Reviews

Duking It Out by E.J. Russell

kaity_b's review against another edition

4.0

3.5 stars, but rounding up.

This was a cute: enemies to lovers/stranded on a desert island/ sharing one bed/ star crossed lovers/ royals/ superpowers book.

Tarik took a bit to warm up to, but once he got his head out of his ass he was a great partner for Sander.

I wished this book was longer or had more books in the series about the characters in this book, like Bas! Maybe in the future! I know this series is comprised of different authors but the same universe, unfortunately the ratings for most of them are low…

rainjrop's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 stars

mathmagicalreader's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

geethr75's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful relaxing medium-paced

5.0

 

This was a very entertaining read. I love queer books and when they are as good as these, well! I finished it in one go, and enjoyed it a lot! 

North and South Aberra are enemy nations and though not officially at war, relations are very very strained. Duke of Roses, Sander Flala is nephew to the queen and cousin to the heir presumptive of South Abarra. His magic is very unpredictable and it going out of control once when he was a child led to his father's death, the death of 16 others and the destruction of part of the royal castle. The incident has earned him the epithet of Monster of Roses. 

Since then, he's more or less in house arrest. His magic fries almost every technology around him, so he has to make do with pen and paper to write letters, messages etc. 

He spends his time working with wood since he loves crafting things and the wooden aging barrels he makes for the vintage wine produced by his family's vineyards have made them the best. He has also built a yacht with his hands, and using pretty obsolete instruments to navigate since technology gets fried when it's near him. He also has an uncanny sense of direction, able to tell where he is without checking maps or compasses. 

His sister and he are planning to go on a birthday cruise, but his sister had to cancel, so now Sander's planning to go alone. But before that he's required by the queen to mediate between North Abarra and his own nation due to a drought that has hit both nations and for which North Abarra holds the south responsible. 

Representing North Abarra is Duke of Arles, Tarik Jaso whose magic lets him hear everything on airwaves, and which gives him splitting headaches. The only place he can find peace is when surrounded by water, and hence his favourite pastime is lounging in his very large pools. Tarik is also a wine grower whose lands adjoin that of Sander's and who's endlessly frustrated by the fact that his wine is never as good as Sander's and that he can't apparently bribe anyone to give him the same aging barrels. (He doesn't know they're handmade by Sander). 

Tarik also has a notorious temper, and the mediation goes south as soon as it begins which leads Sander to simply walk away, or ride away since he was informed of the meeting in the middle of a ride and didn't have the time to change. 

In a series of coincidences, Tarik is kidnapped by some unknowns who use Sander's yacht to get rid of him but somehow Sander interrupts the proceedings and the two along with the boat are sent away with magic, ending up in an uninhabited island with the yacht partly destroyed. 

Initially, Tarik blames Sander for everything, but soon realises the other man's innocence. He also figures out Sander's gift and helps him control it. From there on, the two fall into bed together, since there is only one bed (ahem) berth actually. 

I loved the whole of this, about how much of a cinnamon roll Sander is and Tarik recognises it very quickly too. Tarik too has a reputation due to his hot temper but despite it, Sander sees him for who he is. Though they belong to enemy nations, they're both so much in love and struggling because it can never be. They both want to be rescued and don't because once back home, they can't be Tarik and Sander anymore. 

If you love magic with technology, powers, political intrigues, humour romance and two very likeable protagonists, this is the book for you. 

aehmyers's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.75

This is a cute and easy read. A little spicy, a little bit of wish fulfillment. I thought the mix of political courts and superpowers was interesting. 

teresab78's review against another edition

5.0

4.5 stars

Enemies to lovers, stranded alone on a deserted island, superpowers, and redemption themes make for a fun book. Though there is instalove I definitely felt the immediate connection between this pair.

mirocchi's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-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

rainbowbrarian's review against another edition

4.0

Funny, witty, and a nice amusing quick read. I love a book with banter and this had it.

mimmie_massie's review against another edition

5.0

I've never loved superhero books as much as I love to watch the shows but this ,I really loved it.

solalari's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

The Monster wasn't much of a monster.

Learning to use his powers, AFTER 17 YEARS, was super easy barely an inconvenience for Sander. Why didn't he try something on his own in SEVENTEEN YEARS? Also, I wanted more from their time on the island to show their growing connection. That part felt rushed. One signal out and rescue is on the way? Hardly. Drag it out. Make the reader worry.