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grace_b_3's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Racism and Xenophobia
ada0813's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Racism
sophiesmallhands's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Classism
Minor: Death, Racism, Death of parent, and Murder
kaitrates's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism
jennireadsmaybe's review against another edition
- 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
In all seriousness, I thoroughly enjoyed The Duke Gets Desperate. Raya and Strick are the epitome of "I hate that I'm attracted to you" and it's freaking delightful. Raya completely flips Strick on his head by masterminding several ways for the failing castle to make money. She's gorgeous, business savvy, and the exact match to Strick's attitude. Chef's kiss.
I love an inheritance plot, throw in the shenanigans around saving the castle, and the forced proximity of it all and I was ready to devour this book. I wasn't Strick's biggest fan, but he won me over by the end with just how much he believed in Raya. Their chemistry had me giggling and kicking my feet.
The mystery/suspense plot felt ridiculous but in the best way. It definitely added a bit of tension that I felt was missing in the last third of the book. Can't wait to keep reading in the series.
Graphic: Racism, Sexual content, and Murder
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, and Alcohol
sydapel's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Sexual content and Murder
Minor: Racism
shaynicole's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Racism, Xenophobia, Death of parent, and Murder
auteaandtales's review
- 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
5.0
Their chemistry was fantastic, it was enemies-to-lovers done perfectly. I love the Arab culture woven in, how much Anthony wanted to make sure she felt at home and the cute little things he did for her, and Raya was such a great character. She had so much depth and strength, and could definitely hold her own ground.
The side characters were awful and added so much extra tension, and the bonus mystery was unexpected but fun. It was predictable but I don’t think that hindered the experience at all, and not everyone would find it predictable, I’ve just read SO many thrillers and mysteries in my reading history that there’s very little that takes me by surprise anymore, I can still enjoy the ride.
Well, my only real issue with it was the drama and it felt a little over the top at times, and I’m a fan of slow burn so I think it could have been dragged out a little bit longer.
But while I wait for the next instalment in the series, I’ll have to read Diana Quincy’s other works!
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, and Abandonment
Minor: Racism, Islamophobia, Murder, and Alcohol
yourbookishbff's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
My favorite element in any Quincy romance is the female main character's profession - she always writes interesting and unique backgrounds and career interests for the women in her stories - and Raya is no exception. I wanted more insight into Raya's family dynamics, though, and more development for her as she establishes her own path.
The murder mystery felt like it intruded unexpectedly at times and affected the pacing for me a bit as well.
I read this via audio and would note it is dual narration. I loved the narrator for Raya's POV, Venah Assadourian, but didn't enjoy the narrator for Strick, Timothy Campbell. The two narrations also felt like they were produced differently? It was a bit jarring each time we transitioned, as the sound quality was noticeably different.
Graphic: Bullying, Racism, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, and Murder
lizzie_b99's review against another edition
- 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
2.75
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual content, Islamophobia, and Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail