Reviews with content warning for Sexual content - A Duke by Default

I liked the premise of the book, but I found Portia to be very unlikable. I wanted to skip through all of the passages where she is stressed out and anxious about her situation. Tavish was a likable character, but I did not like how much he leaned on Portia for support once he learned he was the duke. I am interested in reading Johan's book. This book can be read as a standalone; I did not read the first book in the series, and I was still able to understand what was going on in this book. I also did not find the relationship between Portia and her twin sister to be very believable. Fans of Talia Hibbert will enjoy this book.

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skudiklier's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-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

4.75

I liked this about as much as the first book in the series, but in slightly different ways! I like that Cole addresses some of the unhealthy relationship dynamics that most romances would just ignore because it would make things too complicated; I was ready to sort of suspend my disbelief/concerns as I normally would, and then they were directly addressed. My biggest problem with this series is that they end sort of suddenly. I wish there was an epilogue or something, though at least I know I'll probably get a glimpse of their relationship in the sequel(s).

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martamae77's review

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lighthearted medium-paced

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

2.75

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the_vegan_bookworm's review

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lighthearted slow-paced

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

3.25

I hated Portia in A Princess in Theory, but Cole managed to create a character that I came to appreciate and root for throughout this book. Portia was fun and in some ways really relatable, and she had great chemistry with Tav. I couldn't stand the ending, however, and the book was riddled with plot holes.

Making the Queen the sassy side character was a bizarre choice for me. The whole plot point with the nail polish made no sense. How would her nails be that visible in photos to notice the difference? How would no one with her IRL see that change? Don't you have to submerge your nail into the drink for it to work?
Why did no one suspect Portia might have been drugged instead of managing to get smashed in the span of like 10 minutes after not drinking for months? That's such a weird assumption to make when you've been present for her recovery journey! The final conflicts between Tav and Portia were also pointless. How is it a misunderstanding when you literally tell someone to leave and go back to America? Do we ever address the sister knowingly letting her brother drug Portia? What was the point of him drugging Portia in the first place?

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egmamaril's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

4.0

This was a lovely book, but I live in Scotland and found it hard to suspend my disbelief.

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astropova's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring 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

5.0

Absolutely excellent, loved it! And now I have a new trope to add to my wheelhouse: "here I come to save/fix your shop/town/life"!

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memorable's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional 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

4.25

I really like this series! I didn’t know I was one to like stories of royalty, but here I am.
I didn’t like Portia in the first book as a side character, but learned to love her in this book! It all made me understand her more and knowing where she’s coming from, her actions are understandable!
The ending felt somewhat rushed, I had the same feeling listening to the first one, too. There is such a huge built-up and then after the climax everything happens somewhat fast. I really like the story nonetheless and I definitely want to read the other books of the series, too!

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