Duke, Actually: A Novel

I thought this was a really fun read. While this romance may come across as the book version of a TV holiday movie (Which I very much enjoy!), it also has a strong core of realism running through it. I really liked Dani and Max. I found their thoughts, struggles and baggage quite easy to relate to. I felt the chemistry was easy to feel and I enjoyed seeing it simmer along as their relationship evolved and deeper emotions took root. Of course, there is a bit of an overall over-the-top feel that a time or two wanders into the cheesy territory but I honestly feel it is pretty much expected and let's be honest here, cheesy or not it brings on the intense feels swoon for most of us. This is my frank freely posted review.

Dani is an almost-divorced professor and enjoys being solo, unattached, and loves her dog Max. She's even created rules for herself with regard to what she will never do again. Her goals are to make tenure and to write, plus be in her BFF's wedding in Eldovia. In walks Max, not the dog, but an almost-duke from Eldovia, and the BFF of her best friend's betrothed. He's avoiding his family who wants him to marry a suitable bride. While visiting NY, he accompanies Dani to a work function and manages to charm everyone. He has the reputation of being a rake, but he actually isn't--why fight the rumors? As they spend time together, Dani and Max become friends. She doesn't care about his title and money, and he enjoys being real with her as he tries to find a purpose in life, other than being a duke. They develop a deep friendship, and then more, which gets complicated, especially when feelings are involved. If they want to make it work, they need to find a way to bridge their different worlds, and an ocean, for a future. It's a huge risk, is love enough? With a nod to Love, Actually, this book provides a great escape during the holidays! **Received an ARC from Netgalley**

Duke, Actually was such a great romance to get me into the holiday spirit! While there are characters from the previous holiday book, A Princess for Christmas (which is worth the read!), you can read this as a standalone without issue. Dani thought she had her life all figured out. She was married, had a great job and was on track for tenure, has an adorable dog and she was loving life. Until her husband cheated with a student and now she finds herself newly single and questioning if being a professor is even what she wants anymore. Max, who is a Baron in Eldovia, isn't keen on romance and happily ever after. While he is expected to marry because he will eventually inherit the Dukedom when his father passes, it's not the life he envisions for himself at all. To be honest, he's not sure what he wants to do with his life. Dani and Max have been brought together by the fact their best friends are marrying each other, so these two have been in close proximity. Their friendship grows as the book moves along and there is a definite slow burn relationship growing as well. They have fun together, support one another and their banter is everything. While both of them have had to deal with their share of hardships, the friendship they have with each other seems to buoy them. This was such a wonderful story. The description that it is "a Hallmark story with spice" is totally accurate and I loved it. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up!