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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
lighthearted
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I actually liked this one more than the first but did feel the ending was a bit rushed
Still a cute story, but I felt the focus was too split between career improvement, sword education, etiquette, and self improvement. All great themes, but too many for a beachy, quick romance read.
Ahhh, such a satisfying end~
Content Notes:
⚔️ mention of alcohol consumption, inebriation
⚔️ urination in public
⚔️ ableism, casual ableism
⚔️ sparring
⚔️ use of (not) pepper spray
⚔️ racism
⚔️ explicit on page sex
⚔️ aromisia - aro char being told to marry for politics if she won’t marry otherwise
⚔️ “more than friends”
⚔️ non-consensual grabbing
⚔️ intimidation
⚔️ drugged drink
⚔️ newspapers airing sordid past
This took me way longer than it should have, but it was a wonderful read. I loved Portia so much in A Princess in Theory and getting her book was wonderful. I especially like that we got some more of her history with Reggie, though I really want Reggie’s story too~
I liked Tav and how snarky both of them could be towards each other. Though definitely one of my favorite parts of Tavish is his family and how close they are and how he helps them however he can.
This was a great read and really looking forward to Johan’s story now!
Content Notes:
⚔️ mention of alcohol consumption, inebriation
⚔️ urination in public
⚔️ ableism, casual ableism
⚔️ sparring
⚔️ use of (not) pepper spray
⚔️ racism
⚔️ explicit on page sex
⚔️ aromisia - aro char being told to marry for politics if she won’t marry otherwise
⚔️ “more than friends”
⚔️ non-consensual grabbing
⚔️ intimidation
⚔️ drugged drink
⚔️ newspapers airing sordid past
This took me way longer than it should have, but it was a wonderful read. I loved Portia so much in A Princess in Theory and getting her book was wonderful. I especially like that we got some more of her history with Reggie, though I really want Reggie’s story too~
I liked Tav and how snarky both of them could be towards each other. Though definitely one of my favorite parts of Tavish is his family and how close they are and how he helps them however he can.
This was a great read and really looking forward to Johan’s story now!
Creo que objetivamente es más bien un 3,5 pero lo he disfrutado tanto que tengo que ser generosa. Me gusta la forma en que están planteados ambos personajes, pero especialmente he disfrutado mucho con Portia. Me parece que el retrato que se hace del TDAH y la forma en que se hace valer por sí misma es un planteamiento positivo e interesante que me ha conquistado. Tiene cosas que flojean o que me han hecho rechinar un poquito los dientes, pero de forma global he disfrutado mucho con la lectura. Me ha enganchado, me ha dejado el corazón blandito y he ha hecho tener feelings, tampoco es como que pudiera pedir mucho más.
"Are you saying you want me to use my body to hawk my wares, Freckles?" - Tavish McKenzie
When it comes to this romance title, it was such a delight to read. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Portia Hobbs,(whom you meet in A Princess in Theory) get to know the roguish Tavish McKenzie. Their banter is nothing but electric. I can't stop giggling over little things from this book. It was truly a lovely read, and I am truly enjoying my journey into this series.
~Portia is a strong, mostly confident Black American woman, who takes an apprenticeship at an armory in Scotland. She does well adapting to her circumstances, while also learning more about the town she is living in for the time being. She helps out other small businesses as she is helping the armory, and I love seeing how her mind works. She isn't perfect, and I enjoy that about her. No one REALLY wants a perfect protagonist.
~Tav is a grumpy old soul, who opened the armory when he realized he wasn't an office guy. This led to his wife at the time not being on board, and they divorced. He runs the armory with his brother and sister in law, and they do their best to tread water. He cares fiercely for the people he invites into his inner circle, but he is a cautious person, who is hard to get to know. He is also regularly called an arse throughout the novel.
I won't give away any more, because I want you to go and read this fun romp of a book. Cole has done an amazing job with this series, and I will swiftly be reading anything else she comes out with, because these books are such a delight. Please go and read these books, and support this amazing author!
When it comes to this romance title, it was such a delight to read. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Portia Hobbs,(whom you meet in A Princess in Theory) get to know the roguish Tavish McKenzie. Their banter is nothing but electric. I can't stop giggling over little things from this book. It was truly a lovely read, and I am truly enjoying my journey into this series.
~Portia is a strong, mostly confident Black American woman, who takes an apprenticeship at an armory in Scotland. She does well adapting to her circumstances, while also learning more about the town she is living in for the time being. She helps out other small businesses as she is helping the armory, and I love seeing how her mind works. She isn't perfect, and I enjoy that about her. No one REALLY wants a perfect protagonist.
~Tav is a grumpy old soul, who opened the armory when he realized he wasn't an office guy. This led to his wife at the time not being on board, and they divorced. He runs the armory with his brother and sister in law, and they do their best to tread water. He cares fiercely for the people he invites into his inner circle, but he is a cautious person, who is hard to get to know. He is also regularly called an arse throughout the novel.
I won't give away any more, because I want you to go and read this fun romp of a book. Cole has done an amazing job with this series, and I will swiftly be reading anything else she comes out with, because these books are such a delight. Please go and read these books, and support this amazing author!
Easy middle of the road romance. If you like the, secretly a royal trope you will dig this
I was so annoyed from dnf-ing [b:Trouble the Saints|52380207|Trouble the Saints|Alaya Dawn Johnson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1579779026l/52380207._SX50_SY75_.jpg|73056724], and looking for a book I could fall right into and enjoy. This book was a damn delight and I tore through it on audio in just a couple of walks. Portia was an awesome main character (loved the ADHD representation!), and Tav was a dream. I think I liked this even better than [b:A Princess in Theory|35271238|A Princess in Theory (Reluctant Royals, #1)|Alyssa Cole|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1501702014l/35271238._SY75_.jpg|56629976], though the ending was a little less satisfying/kind of rushed. You better believe I will be continuing this series!
This one just got me good. First off, I LOVE Scotland so much so from the beginning I knew this was going to be a favorite of mine. And I was pretty sold from the beginning. I loved Portia and Tavish so much. I related SO HARD with Portia's lack of boundary issues and the way she is trying to find herself. I think this is why I loved this one so much, because Portia's struggles felt like they were being ripped from my chest. The ways she has these parental expectations as well as this immediate out pouring of her efforts? She spoke to my heart. And I loved how Tavish was gruff, compassionate, but also no frills. Their chemistry was sizzling and it was magical to see it unfold. I also loved how A Duke By Default was dual POV and allowed their personalities, and individual issues to unfold and evolve.
4.5/5
I liked a Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole, but never really got the hype. I picked this one up on a whim, and loved it! I don't have much to say except it's super diverse, fun, and features sword making. The guy is half Chilean (which same) and the girl is trying to make something of herself (relatable).
I did enjoy the first half a bit more and the whole ~royalty~ plot line was not my favorite, but it is still done excellently.
I liked a Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole, but never really got the hype. I picked this one up on a whim, and loved it! I don't have much to say except it's super diverse, fun, and features sword making. The guy is half Chilean (which same) and the girl is trying to make something of herself (relatable).
I did enjoy the first half a bit more and the whole ~royalty~ plot line was not my favorite, but it is still done excellently.