What do you think?
Rate this book
Small-Town Royalty #2
Duke-ing it Out
It’s game, set, and match when this pro football player turned trainer squares off against a gorgeous tennis player with an attitude as big as Texas.
Duke Wayne returns to his hometown for one reason and one reason only—reckless pro tennis star Sienna Ramsey has lost her ever-lovin’ mind. His feisty client is ready to throw her career away in favor of a simple life.
It doesn’t get much simpler than tiny, gossipy Ryder, Texas. Duke figures a few days with the locals should have the infuriating woman begging for a stadium full of cheering fans in no time at all. But Sienna and the small town go together like fleas on a farm dog.
Duke’s plan blows up in his face when he discovers there’s more to Sienna than a smart mouth and a killer backhand. The closer they get, the harder it is to keep things professional.
What in the hell is a high-performance trainer to do when he stops thinking about his client on the court and starts fantasizing about her between the sheets?
Duke Wayne returns to his hometown for one reason and one reason only—reckless pro tennis star Sienna Ramsey has lost her ever-lovin’ mind. His feisty client is ready to throw her career away in favor of a simple life.
It doesn’t get much simpler than tiny, gossipy Ryder, Texas. Duke figures a few days with the locals should have the infuriating woman begging for a stadium full of cheering fans in no time at all. But Sienna and the small town go together like fleas on a farm dog.
Duke’s plan blows up in his face when he discovers there’s more to Sienna than a smart mouth and a killer backhand. The closer they get, the harder it is to keep things professional.
What in the hell is a high-performance trainer to do when he stops thinking about his client on the court and starts fantasizing about her between the sheets?
398 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2021
104 people are currently reading
613 people want to read
About the author
Jami Albright
14 books1,685 followersI'm a born and raised Texas girl and am the multiple award-winning author of The Brides on the Run series--a fun, sexy, snarky, laugh-out-loud good time. If you don’t snort with laughter, then I haven’t done my job.
I'm also a wife, mother, and an actress/comedian. I used to think I could sing until someone paid me to stop. I took their money and kept on singing.
I love my family, all things Outlander, and puppies make me stupid happy. I can be found on Sundays during football season watching my beloved Houston Texans and trying not to let them break my heart.
I'm also a wife, mother, and an actress/comedian. I used to think I could sing until someone paid me to stop. I took their money and kept on singing.
I love my family, all things Outlander, and puppies make me stupid happy. I can be found on Sundays during football season watching my beloved Houston Texans and trying not to let them break my heart.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
September 17, 2021
Duke and Sienna are the epitome of small-town romance, a deliciously funny story about an ex-NFL player and a professional tennis sensation. I adored this book, from the very start, especially the hi-jinks of the gossipy, small Texas town! FIVE STARS all the way for rom-com lovers! xx Ilsa Madden-Mills
September 15, 2021
I'll say this right now...LOVED Duke and Sienna and their wonderful, crazy story! Another emotional ride in Jami-land!!
Here's my full review.❤
I've been reading Jami Albright's books since she wrote Running From a Rockstar and that's a long time!! This woman can make you laugh anywhere, anytime, with her crazily hilarious and irreverent sense of humor that's all her, but it's never all there is to a Jami Albright book. Her innate ability to charm readers with the quaintness of small town USA and the those equally entertaining antics of relatable characters who seem to pop up from behind every corner, is always a highlight for me as well. Now for the story.
Her last book, Homecoming King, dangled a big, juicy carrot I was very curious about taking a bite out of- that sexy hunk of a man, Duke Wayne...yes, but not THAT one and I was dying for his story to be told. Gorgeous, stubbornly stoic, no visable sense of humor and all business, all the time...or was he??? Jami arranged the perfect woman for Duke to be completely annoyed by- Sienna Ramsey, top rated professional tennis player with an overbearing father/manager, who happens to be the client of you know who! The plot thickens so devilishly!!! Even moreso when she stows herself away on the trip back to his sweet little Texas hometown, as unwanted as could be. He'll ditch her when he gets there, he thinks and that will be that...uhh, not quite Duke!
What happens after they arrive kept me engrossed to the max, page after page, hour after hour. The banter between them- snarky, witty, crazy, unexpectedly sexy and seriously steamy, just what I like! He has his own agenda, she has something new in mind as she reinvents herself. Duke is the master of hiding his feelings, Sienna's an open book, what you see is want you get. As they spend more time together, it becomes glaringly obvious, to SOME, that something amazing could be happening here. With Duke's past turmoils and his future plans at stake, will he take a leap out of his comfort zone for love? Can Sienna stay in his hometown if he doesn't?
Get ready to see what happens next in what might just be Jami Albright's best book yet. Duke has some skeletons that haunt him in the closet of his mind, which holds him back. Sienna knows she won't settle for less than she deserves on the tennis court or in her life. They've gotten a taste of what could be, but will it be enough to last forever?
Duke-ing it Out was delicious with a side order of love, laughter, tears and a raw dish of emotion. It checks every sort of box you might hope to find in a beautifully written romance. Spending time with this town full of crazies and this 'meant to be' couple, who may need a big push or a gentle shove, is the best way to while away a few hours as their rollercoaster takes you ticking up to the top and then crashing back down to the end of the line! I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity I was given to read and review an early copy of this book. It's a keeper!
Here's my full review.❤
I've been reading Jami Albright's books since she wrote Running From a Rockstar and that's a long time!! This woman can make you laugh anywhere, anytime, with her crazily hilarious and irreverent sense of humor that's all her, but it's never all there is to a Jami Albright book. Her innate ability to charm readers with the quaintness of small town USA and the those equally entertaining antics of relatable characters who seem to pop up from behind every corner, is always a highlight for me as well. Now for the story.
Her last book, Homecoming King, dangled a big, juicy carrot I was very curious about taking a bite out of- that sexy hunk of a man, Duke Wayne...yes, but not THAT one and I was dying for his story to be told. Gorgeous, stubbornly stoic, no visable sense of humor and all business, all the time...or was he??? Jami arranged the perfect woman for Duke to be completely annoyed by- Sienna Ramsey, top rated professional tennis player with an overbearing father/manager, who happens to be the client of you know who! The plot thickens so devilishly!!! Even moreso when she stows herself away on the trip back to his sweet little Texas hometown, as unwanted as could be. He'll ditch her when he gets there, he thinks and that will be that...uhh, not quite Duke!
What happens after they arrive kept me engrossed to the max, page after page, hour after hour. The banter between them- snarky, witty, crazy, unexpectedly sexy and seriously steamy, just what I like! He has his own agenda, she has something new in mind as she reinvents herself. Duke is the master of hiding his feelings, Sienna's an open book, what you see is want you get. As they spend more time together, it becomes glaringly obvious, to SOME, that something amazing could be happening here. With Duke's past turmoils and his future plans at stake, will he take a leap out of his comfort zone for love? Can Sienna stay in his hometown if he doesn't?
Get ready to see what happens next in what might just be Jami Albright's best book yet. Duke has some skeletons that haunt him in the closet of his mind, which holds him back. Sienna knows she won't settle for less than she deserves on the tennis court or in her life. They've gotten a taste of what could be, but will it be enough to last forever?
Duke-ing it Out was delicious with a side order of love, laughter, tears and a raw dish of emotion. It checks every sort of box you might hope to find in a beautifully written romance. Spending time with this town full of crazies and this 'meant to be' couple, who may need a big push or a gentle shove, is the best way to while away a few hours as their rollercoaster takes you ticking up to the top and then crashing back down to the end of the line! I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity I was given to read and review an early copy of this book. It's a keeper!
September 8, 2021
I want to move to Ryder, Texas. I loved this book- it had all the usual Jami stuff- it made me laugh out loud, chuckle to myself, tear up, and root for Duke and Sienna's happily ever after! The cast of secondary characters are a hoot. I want my blue Lexis and to see Delores in her tutu! I am waiting for Hart and Queenie's story (with alot of Shane thrown in).
October 6, 2021
𝙉𝙤𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮 𝙥𝙪𝙩𝙨 𝘿𝙪𝙠𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙧!
𝙎𝙝𝙞𝙩, 𝙨𝙝𝙚'𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙤 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙪𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄'𝙢 𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙧𝙙 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙦𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙨.
✅ Small town romance
✅ Hilarious AF
✅ Age gap
✅ Tennis player heroine
✅ Physical therapist hero
I adored this book 😍 this is the definition of small town romance. The h is a tennis player who's on the run (not in an extreme way) from her coach aka her father and decides to jump in the H's car and seek refuge in the H's small town: she wants to keep it on the down low to take a break from her career and decide what to do next.
Being a small town people are chatty and news spread like fire. The situations that the MC were in? Omg I was close to peeing myself AHAHAH. Another trope present is probably found family: Sienna is so in love with the town and its habitants that she doesn't want to leave and she gets invested in all their lives❤️
Sienna and Duke have this undeniable chemistry, he is grumpy, uptight and wants the best for his clients. He has MAJOR daddy issues: her mother is remarried to a nice guy that Duke doesn't get along with and his biological father basically abandoned them (it will be explained).
Sienna is the sunshine of the MC and I love her so much. She's determined, stubborn, funny, knows what she wants... or at least she's trying to figure it out. And she has the patient of a saint because sometimes Duke was a piece of work.
But one of the best parts was the fact the author didn't put any drama unnecessary to the story.
I mean no OW/OM drama AT ALL. Both MC were in relationships but it's so vague and unproblematic. This is gold for me sorry for those who want this kind of drama😂
𝙎𝙝𝙞𝙩, 𝙨𝙝𝙚'𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙤 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙪𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄'𝙢 𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙧𝙙 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙦𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙨.
✅ Small town romance
✅ Hilarious AF
✅ Age gap
✅ Tennis player heroine
✅ Physical therapist hero
I adored this book 😍 this is the definition of small town romance. The h is a tennis player who's on the run (not in an extreme way) from her coach aka her father and decides to jump in the H's car and seek refuge in the H's small town: she wants to keep it on the down low to take a break from her career and decide what to do next.
Being a small town people are chatty and news spread like fire. The situations that the MC were in? Omg I was close to peeing myself AHAHAH. Another trope present is probably found family: Sienna is so in love with the town and its habitants that she doesn't want to leave and she gets invested in all their lives❤️
Sienna and Duke have this undeniable chemistry, he is grumpy, uptight and wants the best for his clients. He has MAJOR daddy issues: her mother is remarried to a nice guy that Duke doesn't get along with and his biological father basically abandoned them (it will be explained).
Sienna is the sunshine of the MC and I love her so much. She's determined, stubborn, funny, knows what she wants... or at least she's trying to figure it out. And she has the patient of a saint because sometimes Duke was a piece of work.
But one of the best parts was the fact the author didn't put any drama unnecessary to the story.
I mean no OW/OM drama AT ALL. Both MC were in relationships but it's so vague and unproblematic. This is gold for me sorry for those who want this kind of drama😂
September 15, 2021
Sienna is a famous professional tennis player that gets hurt snowboarding. Since Duke is in sports medicine, he is called in to assess and help her with her injury. But it doesn’t go quite as planned, and she ends up stowed away in the back of his car when he makes a quick and hasty exit. And up until their little road trip, most of their time together was spent bumping heads. And this starts their hilarious book.
This was my first book by Jami Albright, I know, I know, I am always late to the party. And definitely won’t be my last. Safe read, with a hot couple trying to fight their chemistry, as I am sure you already guessed, that didn’t really work out. She is ornery af with a huge heart….but still very much ornery af. He is kinda a handful too, if not a bit emotionally unavailable. So many funny shenanigans in their book. The “massage parlor”, the Delores escapade, the hotel scene, I can’t even with that one. It made my day, and my week. Laughed so hard at their shenanigans. I loved all the characters in this little town, including Delores. There were a lot of shenanigans, but it all had a great family feel, which is part of the charm. Great storyline, with many emotions along the way. A sweet epilogue and a hea.
This was my first book by Jami Albright, I know, I know, I am always late to the party. And definitely won’t be my last. Safe read, with a hot couple trying to fight their chemistry, as I am sure you already guessed, that didn’t really work out. She is ornery af with a huge heart….but still very much ornery af. He is kinda a handful too, if not a bit emotionally unavailable. So many funny shenanigans in their book. The “massage parlor”, the Delores escapade, the hotel scene, I can’t even with that one. It made my day, and my week. Laughed so hard at their shenanigans. I loved all the characters in this little town, including Delores. There were a lot of shenanigans, but it all had a great family feel, which is part of the charm. Great storyline, with many emotions along the way. A sweet epilogue and a hea.
October 8, 2021
4.5 Stars / 3 Steam Fans
A runaway injured tennis player, a trainer trying to make it big in the NFL with homeopathic therapy theories, a small town, witty, sexually charged banter. What more could you want?? I loved this ride, and I cannot wait for the next book in this series. It can be read as a standalone, but some of Jami's other characters appear.
Video review available in Week 38: Sep 19 – Sep 25, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
A runaway injured tennis player, a trainer trying to make it big in the NFL with homeopathic therapy theories, a small town, witty, sexually charged banter. What more could you want?? I loved this ride, and I cannot wait for the next book in this series. It can be read as a standalone, but some of Jami's other characters appear.
Video review available in Week 38: Sep 19 – Sep 25, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
September 15, 2021
Love-Love
15-Love (Sienna)
Deuce
Advantage (Duke)
Duke and Sienna are a “match” made…not in heaven…but on a massage table in the small town of Ryder, Texas, home of Patty Blue…
“Did you just quote the Patty Blue mission statement?”
What is happening right now?
I loved these characters! Sienna, a pro tennis player. Duke, a former football star and recovery specialist. Between their banter, humor, strength and determination, author Jami Albright has written another “winner”! I loved all of the characters as well as the extras like Delores (insert snort-laugh here)!
The slow-burn storyline had me not wanting to put the book down. Such a fun read! “Love”d it!
She lived like she died, with love, courage, and brashness.
15-Love (Sienna)
Deuce
Advantage (Duke)
Duke and Sienna are a “match” made…not in heaven…but on a massage table in the small town of Ryder, Texas, home of Patty Blue…
“Did you just quote the Patty Blue mission statement?”
What is happening right now?
I loved these characters! Sienna, a pro tennis player. Duke, a former football star and recovery specialist. Between their banter, humor, strength and determination, author Jami Albright has written another “winner”! I loved all of the characters as well as the extras like Delores (insert snort-laugh here)!
The slow-burn storyline had me not wanting to put the book down. Such a fun read! “Love”d it!
She lived like she died, with love, courage, and brashness.
September 24, 2021
Really annoying and full of himself H. Didn’t like him throughout the book. Too much blabbering, too many side characters
September 12, 2021
I have been DYING to read Duke's story since I read Cash and Tiger's story and I was NOT disappointed! What a wonderful read! Jami Albright has such an incredible ability to pull readers into the book, to make you fall in love with the characters and the quirky community they live within. Duke and Sienna are chemistry and fireworks, heartache and damage, and SO. MUCH. LOVE!
September 12, 2021
This standalone sports romance follows tennis star, Sienna, and her trainer, Duke, as she heals from an injury and decides where she wants her path in life to go. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.
Duke is not always easy to like. He has some serious baggage that he must choose to deal with to be a good partner in a relationship. By the end of the book, I did love him and the way he had changed for the better. Sienna has baggage too. At times she acts in an immature manner. I love her fearlessness and competitive nature. What I love most about this story, and there is a lot to love, is how much both characters grow over the course of the book. I love that they can see and accept each other’s faults. I also love, love, love their banter. They are both very competitive and I love the way they challenge each other. There are lots of laughs, and smoking-hot heat built into this book. There is also a lot of love in all its forms. The exploration of family relationships, born and found, is super special and made me tear up a few times. I adore the small town of Ryder and the wacky people who live there. I love the shenanigans that take place. This world that the author has created is really special. Friendships, family, festivals, love, surprises, romance, and heat made this a read that touched me deeply and that I will be thinking of for quite a while.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
Duke is not always easy to like. He has some serious baggage that he must choose to deal with to be a good partner in a relationship. By the end of the book, I did love him and the way he had changed for the better. Sienna has baggage too. At times she acts in an immature manner. I love her fearlessness and competitive nature. What I love most about this story, and there is a lot to love, is how much both characters grow over the course of the book. I love that they can see and accept each other’s faults. I also love, love, love their banter. They are both very competitive and I love the way they challenge each other. There are lots of laughs, and smoking-hot heat built into this book. There is also a lot of love in all its forms. The exploration of family relationships, born and found, is super special and made me tear up a few times. I adore the small town of Ryder and the wacky people who live there. I love the shenanigans that take place. This world that the author has created is really special. Friendships, family, festivals, love, surprises, romance, and heat made this a read that touched me deeply and that I will be thinking of for quite a while.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
September 14, 2021
I devoured this book - and I actually can’t wait to re-read it, I loved it that much! Duke-ING It Out made me giggle to outright cackle, brought me to tears, and dropped me right back into my home state for a deeply satisfying visit.
When Sienna makes a reckless decision and is injured, Duke arrives on the scene to get his tennis star client under control so she can heal, rehab, and get back to the game. Duke steps into a whirlwind and ultimately decides the best way to get his client back on the court is to let her play out her rebellion so she will come to her senses. The joke is on him - he has no idea what he has unleashed! Sienna ends up in his home town of Ryder, Texas and his easy, quick-fix plans go up in flames like a high school bonfire, as does his carefully cultivated control over his emotions. As both Duke and Sienna navigate their family dynamics and growing attraction, they contend with life taking them places they didn’t expect to go.
It’s a beautiful story with heart, hilarity, and lots of heat. All the characters are richly drawn and relatable, and I can’t wait to return to Ryder, where the sweet tea is ice cold, the friendships are warm and inviting, and the town gossips know everything.
This is my honest review of an advanced copy of Duke-ing It Out.
When Sienna makes a reckless decision and is injured, Duke arrives on the scene to get his tennis star client under control so she can heal, rehab, and get back to the game. Duke steps into a whirlwind and ultimately decides the best way to get his client back on the court is to let her play out her rebellion so she will come to her senses. The joke is on him - he has no idea what he has unleashed! Sienna ends up in his home town of Ryder, Texas and his easy, quick-fix plans go up in flames like a high school bonfire, as does his carefully cultivated control over his emotions. As both Duke and Sienna navigate their family dynamics and growing attraction, they contend with life taking them places they didn’t expect to go.
It’s a beautiful story with heart, hilarity, and lots of heat. All the characters are richly drawn and relatable, and I can’t wait to return to Ryder, where the sweet tea is ice cold, the friendships are warm and inviting, and the town gossips know everything.
This is my honest review of an advanced copy of Duke-ing It Out.
September 17, 2021
I love this author so much, but DUKE-ING IT OUT didn't quite work for me.
WHAT I LOVED:
- Grumpy + Sunshine forever! Duke is so swoony and crabby and straight-laced! I loved it when he finally ket go of some of his control. And Sienna is fiery and caring and I loved how she found her way in this book.
- I always love Found Family in my romance and this book does it so well.
- I fell in love with this small Texas town!
- This book had some great laugh-out-loud moments.
WHAT I STRUGGLED WITH:
- I felt like there was a disproportionate amount of side story in this book. We get A LOT of exposure to the town and side characters. I found myself thinking, "But what about Duke and Sienna?" fairly often.
- The ending felt very rushed. There is heaps of conflict throughout the book and it all gets resolved within the final chapter.
DUKE-ING IT OUT is a good read, just not a great read for me. But if you love small town and grumpy+sunshine then you might really love it!
RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️
STEAM LEVEL: Rated R
TRIGGERS: death of parent, cancer, domestic abuse (past), parent emotional abuse
FEELS-O-METER: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a light read.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
👇🏻HANG OUT WITH ME HERE!👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
WHAT I LOVED:
- Grumpy + Sunshine forever! Duke is so swoony and crabby and straight-laced! I loved it when he finally ket go of some of his control. And Sienna is fiery and caring and I loved how she found her way in this book.
- I always love Found Family in my romance and this book does it so well.
- I fell in love with this small Texas town!
- This book had some great laugh-out-loud moments.
WHAT I STRUGGLED WITH:
- I felt like there was a disproportionate amount of side story in this book. We get A LOT of exposure to the town and side characters. I found myself thinking, "But what about Duke and Sienna?" fairly often.
- The ending felt very rushed. There is heaps of conflict throughout the book and it all gets resolved within the final chapter.
DUKE-ING IT OUT is a good read, just not a great read for me. But if you love small town and grumpy+sunshine then you might really love it!
RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️
STEAM LEVEL: Rated R
TRIGGERS: death of parent, cancer, domestic abuse (past), parent emotional abuse
FEELS-O-METER: 2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a light read.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
👇🏻HANG OUT WITH ME HERE!👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
October 14, 2021
This woman knows who she is and what she wants. She deserves someone who will go all out and prove that he wants her too. I plan to be that man.
Duke was a pain in the butt, and yet I was on his side the entire time! Only once did I jump ship, and that was reluctantly. We knew from the get-go his complicated feelings for Sienna. And of course, his complications with feelings. So heartbreaking. I just wanted to hug him. It didn’t excuse the way he acted towards Sienna when his feelings became too much, but at least it was understandable. Of course, Sienna didn’t know that! She did however understand in her own way. She definitely didn’t excuse him though! That is a woman of strength! And she definitely gave Duke a run for his money! I’m proud of the both of them for never giving up, even if they ran away. I loved their Bonnie and Clyde games! And the sarcasm they both had plenty of. Leaving Sienna in Ryder had the exact opposite effect that Duke had planned for. And it was great for both of them! Duke stood by her side, even when he felt things get complicated. He knew he was throwing kerosine on the fire, but couldn’t avoid it. Once Duke stops fighting his emotions and fate, he becomes a man on a mission. And becomes the man Sienna deserves. Who never hesitates to let him know what she deserves (and she’s right). The ending was SO comforting.
My Favorite Quotes:
•”Shhh, let me take care of you.”
•”Are you taking me somewhere to have your wicked way with me, Mr. Wayne?” “You bet your sweet ass I am.”
•”No need to worry. I have everything I want right here.”
•’I’m on my knees in front of this woman, but it’s not a position of weakness, though I would happily beg for just one taste of her.’
•”I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you if you’ll forgive me. I need you to forgive me.”
7/10 Dirty Birdy
7/10 Friends to Lovers
7/10 Second Chance
8/10 Sports Romance
Some important things said that I believe everyone needs to hear:
•”No” is a complete sentence.
•Yes there are people with real problems and people who have less than you, but that doesn’t invalidate your feelings.”
•”If it’s how you fell, then it’s not stupid at all.”
Duke was a pain in the butt, and yet I was on his side the entire time! Only once did I jump ship, and that was reluctantly. We knew from the get-go his complicated feelings for Sienna. And of course, his complications with feelings. So heartbreaking. I just wanted to hug him. It didn’t excuse the way he acted towards Sienna when his feelings became too much, but at least it was understandable. Of course, Sienna didn’t know that! She did however understand in her own way. She definitely didn’t excuse him though! That is a woman of strength! And she definitely gave Duke a run for his money! I’m proud of the both of them for never giving up, even if they ran away. I loved their Bonnie and Clyde games! And the sarcasm they both had plenty of. Leaving Sienna in Ryder had the exact opposite effect that Duke had planned for. And it was great for both of them! Duke stood by her side, even when he felt things get complicated. He knew he was throwing kerosine on the fire, but couldn’t avoid it. Once Duke stops fighting his emotions and fate, he becomes a man on a mission. And becomes the man Sienna deserves. Who never hesitates to let him know what she deserves (and she’s right). The ending was SO comforting.
My Favorite Quotes:
•”Shhh, let me take care of you.”
•”Are you taking me somewhere to have your wicked way with me, Mr. Wayne?” “You bet your sweet ass I am.”
•”No need to worry. I have everything I want right here.”
•’I’m on my knees in front of this woman, but it’s not a position of weakness, though I would happily beg for just one taste of her.’
•”I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you if you’ll forgive me. I need you to forgive me.”
7/10 Dirty Birdy
7/10 Friends to Lovers
7/10 Second Chance
8/10 Sports Romance
Some important things said that I believe everyone needs to hear:
•”No” is a complete sentence.
•Yes there are people with real problems and people who have less than you, but that doesn’t invalidate your feelings.”
•”If it’s how you fell, then it’s not stupid at all.”
September 12, 2021
I absolutely loved every word in this book- it was the perfect combination of heartfelt characters you really come to love, cameos of characters from past books (which was amazing- i see you Tiger & Cash), a beautifully evolving love story and hot, hot, hot chemistry between the leading couple. Seriously, the chemistry between Sienna and Duke is off the charts.
Tennis pro Sienna stows away in her stuffy trainer, Duke’s car to escape her overbearing, manager father.
The rest is…. Hysterical.
From escaped pet pigs, to chasing chickens in banks, Sienna truly takes to the small town life that Duke thought would drive her back to the tennis courts, when he concocted his plan and brought her to his hometown.
Sienna makes Duke lose what little hold he has left on his emotions and that’s not acceptable to him. He has been damaged by the emotional abuse his father inflicted on him as a child. He insists on compartmentalizing his feelings and staying sharp and serious and focused on his goal of getting what his deceased father would have found to be an acceptable job and successes.
Throughout the book, Sienna really does do all the right things (in my opinion) with regards to their relationship. She holds true to the fact that the only person who can figure out what Duke really wants and can actually do something about that, is Duke himself. And she’s a strong enough character to walk away. Not run, like she had been used to doing with regards to her career, but stepping back and allowing Duke to come to his own conclusions about what he wants, on his own terms.
Meanwhile, Sienna is learning to create her own path, without the manipulations of her overbearing father. She starts to come to terms with the death of her mother, with the help of the kindness of Patti and her relationship with the local queen of sarcasm, Vivian. She is seeing what true friendship is and learning to trust, by the genuine kindness of the townspeople.
Patti and Phil are the perfect combination of hysterical, loving and supportive that you could ask for. And Charmain & Marian (although small characters in the story) provide BIG laughs for the reader.
I honestly loved this book from start to finish and would highly recommend!
Tennis pro Sienna stows away in her stuffy trainer, Duke’s car to escape her overbearing, manager father.
The rest is…. Hysterical.
From escaped pet pigs, to chasing chickens in banks, Sienna truly takes to the small town life that Duke thought would drive her back to the tennis courts, when he concocted his plan and brought her to his hometown.
Sienna makes Duke lose what little hold he has left on his emotions and that’s not acceptable to him. He has been damaged by the emotional abuse his father inflicted on him as a child. He insists on compartmentalizing his feelings and staying sharp and serious and focused on his goal of getting what his deceased father would have found to be an acceptable job and successes.
Throughout the book, Sienna really does do all the right things (in my opinion) with regards to their relationship. She holds true to the fact that the only person who can figure out what Duke really wants and can actually do something about that, is Duke himself. And she’s a strong enough character to walk away. Not run, like she had been used to doing with regards to her career, but stepping back and allowing Duke to come to his own conclusions about what he wants, on his own terms.
Meanwhile, Sienna is learning to create her own path, without the manipulations of her overbearing father. She starts to come to terms with the death of her mother, with the help of the kindness of Patti and her relationship with the local queen of sarcasm, Vivian. She is seeing what true friendship is and learning to trust, by the genuine kindness of the townspeople.
Patti and Phil are the perfect combination of hysterical, loving and supportive that you could ask for. And Charmain & Marian (although small characters in the story) provide BIG laughs for the reader.
I honestly loved this book from start to finish and would highly recommend!
September 11, 2021
Jami's best book to date! I loved it!
As someone who has recently come to terms with toxic family members and the value of setting boundaries, I related to Sienna's journey with her father on an almost spiritual level. Watching her growth journey through this book, independent of the romance arc, was beautiful. Finding her voice, her strength, making friendships and finding her place in the world without Duke doing everything for her, was such a strong message.
The same can also be said for Duke and his family arc as well. Reading his journey with his mom and stepfather hit deep in the feels. Watching him being pulled from pillar to post internally made me want to hug his delicious self.
While the rom-com elements had me giggling out loud and swooning at their relationship, the more complex layers and depth of character and story winded me as I read, and had me close to tears on more than one occasion.
I've been eager for Duke's story since I met him in Homecoming King (and now I'm obviously desperate for Hart and Queenie's story having read Duke and Sienna's!) and Jami did not disappoint. She has a wonderful knack for weaving story, character, humor and just enough of a splash of real life into small town Texas that makes for a compelling, relatable read that you just can't put down.
As someone who has recently come to terms with toxic family members and the value of setting boundaries, I related to Sienna's journey with her father on an almost spiritual level. Watching her growth journey through this book, independent of the romance arc, was beautiful. Finding her voice, her strength, making friendships and finding her place in the world without Duke doing everything for her, was such a strong message.
The same can also be said for Duke and his family arc as well. Reading his journey with his mom and stepfather hit deep in the feels. Watching him being pulled from pillar to post internally made me want to hug his delicious self.
While the rom-com elements had me giggling out loud and swooning at their relationship, the more complex layers and depth of character and story winded me as I read, and had me close to tears on more than one occasion.
I've been eager for Duke's story since I met him in Homecoming King (and now I'm obviously desperate for Hart and Queenie's story having read Duke and Sienna's!) and Jami did not disappoint. She has a wonderful knack for weaving story, character, humor and just enough of a splash of real life into small town Texas that makes for a compelling, relatable read that you just can't put down.
September 15, 2021
Many books promise to make you laugh out loud, but Jami is one of the few authors to keep that promise, every single time.
Welcome back to Ryder, Texas ~ where Duke's plan to give Sienna some small-town overload backfires spectacularly. He had hoped a good dose of his gossipy hometown would would put Sienna off the simple life fast and make her beat a hasty retreat back to the tennis circuit. But rather than being appalled by chicken-chases in a bank, the town's snoopy busybodies and being roped into countless volunteering, this life seems to fit her like a glove.
The time-out works as a reset for both. Duke learns the truth about his father, Sienna finds the courage to break out of a long standing rut and stand up for herself.
Admittedly I'm currently on a short stories / instant gratification train, but still couldn't rate this less than 5 stars. Why? Because Jami Albright makes the way to the HEA just as much fun as the end! The verbal volleys and shenanigans are hilarious, and the chemistry between Duke and Sienna is sizzling.
I also love to meet again 'old friends' from previous books and to see their stories develop further.
And in the end I found myself wishing it wasn't over just as yet... Can't wait for the next one!
Welcome back to Ryder, Texas ~ where Duke's plan to give Sienna some small-town overload backfires spectacularly. He had hoped a good dose of his gossipy hometown would would put Sienna off the simple life fast and make her beat a hasty retreat back to the tennis circuit. But rather than being appalled by chicken-chases in a bank, the town's snoopy busybodies and being roped into countless volunteering, this life seems to fit her like a glove.
The time-out works as a reset for both. Duke learns the truth about his father, Sienna finds the courage to break out of a long standing rut and stand up for herself.
Admittedly I'm currently on a short stories / instant gratification train, but still couldn't rate this less than 5 stars. Why? Because Jami Albright makes the way to the HEA just as much fun as the end! The verbal volleys and shenanigans are hilarious, and the chemistry between Duke and Sienna is sizzling.
I also love to meet again 'old friends' from previous books and to see their stories develop further.
And in the end I found myself wishing it wasn't over just as yet... Can't wait for the next one!
September 16, 2021
Jami Albright has done it again bringing us a story filled with heart, heat and southern hospitality! There are a lot of big feelings in this book with a large helping of tough love.
Duke has a lot of baggage to unpack and is the definition of ‘work in progress.’ His outward demeanor is at odds with the emotional turmoil of his past. He’s the kind of character that simultaneously makes you want to hug and throttle him. He’s kind and thoughtful with a stubborn streak a mile wide.
Despite her initial portrayal, Sienna is an absolute boss. She’s naive in so many life experiences but her resilience and willingness to grow and change is everything. She’s vibrant and hopeful and watching the town nurture her development will warm your heart.
Together, Duke and Sienna are that slow burn deliciousness. Their chemistry is off the charts and absolutely will not be ignored.
“Stopping isn’t an option, Duke. You and I have been on a collision course with some serious skin to skin action for a while now.”
If you’re looking for love and a whole lot of laughs, it’s time to take a trip to Ryder, Texas!
I received a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
Duke has a lot of baggage to unpack and is the definition of ‘work in progress.’ His outward demeanor is at odds with the emotional turmoil of his past. He’s the kind of character that simultaneously makes you want to hug and throttle him. He’s kind and thoughtful with a stubborn streak a mile wide.
Despite her initial portrayal, Sienna is an absolute boss. She’s naive in so many life experiences but her resilience and willingness to grow and change is everything. She’s vibrant and hopeful and watching the town nurture her development will warm your heart.
Together, Duke and Sienna are that slow burn deliciousness. Their chemistry is off the charts and absolutely will not be ignored.
“Stopping isn’t an option, Duke. You and I have been on a collision course with some serious skin to skin action for a while now.”
If you’re looking for love and a whole lot of laughs, it’s time to take a trip to Ryder, Texas!
I received a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2021
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of Duke-ing It Out. This book was a treat that was hard to put down. It is at times laugh-out-loud funny and at times, poignant. The meet-cute/friends to lovers trope works well. The story feels particularly timely given current events. The characters, including the town itself, are nicely developed, fill out the story and shine in their own ways. The pacing is quick while still being detail filled. Jami Albright lightly includes difficult and painful life topics such as domestic violence, playing despite injuries and opioid abuse in ways that feel respectful while gently reminding each of us that these life altering problems exist everywhere, so we need to pay attention. This is less a warning of triggers than an acknowledgement of inclusion. This book is a standalone with familiar characters making appearances. The collection of characters is just a little wacky and absolutely engaging enough to wonder about the next story without feeling like readers have been left hanging.
September 12, 2021
We're back in Ryder, Texas, home of Cash and Tiger from Homecoming King, Maggie, Queenie et al, and it is Oh so good to be back. When tennis phenom Sienna injures herself, her father/coach/manager calls Duke Wayne to get her rehabbed to play again. When Sienna's father unceremoniously fires Duke, he gets in his car to drive away, only to discover he has a stowaway. Sienna is tired of this life and wants to just be normal, have a father who is just 'dad' and enjoy things that any normal twenty something does. Duke takes Sienna to his mother's place in Ryder, Texas, to show her that being 'normal' and coming from a small town isn't all she thinks it is. Sienna embraces everything about this small town and finally finds her inner peace, together with the sexy abs of Duke. But Duke has built up emotional walls around his heart because of things he heard his father say just before he left for good, so Duke has always thought it was his fault that his father left. That's the reason he rarely returns to his home town, the memories haunt him and make him feel unlovable. But being with Sienna makes Duke realize that some things are worth the work and he knows that if he wants to keep Sienna, he is going to have to open up, be vulnerable and let Sienna love him. Loved this story, as always Jami makes me laugh, cry and hope that these characters find their happy ever after.
September 13, 2021
Another fantastic read by this author. This one has us back in Ryder, Texas and this time it is Duke who gets schooled in his small hometown.
Sienna Ramsey is a famous tennis pro and when she has an accident and puts herself out of playing her father hires Duke Wayne for her rehab. Duke is used to dealing with pro athletes, it's what he does, but Sienna is different and he just can't deal with her or her father. He gets more than he bargained for though and maybe it is Sienna who can heal Duke from unseen injuries he has been dealing with for years.
This is a great book and the second in this series that is centered around a small town in Texas. The characters are great. Funny and involved and just what you get in a small southern town. I loved that Duke has wounds and it takes the strong minded woman to help him heal. I loved watching Sienna take control of her life and finding the extended family she needed. We get to revisit characters with loved in book one and get to see new characters to hopefully see in the next book in this series. This book is well written, it keeps your attention and is entertaining. I received an early copy to read and review and give my honest opinion. I highly recommend this book.
Sienna Ramsey is a famous tennis pro and when she has an accident and puts herself out of playing her father hires Duke Wayne for her rehab. Duke is used to dealing with pro athletes, it's what he does, but Sienna is different and he just can't deal with her or her father. He gets more than he bargained for though and maybe it is Sienna who can heal Duke from unseen injuries he has been dealing with for years.
This is a great book and the second in this series that is centered around a small town in Texas. The characters are great. Funny and involved and just what you get in a small southern town. I loved that Duke has wounds and it takes the strong minded woman to help him heal. I loved watching Sienna take control of her life and finding the extended family she needed. We get to revisit characters with loved in book one and get to see new characters to hopefully see in the next book in this series. This book is well written, it keeps your attention and is entertaining. I received an early copy to read and review and give my honest opinion. I highly recommend this book.
September 15, 2021
Sienna Ramsey is done with tennis. Done with her coach (her dad). Their relationship hasn’t been good for a while, and she’s over being pushed too hard and treated like a child. So, she runs away. That’s adult-like, right?
Finding Sienna stowing away in the back of his vehicle was not how Duke expected his day to end. Sienna things she wants a taste of slow, small-town life. He can give her that. She’ll be running back to the tennis courts in no time. He’ll just drop her off with his parents in tiny Ryder, Texas.
What Duke doesn’t see coming is that Sienna loves the small town and quickly integrates herself into all things Ryder. Making friends with his friends and finding a family with this own. In fact, she may fit better into his family that he does.
Sienna knows she’s falling for the little town and Duke’s family. What she doesn’t expect is to fall for Duke himself. If only he could let go of things from his past that keep him from letting her all the way in.
Come along as Jami Albright takes you on a ride that will have you swooning and laughing and loving the small-town life. And keep your eyes open for some characters from her past series.
Finding Sienna stowing away in the back of his vehicle was not how Duke expected his day to end. Sienna things she wants a taste of slow, small-town life. He can give her that. She’ll be running back to the tennis courts in no time. He’ll just drop her off with his parents in tiny Ryder, Texas.
What Duke doesn’t see coming is that Sienna loves the small town and quickly integrates herself into all things Ryder. Making friends with his friends and finding a family with this own. In fact, she may fit better into his family that he does.
Sienna knows she’s falling for the little town and Duke’s family. What she doesn’t expect is to fall for Duke himself. If only he could let go of things from his past that keep him from letting her all the way in.
Come along as Jami Albright takes you on a ride that will have you swooning and laughing and loving the small-town life. And keep your eyes open for some characters from her past series.
September 10, 2021
When I pick up a book by Jami Albright, I know that this book will have me laughing out loud. I love the feisty heroines, the stubborn men, the romance, and the humor. With tennis star Sienna Ramsey ready to abandon her career and escape her manager father, athletic trainer Duke Wayne drives her to his hometown. Duke is sure after a few days in the small town, Sienna will be ready to return home. What Duke doesn't expect is feel a strong attraction to Sienna and find her loving his family and his small town. I received a free copy of this ebook from the author. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I love this book. It had me smiling in no time. This is a wonderful and sometime steamy story. I love how Sienna and Duke really learn to understand each other and occasionally push their buttons. There are so many funny scenes that I won't describe, because I don't want to spoil the surprise. I love visiting Ryder Texas again and I hope there will be more stories set there.
September 14, 2021
Duke-ing It Out has been on my TBR list for a very long time (since I finished Homecoming King to be exact!). I must say, it was worth the wait. WhileI loved Sienna and Duke, what really makes the book for me is the strong cast of support players to the H & h (especially his mom and stepdad). I also really was glad to get a bit more Tiger & Cash, but it was very little (some of it an overlap with Homecoming King). The growth that Sienna and Duke's characters takes through the book is amazing and really makes you love them as a couple.
Sienna is a pro tennis player and Duke is a retired NFL player who is now a trainer/rehab specialist. If you aren't a fan of sport romance, don't worry, there is very little of these sports in this book. It is more a book about finding yourself outside of your life as a professional athlete. I think many professional athletes go through something like this as they face the end of their career and found it very believable.
Just loved it. Thanks Jami Albright for the advanced copy for this HONEST review! LOVED IT!
Sienna is a pro tennis player and Duke is a retired NFL player who is now a trainer/rehab specialist. If you aren't a fan of sport romance, don't worry, there is very little of these sports in this book. It is more a book about finding yourself outside of your life as a professional athlete. I think many professional athletes go through something like this as they face the end of their career and found it very believable.
Just loved it. Thanks Jami Albright for the advanced copy for this HONEST review! LOVED IT!
September 14, 2021
I thought this was another rock solid entry for this incredibly fun series. This book was an awesome read that delivered lots of humor and heart with hefty helpings of steam and emotion. Duke and Sienna were very easy to love and they each had my heart simply aching for them due to the baggage they carry. These two have absolutely no difficulty in generating tons of sparks while also tugging on your heartstrings. They are a complex combination of cute, sweet and hot that made me fall hard and fast for them. I felt that the book was smartly written and nicely paced. The small town setting brings some quirkiness and charm into the mix along with an entertaining and intriguing cast of secondary characters. This delightful read provided the feels and swoon I was craving, along with the laughter I was looking for and needed. I loved it and I am already anxiously anticipating the next entry in this wonderful series. I am volitionally posting a forthright review.
September 14, 2021
Loved this book by such a talented author, Jami Albright. I was so engrossed in this story that I had to skip to the end to read what happens in the story. Don't shame me! I haven't done that in a very long time. I know, I know I should have read the book from cover to cover. I did go back where I left off and finished the story until the end. I got so invested in the story I wanted to make sure Duke and Sienna found their happily ever after. Another winner by the very talented Texas girl, Jami Albright. Can't wait to read the next funny, steamy, creative story. Thank you to Jami Albright and the publisher of this wonderful lighthearted story with all the feels. I received and ARC for my opinion of this story. This opinion is mine and mine alone.
September 8, 2021
I enjoyed this book so much that I couldn't hardly put it down. Jami Albright's writing is so wonderful that she brings Duke and Sienna to life with real life problems. There was humor and out loud laughing moments for me. Duke has some issues with his mother and step-father and small town life. Sienna has issues with her father becoming more of her coach and wanting her to win at all costs and not caring about her as her father. Will Duke and Sienna be able to work out their differences and overcome their pasts? They certainly have the physical attraction but that's not always enough. I can't say enough good things about this book. I hope there's another book in the future about Queenie and Hart. I received an advance copy to read. I'm leaving my honest review.
September 14, 2021
Duke and Sienna's story is everything you've come to expect from this author. A couple of damaged characters finding their way into funny and heartwarming situations on a path of self discovery while finding a love they may or may not be looking for in each other.
This book earned the 5 stars because of not only the main chatacters, but also the way that Jami brought her secondary characters to life in such a way that causes you to be fully invested in them too.
The book could be read as a standalone, but I would highly recommend reading the first book, Homecoming King, before reading this one if you haven't already read it.
This book earned the 5 stars because of not only the main chatacters, but also the way that Jami brought her secondary characters to life in such a way that causes you to be fully invested in them too.
The book could be read as a standalone, but I would highly recommend reading the first book, Homecoming King, before reading this one if you haven't already read it.
September 14, 2021
I was so excited when this book was announced and that it was taking us back to the town of Ryder, TX.
Duke and Sienna's story is classic Jami Albright with relatable characters, sweet and fun romance, and lots of laughs. I really liked how Duke and Sienna had growth and real issues independent of their romance. Of course I loved their chemistry and relationship, but I like when you can see more of their experiences.
The secondary characters are wonderful as well. I loved getting to catch up with some and get ideas for whose book might be next.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Duke and Sienna's story is classic Jami Albright with relatable characters, sweet and fun romance, and lots of laughs. I really liked how Duke and Sienna had growth and real issues independent of their romance. Of course I loved their chemistry and relationship, but I like when you can see more of their experiences.
The secondary characters are wonderful as well. I loved getting to catch up with some and get ideas for whose book might be next.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
September 9, 2021
Oh my gosh this was brilliant!
We're back in Ryder, Texas where we first visited with Tiger and Cash. This time it's Duke's turn and his runaway client tennis superstar Sienna.
It's a lovely story about finding yourself, learning to be true to yourself, and accepting who you are and who those around you are.
I loved this book, the main characters are relatable and the supporting cast is great. The whole town is an absolute hoot!
I received an advanced review copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
We're back in Ryder, Texas where we first visited with Tiger and Cash. This time it's Duke's turn and his runaway client tennis superstar Sienna.
It's a lovely story about finding yourself, learning to be true to yourself, and accepting who you are and who those around you are.
I loved this book, the main characters are relatable and the supporting cast is great. The whole town is an absolute hoot!
I received an advanced review copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 14, 2021
Duke is Sierra’s trainer and he gets called when she gets hurts. He shows up and tell her father who is her manager that she can’t play until she heals. He fires Duke so he leaves as he is driving Sierra pops up and is his stowaway. He takes her to his small town home and leaves her with his family. The attraction between Duke and Sierra is intense. Can they be together when both of them have commitments issues ? Great characters and storyline. Highly recommended. Amazing book. Jami Albright is a guarantee for a feel good book that makes you laugh and swoon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews