A review by lakeness
A Duke by Default by Alyssa Cole

adventurous challenging emotional funny 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

3.0

I really like Portia, her struggle with self esteem was sadly very relatable. The adult ADHD diagnosis was great too, but I'm confused how she's been regularly seeing a great therapist she trusts but who never suggests she may be neurodivergent. Why did she have to find out from a random youtuber and not the mental health professional in her life?

The mangling of the British peerage was a strange decision (the Duke of Edinburgh would be the Queen's husband, illegitimate children don't inherit titles, etc etc) but sure whatever! Tavish was a fun grump and he's gratifyingly lefty even if he does say shite way too much.

The third act felt very clumsy to me. It's so rushed and hastily tied up on the last page.
The drugging was unnecessary as heck! They had enough conflict to work with already, a photograph of Portia kicking the ex-Duke guy in the balls would have served just as well. And then it gets hand waved away like it's not a huge fucking deal to get roofied and end up in the tabloids while working on your sobriety! Upsetting :(
I feel like I complain about the pacing with every Alyssa Cole book so maybe it's just me not vibing.
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