Bringing Down the Duke

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Bringing Down the Duke

by Evie Dunmore

Annabelle Archer is a brilliant, penniless woman who secures a scholarship to Oxford on the condition that she supports the women's suffrage movement. Her mission puts her directly in the path of the Duke of Montgomery, a cold, powerful politician who views her cause as a nuisance. What begins as a strategic battle of wills quickly unravels into a messy, high-stakes romance that threatens to ruin them both. The writing feels both sharp and scholarly, grounding the romance in the gritty reality of Victorian activism. It is a slow burn that relies heavily on intellectual sparring rather than immediate physical attraction. If you enjoy historical settings where the heroine has a sharp tongue and a clear purpose, and you prefer your romance served with a side of political rebellion, this will be right up your alley.

10 Books similar to 'Bringing Down the Duke'

Since you enjoyed the specific cocktail of feminist activism and intellectual tension in Annabelle and the Duke's story, I have curated a list that leans into those same dynamics. These picks prioritize heroines who refuse to play by society's rules and heroes who are forced to evolve because of them. Whether you are looking for more high-stakes political maneuvering, witty banter that masks genuine vulnerability, or the specific thrill of a power imbalance shifting toward equality, these titles capture that same defiant, romantic spirit found in the League of Extraordinary Women series.

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A Rogue of One's Own
A Rogue of One's Own

by Evie Dunmore

As the second book in the A League of Extraordinary Women series, this novel captures the same witty, feminist, and politically charged atmosphere as the first book. It features another strong heroine fighting for women's rights while navigating a complicated, high-stakes romance.

The Duchess War
The Duchess War

by Courtney Milan

Like Dunmore's work, this story blends historical romance with significant social commentary and intellectual depth. The protagonists are both outsiders challenging the rigid Victorian class structure while falling for one another.

Devil in Winter
Devil in Winter

by Lisa Kleypas

This classic Victorian romance features a marriage of convenience that evolves into a deep, transformative love, mirroring the high-stakes emotional arc of Bringing Down the Duke. It perfectly balances a gritty, cynical hero with a resilient, determined heroine.

The Governess Game
The Governess Game

by Tessa Dare

Fans of the banter and lighthearted yet emotionally resonant tone of Evie Dunmore will appreciate Dare's signature humor and charm. It features a spirited heroine who refuses to be cowed by her employer, leading to a delightful clash of wills.

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Portrait of a Scotsman
Portrait of a Scotsman

by Evie Dunmore

Continuing the League of Extraordinary Women series, this book maintains the series' unique blend of historical activism and intense romantic tension. It offers a more complex, atmospheric setting while keeping the focus on strong-willed women changing their society.

A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting
A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting

by Sophie Irwin

This novel features a sharp-witted, unconventional heroine navigating the treacherous waters of the London marriage market. Readers who enjoyed the cleverness and agency of Annabelle Archer will find a kindred spirit in Kitty Talbot.

Indigo
Indigo

by Beverly Jenkins

For readers who appreciated the social justice themes in Bringing Down the Duke, this historical romance offers a powerful, well-researched look at the Underground Railroad. It combines a compelling, high-stakes plot with a deeply emotional and passionate love story.

The Viscount Who Loved Me
The Viscount Who Loved Me

by Julia Quinn

This quintessential Regency romance captures the same 'enemies to lovers' tension and witty dialogue found in Dunmore's work. The dynamic between the stubborn, protective hero and the fiercely intelligent heroine makes for a highly satisfying read.

Bringing Down the House
Bringing Down the House

by Ben Mezrich

While this is non-fiction, the title and the high-stakes, intellectual 'heist' energy mirror the feeling of Annabelle Archer trying to 'bring down' the establishment. Readers who enjoyed the strategic maneuvering and political tension of the suffrage movement will appreciate this narrative style.

A Week to Be Wicked
A Week to Be Wicked

by Tessa Dare

This book offers a perfect blend of intellectual curiosity and romantic adventure, featuring a heroine who is a scientist and a hero who is a rake. The road trip structure creates a fantastic 'forced proximity' dynamic that fans of Dunmore's pacing will adore.