Reviews tagging 'Classism'

A Duke by Default by Alyssa Cole

4 reviews

purplepenning's review against another edition

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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

4.0

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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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jencolumb0's review against another edition

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funny hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I really love this book. I love how ADHD is represented. I love the refusal to sugar-coat truly terrible aspects of the patriarchy (including the morning after someone drugs your drink). I love the honest and productive discussion about the importance of boundaries. I love the pro-refugee stance. I love the nerdy Easter eggs. Two editing snafus aside, it’s perfection.
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marareading's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing 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

2.75

I got the audio version of this book from my library. I adored the first in this series. This one didn't hit as hard for me. I love that both books in the series so far have been international and involve many nationalities in the MCs. The accents in the narration though were way off in this book. Though set in Scotland, everyone sounded Jamaican, and that threw it off and definitely pulled me out of the story. I will read book 3 in a physical form. 

In this sequel we are following Portia. She is newly sober, and getting her life together. Arguably running from it. She has taken an apprenticeship in Scotland to learn sword making and use her art history major to spend a summer in a new culture helping a master swordsman with his armory. Tavish, said master swordsman, has his own baggage he is working through. He is a grumpy Scot. They start getting to know each other and begin to realize they compliment each other more then they thought.

I didn't love all the early references to Tavish being "older", and references to this big age gap, given she is 28, and he is 38 on this book. That isn't old, and that is barely an age gap. It is made to sound like 38 is just an insane age to be dating to considered for a relationship. It felt weird. The ending felt a bit rushed. I also wish we had more resolve with the things Portia dealt with throughout with her self doubt,  ADHD, and relationship with her parents. We don't get to see a path for her on many of these things. 

I did love the rep for ADHD, and the banter between our MCs. The way she learned to help herself and not everyone was wonderful. I will continue on the series, but again, likely not in audio.
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