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natyzeereads's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! Oh. My. Gosh. I absolutely LOVED this book so much. While reading this book, I caught myself grinning at the pages just enamored by these characters. Dani and Max's relationship felt so natural and if you ask me, they're soulmates. Not to mention how much I loved Max and Max (seriously, I ate up every single scene with the two of them). I did not expect Sebastien to have as big of a role as he did, BUT I LOVED HIM! We were not only able to see the growth in Dani and Max's relationship, but also Sebastien and Max's. So many important themes and stories were touched upon in this book, and I believe that EVERYONE should read this book. There was never a lull where I was hoping something would happen - everything from the timing to the plot to the characters was perfect. I believe our favorite author and our favorite Depraved Duke will stay with me for a long time. Normally, I'm not a fan of slow-burn romance, but I think this book has changed me. If you want a feel-good read with extremely enjoyable characters, this is the one for you.
hmcraw's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
hollzjournal's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
bookishblasian's review against another edition
5.0
Okay are all Jenny Holiday books like this? If so, I need to go back and read everything!! A Princess for Christmas was my absolute favorite holiday book last year. Duke, Actually is giving that book a run for its money! Even in book 1, I was obsessed with Max. He was a confident, nearly cocky, flirtatious Baron with a caring heart. That shows even more in this book. From the first page, I was hooked on Max and Dani. I don't know that I would fully call them grump and sunshine, but whatever they are is definitely working for me. I fell in love with their dynamic and their banter. I am a huge friends to lovers fan as that's how my own relationship happened (and now we're getting married lol). I love how Dani wanted absolutely nothing to do with him and he just enjoyed her company so much that he didn't give up on trying to be friends with her. Max had Dani's back since day one and never asked for anything other than her friendship in return. He even stopped flirting with her at one point. I loved watching their friendship progress. You could clearly see they were meant for each other even when they couldn't. I loved Max's interactions and love for dog Max. I loved seeing him fit in with her family. I loved seeing his relationship with his brother improve. I don't want to give anything else away but overall this book was fantastic. Dare I say better than the first? It is less steamy than book one but the steam factor is still there. I think it fits the story (being less steamy) because these two are very different from Leo and Marie. These two needed a relationship and love and friendship. Marie needed to get laid lol This book, much like the first, is very Hallmark esque with a side a steam and I am here for it! In fact, I need many many more like it!!
reyhaninwonderland's review against another edition
4.0
friends to lovers >>>>>>
i am still not completely sold on “lists,” but dani’s list wasn’t that much present throughout the book which i really appreciated.
im sorry- im bad- the part with max & sebastian wanting freedom from their father deadass had me cackling….. if you know you know
i am still not completely sold on “lists,” but dani’s list wasn’t that much present throughout the book which i really appreciated.
im sorry- im bad- the part with max & sebastian wanting freedom from their father deadass had me cackling….. if you know you know
pale_atlantis's review against another edition
5.0
Duke, Actually is the companion novel to Jenny Holiday’s previous Christmas-themed romance, A Princess for Christmas. Following the best friends of our former couple, we see Dani and Max form an unlikely friendship over the course of a year as they help each other try to move into new stages of their lives.
Holiday’s previous book was one of my favorite Christmas novels I read last year, so I was thrilled to see the announcement for this book. Reformed-womanizer tropes are always a hit for me, and paired with the slowburn friends to lovers of Duke, Actually, I was completely invested. I loved everything about this book. The long distance friendship was done so well, to where I didn’t feel like we didn’t get enough of Max and Dani being together, but it also didn’t feel unrealistic for them to be together at the times they were, especially considering Max’s job.
I loved this so much, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys some good ole fashioned mutual pining, but would also recommend you to read the first novel first, just to help provide context.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for providing an eArc in exchange for review!
Holiday’s previous book was one of my favorite Christmas novels I read last year, so I was thrilled to see the announcement for this book. Reformed-womanizer tropes are always a hit for me, and paired with the slowburn friends to lovers of Duke, Actually, I was completely invested. I loved everything about this book. The long distance friendship was done so well, to where I didn’t feel like we didn’t get enough of Max and Dani being together, but it also didn’t feel unrealistic for them to be together at the times they were, especially considering Max’s job.
I loved this so much, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys some good ole fashioned mutual pining, but would also recommend you to read the first novel first, just to help provide context.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for providing an eArc in exchange for review!
amyreadsandsails's review against another edition
4.0
mf - contemporary romance - royals - Acquaintances to best friends to lovers - slow burn - Christmas romance - biracial (white/Mexican) heroine - white hero - abusive parents - audiobook - high steam - 4 stars. The slow burn was seriously slow - the book takes place over an entire year - mf I really did like their friendship. Also, the epilogue and the dog were some key highlights. The narration was very good.
hedonicbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This book was an absolute delight!
I'm not entirely sure why I thought it was a Christmas story. I even put my Santa socks on for it. I mean, it has a few scenes that revolve around Christmas, but the story actually takes place over an entire year. Anyway, no matter, I really enjoyed it!
The main characters, Dani and Max have such good chemistry, ah, I loved their relationship. That freaking banter was everything. The texts exchange alone was so hilarious, I loved Max's wit and sense of humour. Their friendship is beautiful, the way it develops and changes over time was brilliantly written.
I'm not one for fake countries and fake royalty, but I enjoyed this book so much. I am aware this is book no. 2 in a series, but oh well, I haven't read the first one and I probably won't do it in the future either. As I said, I'm not a fan of this royal romance business.
I did however like Dani and Max. Together and separately. They're strong characters, both going through their own kind of struggles. Dani is an English professor, living and working in New York and Max is a 'baron, actually!', living in Eldovia (is this right? I feel like I've butchered the name; sigh, I passionately dislike these made up names), but traveling all over. While Dani is going through a tough divorce because her ex is practically a prick, Max is having his own crisis in terms of accepting his privileged life since dukedom is not something he really wants.
I also liked how Dani's fears were dealt with, how she feels like she can't let herself love anymore. She seems like a great person, fighting her way out of a bad relationship and trying to find her true calling, I guess.
Max's own struggles were quite nicely dealt with as well. Seen as a rake who doesn't take things seriously, he is in fact a very intelligent and thoughtful person. His past has been deeply influenced by his father's horrible behaviour, but look at him, he turned out just perfect! Awww. Because, ahem, he is freaking wonderful.
What I didn't like and ultimately led to the 4 star rating is how rushed the last part of the book was. Also, I really really really don't like miscommunication. I wish the characters would just say how they feel, consequences be damned! But I do get how both parties concerned were hiding their real feelings in order to keep the other one safe. How cute!
Also cute, the airport scene. Really enjoyable romantic gestures on both sides. Even cuter, that freaking epilogue. I'm telling you, Max is just argh, perfect. And so adorable.
Another thing I didn't like, the way Seb's coming out to their Father was handled. I mean, no. That felt a bit lazy in terms of plot, I guess. Like, this thing that is quite important for a queer person is so lightly taken and the results of it brushed away immediately, without any real resolve. Not a fan of that.
Oops, I forgot to mention how much I loved Seb and Max's relationship. They're both just so smart and posh and lovely and I really want to be friends with them.
Overall though, great romcom. Quite entertaining.
I'm not entirely sure why I thought it was a Christmas story. I even put my Santa socks on for it. I mean, it has a few scenes that revolve around Christmas, but the story actually takes place over an entire year. Anyway, no matter, I really enjoyed it!
The main characters, Dani and Max have such good chemistry, ah, I loved their relationship. That freaking banter was everything. The texts exchange alone was so hilarious, I loved Max's wit and sense of humour. Their friendship is beautiful, the way it develops and changes over time was brilliantly written.
I'm not one for fake countries and fake royalty, but I enjoyed this book so much. I am aware this is book no. 2 in a series, but oh well, I haven't read the first one and I probably won't do it in the future either. As I said, I'm not a fan of this royal romance business.
I did however like Dani and Max. Together and separately. They're strong characters, both going through their own kind of struggles. Dani is an English professor, living and working in New York and Max is a 'baron, actually!', living in Eldovia (is this right? I feel like I've butchered the name; sigh, I passionately dislike these made up names), but traveling all over. While Dani is going through a tough divorce because her ex is practically a prick, Max is having his own crisis in terms of accepting his privileged life since dukedom is not something he really wants.
I also liked how Dani's fears were dealt with, how she feels like she can't let herself love anymore. She seems like a great person, fighting her way out of a bad relationship and trying to find her true calling, I guess.
Max's own struggles were quite nicely dealt with as well. Seen as a rake who doesn't take things seriously, he is in fact a very intelligent and thoughtful person. His past has been deeply influenced by his father's horrible behaviour, but look at him, he turned out just perfect! Awww. Because, ahem, he is freaking wonderful.
What I didn't like and ultimately led to the 4 star rating is how rushed the last part of the book was. Also, I really really really don't like miscommunication. I wish the characters would just say how they feel, consequences be damned! But I do get how both parties concerned were hiding their real feelings in order to keep the other one safe. How cute!
Also cute, the airport scene. Really enjoyable romantic gestures on both sides. Even cuter, that freaking epilogue. I'm telling you, Max is just argh, perfect. And so adorable.
Another thing I didn't like, the way Seb's coming out to their Father was handled. I mean, no. That felt a bit lazy in terms of plot, I guess. Like, this thing that is quite important for a queer person is so lightly taken and the results of it brushed away immediately, without any real resolve. Not a fan of that.
Oops, I forgot to mention how much I loved Seb and Max's relationship. They're both just so smart and posh and lovely and I really want to be friends with them.
Overall though, great romcom. Quite entertaining.