Reviews

A Duke by Default by Alyssa Cole

blahlicia's review

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emotional funny hopeful 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

4.0

Got a little frustrated at how how Tanish and Portia kept talking past each other but they got it together in the end. 

theseventhl's review against another edition

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5.0

I didn't think the second Reluctant Royals book could eclipse the first in terms of quality (cause wow the first one was so GOOD) but A DUKE BY DEFAULT is legitimately perfect. It absolutely rips. I'm so glad I got to read Portia's story and follow her personal journey as she flirted with her hot silver fox Scottish swordmaking boss, which honestly sounds like the dream. So many great romances and friendships and familial relationships all interwoven in the story. And there's a DOCTOR WHO THEMED FUSION RESTAURANT, and the dishes they order there sound delightful and delicious.

TL;DR: I will follow Tavish/Portia for the rest of my life. It's genuine OTP material. Thank you, Alyssa Cole, for such a wonderful series.

threeara's review

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3.0

The book picked up nicely once
Portia found out Tav was a duke. But also, oh my gosh how did they all not know IMMEDIATELY that she was roofied????

Also, a rare romance novel where I wanted an epilogue!

karlynrose's review

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funny lighthearted 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

3.75

readinginfl's review against another edition

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4.0

 * My star review is based solely on my enjoyment.

jaystarnaz's review against another edition

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emotional funny fast-paced

5.0

amlibera's review against another edition

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3.0

Alyssa Cole's diverse fairytale romance universe is a touch formulaic but in some ways I think it is meant to be that way. We get the rich girl with self-esteem problems from the highly successful African-American family who falls in love with a cranky Scot who ends up being a duke (as well as half Chilean immigrant). And it's all happily ever after.

dianatrc27's review against another edition

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The audiobook is so hard to get through. Might try reading instead. I do not enjoy the narrator 

garbo's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

jonnae92's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted fast-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

4.0

This book is the embodiment of a hallmark Rom-com and I love it. There were definitely some silly parts and Portia was a typical MC who is clueless how much the man loves her because of her own self esteem issues but still this was everything I want in a romance. An entertaining yet plausible plot, relatable relationships (the mom, oh lord) and a little spice.