Name a more iconic duo than a duke and a bluestocking.

That’s what we’re getting in Emily Sullivan’s latest historical romance, Duchess Material [Buy Bookshop Amazon LibroFM]. Phoebe is from a family with money, but she wants to do some good in the world. She’s left her family behind for the most part and is now a teacher for women in a rough part of London in the 1890s. When one of her students disappears, she takes it upon herself to investigate and lands in police custody. The only thing she can think of to save herself is to drop the name of her childhood friend, Will, who happens to be a duke now.

He also happens to be her childhood crush that she never really got over. Seeing him again after several years brings a lot of those feelings back. On Will’s side of things, he’s trying to find a duchess and is surprised to find he doesn’t mind when Phoebe distracts him from this quest. The quest to find the missing student quickly takes over and shows him things about his fancy duke life that he didn’t know.

One of my favorite aspects of Duchess Material is that it works through an aspect of the time period that you don’t often see. It feels so fresh for the genre to get glimpses into prostitution and what crap women went through in order to be on their own.

Overall, this is a spicy and fun ride. I don’t know what it is about romances in 1800’s UK with a mystery subplot that I love so much, but it’s basically crack. This one did not disappoint and I’m definitely looking forward to Phoebe’s sister Alex getting a story next.

116. SHANNON J. SPANN: Crafting a theatre-based fantasy world & finding your own voice – LiteraryHype Podcast

Send us Fan MailThis week on LiteraryHype, debut author Shannon J. Spann joins me to talk about her dark fantasy novel, A Stage Set For Villains. This book hit the New York Times, USA Today, Indie, and Sunday TImes Bestseller lists, and a studio purchased the film rights. We're talking all about the emotional moment she got that news, her journey in publishing to becoming an author, finding your own voice and so much more. Get ready to laugh and be sucked into Theatron.Links to comeSupport the showSupport the podcast by shopping:EtsyMy Bookshop.org listsLibroFM audiobooksTry Audible Plus  Gift Audible Membership Glocusent LED Neck Reading LightTry Shameless Snacks10% Off at Once Upon a Bookclub10% off Goli VitaminsTWO FREE AUDIOBOOKS with new LibroFM Membership: Kindle Unlimited FREE FOR THREE MONTHS!Prime Television FREE TRIALJoin the fun!WebsiteInstagramTiktokY…

1. 116. SHANNON J. SPANN: Crafting a theatre-based fantasy world & finding your own voice 37:19
2. 115. AMALIE HOWARD: Writing Why Choose Romantasy & Finding Her Own Voice 35:37
3. 114. KRISTIN DWYER RETURNS: Publishing a book when BTS is making a comeback 21:14
4. 113. ERIN CONNOR: Emo music nostalgia, parasocial relationships, and writing for your teenage self 17:03
5. 112. SHAILEE THOMPSON: Blending slasher and romcom vibes into one book | How to Kill A Guy in Ten Dates 33:00

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