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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
I think many people will relate to the heroine in this romance novel. She hit a bit of a one-note for me, simply because her anxiety about her self-worth was such a huge part of her character. I thought it was a cute love story, though.
[I got an e-advance readers copy from Edelweiss Plus! ♥]
Okay. Look. I DID NOT EXPECT TO LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH. Like, [b:A Princess in Theory|35271238|A Princess in Theory (Reluctant Royals, #1)|Alyssa Cole|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1501702014s/35271238.jpg|56629976] was so good, how could anything be better? And Portia's appearances in A Princess in Theory were certainly memorable, but not in great ways, so a book about her? I was a little skeptical. Then I started reading a Duke by Default. And I loved it, as I figured might happen, so I kept reading. And then I landed on Chapter 8. Whoa. On Alyssa Cole's twitter page, her description includes "feels puncher." Those first couple paragraphs and Portia's realizations about herself completely punched me in the feels, so YES. Mission accomplished, oh evil/brilliant author.
A bit about the book: Portia has decided to go forward with "Project: New Portia", which includes apprenticing at an armory in Scotland, staying sober, and giving up sex. Turns out her boss is pretty cute and the sparks that fly even when they're not making swords (which tragically is far too often, my only complaint is that there's not enough swords!), and the chemistry is hard to resist. But resist she does, and throughout the book the reader cannot help but to root for Portia's success. Her fears are incredibly relatable in ways that I certainly didn't expect to see. Then she finds out her new boss....? turns out he's the son of a duke. And everything changes. Does he go for the duke-dom to help keep his armory afloat? Yes. What does that mean for his family? and for Portia?
This book is super enjoyable and well written and paced, funny and poignant, and a must read for people who enjoy GOOD THINGS. This book? OMG. I'm in LOVE.
Okay. Look. I DID NOT EXPECT TO LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH. Like, [b:A Princess in Theory|35271238|A Princess in Theory (Reluctant Royals, #1)|Alyssa Cole|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1501702014s/35271238.jpg|56629976] was so good, how could anything be better? And Portia's appearances in A Princess in Theory were certainly memorable, but not in great ways, so a book about her? I was a little skeptical. Then I started reading a Duke by Default. And I loved it, as I figured might happen, so I kept reading. And then I landed on Chapter 8. Whoa. On Alyssa Cole's twitter page, her description includes "feels puncher." Those first couple paragraphs and Portia's realizations about herself completely punched me in the feels, so YES. Mission accomplished, oh evil/brilliant author.
A bit about the book: Portia has decided to go forward with "Project: New Portia", which includes apprenticing at an armory in Scotland, staying sober, and giving up sex. Turns out her boss is pretty cute and the sparks that fly even when they're not making swords (which tragically is far too often, my only complaint is that there's not enough swords!), and the chemistry is hard to resist. But resist she does, and throughout the book the reader cannot help but to root for Portia's success. Her fears are incredibly relatable in ways that I certainly didn't expect to see. Then she finds out her new boss....? turns out he's the son of a duke. And everything changes. Does he go for the duke-dom to help keep his armory afloat? Yes. What does that mean for his family? and for Portia?
This book is super enjoyable and well written and paced, funny and poignant, and a must read for people who enjoy GOOD THINGS. This book? OMG. I'm in LOVE.
Great read!
If you get a chance, definitely check out the audiobook as well. The characters felt like my friends. I very much related to Portia (and her later in life diagnosis of ADHD) and coming to terms with your life not quite going the way your potential made you think it would. Bravo. Can’t wait to read book one in the series.
If you get a chance, definitely check out the audiobook as well. The characters felt like my friends. I very much related to Portia (and her later in life diagnosis of ADHD) and coming to terms with your life not quite going the way your potential made you think it would. Bravo. Can’t wait to read book one in the series.
Though the duke storyline seemed a little contrived, this was better then the first book in the series. Looking forward to the rest!
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed the main character is the first book in this series. The lead in this one (a small character in the first book) wasn’t as interesting to me. Love story was rather silly. But, fine i suppose.
This was such an adorable, fun ride! Definitely will pick up more of Cole.
I really loved this book. I found that I related to Portia a lot. Believable drama, steamy sex scenes, and realistic acknowledgement of needs, issues and boundaries (or lack thereof). There were also family issues on both sides that definitely showed why the characters are the way they are.
Turns out grumpy Scotsmen are my JAM. I loved this book!
3.25 stars. Much like the first book in the series, I really liked this one until about the halfway mark and then it just fizzled. It's a shame because Cole writes great prose, but just can't seem put together a whole book.