Reviews

Duke, Actually by Jenny Holiday

emkotch's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

theeuphoriczat's review

4.0

A contemporary Christmas romance. A playboy Duke Heir falls in love with Dani after her break up with her cheating husband. I don't want to spoil it but know that the asshole Duke dramatically died when he found out his son was gay. I tell you I laughed my head off.

cletusjenn's review against another edition

4.0

4.5 ☆

allingoodtime's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

There are a lot of heavy things dealt with in this story, and I greatly enjoyed the characters, yet I never felt fully immersed in the story. To be fair, I think my expectations were for a different type of story. I don’t know why that was since I read the first story I knew it ran along the lines of a Hallmark movie. I love Hallmark movies, but they are also something that I can enjoy while doing other things. Few and far between are the ones that grip me to the extent that I remember particulars about the story above and beyond the other movies on the channel.

Okay, I am starting to sound like I didn’t like this book. I actually did like it and found comfort in the story. Max is funny and kind while also being rakish and flirty. Dani has a surprisingly childlike joy in the simple things. They start as friends after Dani makes it perfectly clear nothing will ever happen between them. I love their friendship and the way Max always shows up for Dani.

With as many things that I loved about this story, it’s frustrating to not be able to express what kept it in the “good/great” category and out of the “fantastic” zone. If you’re in the mood for a Hallmark type of story with a bit more heat and angst, I’d say go for it. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Emotional abuse

Moderate: Homophobia

emily38's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

readingtheskyline's review

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I absolutely loved this book. The humor and dialogue were so fun to hear. The characters were endearing and understandable in their struggles. 

The only thing I was annoyed by was

when Max proposed for the first time. There is always a miscommunication at the end of contemporary romance books, which is a sad predictability, but it was still disappointing. I also was annoyed by Dani because she was all "I love him but he doesn't love me," which is frustrating when you know he feels differently. But I suppose that is the point of pinning love stories. Still, I think that the epilogue and aftermath of the last fight scene made up for it.

 

I loved so much about this book and the character development of the side characters as well as the main character. It's just so nice to see a romantic male, love-interest respecting boundaries.

When Dani told him not to contact her, he respected that and didn't break it, I really appreciated that.

Also, side thought, I love it when men in fiction enjoy touch or sexual actions that aren't just penetration, it's just so nice to see. And how reverent Max is, Ah, amazing. 
Needless to say, I think this is a great read and very lovely for people who could use a little love boost. :)

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Minor: Violence and Death of parent

readingwith_kait's review

4.0

This was really sweet and a lot deeper than I originally thought it would be!

~ I loveeee romances with a little “royal ness” in them!

This wasn’t the typical one either ~ she knew he was a Duke or soon to become Duke the entire time ~ they were friends to lovers ~ and I loved seeing their friendship bloom into something more!

~ the ending scene where they both profess their love to one another (not a spoiler ~ because DUH they end up together) had me swooning!!!

agrell's review

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

car3war's review

3.0

cute romance

steph01924's review

4.0

This was quite cute!

See my full review at Forever Young Adult.