Portia: The man started his very first conversation with me, by asking me for my hand in marriage. That was a negative.
Forget that he's a Republican, rude and intrusive. He is also different from any man that I have ever met. Yet, there is a side to him that forces me to pay attention. Not the constant counting, the stupid surveys and his defense of building walls. That is simply annoying, but...there's something about this man. He’s a different kind of perfect! I'm definitely not marrying him, though.
Duncan: The woman is beautiful, smart, and accomplished, but she will not marry me. I had one chance with her, but due to circumstances outside of my control, she no longer will engage with me on an intimate level. She is the only one that I can sleep through the night with...the only one that feels right for someone like me. No one else will do.
-- Note: This book, specifically the Hero, is a bit different than a typical Xyla Turner book. It is IR, BWWM, and HEA, but Duncan is his own sort of Hero. I hope you give him a chance. He's a different kind of perfect!
Xyla Turner was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She has always been a writer, even as a teenager, she wrote short stories and essays that won awards and nation-wide competitions. Xyla is an avid reader of romance novels and a sucker for sassy females and dominant males. She is a lifelong learner, High School Vice-Principal and a pretty good Auntie. Outside of reading, Xyla likes to spend time with her family and friends, experiment with dangerous adventures and travel. She writes different genres, but her favorite is romance.
I don't remember Portia from Trent's Story, so I never warmed to her or Duncan. Trent was his usual straight shooter self, so thank goodness Duncan had him in his corner to tell him what not to do! I was glad to see Trent, Bernie and Junior make several appearances. Trent is still the man!
The author included the survey (read the book) that Duncan gives Portia and there were questions on the survey that directly related to a bone of contention between the couple. After reading these questions, I don't understand why since Duncan would have known her answers prior to the discussion that takes place.
The ending felt very rushed and there were still a couple of unanswered questions as far as I was concerned.
Recommended: Read It!
Sneak peek included of the next book in the series ... 'James'!
Title: Duncan Author: Xyla Turner Publisher: AZINA MEDIA PUBLICATIONS Series: Across the Aisle Book 2 Reviewed By: Arlena Dean Rating: Five Review:
"Duncan" by Xyla Turner:
My Rationalization:
I found this story of "Duncan" quite different from the general romance stories that I have ever read. We find the hero suffering from a [autistic] spectrum disorder. The author did a wonderful job with her research of their habits that have affected these people. As the author brings in Portia Lane the story really opens up especially with the friend's support of Bernadette [Bernie] and Trent. I'm not sure if I cared for either of the mothers for Duncan and Portia. They were indeed a trip! It was indeed sweet how Portia did come to understand and communicate with Duncan and was in sunk with him much to my surprise. I also enjoyed the humor that was able to blend in quite a bit unknown to the hero. With Duncan being so straight to the point I thought it was beautiful in the way he found someone like Portia that would be able to fall for him so unconditionally. All in all the reader will get a good read with some interesting and complexed characters, themes, even some political issues, hot steamy sex that will definitely keep you turning the pages till the end. However, did feel that maybe the ending of the story may have been somewhat rushed that did leave a few unanswered questions. Maybe we will get more on this from another series.
She is not one of my favorite writers because I feel like all her books are rushed and not fully developed. However this book was actually well written and I loved the characters. She wrote this book with clear understanding of someone with autism and how it’s imperative that they have routines.
All in all I thought it was a good plot. The only downside in the book was that she kept talking about Trent and Bernie( previous book) way to much. Yes they met through them but how many times you got to write that Trent is well off and Bernie was this. Like it was getting on my nerves.
This is the second book in the the series and the author recommends you read the first book, Trent. I did not read that book and it did not detract from the story. It’s a quick read but definitely has interesting themes, current political climate, and interesting flawed characters.
This was truly an inspirational story which I can relate to. I love Duncan he's funny and him not knowing it. He honest and straight to the point, and to find a woman like Portia to fall for him unconditionally.
This story was quite different from Trent, who was more palatable this time around. Duncan was his own kind of alpha and although I kept waiting for him to change, he never did. Parents did not get a good look in this story but it was still a good story.
Duncan was so sweet and thoughtful. I loved how Portia came to understand Duncan and how in tune she was to him. There was also humor in this book, which I loved.
A friend introduced me to romance books with differently-abled characters and I love them! This book especially how the author wrote Duncan's character. I also like how it's juxtaposed against racism. Great end of the year read!!!
Loved Duncan nd Portia's story. Duncan was a "special" type of hero and Portia was perfect for him. That ending was kinda rushed. Would like more on this couple.
This romance story very different from any love story I have ever read. I still have not decided if I like it or not. Duncan Lee Morgan was on the high functioning end of the autistic spectrum disorder. Having a family member with autism, I know the kind of angst in raising a male child with autism. I noticed that the author stayed away from calling Duncan autistic but said he had the spectrum. Xyla did an awesome job in her researching the habits of certain spectrum affected people and nailed it with some of their habits.
On the second person in this relationship Portia Lane, I'm not sure if I could open my mind up the way she did in her relationship with Duncan. They both had great support in their friends Bernadette and Trent. Bernie was in Portia's position only a couple of years prior when she was running from Trent before their marriage. Now Portia finds herself in the same predicament with Duncan.
Duncan, even though he has a very special personality, has learned how to cope and manage his triggers through lots of therapy. When he sees Portia for the first time, he had this feeling that he was supposed to marry her and he was determined to make it so. He did not win her heart until he supported her in her confrontation with her mother Vivian, whom she did not have a good relationship with and blamed for her father's death. It was not until her mother wrote Duncan a letter that he found out that Portia had meltdowns too and was there for her. That was so sweet of him and that was what melted Portia's heart. Here was a man that was determined to make her happy and give her anything her heart desired, just like her father used to. How could she say no to the man.
I would have liked to have seen Portia and Duncan become parents and see how Duncan would handle fatherhood in the epilogue. But, hopefully that will be covered in a future "Across The Aisles" book.
I imagine dating Duncan would be like dating Spock from Star Trek if Spock allowed his emotions to overwhelm him at stressful times. My goodness Duncan was funny and he never meant to be. I can’t count the amount of times I literally laughed out loud while reading this book.
He was so logical and matter of fact that you couldn’t help but love him. The words that came out of his mouth would be offensive if you didn’t know him. I know he said men are not sweet, but he was the sweetest man ever. His logical brain allowed him to do some very nice things for Portia even though he claimed not to be romantic or emotional.
This story was such a joy to read because Duncan was so different! I hope he appears in future books, because I need to see my old friend again.
Hmmm...how do I want to sum this up? Needed more practical and believable development and relationship build up.
This is the third book I've read where one of the main characters was on the spectrum. Two of those books were written by someone who was also on the spectrum so I'm not counting myself as an expert in terms of if Duncan was an accurate or close to accurate portrayal of someone with a form of autism. But I can appreciate the fact that he didn't come off as a caricature. In fact, Duncan was very much likeable and hey, he was extremely straightforward and thoughtful. And Portia did not fall into the TSTL category, was relatable, and was written like someone we all know.
That being said I think I would have enjoyed this more if the sex between them was described...better lol. There was a lot of biting, hair pulling, hard squeezing that just made me wince and pretty much skip over their intimate scenes. If that was supposed to be erotica it was far from the kind of erotica that would make anyone's toes curl unless you need that threshold of pain to get off...hey whatever floats your boat. It wasn't to my taste but that aside, the "romance" between the H and h was different. There was plenty of telling and not enough showing which was disappointing. I think Duncan and Portia needed more time because everything happened like within a month before a time jump and then it was HEA.
You never know what motivates a person until you get to know who they are and the way they act the way they do is it naturally what is in them and or is the the nurturing they receive. I think in Duncan's case it may be a combination of the two. I believe the nurture that he received was not from his parent, mother, not because she couldn't but I believe that it was that she had know idea how to give love to someone that is so different as Duncan is. Duncan is very high on the Spectrum scale. I guess you would call him a high functioning person, maybe I am wrong. Duncan, even though he has a very special personality, has learned how to cope and manage his triggers through lots of therapy. When he sees Portia for the first time, he had this feeling that he was supposed to marry her and he was determined to make it so. He did not win her heart until he supported her in her confrontation with her mother Vivian. It really didn't matter I think Duncan and Portia were meant to be. Not because they were alike or even liked the same things but because of their differences. Duncan came from a family where is mother did not know how to raise him and he had a stepfather who could see potential and loved him despite of his mother. His mother loved him, but did not know how to raise a child like Duncan so she got someone who could raise him and show him love, the type of motherly love that she couldn't. On the other hand, Portia had loving parents but she only saw her father as her loving parent despite the fact that her mother loved her and in her own way wanted the best for her but she didn't know how to let Portia know. I'm not sure if I could open my mind up the way she did in her relationship with Duncan. They both had great support in their friends Bernadette and Trent. Bernie was in Portia's position only a couple of years prior when she was running from Trent before their marriage. Now Portia finds herself in the same predicament with Duncan. Duncan went above and beyond to show people that his disability didn't define him. The love he felt for Portia was something he never knew how to put into words, but he showed her in a way he knew how. I like this story it was full of drama, crazy drama but it showed the issue of high functioning individuals in a great light. It showed me that no matter if you have what society calls a disability that you are capable of so much more than people know, you just have to be given a chance to show them. Everyone go out and purchase this book you will enjoy it.
Very, very, very different....not the usual spectrum!!!
This was such a different read that I am so conflicted as to how I should do this review. I mean don't get me wrong, it was really, really, really good. The educative part was probably very lacking for me specially this was the first time hearing about this type of autism, but it was still good. Duncan, was so different and being in the spectrum made this doubly aware. He was a beautiful, alpha male and he was not taking anything from no one, except from Portia. He was Wey well endowed and very sexual. Portia, well, she "got him"... She understood him and was able to be with him for him and not because he was special. She, as well was very beautiful, independent, strong and intelligent. But the highlight in this story was my cute, wonderful and favorite couple, Trent and Bernie. Trent was as crazy as in his story and Bernie was still not cutting him any pass. It was nice to know that they were strong as ever, and already had another baby, a little girl to be able to make junior more crazy. MS. Turner made this story so flawless, albeit, more education and information should have been given regarding this condition or the spectrum, yet with the little bit of information, one was able to see what it was. Duncan was not romantic, not touchy, not cuddly, but was straight to the point, with no filters and nothing was funny or sarcastic with him., and get this he is a staunch republican...ouf, a lot to handle nowadays with how everyone take this personally. I only wished that we would have been able to read about when he will have kids and see how he was going to handle that, but maybe in James book, we will see them again. If you are looking for a sweet romance, with a lot of romantic situation in it, this is not for you... But need I say, how if I could read this and enjoy it anyone could, because I for one, love my kinky, romantic, alpha, boss man, gangster type and all of the epiphany of the male realizing that this is the woman for them, and who they are willing to do about it...you will like it as well...
Love is amazing. Duncan and Portia are the most beautiful couple with their straight talk and adaptability for each other without losing who they are. I was laughing so hard because the conversations and ultimate translations were so funny. Bernie and Trent got to help Portia with her truth just as she did for them. The loving as usual was on point. Cross my legs and get me the house! I loved that the hero was not by some standards "normal". Duncan was simply amazing. He overcame so much. I appreciated his logical stances but also his love for Portia. They picked up on the little things that would bring them joy. I love questionnaire. It really would help to see if continued dating was a good idea. No point in wasting time. I have friends that are on different portions of the spectrum. Each has a different thing that keeps them grounded. It's really important to understand and observe. Duncan's attention to facts and data remind me a lot of one of my friends husband. This was an absolute joy to read. I had to finish it in one sitting. It moved quickly and the important people were present. Looking forward to the next Senator to find his great love and join the movement.
Let me just start by saying that I loved, loved, loved Duncan’s and Portia’s story! Xyla is a masterful wordsmith and storyteller with an equally combustible sense of humor. From beginning to the end, I couldn’t stop laughing. Seeing Portia live and in full effect was a treat. To say the woman is funny, is like calling the Atomic Bomb a firecracker! She’s explosive and in yo’ face honest; can and will stand her ground when it comes to fighting for what’s right; ride or die to the end! Duncan is a sweetheart. His brutal honesty is not for the squeamish or faint of heart! He may not understand on an emotional or social level but his capacity for deductive reasoning and comprehension is superior to those that society deems “normal”! This is only surpassed by his compassion and love for those he trust. Doggedly stubborn when it comes to what he wants. Two souls damaged in childhood, different as night and day, find a love neither thought they’d ever have!
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! " Trent & Portia's love is different, romantic & beautiful. If more men knew how to care & dedicate their love for their wives, divorce lawyers would go broke! I love the way this writer pulled out all the stops on writing a Love story immersed in spectrum disorder! Everyone should read this book of Love, Hope, Perseverance & Forgiveness! Trent is a sexy alpha with a different twist! Different can be great! Portia takes a chance & learns to love, support & protect her man in all his quirky, blunt glory! Trent melts the stubborn heart of Portia's with his ability to put the needs of his future wife first! Trent came, saw & claimed his !!! His parents, therapists and confidant never thought he would be able to find a wife. But just the old saying goes & hasn't failed yet: "Love 💘 Conquers All"! I hope to see in a future story what a fantastic, loving dad Duncan turns out to be! Once again putting the needs & desires of his soulmate first!
I adored Duncan. He was one of those characters that you did not think that you would like but you love! He had no sense of sarcasm, he was direct and concrete, hilarious and did not know it. Portia was strong, patient, and fierce. She was perfect for Duncan. I so thought something bad was going to happen to her after she suspended that one employee because of the threat that she made. It was tragic, blaming Portia for her own poor performance and lack of advancement. It was fun seeing Bernadette, Trent, and Junior again. Junior is so sweet. I did not like either one of their mothers, Portia’s more so than Duncans. They both were selfish, but Duncan’s mother tried to remain in her son’s life where is Portia’s mother could care less about what is going on with her daughter.
Duncan was on the asperger's spectrum. He eas highly functioning, and had been taught how to live his life as normal as his aspergers let him (Which was pretty normal). He was elected as a US Senator, which to me was awesome, I don't know if this real world would ever do that!!!
He met Portia at Trent and Bernie's house, his directness was a turn off for Portia at first, but once sex was added to the equation Portia eas all in - lol.
They became a couple, but if course the customary breakup did happen, but they pulled through and made a life together.
As always I won't tell the story, you should read the book. I'll tell you when I read in Dunham's voice ir8 was always robotic. I couldn't shake that the whole book.
The author hinted this would be different than her other books, but it was so much more! Duncan was so rich in character and his mate Portia character was just as rich and full, flawed, human. Portia met him where he was at. She didn’t diminish how he was made up and Duncan strives to be or have whatever she needed to whole, comfortable. I know I’m going on and on. So let me say don’t miss out on this read. Xyla Turner get better and better. You know she is going to deliver quality in her work. Her books of late have given so much depth to the issues our country have been struggling over ! Her storyline and the characters expose our vulnerability. Well done Ms. Turner!
This was unexpected. I’ve read just a few other books with a mc that had a disability and seem to enjoy them, just like I did this book. Glad to read about a divers character and learn about something I’m not too familiar with.
Duncan and Portia’s moms were pieces of work. If that phrase exist as such for the plural.
I like that I was able to laugh whilst reading this book. “We’re lunch friends, not dinner friends.“ Duncan could be so innocent.
I did find some of the mclovin were kind of random
Why is Charles referred to as the black guy or the race of black people specified at all if white folks aren’t called out as such. Those types of things bug me.
Love Portia and Bernie’s friendship. As well as Trent and Duncan
I enjoyed this story more than I thought I would. I encountered Portia in Trent's book. I actually read Mr. Vega before this book and "met" Duncan. I would advise reading this book first.
I could tell the depth of research that went into this book and I appreciate it. It made for a richer story allowing the reading to better understand autism a little more. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. Xyla Turner has a way of handling sensitive topics the bring out great discussions.
There were places where words were missing and editing was needed, but her last few books have improved in this area. I did feel the ending was rushed since there were several jumps in time.
This is an adult read with loads of intercourse that may be weird....maybe not.
I'm trying out new authors. I read two of her books so far. The characters are mature in age not the 20 to 22 year-old though the woman in Duncan's life acted a little petty at times which made me think Duncan has a challenge emotionally but his lady friend is just down right petty. But, what can I say. The characters are well defined and you get a clear introduction into who and what they are. The pace of this book was a little slow and I started another book while finishing this one because of the slow pace. The book transitioned when it should and the shifts were written seamlessly which takes talent and focus to do. I may look at a couple more of this authors books later.
Duncan is not your typical hero and it isn’t because he is quote unquote ‘different’. It’s because he is so perfect that just reading about him makes a girl wish Duncan’s character traits was the norm for everyone. I absolutely loved him and Portia together and how their loved evolved. My only problem with this story was that there were too many references to Trent and Bernie’s story. I often felt that I was re-reading their love story instead of Duncan and Portia’s story. All in all the story was a good different because “normal is over rated “ 😉
They were the cutest couple. I wish she was not soo structured and adaptive to his autism. That made it less realistic, but some of her reactions were spot on...especially her inner monologue. Lol I loved how they over came all the obstacles and made their own rules to “love without limits” and to not give a damn about what anyone had to say. His routines actually helped structure her life more and her personality helped him learn how to act in social settings. They were made for each other. On to the next book. Keep them coming and keep them steamy and intriguing. Lol
Style of writing that draws you in, and holds you there in the world of the characters. This is not my first book by Ms. Turner, and it will definitely not be my last. I feel as if I'm right there in the room with the main character, and can experience situations first hand. I laugh when they laugh, and cry when they cry. Dylan is in my opinion an excellent writer. Duncan and Portia are a couple who have come upon the scene in a time when prejudice is high in this country. This story touches on what is happening in our government right now, and related to his people are different in many ways.