Duched

Duched #1

by Xavier Neal

Brie Sanders' entire life is on the brink of change. Her college graduation is just a few months away, she has no idea what to do with her life when the degree is in her hands, and is most likely going to be kicked out of her apartment when her best friend's boyfriend moves in.

Enter One Nightstand King, Kellan Kenningston, who also happens to be a real life prince as well as a duke.
From first blinding white smile, Kellan becomes a royal pain in the butt who keeps her laughing and Brie becomes the breath of fresh air he desperately needs.

Unfortunately, for both of them, this isn't a fairy tale with an immediate happily ever after. The media is a monster that can barely be tamed. Balls are not beautiful and bright. And more often than not, true evil is found in surprising forms.


*This is the FIRST in a trilogy*

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Royalty, College, Emotional

437 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 12, 2017

About the author

I'm USA TODAY Bestselling Romance Author who has published over ninety works to date.

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Reviews

[B*tchy · Rating 1 out of 5]

King Kenneth? In the infamous words of Ms. Cookie Tookie, “B*tch, stop playing in my face.” Child, I’m tapping out. I so cannot with this book!

Picture, if you will, a world where people can not tell the difference between chocolate and latte. Everyone speaks like they are in a never-ending episode of Gilmore Girls, and there’s actually a king named Kenneth. King Kenneth sounds like that dude always shooting dice at the corner store. Child, please.

Miss me with the heroine and the hero. They can burn in hell or live happily ever after. I don’t really care. I just want them to do it away from me.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cliffhanger

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this one.....WOW! I really love this couple! Brie is such a sharp tongued, easy to love, down to earth girl. Kellen is a full of himself, high on himself, immature, playboy. And who better to tell him all that then Brie!

Prince/Duke Kellen Kensington was born to a life of privilege. Literally with a silver spoon in his mouth. Never following anyones rules or having to appoligize or even feel guilty about anything. He goes thru life partying and playboying and doesn't care what anyone thinks of him or his actions until he crosses too many lines and his brother the Prince and king in training has had enough and sends him to the US with strict instructions to keep his head down and his name and pictures out of the papers.

Brie Sanders is finally seeing the light at the end of a very long educational tunnel. In just a few months she will finally walk across the stage and get her Art Degree....a few years after most people her age because she worked thru it all and paid her own way. Shes never had time or made time to date or have a man in her life. Until she bumps into Kellen at an art show and he just wont take NO for an answer. No matter how many times she shoots him down and no matter how many barbs they throw at each other he refuses to leave her alone until she will agree to go on one date with him. Before long she and Kellen are spending all their time together and slinging one liners at each other left and right and happier then ever! How long can they live in their happy little bubble tho? How long til he bores of her and moves on? Is it worth the risk of possibly getting her heart broke? There's a countdown til the end of them...their time is limited...

[Tammi]

I have a thing for Royal Romance!
I have a love for Xavier Neal books!
This was a no brainer!!
I freakin' loved it, I devoured it.
A swoonworthy Duke Kellan.
A sassy Brie.
Together they gave a perfect story.
My little girl wanna be a princess heart was over joyed.
Then I was hit with an ending that broke that heart.
Thank heavens I can dive right into book 2.

[Genevieve Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming love story

Kellan is such a gentlemen,please tell the king it's 2017. I need for Prince Kris to step up and for Brie not to bail out. Loved the story it is a page turner.

[bookramblings1. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh no she didn't. Seriously nope not happening... grrrrr okay so while I'm fully aware my frustration doesn't actually count as a review its about all I can manage right now!!! Like seriously what, why, no! Don't make it end like this... when's the next part coming like now please... yep I'm sure this will be another knock out series from one of my all time fave authors :) #ThisIsGoingToBeASeriesRight

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked that Brie could get Kellan off his game, "suddenly, she snaps, “First off, stop thinking about me naked.” Taken off guard, my own mouth cracks open." I don't think Kellan realizes how different and unique is woman is, especially when he asks her about activities, "I fold my arms firmly across my chest. “Let me get this right. I offer you a summer on a yacht and you would rather spend an afternoon staring at paintings?”Brie eagerly nods. “You're serious? You'd rather spend a single afternoon with me in misery making snide remarks about artwork than two or three months of aimless sex and sailing?” I really liked this book, I enjoyed the banter between Brie and Kellan.

[The Nerdy Weeb · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Royal stars!

Kellan Kenningston has it all from money to girls and everything he ever wanted…… or does he?
Descending from a royal bloodline Kellan has to play by rules of his birthright as a prince. But Kellan doesn't do rules, he breaks them. Blonde tall, blue eye sexy and dreamy - kissable lips- prince who all he wants is have fun. Until he meets a nonsense girl that won't take any of his b.s. Is she the salvation he desperately needed in his life?

Brie Sanders a hard working Art majoring collage student, hard working woman who all she wants is graduate and put her life in order she didn't count on meeting a royal pain in the ass yet sexy cocky prince. By standing her ground she teaches him an important lesson about love and seeing the world with another perspective, will she be his salvation and his future princess?
Literally...

When Kellan and Brie crossed path in an unexpected encounter, little did they know their life and fate had been sealed, for better or for worse. From the jokes, laughter, simple games and chases Kellan and Brie slowly realize they couldn't be apart from each other.
And to fight for their love,for it to survive, they have to defy the odds against them. Face animosity, criticism and face their own differences in order to triumph!

Oh yeah there is a cliffhanger! (NOOOO) but happy reading!

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duched: Book 1 in the Duched series

Typical fare from Xavier Neal told using the 1st and 2nd point-of-view technique. If this is your first time reading her works, it may take a moment to adjust, but you'll get there. For regular readers of her work, Duched is an entertaining story, but it's nothing you haven't read before within this genre and/or from this author. The end could have been cut in places; I think it ran a bit longer than necessary. Also, the grammar within the dialogue seemed off in regard to the Kenningstons. They're supposedly posh Royals - the epitome of upper class - and yet, many of their conversations came across very Americanized and too informal. Some minor proofreading issues as well, but not too much to interrupt the flow of the book.

On a nitpick note, for this book I did not like the cover. In my opinion, it would have been cool if there were no cover model on this book, and we could just use our imagination. Having stated that, this issue is not a deal breaker.

Overall, if you like IR romance you'll breeze through this one, but be warned, there's a cliffhanger.

My rating: A teetering on the brink of 3.9

[Chandra Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

wow

i thought i was reading about a school aged girl she has to the worse ive read in a long while: the constant complaints about the price of his clothes, his past , my all time favorite the fruits and vegetables come on she did show maturity the final two pages and of course its a cliff hanger so i don't know how long it will be until the next

[Keri Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

For once I actually love both main characters, and this book was just another in a long list of amazing reads by Xavier. Absolutely loved it. I hate the cliff hangers though, they will be the death of me!

[Linda Cotter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xavier Neal grabs your attention and shows you a man who is more than his persona, and the woman who helps bring that out in him. Fun, heart-warming and somber, she brings all the feels with this one. Cannot wait for book 2!!!

[Eva Mcfarden · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://s56.photobucket.com/user/desti...

### 5 ###



Written with the reader involved. Loved how Xavier included the reader during this book. With a new twist to really have the reader feel as if they are there with the characters. Having each character bringing their own sense to the way the reader is actually feeling is a first for me. The overwhelming feeling of being in the midst of all that is during the story is an interesting perspective. Finding the humor in these interactions is one way the author lures the reader. Bringing the characters own emotions to the reader in this way has the reader rejoicing, crying, cursing and of course cheering for our new found friends.

Kellan and Brie have the energy to make you laugh, wince when needed and become completely smitten. Kellan's usual demeanor is thrown off kilter when he meets Brie. She is a type woman he has never had too much experience with. Brie has no clue as to what her future holds, with graduation and then after, let alone who Kellan is. Their time together is exciting as they learn about each other and find they want more than what they have and that's time. When Kellan's time in the US comes to an end, the closeness and friendship have turned into both of them wanting more. When Kellan figures out he wants more, he must convince Brie to find out who he is and who he wants to be and who he wants.

Coming together and finding their place in the middle of learning each others ways of life gives each an understanding of the good and bad experiences they have lived with and trying to adapt to the overwhelming need to be with one another allows the reader to be just as involved with the experience.

Finding a love that turns your world upside down and leaves you the reader with an emotional connection that is unforgettable.

[Darcy’s Good Opinion · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heavy Lies The Head That Wears Crown

Steam 4/5. Strong Language: some. Triggers: racism.

This story seems to echo closely the Prince Harry & Megan Markle romance. Kellan is the second son of the King, A playboy. His mother died tragically when he was young and he devotes his time to charitable works to honor her name. Brie is an art student in L.A. They meet at a gallery and she blows him off which intrigues him. The romance unfolds nicely, lots of witty banter. When they go public, however, Brie is criticized by the media for her appearance and dress. It is veiled racism. Barely veiled. When they attend a society event, blatant racism is exhibited. Kellan is shocked that such attitudes exist nowadays. Brie is used to it. I will say the author balances this and romance well. Kellan's fierce protection of Brie was sweet. Of course, all rivals must at some point return to the castle and not all members of the family are enlightened about what you should actually judge people based on (if you love books, obviously). The couple leave their relationship unresolved setting up the next book. Irksome. There are also a troublesome amount of typos.

#BANGReadingChallenge

5 ⭐ I loved it. I’ll revisit it like an old friend. This book is moving right into my favorites category. I would recommend it to everyone, even people that don’t ask. I’ll one click this author’s work in the future.
4 ⭐ A great read. I’ll probably reread again when feeling nostalgic. It was enjoyable, not portable magic. I would recommend it.
3 ⭐ I liked it. It was a nice way to pass the time. I doubt I’ll reread it. I’d recommend it to someone asking for a specific genre. Thanks for the memories.
2 ⭐ I completed the Herculean task of finishing this book. At times, it felt like I was Prometheus and the suffering would never end. It just wasn’t for me but I applaud the author for their effort.
1 ⭐ I couldn’t finish this book or I wish I hadn't finished. How do I put this? It’s not me, it’s you.

[Jennifer Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars.

Brie - brink of being a college graduate. No clue of what she wants to do once that happens. Smart girl with a back bone. Her and her BFF live together. Therefore, BFF's boyfriend is over alot. They are all very wity and funny to each other.

Kellan - Good looking, Badd A$$ prince, that gets around alot. Him and his brother have a wity, sarcastic and Real relationship. Him and his dad don't get along. Kellan leaves for the states to participate in a Run that supports Cancer. His partner in crime and BFF heads up this charity.

First night in. Kellan attends an art show, that he despises, with his BFF and BFF's girlfriend.
That night, Brie also attends same show with her BFF and BFF boyfriend.
Same night Kellan and Brie meet. Brie always has a comeback to Kellan's sharp statements. and refuses to go out with him. Then she disappears.......... Does Kellan find her?

Overall the story was good but nothing exciting or angsty happens until 85%. Just the push and pull between the characters made the story flow... but at some point that gets tiring.

Dual POV.

Cliffhanger at the end...and that made me want to read the next book... But I didn't... The whole story to get to that cliffhanger was good but not enough for me to continue the story.

I do recommend. Just wasn't enough for me to continue but may for you.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duched is a romantic, fun story. I love contemporary romances with a little something extra in them. This book definitely falls under that category. I love tales where the handsome prince falls in love with a woman that is his complete opposite. Watching them fall in love throughout the story was magical and felt real. These characters, while polar opposites, mesh together so very well.

I enjoyed that both racial and political aspects were brought up later in the novel. While political stuff seems to be the norm with books like these, race is almost never addressed. To have both within this novel gave it a little something extra as it is a very relevant topic in society.

This is the first novel I read by Xavier Neal and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Her writing style is a little different than any others I've ever read before. At first the bold sections where the character 'speaks' to the viewer threw me off a bit, but I got used to it as I kept reading. I enjoyed being able to read from both characters POVs as I liked each of their voices and getting to know what they were thinking. I am eager to begin the second book as this one left off with quite the cliffhanger.

[A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in love with this book. I’m in love with this book and I’m in love with these characters. Brie and Kellan were just awesome, I laughed and laughed at these two. The witty dialogue from both had me laughing out loud; their banter is what sealed it for me. Give me characters that are smooth talkers and funny as hell and I’m sold. They were the perfect not-perfect couple. The chemistry these two have is HOT and makes you want to keep reading.

I always enjoy the writing style of Xavier Neal. She has a way of making you feel like friends of the characters instead of them just being people in a book. I not only loved Kellan and Brie but also loved the side characters. Kellan’s brother was a riot. Jovi and Merrick were awesome…in fact, I just one clicked their book.

This book did end on a cliffhanger…um how could you do that to us!! Can’t wait for book 2!! Bring on more Kellan and Brie!

[Cherryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The real world is cruel

That is what Prince Kellen Kenningston Duke of Ductenn is finding out. He's been sheltered and coddled and the reality of what kind of life Brie Sanders has to endure solely on the color of her skin hits him hard. Brie had misgivings about getting involved with the playboy Prince at first but fell heard over heels. No other man ever made her feel the way that Kellen does. Kellen has never been in love before. He's only had a series of one night stands. He feels like a failure because he can not protect the woman he loves.

Reality really hits home when the prejudice comes from his own father, King Kenneth, and Brie over hears that. She knows better than Kellen wants to accept that she is a liability to the royal family and tries to do what's best and break it off.

This was an enjoyably heart breaking book to read. It accurately depicts the challenges an interracial couple must sometimes face, whether they are royalty or ordinary people.

[Cherye Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Read


One thing I absolutely love about this author. I even emailed her (yes, I got a response) to ask a question. Ms. Neal has a way with words. She is very descriptive and when I read, I can close my eyes and actually see the characters, the landscapes, etc...... one thing she does which is so unique is if a character is a person of color it isn't the focus. It isn't a big deal. It doesn't make a difference. It is just who the character is. This book is a little different from her others. She actually addresses responses (negative) in a manner that is quite gracious.

Now, after reading this trilogy, I think it is time for her to address the other side of racism. Black people hating whites. I live in the South but I have found black people say " crueler" (not a real word) things than whites.

[Erin Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crazy good book. What a way to start off my 2017 in reading!!

The book starts with Brie who is about to graduate college and not sure what direction to go with her life. At an art show she meets a man that follows her around being a tad obnoxious not taking her hints she is not interested. Kellen is not used to this and is intrigued by how smart and sarcastic Brie is.
What Brie doesn’t know is that she is turning down a real life prince who is also a duke. It is so fun to watch Kellan and Brie fall for each other and not even realize it is happening. Xavier’s writing is fantastic and I cannot wait for book 2.

[Valerie Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! I’m here for it

Nicely executed Ms. Neal. I’m reading this series until the 3rd installment of the MC Misfits resume worth King’s Legacy and until then, this series has me hooked! Can’t wait to see what the next book has in store. I like Brie bc she is a bit like many of us women, quirky, playful, determined, and strong. I want her to get her HEA. I love the combated racial undertones that the main characters face and try to over come. I just hope Kellan does not give up so easily in the next book. Love is indeed worth fighting for even if it is against ignorant racists—family and the public alike. I here for it—Come on HEA! *From the Cheering Section* Lol

[Kierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Brie hahah she is my sprit animal she is a small town girl who has a strong head on her shoulders not afraid to give as good as she gets. I love her sarcastic sassy attitude and sly comebacks. She is always ready to have fun and share her love of art.

Kellen is your typical prince/ duke who has a endless string of incidents that can be rather shameful for some and rebellious nature. He has no idea what he is in for when he meets Brie and she isn't like the type of girl he is used to.

Sparks fly and and feelings arise but when the fun has to end things come to a turn. Will these two figure it out or leave with a broken heart.
Let the games begin 😂

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so much and was yelling in my head at the cliffhanger. Xavier is amazing at telling a story and getting you hooked.

Kellen is royalty and Brie is down to earth. The differences you'd expect were not so much an issue. The biggest factors in their relationship were fights over food. They were fun to read and watch as their relationship grew, changing each other and bringing out their best.

Society and family issues arise putting a strain on them, despite their love and devotion.
I need book 2, I need closure on how Kellen will address all that turmoil we got in the last chapter.

[Everything Bookish Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swept me off my feet.

I was pleasantly surprised. I haven’t read many of these royalty romances but they all kind of felt similar. This one breaks the mold. It’s emotionally driven, pushed forward with laughs and swoon worthy moments. Each one feels as real as the next. It’s sweet and the characters have these personalities that make it fun to get to know. If you’re just looking for hot spicy steamy scenes look somewhere else.
It has a few but it’s not the focus of the story. I can’t wait for what’s next.

Kellan and Brie swept me off my feet and I never want to
Come back down.

[Courtnee Howell · Rating 3 out of 5]

wow

Kellan is the party boy prince who has no intention of settling down. Brie just wants to finally finish her degree. They don’t plan to become something together, but they ultimately do.

The amount of us who don’t see it for princes after Meghan Markle’s experience is high, but we’re still out here reading these romances. I enjoyed the ease of this book, in that there was never a big overarching secret. The cliffhanger was good, but not being in fear of a lie breaking them apart was nice.

If you still want to marry a prince, this book is for you. If you like your romances mostly uncomplicated, I definitely recommend it.

[Cynthia Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kellan Prince, arrogant, and a huge playboy and Brie art student, lunch lady. meet at a art show and when they first meet it's not a normal thing and than he goes and ask her out and from there these two have a laugh out, trying new things, and so steamy relationship that they both fall for each other, and after she graduates from college have a choice to make to stay in America or travel to his home and meet his family. What will happen when she gets there? This was amazing read and shows you all the emotions and romance you could ask for. I was brought to tears by the end and left wanting to know more. I so can't wait to read the next.

[L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't believe how this ended! Well, I can but I don't have to like it. This isn't a fairy tale, maybe a fractured one but it is realistic about the constraints on interracial relationships and marriages.
I enjoyed how these two constantly bickered and yet were perfect for each other. Hopefully once he realises his and his mother's dream they will find a way to overcome the constraints on their love and duties. I hope Brie becomes a world renowned artist and her fame is shoved down her detractors throats!
Xavier Neal is a wonderful writer. This novel was different from the others I've read by her and it was fantastic. Keep them coming Mrs. Neal!

[Gina Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read!  I loved it from the beginning to the end.  I was not expecting a cliffhanger, but it is all good.  I cant wait to read book 2.  I loved Brie and Kellan!  She is a sassy Art student and he is a playboy prince.  They had great chemistry.  The love they have for each other is beautiful and I hope that in spite of what they face, things will work out for them.  The are definitely meant to be.  Great job, Xavier Neal.  Please don't make us wait too long for book 2.

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Vermeekea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

This book was so good. I can feel the love between the two, Kellan and Brie, as l read it. There we a lot of funny moments while touching on issues that we experience today with diversity and accepting someone who is different only by color of a person skin. It is crestfallen that the two can't be together because of how society feels about accepting someone who is really not different but not the same skin tone. The money, status, or education didn't matter more than the color of ones skin.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! I loved this so much! This story is light, fun, has amazing back and forth between the characters yet there's some very heart twisting, heart touching moments as well. Kellan and Brie click amazingly well, and I adored them both. I love how the story is told, the friends, the family, everyone that we meet bring so much to the story. This is the start of what is going to be a great trilogy and I cannot wait to dig in to the next read!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.