Reviewing Duke, Actually
#dukeactually #jennyholiday #aprincessforchristmas #holidayromance
Jenny Holiday has become a fast favourite of mine and it’s an extra special added bonus that she’s Canadian too! Duke, Actually is the follow up to A Princess for Christmas with the focus being on Leo’s best friend, Dani and Marie’s best friend, Max.
This story is the perfect holiday read because what’s more Christmasy other than the North Pole than Christmas in NYC? This had sparks, banter, humour and wide open steamy moments. The slow burn between the protagonists was a thing of perfection and I really enjoyed the fact that they developed a friendship first instead of diving head into their attraction.
I love when past characters show up so it was nice to see Leo and Marie be included within the story and Dani’s dog Max, whom the human version Max called him his “namesake” was adorable.
One of my favourite moments was the snow angel scene and when Dani got to experience watching The Nutcracker with her mom again. Another favourite part was the infusion of Dani’s hispanic Christmas traditions. My culture has specific things we do at Christmas time that’s outside of the North American norm, so it was wonderful that this aspect was included.
The narration was done so well by Stacy Gonzalez as she weaved in and out of accents that were done seamlessly.
Overall, Duke, Actually was a wonderful holiday romance that had me sighing and giving this book a big ol’ hug.
Thank you Harper Audio for the advanced listening copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Duke, Actually releases today!
Book Description
Maximillian von Hansburg, Baron of Laudon and heir to the Duke of Aquilla, is trapped. Under pressure from his domineering father, he must marry a suitable bride before he inherits a title that feels like a prison sentence. In New York to meet a prospective wife, he ditches his responsibilities and appears on Dani Martinez’s doorstep. He’s been intrigued by the no-nonsense professor since he met her at the Eldovian royal wedding and is determined to befriend her.
Newly single Dani is done with love—she even has a list entitled “Things I Will Never Again Do for a Man”—which is why she hits it off with notorious rake Max. He’s trying to escape relationships, and she’s resolved to avoid them at all costs. All they want from each other is friendship and a distraction from their messy lives.
As their bond begins to deepen, so does their attraction, until they end up in bed together. Falling in love was never part of the plan—Max’s family doesn’t see Dani as a perfect match, even as his heart tells him she’s the one, and Dani isn’t sure she can make it in Max’s world. Can they find the courage to live they life they desire, even if it means risking everything?