her missing student, they both confront their past and the undeniable chemistry that still exists between them. Their banter, mutual respect, and growth as characters are beautifully portrayed, making their reunion a compelling narrative. Sullivan masterfully explores themes of class differences and progressive ideals, presenting Phoebe as a strong, intelligent woman who challenges the status quo. William's journey of self-discovery adds depth to the story, demonstrating the struggle between duty and desire. The chemistry between Phoebe and William is palpable, with moments of tension and spice that keep readers engaged. 

Duchess Material is a sweet and spicy romance that balances light-hearted adventure with serious social issues. The plot offers both familiarity and intrigue, with a satisfying resolution that hints at further stories to come. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and romance, this book is a delightful read that will brighten your day. I really enjoyed this book!

Thanks to #NetGalley and Forever Books @readforeverpub for an Advance Reader Copy.

Book of the Month by Jennifer Probst book review

Sexy time in the Outer Banks. Aspen Lourde is desperate for another bestseller… and she'll go to any length to get it. Even if it means sacrificing her pride to chase the hottest bachelor in town and get him to break her heart… Aspen Lourde can't seem to produce another successful book, and the pressure's on to prove she's not just a one-hit-wonder. Without any fresh romantic turmoil to fuel her pen, Aspen needs inspiration quick enough to create a book her agent can sell to her publisher. So she escapes for the summer to the Outer Banks with a plan to live a story worth writing. Brick Babel is a romance novelist's dream: a local heartthrob with a reputation as wild as the horses running free in the town. He's everything Aspen needs for a muse kickstart—gorgeous, moody, and notoriously unattainable. A good heartbreak is exactly what she needs to meet her deadline and her agent's patience is growing thin.

But Brick refuses to play the game, rejecting all of her advances. When Aspen hears his tour company is on the verge of bankruptcy, she offers him a deal: fake a whirlwind summer romance, then ditch her, drama guaranteed. Desperate to save his grandfather's business, Brick agrees to the ridiculous deal. What starts as a contractual fling spirals out of control as lines blur and real feelings emerge. Brick's falling hard, and Aspen's rethinking her plot twist. The novel might be her ticket back to the top, but at what cost? 

Book of the Month delivers an entertaining romance set against the stunning backdrop of North Carolina's Outer Banks. The setting is so beautifully and vividly described that I found myself wanting to pack my bags and visit immediately! Brick, the misunderstood hero, is a standout. The chemistry between Aspen and Brick is undeniable, leading to some steamy moments where Brick's take-charge attitude and dirty talk added spice to their romance. The secondary characters also shine, adding layers of fun, angst, and intrigue to the story. I'm excited to see where the story goes next, especially with Aspen's sister and Brick's best friend gearing up for their own romance in the future. If fake dating, dating the bad boy, small town romance is your thing, definitely pick up this book! I loved it.