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A Duke by Default

Reluctant Royals
By Alyssa Cole
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3.88 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 9,367 ratings, 1,748 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Duke by Default by Alyssa Cole is a heart-warming romance centred around Portia Hobbs, a woman determined to shake off her 'party girl' persona with a fresh start in Scotland. Taking on an apprenticeship with a brooding swordmaker, she discovers more than just sword-making skills—her boss is actually a duke. As they navigate their personal challenges, sparks fly between them, leading to unexpected romance and self-discovery.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this captivating romance if you love stories that combine modern-day settings with historical elements, including a heroine who swaps city life for an apprenticeship with a Scottish swordmaker. With themes of self-discovery, love, and a heroine who learns to wield both swords and charm, this book offers a delightful mix of humour, passion, and personal growth.

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A Duke by Default

Award-winning author Cole continues her new series with the story of a woman on a quest to be the heroine of her own story and the duke in shining armor she rescues along the way. Original.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

An NPR Best Book of the Year - A Bookish Favourite Book of the Year - A Bookpage Best Romance of the Year

Award-winning author Alyssa Cole's Reluctant Royals series continues with a woman on a quest to be the heroine of her own story and the duke in shining armour she rescues along the way...

New York City socialite and perpetual hot mess Portia Hobbs is tired of disappointing her family, friends, and—most importantly—herself. An apprenticeship with a struggling swordmaker in Scotland is a chance to use her expertise and discover what she's capable of. Turns out she excels at aggravating her gruff silver fox boss...when she's not having inappropriate fantasies about his sexy Scottish burr.

Tavish McKenzie doesn't need a rich, spoiled American telling him how to run his armoury...even if she is infuriatingly good at it. Tav tries to rebuff his apprentice—and his attraction to her—but when Portia accidentally discovers that he's the secret son of a duke, rough-around-the-edges Tav becomes her newest makeover project.

Forging metal into weapons and armour is one thing, but when desire burns out of control and the media spotlight gets too hot to bear, can a commoner turned duke and his posh apprentice find lasting love?

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A Duke by Default by Alyssa Cole is praised for its perfect blend of wit, romance, and emotional depth, featuring a captivating multicultural cast. Reviewers highlight the palpable sexual tension and sarcasm between Portia and Tavish, as well as the book's nerdy, humorous charm. The Scottish setting, engaging plot, and character development, particularly in tackling social issues and family legacies, contribute to its acclaim as a smart, sexy, and lively romance.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780062685568

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 09 August 2018

Country: United States

Imprint: Avon Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 106.0mm

Height: 168.0mm

Weight: 209g

Pages: 384

Collections

Alyssa Cole Contemporary Romance Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Romance

About the Author

Alyssa Cole is an award-winning author of historical, contemporary, and SFF romance. Her books have received critical acclaim from The New York Times, Library Journal, BuzzFeed, Kirkus, Booklist, Jezebel, Vulture, Book Riot, and Entertainment Weekly. She can usually be found watching anime with her husband or wrangling their menagerie of animals.

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