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ceena's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this couple! They just worked for me. There is definitely more here than the romance and I'm glad it is highlighted and brought up as it should be.
I wasn't sure if I'd like this one at first, because when we end book 1 I didn't care for Portia, but this one shows that she is changing for the better and shows her insecurities. She also recognizes she does wrong. I can forgive someone who is trying to be better and is actively making strides to be a better person.
Adored this book and the humor in it.
I wasn't sure if I'd like this one at first, because when we end book 1 I didn't care for Portia, but this one shows that she is changing for the better and shows her insecurities. She also recognizes she does wrong. I can forgive someone who is trying to be better and is actively making strides to be a better person.
Adored this book and the humor in it.
elliereads97's review against another edition
5.0
DELICIOUS.
FOUR. COURSE. MEAL.
this is my favorite romance novel of ALL TIME and you can fight me on that. tav is this dreamy gruff older hottie (and SCOTTISH) and portia is brilliant and delightful and flawed and witty and they had such intense chemistry and i LOVE THEM!!!!! can this please be my love life?
oh, and there's lots of swords. 10/10
FOUR. COURSE. MEAL.
this is my favorite romance novel of ALL TIME and you can fight me on that. tav is this dreamy gruff older hottie (and SCOTTISH) and portia is brilliant and delightful and flawed and witty and they had such intense chemistry and i LOVE THEM!!!!! can this please be my love life?
oh, and there's lots of swords. 10/10
katiekat629's review against another edition
5.0
This was so cute! A fun multicultural grumpy-sunshine take where a reformed posh city girl starts falling for a brash Scottish swordsmith with secret royal heritage. Highly recommend this book for anyone who wants an easy cute read!
shayewreads's review against another edition
5.0
If you're going to read romance read Alyssa Cole. A Duke By Default was heartwarming, gutting, and hilarious all at the same time. It's the kind of novel you don't want to put down, but you have to because of all the cringe-worthy moments the main characters get themselves into.
Tavish and Portia are two characters that I could yap about for countless hours, but for the sake of a spoiler free review, I'll just say that I love them. You should pick up this book so you can love them all the same.
I'm not the biggest fan of romance, but this book has me second guessing my motives; I loved everything about it. My one complaint is that it ended too early, though I know i only felt that way because I never really wanted the story to end.
Tavish and Portia are two characters that I could yap about for countless hours, but for the sake of a spoiler free review, I'll just say that I love them. You should pick up this book so you can love them all the same.
I'm not the biggest fan of romance, but this book has me second guessing my motives; I loved everything about it. My one complaint is that it ended too early, though I know i only felt that way because I never really wanted the story to end.
carokfulf's review
5.0
Another delightful romance
Alyssa Cole updates the cliches of the royal romance with well-developed characters and uncontrived intrigue. The ending is charming and feels earned.
Alyssa Cole updates the cliches of the royal romance with well-developed characters and uncontrived intrigue. The ending is charming and feels earned.
julianna_schock's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
amydieg's review against another edition
5.0
Alyssa Cole is a DREAM. This is perfection if you love historical/regency romance but want something contemporary.
bookness's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
3.5
kat_reads's review against another edition
4.0
A modern-day Scottish sword maker turned Duke? Is it getting hot in here, or is that just the forge? I really enjoyed this story, and I loved learning more about and getting in the head of "hot-mess" Portia from "A Princess in Theory."
My only complaint is that the story felt a little chaotic (which could totally have been intentional, as you'll see when you get into it), but I just wanted a little more. Especially a little more Tav and Portia.
Overall though, this was a fun romance with just the right about of geeky (Doctor Hu? Love it!). The realistic flaws of the characters were refreshing, and I really appreciated it. I'm also a sucker for grumpy heros, and Tavish is the grumpiest.
My only complaint is that the story felt a little chaotic (which could totally have been intentional, as you'll see when you get into it), but I just wanted a little more. Especially a little more Tav and Portia.
Overall though, this was a fun romance with just the right about of geeky (Doctor Hu? Love it!). The realistic flaws of the characters were refreshing, and I really appreciated it. I'm also a sucker for grumpy heros, and Tavish is the grumpiest.