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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Racism
I'm really starting to love Alyssa Cole and her books are really addictive. Porsha (Ledi's best friend from A Reluctant Royals) and she's convinced that's a complete mess. She decided upon Scotland to do her internship in making swords and maybe find herself. She had gotten in way over her head when she realizes the guy she pepper-sprayed is her good looking and silver-haired fox.
The narrator used was distracting, because it didn't feel like it was an authentic Scottish at all and I could tell that it was the same voice that was used for the male main lead. So I had to ignore that, but besides that it was quirky and in ways it from endearing to spicy. It's all in the balance and I'm really loving Alyssa's writing and need more.
The narrator used was distracting, because it didn't feel like it was an authentic Scottish at all and I could tell that it was the same voice that was used for the male main lead. So I had to ignore that, but besides that it was quirky and in ways it from endearing to spicy. It's all in the balance and I'm really loving Alyssa's writing and need more.
*I am not assigning star ratings in 2019 as a personal experiment*
"People focused so much on the prince slipping on Cinderella's lost shoe that they didn't realize the real happily ever after was the moment she realized she was brave enough to go to the damn ball alone in the first place."
Such a fun romance audiobook. LOVED the banter. I definitely enjoyed the first half more than the second, but that probably speaks more to me still getting used to the romance genre and its tropes than to the actual story itself. ;) Can't wait to continue the series!
"People focused so much on the prince slipping on Cinderella's lost shoe that they didn't realize the real happily ever after was the moment she realized she was brave enough to go to the damn ball alone in the first place."
Such a fun romance audiobook. LOVED the banter. I definitely enjoyed the first half more than the second, but that probably speaks more to me still getting used to the romance genre and its tropes than to the actual story itself. ;) Can't wait to continue the series!
IQ “People focused so much on the prince slipping on Cinderella’s lost shoe that they didn’t realize the real happily ever after was the moment she realized she was brave enough to go to the damned ball alone in the first place. “I’m not waiting around for some fuckboy to bring me a shoe. I’m here, working for you. I’m finding my own shoe."
Whew this ended up being quite the slog to get through which is surprising for a romance for me. It wasn't painful to read but the slow burn romance was so slow that it failed to capture my attention for long periods of time, meaning this book took me a week to get through. I think personally slow burn romances that start with a character swearing off casual sex are just not going to be my thing because that tells you right away the book is going to be slowwww. And sometimes the sexual tension is enticing but more often than not it's just frustrating and filler. Also I know she swore off sex for a reason but I got tired of her constant Project: New Portia mentions, just say you're trying to reinvent yourself and leave it at that (reminded me of FUMBLED and the constant hashtags in terms of annoyance levels). The pacing is very off for the book, from a rushed ending to too many plots first introduced in the middle of the book. I actually forgot there was supposed to be a royalty aspect to the book and got annoyed when it was introduced halfway through the book. Not only because it took so long but because this plot was then poorly handled, with a super quick DNA test and a cartoonish villain. I do think a better conflict could have been Tavish meeting another woman as he learned how to become a Duke, it made no sense that Portia took on that role when she's American and most definitely not royal. I also had to read the last chapter a few times because I kept thinking...that's it? For all of Portia's growth we never see her confront her parents about their lack of confidence in her or reveal her mental health diagnosis to anyone which felt like a failed growth opportunity for her and a way to judge the worthiness of people she kept in her life. I wanted her to cut out all her toxic relationships but we don't really know where any of them lie at the end. My final pet peeve is that there is very little sword-making, why not focus the book on saving the armory and actually make multiple swords??
I have mixed feelings about Tavish. I was not sold on him in the beginning (much like Portia) because he's a jerk to her primarily because he can't handle the sexual attraction. He's also wary of technology and hesitant to accept her digital marketing ideas which did at least feel more realistic given his age and lack of social media presence. I think their clashing could have been kept to a difference in ideas on how to market the armory instead of it being divided between physical chemistry and an unwillingness to modernize. Tavish as a character was saved for me primarily because of Portia, he eventually lightens up but she really keeps the romance going and sells it. She's in touch with her sexuality and very tongue-in cheek which results in a lot of zingers such as "This was why she'd only dealt with men in blocks of time that would be measured by hours and were capped with 'have a nice life'. Any longer than that and you had to put up with tantrums like this" (93). The author also makes both sly and overt nods to the romance novel aspect of the book, it's very meta. There's some good historical romance duke jokes here as well as a wink and a nod to their typical palpable chemistry “It is a truth universally acknowledged that chemistry like this never lives up to the hype. I’ve scratched enough itches to know". Portia also doesn't hesitate to use the Duke's good looks when it comes to advertising the armory online which produced some hilarious scenes. Portia is also blessedly very aware of the privilege her family's wealth cloaks her in and Tavish is equally aware of his pretty white male passing privilege, "Actually, my best friend is the princess. She's one of the hardest working people I know, so if you're using that as a derogatory term think again. I'm in a fairly high tax bracket, but nowhere near royalty" (92).
A DUKE BY DEFAULT is a racy, entertaining contemporary romance that addresses some thorny issues such as gentrification, immigration and classism in Scotland. The plot involving the dukedom doesn't make a whole lot of sense, even if you suspend belief about the ducal title Tavish inherits. This is a romance that needed more sword making and fewer Duke shenanigans. But at least contemporary issues are actually discussed and there's a realistic and pleasing multicultural cast of characters. There's also a very healthy attitude when it comes to embracing therapy which I am (now) always here for. While I wouldn't say it's a low stakes or low pressure romance given the ducal plot and greedy developers I would say it's fun and easily digestible with the jauntiest of banter. I was personally more invested in Portia doing what she loves than her romance with Tavish but in the end I was happy she was happy and that Tavish rose to the occasion of proving his affection.
Final favorite quote:
"Portia was not having the same reaction at all. Her boss acted like a gruff, annoying jerk, but dammit there was something about a man who could casually mention Middle Cornish at dinner conversation without sounding pretentious that Portia found irresistible. It didn't matter-she would resist." (47)
Whew this ended up being quite the slog to get through which is surprising for a romance for me. It wasn't painful to read but the slow burn romance was so slow that it failed to capture my attention for long periods of time, meaning this book took me a week to get through. I think personally slow burn romances that start with a character swearing off casual sex are just not going to be my thing because that tells you right away the book is going to be slowwww. And sometimes the sexual tension is enticing but more often than not it's just frustrating and filler. Also I know she swore off sex for a reason but I got tired of her constant Project: New Portia mentions, just say you're trying to reinvent yourself and leave it at that (reminded me of FUMBLED and the constant hashtags in terms of annoyance levels). The pacing is very off for the book, from a rushed ending to too many plots first introduced in the middle of the book. I actually forgot there was supposed to be a royalty aspect to the book and got annoyed when it was introduced halfway through the book. Not only because it took so long but because this plot was then poorly handled, with a super quick DNA test and a cartoonish villain. I do think a better conflict could have been Tavish meeting another woman as he learned how to become a Duke, it made no sense that Portia took on that role when she's American and most definitely not royal. I also had to read the last chapter a few times because I kept thinking...that's it? For all of Portia's growth we never see her confront her parents about their lack of confidence in her or reveal her mental health diagnosis to anyone which felt like a failed growth opportunity for her and a way to judge the worthiness of people she kept in her life. I wanted her to cut out all her toxic relationships but we don't really know where any of them lie at the end. My final pet peeve is that there is very little sword-making, why not focus the book on saving the armory and actually make multiple swords??
I have mixed feelings about Tavish. I was not sold on him in the beginning (much like Portia) because he's a jerk to her primarily because he can't handle the sexual attraction. He's also wary of technology and hesitant to accept her digital marketing ideas which did at least feel more realistic given his age and lack of social media presence. I think their clashing could have been kept to a difference in ideas on how to market the armory instead of it being divided between physical chemistry and an unwillingness to modernize. Tavish as a character was saved for me primarily because of Portia, he eventually lightens up but she really keeps the romance going and sells it. She's in touch with her sexuality and very tongue-in cheek which results in a lot of zingers such as "This was why she'd only dealt with men in blocks of time that would be measured by hours and were capped with 'have a nice life'. Any longer than that and you had to put up with tantrums like this" (93). The author also makes both sly and overt nods to the romance novel aspect of the book, it's very meta. There's some good historical romance duke jokes here as well as a wink and a nod to their typical palpable chemistry “It is a truth universally acknowledged that chemistry like this never lives up to the hype. I’ve scratched enough itches to know". Portia also doesn't hesitate to use the Duke's good looks when it comes to advertising the armory online which produced some hilarious scenes. Portia is also blessedly very aware of the privilege her family's wealth cloaks her in and Tavish is equally aware of his pretty white male passing privilege, "Actually, my best friend is the princess. She's one of the hardest working people I know, so if you're using that as a derogatory term think again. I'm in a fairly high tax bracket, but nowhere near royalty" (92).
A DUKE BY DEFAULT is a racy, entertaining contemporary romance that addresses some thorny issues such as gentrification, immigration and classism in Scotland. The plot involving the dukedom doesn't make a whole lot of sense, even if you suspend belief about the ducal title Tavish inherits. This is a romance that needed more sword making and fewer Duke shenanigans. But at least contemporary issues are actually discussed and there's a realistic and pleasing multicultural cast of characters. There's also a very healthy attitude when it comes to embracing therapy which I am (now) always here for. While I wouldn't say it's a low stakes or low pressure romance given the ducal plot and greedy developers I would say it's fun and easily digestible with the jauntiest of banter. I was personally more invested in Portia doing what she loves than her romance with Tavish but in the end I was happy she was happy and that Tavish rose to the occasion of proving his affection.
Final favorite quote:
"Portia was not having the same reaction at all. Her boss acted like a gruff, annoying jerk, but dammit there was something about a man who could casually mention Middle Cornish at dinner conversation without sounding pretentious that Portia found irresistible. It didn't matter-she would resist." (47)
love! love! love! Tavish is the perfect grumpy scotsman to combat Portia’s headstrong demeanor. I loved that neither of them wanted to be in a relationship of any kind and yet they just perfectly fell together.
3.5 ⭐️
When Portia moves to Scotland for a sword-making apprenticeship, she makes a deal with herself. Project: New Portia is in full affect. No more drinking, no more one night stands, and no more excuses. Sword-maker Tavish isn't thrilled about the idea of someone new joining the armory. When she turns out to be the most attractive woman he's ever seen, he makes a promise to himself that he won't stray from a cordial, professional relationship with her. But sometimes chemistry is can't be ignored, and when secrets about Tav's life are uncovered, he's going to need a squire by his side.
I've just finished reading, and I will admit... I feel a tad conflicted on how to rate this one.
A Duke by Default had the same charm as [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] and Alyssa Cole once again drew me in with her characters. First and foremost, I really related to Portia in many ways. As she is on her quest to be more reliable, serious, and "grown up", she discovers that maybe her past missteps and failures aren't her fault. She learns more about how ADHD can affect a person, and sees a lot of that in herself. Portia discovers new organizational strategies and coping mechanisms to help her. Without getting too deep, I really resonated with a lot of what Portia was going through. I felt her insecurities deeply.
In all honesty, I felt mostly neutral towards Tav. I really enjoyed reading through his character development and found myself chuckling at some of his dialogue. For much of the story, I felt that the romance was almost entirely based on looks, particularly for Portia. While her determination, intelligence, and willingness to help others was obviously what drew Tavish to her, I can't point out as many personality traits in him that would have led Portia to fall for him.
I admit I got a little annoyed with the will-they-won't-they back and forth of this relationship. I was rooting for them the whole way through, but much of their conflict was rooted in mis-/lack of communication. AndTavish making the bold and incorrect assumption that she got blackout drunk on the most important night of the summer, despite knowing how important her sobriety was to her. You didn't think for even just a second that maybe something dubious was at play?? But, I digress.
I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first in the series, but I felt very protective of Portia as a character and I still love her friendship with Naledi so much. I look forward to reading the next story and (I assume) swooning over Johan for 384 pages.
When Portia moves to Scotland for a sword-making apprenticeship, she makes a deal with herself. Project: New Portia is in full affect. No more drinking, no more one night stands, and no more excuses. Sword-maker Tavish isn't thrilled about the idea of someone new joining the armory. When she turns out to be the most attractive woman he's ever seen, he makes a promise to himself that he won't stray from a cordial, professional relationship with her. But sometimes chemistry is can't be ignored, and when secrets about Tav's life are uncovered, he's going to need a squire by his side.
I've just finished reading, and I will admit... I feel a tad conflicted on how to rate this one.
A Duke by Default had the same charm as [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] and Alyssa Cole once again drew me in with her characters. First and foremost, I really related to Portia in many ways. As she is on her quest to be more reliable, serious, and "grown up", she discovers that maybe her past missteps and failures aren't her fault. She learns more about how ADHD can affect a person, and sees a lot of that in herself. Portia discovers new organizational strategies and coping mechanisms to help her. Without getting too deep, I really resonated with a lot of what Portia was going through. I felt her insecurities deeply.
In all honesty, I felt mostly neutral towards Tav. I really enjoyed reading through his character development and found myself chuckling at some of his dialogue. For much of the story, I felt that the romance was almost entirely based on looks, particularly for Portia. While her determination, intelligence, and willingness to help others was obviously what drew Tavish to her, I can't point out as many personality traits in him that would have led Portia to fall for him.
I admit I got a little annoyed with the will-they-won't-they back and forth of this relationship. I was rooting for them the whole way through, but much of their conflict was rooted in mis-/lack of communication. And
I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first in the series, but I felt very protective of Portia as a character and I still love her friendship with Naledi so much. I look forward to reading the next story and (I assume) swooning over Johan for 384 pages.
I really liked book and I'm sorry that it took me this long to get to it!
Tavish is a grumpy man who wants to be left alone. Well, that all changes when Portia enters the picture. Now, I would say this story is a slow burn (like a slow, slow burn) but I think it's worth the wait. Portia is very unlikable character in the beginning-- the whole new me mantra was lost on me. Most of us just dye our hair or get a tattoo not go across the world to be an apprentice for FREE. That aside, when you get to the middle of the story you that's the meat and potatoes. These two help see the best in each other because they can't see it for themselves. I loved the handling of othering by the way of immigration (I see you Alyssa Cole). Overall, the HEA was achieved by the trope of miscommunication by the way of a bit of a spoiler but they both weren't hard headed enough to say they were both wrong to quickly wrap it up.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Loved it! Light and easy read for a pick me up if you are feeling sad!