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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
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
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
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
jackiepreston'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? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Racism, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Moderate: Death of parent and Murder
overflowingshelf'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
4.5
“All we ever do is quarrel.”
“Because you are beyond annoying.”
“And you are the most provoking woman I have ever met.”
“The feeling is most definitely mutual,” she snapped. And yet she wanted nothing more than to feel his kiss again.
His gaze dropped to her mouth. “This attraction between us is a curse.”
Raya sucked in a breath. Putting words to the connection, saying it aloud, made the inexplicable pull between them terrifyingly real. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Liar.”
She licked her lips. “The very idea is repulsive.”
His pupils dilated as he watched the movement of her tongue. “Nauseating.”
“We should keep as far away from each other as possible.”
“An ocean would not be far enough away,” he growled, “to relieve myself of the affliction of you.”
I was so giddy watching Strickland and Raya spar and then kiss and then immediately go back to sparring. These two prove how close the boundaries between love and hate are. I was literally living for every interaction they had and was giggling at how they were both telling each other the same lie about their feelings when it was so clear they were head over heels in love with each other. Why else would you keep kissing? Diana Quincy also delivered on the spice in this, as their chemistry led to some great banging, including some angry, hate banging with dirty talk. I also adored how Strickland showed his devotion to Raya – who wouldn’t want a man to give you a full bed of flowers in a gorgeous abandoned abbey on a castle estate? If you like the vibes of Anthony and Kate from season 2 of Bridgerton (more the show vibes than book vibes), I think you’ll love Raya and Strickland. The book also talks about how Arabs believe in fated mates, about finding your naseeb, and these two definitely felt like they were destined for each other.
Graphic: Racism and Sexism
Minor: Death of parent
noellelovesbooks's review against another edition
4.75
Mention of: murder, death, and death of loved ones.
***I received an ARC, via Netgalley, from Harper Collins...as part of their influencer program.***
Diana is one of my FAVORITE historical romance authors. Between the POC rep and the ease in which one can start her books...I just adore the characters she writes.
Raya seeks financial independence and is stunned to learn her cousin has left her a castle. Seeing that the castle has seen better financial days she starts to formulate plans to bring money back in and make sure the castle prospers. She WILL show her family how valuable her financial opinions are and that they were wrong to force her out of the family business.
Strickland always believed he would inherit the family castle and was devastated when his father's will stated he passed the family seat to Strick's stepmother. Having been promised by his stepmother he would inherit once she passed...he's infuriated when he learns that she willed the family home to a cousin...a cousin she's never even me in person!
Watching these two, extremely stubborn, people clash while also fighting their mutual attraction... *chefs kiss*
I cannot wait to see, and devour, the other books Diana writes into this series!
Graphic: Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, and Classism
Minor: Animal death, Death of parent, and Murder
themeadowlibrary's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Moderate: Death, Racism, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, and Classism
bedtimesandbooks'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
3.75
Graphic: Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, Xenophobia, Murder, and Classism
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol