A review by allingoodtime
Duke, Actually by Jenny Holiday

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

3.5

There are a lot of heavy things dealt with in this story, and I greatly enjoyed the characters, yet I never felt fully immersed in the story. To be fair, I think my expectations were for a different type of story. I don’t know why that was since I read the first story I knew it ran along the lines of a Hallmark movie. I love Hallmark movies, but they are also something that I can enjoy while doing other things. Few and far between are the ones that grip me to the extent that I remember particulars about the story above and beyond the other movies on the channel.

Okay, I am starting to sound like I didn’t like this book. I actually did like it and found comfort in the story. Max is funny and kind while also being rakish and flirty. Dani has a surprisingly childlike joy in the simple things. They start as friends after Dani makes it perfectly clear nothing will ever happen between them. I love their friendship and the way Max always shows up for Dani.

With as many things that I loved about this story, it’s frustrating to not be able to express what kept it in the “good/great” category and out of the “fantastic” zone. If you’re in the mood for a Hallmark type of story with a bit more heat and angst, I’d say go for it. 
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