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Christmas in Eldovia #2
Duke, Actually
USA Today bestselling author Jenny Holiday follows A Princess for Christmas with another delightful contemporary Christmas romance between a playboy baron and a woman who has said goodbye to love.
Maximillian von Hansburg, Baron of Laudon and heir to the Duke of Aquilla, is trapped. Under pressure from his domineering father, he must marry a suitable bride before he inherits a title that feels like a prison sentence. In New York to meet a prospective wife, he ditches his responsibilities and appears on Dani Martinez’s doorstep. He’s been intrigued by the no-nonsense professor since he met her at the Eldovian royal wedding and is determined to befriend her.
Newly single Dani is done with love—she even has a list entitled “Things I Will Never Again Do for a Man”—which is why she hits it off with notorious rake Max. He’s trying to escape relationships, and she’s resolved to avoid them at all costs. All they want from each other is friendship and a distraction from their messy lives.
As their bond begins to deepen, so does their attraction, until they end up in bed together. Falling in love was never part of the plan—Max’s family doesn’t see Dani as a perfect match, even as his heart tells him she’s the one, and Dani isn’t sure she can make it in Max’s world. Can they find the courage to live they life they desire, even if it means risking everything?
Maximillian von Hansburg, Baron of Laudon and heir to the Duke of Aquilla, is trapped. Under pressure from his domineering father, he must marry a suitable bride before he inherits a title that feels like a prison sentence. In New York to meet a prospective wife, he ditches his responsibilities and appears on Dani Martinez’s doorstep. He’s been intrigued by the no-nonsense professor since he met her at the Eldovian royal wedding and is determined to befriend her.
Newly single Dani is done with love—she even has a list entitled “Things I Will Never Again Do for a Man”—which is why she hits it off with notorious rake Max. He’s trying to escape relationships, and she’s resolved to avoid them at all costs. All they want from each other is friendship and a distraction from their messy lives.
As their bond begins to deepen, so does their attraction, until they end up in bed together. Falling in love was never part of the plan—Max’s family doesn’t see Dani as a perfect match, even as his heart tells him she’s the one, and Dani isn’t sure she can make it in Max’s world. Can they find the courage to live they life they desire, even if it means risking everything?
365 pages, ebook
First published November 16, 2021
340 people are currently reading
26081 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Holiday
31 books1,835 followersJenny Holiday is a USA Today-bestselling and RITA®-nominated author whose books have been featured in The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, The Washington Post, and Buzzfeed. She grew up in Minnesota and started writing at age nine when her fourth-grade teacher gave her a notebook to fill with stories. When she's not working on her next book, she likes to hang out with her family, watch other people sing karaoke, and throw theme parties. Jenny lives in London, Ontario, Canada.
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December 19, 2021
Oh my…What a bad luck you’re dealing with: can you imagine sexiest, most charming, most charismatic baron knocks your door when you took an oath to get way from any kind of female species? Good luck dear Dani, you’re so doomed to fail and resist the irresistible charm of this walking talking addiction notice!
Newly single, New Yorker, a brilliant professor, smart, sarcastic Dani already lost her bestie Leo who is the main subject of the marriage of the year. Yes, he became part of Eldovian royals by finding his love of life. She is gonna be the best man at the wedding.
But when the with sexiest man alive- tabloids’ popular subject: Maximilian von Habsburg : Baron of Laudon: Duke of Aquila who has been dumbed by the very same princess she’s marrying now insists to befriend Dani by visiting New York before wedding to spend more time with her, his friendly intentions are rejected because after her worst marriage experience Dani’s off limits and she cannot tolerate to be best of any man.
But luckily extra charming, magical Max is not any man. He’s every man you want to breathe and he’s the man you want to stalk every move he makes and you want to keep watching him( okay this become a quite mix with Joe Goldberg stalking tendencies meets Police’s favorite song but hottest baron of Laudon truly gives you those inspirations)
Well, Dani obviously cannot resist to his charms and she adroitly restrain her desires to let him get into her pants but their chemistry is too hot to resist. Their friendship blossoms alongside with their intimate feelings they bottled up.
They wanted only friendship as a distract of their messy life. As Dani is getting through from messy divorce, Max deals with his scandalous life. But when they want more than friendship, real problems start to occur: because Max’s family doesn’t approve their relationship even though Max is ready to fight against them because he knows he already found the one he wants.
But Dani has also hesitations about adapting into Max’s pretentious lifestyle.
Could they risk everything to be together and confront with the obstacles together for pursuing their HEA?
So hot, so sexy, so genuine, so captivating! Yes, I truly devoured this book and I had amazing time! I loved both MCs, their love story, chemistry, everything about them!
Those qualities I always look for at any good written romance novels!
It highly earned my four sexy baron meets smart, aspiring, pretty professor premise stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Newly single, New Yorker, a brilliant professor, smart, sarcastic Dani already lost her bestie Leo who is the main subject of the marriage of the year. Yes, he became part of Eldovian royals by finding his love of life. She is gonna be the best man at the wedding.
But when the with sexiest man alive- tabloids’ popular subject: Maximilian von Habsburg : Baron of Laudon: Duke of Aquila who has been dumbed by the very same princess she’s marrying now insists to befriend Dani by visiting New York before wedding to spend more time with her, his friendly intentions are rejected because after her worst marriage experience Dani’s off limits and she cannot tolerate to be best of any man.
But luckily extra charming, magical Max is not any man. He’s every man you want to breathe and he’s the man you want to stalk every move he makes and you want to keep watching him( okay this become a quite mix with Joe Goldberg stalking tendencies meets Police’s favorite song but hottest baron of Laudon truly gives you those inspirations)
Well, Dani obviously cannot resist to his charms and she adroitly restrain her desires to let him get into her pants but their chemistry is too hot to resist. Their friendship blossoms alongside with their intimate feelings they bottled up.
They wanted only friendship as a distract of their messy life. As Dani is getting through from messy divorce, Max deals with his scandalous life. But when they want more than friendship, real problems start to occur: because Max’s family doesn’t approve their relationship even though Max is ready to fight against them because he knows he already found the one he wants.
But Dani has also hesitations about adapting into Max’s pretentious lifestyle.
Could they risk everything to be together and confront with the obstacles together for pursuing their HEA?
So hot, so sexy, so genuine, so captivating! Yes, I truly devoured this book and I had amazing time! I loved both MCs, their love story, chemistry, everything about them!
Those qualities I always look for at any good written romance novels!
It highly earned my four sexy baron meets smart, aspiring, pretty professor premise stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Read
February 5, 2022Source of book: NetGalley (thank you!)
Relevant disclaimers: this author and I share an agent, but otherwise unconnected. I don’t feel it influenced my comments on the book but you may conclude differently
Please note: This review may not be reproduced or quoted, in whole or in part, without explicit consent from the author
This heroine has, like, unacknowledged core strength. I mean, literally. She and the hero keep doing the Dirty Dancing lift and quite how this quite tall, academic lady who doesn't do any explicit exercise over the course of the book is able to, y’know, allow a hot guy to lift her into the air by her pelvic bones and not collapse over him like a damp tea towel is a fucking holiday miracle. Or possibly I’m just ashamed of my inferior core strength.
In any case this book is both incredibly charming and incredibly thoughtful, as well it ought to be because it’s Jenny Holiday and only Jenny Holiday could make me read a holiday (no pun intended) romance. I think it helps that the Xmas theme is present but not *over* present: the book takes place over the course of a year—between two Xmases—which allows for a lovely slow burn romance, and gives the protagonists opportunity to have more going on in their lives than, y’know, thinking about and living around bloody Christmas.
Duke Actually is kind of follow-up to A Princess for Christmas (the heroine is Leo’s best friend, and the hero the dude Marie jilts) but it stands alone perfectly well and, honestly, while I enjoyed A Princess for Christmas, I liked this one a whole lot more. Though I suspect that’s mostly a personal taste thing. The series is pitched as “Hallmark with steam” but, for my money, that’s actually slightly reductive: yes there’s steam, yes there’s a gentle sense of optimism pervading the story as whole, but there’s also real depth and dimensionality to the characters.
Max (the duke, or rather the baron, of the title) in particular I adored: partly I think it was because he’s from a fantasy European country, so he spoke with an almost-British formality that I, naturally, related to, but also I just have a soft spot for a damaged hero who hides his pain beneath a façade of lightness and attentiveness. He has an exaggerated but still earned reputation for being a playboy, but he’s also witty, clever, and kind. Dani, too, I should say is great. She’s a literature professor struggling for tenure and dealing with the recent dissolution of her marriage. Like Max, she’s concealing her vulnerability, but in her case it’s beneath a façade of wariness and pragmaticism. They have great chemistry (along with ye trademark Holiday banter, and yes there’s a grilled cheese sandwich) and it’s genuinely lovely to watch the way their friendship helps them grow into themselves, into the people they have the capacity to be, and the lives they have the power to choose. Utterly swoony stuff.
Like its hero and its heroine, this is supremely self-aware book. From its little dig at The Great Gatsby, to its attempt to redeem the notorious “Having been an absolute wanker to you, I’m now going to non-consensually tell you my feelings by holding them up on hand-written cards” scene in Love Actually, to its willingness to celebrate all the naff and whimsical pleasures of life. But more seriously—and I can’t tell you how much I appreciated this—it’s willing to carefully unpick the privilege of its hero. Not just what it means for him and his life, but for the lives of the people dependent upon him. The degree to which wealth derives from exploitation and power is often a fluke of circumstance, especially when we’re talking about hereditary aristocracy.
Mostly the charisma of the characters, both the protagonists and the supporting cast, carried me through the story, although it perhaps has one too many plot threads (both Max and Dani make significant changes to their lives over the course of a year, there’s the issue of Max’s family mining business, there’s his relationship with his brother, there’s his abusive father, there’s Dani’s divorce, there’s her lack of satisfaction in her career, there’s the history of one of Max’s relatives they’re researching—ye gods, I’m exhausted just listing them). The ending was possibly a little rushed—Max botches declaring his feelings, Dani goes back to NYC, Max deals with his family, Dani deals with her job all in the space of about 10% of the manuscript—but the final scene at the airport was so gorgeously romantic that I didn’t care.
My only serious qualm concerned a subplot involved Max’s gay brother Sebastian. Sebastian is very gay-by-numbers (gender non-conforming behaviour in childhood, faint air of vulnerability, taste for beefy security guards) but, for me, it mostly works: I mean it’s a tropey book, he’s a tropey character among tropey characters, and he has agency, and a personality, and gets a happy ending of his own.
Where I kind of winced a bit, and I emphasise (as ever) that this is personal, plus it will stray towards spoiler territory concerns the resolution to the Max family plot. The old duke (Max and Seb’s father) is, of course, a terrible human being, because I think there’s a law that no father of a hero duke can be a good person: he’s an alcoholic, as well as emotionally and occasionally physically abusive. Towards the end of the book Max and Seb independently decide that they’re going to choose to live their own lives beyond his tyrannical attempts to control them, Max by moving to NYC where he’s been offered a job doing some kind of consultancy work, Seb by coming out (so he can officially be with his beefy security guard boyfriend). Max does his thing, the old duke says he’ll disown him, Seb retorts that it might not be a good idea because he’s a gay … and the old duke immediately corks it. Because shock and the impact of years of alcohol abuse on his heart.
So this is complicated. I mean, I have to admit that I was rather invested in Max throwing off his heritage and settling down in NYC with Dani but … that’s me. It’s not where the book was going and that’s fine. I also have zero problem with the old Duke dying plot-usefully, because he was clearly awful, and I know in theory it was probably the combined impact of both sons defying him simultaneously (plus heart issue) that led to the, y’know, the sudden death. But you still kind of had a situation here where a queer character came out to their parent and their parent immediately snuffed it.
Like … that is the stuff queer nightmares are made of. And it was super weird that the book was tying itself up neatly into an HEA when … I mean. I know rationally there were mitigating circumstances around the old duke’s death but from Seb’s POV? But this is the happy fluffy end to a story about two straight people. It also feels like the beginning of an incredibly dark story about some poor queer guy whose life is about to go massively off the rails because it probably feels to him like he came out and it killed his dad. That would fuck you the fuck up. Especially having spent twenty-something years of your life in a world where being queer simply wasn’t permissible and surviving a childhood in which acts of gender non-conformity led to direct punishment from your father. (I mean, I had that childhood and I’ve had a lot of fucking therapy).
I think what kind of confuses me about the whole “I killed my father with my gay” angle is that it didn’t feel … necessary? Max’s declaration of independence could just as well have caused the old duke’s heart to explode. I mean, I think it was probably meant to be some kind of act of positive self-something for Seb? Coming out to his abusive father? But why? What does Seb get out of that? We owe nothing to our abusers.
And coming out is … coming out is frankly one of the worst things you ever have to do. And you have to do it repeatedly. For your entire life. It is bad enough to have to do it—to accept the sick premise that some part of you that is integral and immutable requires explanation and declaration—for people you love and trust. I can’t for the life of me see why, under some spurious implication of empowerment, the book forces Seb to give that to father who has taught him nothing but shame and treated him nothing but badly.
But. Uh. Yeah. Apart from that horrendously dark twist subjected on the secondary queer character … genuinely a lovely holiday story?
Relevant disclaimers: this author and I share an agent, but otherwise unconnected. I don’t feel it influenced my comments on the book but you may conclude differently
Please note: This review may not be reproduced or quoted, in whole or in part, without explicit consent from the author
This heroine has, like, unacknowledged core strength. I mean, literally. She and the hero keep doing the Dirty Dancing lift and quite how this quite tall, academic lady who doesn't do any explicit exercise over the course of the book is able to, y’know, allow a hot guy to lift her into the air by her pelvic bones and not collapse over him like a damp tea towel is a fucking holiday miracle. Or possibly I’m just ashamed of my inferior core strength.
In any case this book is both incredibly charming and incredibly thoughtful, as well it ought to be because it’s Jenny Holiday and only Jenny Holiday could make me read a holiday (no pun intended) romance. I think it helps that the Xmas theme is present but not *over* present: the book takes place over the course of a year—between two Xmases—which allows for a lovely slow burn romance, and gives the protagonists opportunity to have more going on in their lives than, y’know, thinking about and living around bloody Christmas.
Duke Actually is kind of follow-up to A Princess for Christmas (the heroine is Leo’s best friend, and the hero the dude Marie jilts) but it stands alone perfectly well and, honestly, while I enjoyed A Princess for Christmas, I liked this one a whole lot more. Though I suspect that’s mostly a personal taste thing. The series is pitched as “Hallmark with steam” but, for my money, that’s actually slightly reductive: yes there’s steam, yes there’s a gentle sense of optimism pervading the story as whole, but there’s also real depth and dimensionality to the characters.
Max (the duke, or rather the baron, of the title) in particular I adored: partly I think it was because he’s from a fantasy European country, so he spoke with an almost-British formality that I, naturally, related to, but also I just have a soft spot for a damaged hero who hides his pain beneath a façade of lightness and attentiveness. He has an exaggerated but still earned reputation for being a playboy, but he’s also witty, clever, and kind. Dani, too, I should say is great. She’s a literature professor struggling for tenure and dealing with the recent dissolution of her marriage. Like Max, she’s concealing her vulnerability, but in her case it’s beneath a façade of wariness and pragmaticism. They have great chemistry (along with ye trademark Holiday banter, and yes there’s a grilled cheese sandwich) and it’s genuinely lovely to watch the way their friendship helps them grow into themselves, into the people they have the capacity to be, and the lives they have the power to choose. Utterly swoony stuff.
Like its hero and its heroine, this is supremely self-aware book. From its little dig at The Great Gatsby, to its attempt to redeem the notorious “Having been an absolute wanker to you, I’m now going to non-consensually tell you my feelings by holding them up on hand-written cards” scene in Love Actually, to its willingness to celebrate all the naff and whimsical pleasures of life. But more seriously—and I can’t tell you how much I appreciated this—it’s willing to carefully unpick the privilege of its hero. Not just what it means for him and his life, but for the lives of the people dependent upon him. The degree to which wealth derives from exploitation and power is often a fluke of circumstance, especially when we’re talking about hereditary aristocracy.
Mostly the charisma of the characters, both the protagonists and the supporting cast, carried me through the story, although it perhaps has one too many plot threads (both Max and Dani make significant changes to their lives over the course of a year, there’s the issue of Max’s family mining business, there’s his relationship with his brother, there’s his abusive father, there’s Dani’s divorce, there’s her lack of satisfaction in her career, there’s the history of one of Max’s relatives they’re researching—ye gods, I’m exhausted just listing them). The ending was possibly a little rushed—Max botches declaring his feelings, Dani goes back to NYC, Max deals with his family, Dani deals with her job all in the space of about 10% of the manuscript—but the final scene at the airport was so gorgeously romantic that I didn’t care.
My only serious qualm concerned a subplot involved Max’s gay brother Sebastian. Sebastian is very gay-by-numbers (gender non-conforming behaviour in childhood, faint air of vulnerability, taste for beefy security guards) but, for me, it mostly works: I mean it’s a tropey book, he’s a tropey character among tropey characters, and he has agency, and a personality, and gets a happy ending of his own.
Where I kind of winced a bit, and I emphasise (as ever) that this is personal, plus it will stray towards spoiler territory concerns the resolution to the Max family plot. The old duke (Max and Seb’s father) is, of course, a terrible human being, because I think there’s a law that no father of a hero duke can be a good person: he’s an alcoholic, as well as emotionally and occasionally physically abusive. Towards the end of the book Max and Seb independently decide that they’re going to choose to live their own lives beyond his tyrannical attempts to control them, Max by moving to NYC where he’s been offered a job doing some kind of consultancy work, Seb by coming out (so he can officially be with his beefy security guard boyfriend). Max does his thing, the old duke says he’ll disown him, Seb retorts that it might not be a good idea because he’s a gay … and the old duke immediately corks it. Because shock and the impact of years of alcohol abuse on his heart.
So this is complicated. I mean, I have to admit that I was rather invested in Max throwing off his heritage and settling down in NYC with Dani but … that’s me. It’s not where the book was going and that’s fine. I also have zero problem with the old Duke dying plot-usefully, because he was clearly awful, and I know in theory it was probably the combined impact of both sons defying him simultaneously (plus heart issue) that led to the, y’know, the sudden death. But you still kind of had a situation here where a queer character came out to their parent and their parent immediately snuffed it.
Like … that is the stuff queer nightmares are made of. And it was super weird that the book was tying itself up neatly into an HEA when … I mean. I know rationally there were mitigating circumstances around the old duke’s death but from Seb’s POV? But this is the happy fluffy end to a story about two straight people. It also feels like the beginning of an incredibly dark story about some poor queer guy whose life is about to go massively off the rails because it probably feels to him like he came out and it killed his dad. That would fuck you the fuck up. Especially having spent twenty-something years of your life in a world where being queer simply wasn’t permissible and surviving a childhood in which acts of gender non-conformity led to direct punishment from your father. (I mean, I had that childhood and I’ve had a lot of fucking therapy).
I think what kind of confuses me about the whole “I killed my father with my gay” angle is that it didn’t feel … necessary? Max’s declaration of independence could just as well have caused the old duke’s heart to explode. I mean, I think it was probably meant to be some kind of act of positive self-something for Seb? Coming out to his abusive father? But why? What does Seb get out of that? We owe nothing to our abusers.
And coming out is … coming out is frankly one of the worst things you ever have to do. And you have to do it repeatedly. For your entire life. It is bad enough to have to do it—to accept the sick premise that some part of you that is integral and immutable requires explanation and declaration—for people you love and trust. I can’t for the life of me see why, under some spurious implication of empowerment, the book forces Seb to give that to father who has taught him nothing but shame and treated him nothing but badly.
But. Uh. Yeah. Apart from that horrendously dark twist subjected on the secondary queer character … genuinely a lovely holiday story?
Read
January 2, 2023I read this book in this reading vlog!
Like I think many people, I didn't realize this was a sequel going into it. It's more of a companion so that's not a big deal though. I was actually really pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this! I loved that it was a royal wedding in the backdrop, but you weren't focusing on the characters getting married. Instead it was more of a slowly watching these characters fall in love. You see them become friends, and then that turns into more in a really natural way. I felt the chemistry between the two characters and had such a good time watching their relationship develop. It ended up reading like a best friends to lovers story because they became so close before they fell in love. The royal aspect is also something I'm SUCH a sucker for and ended up loving in this one. This is actually once again one that has festive elements but I think you could read it anytime of year! I'll definitely be reading more of the companions in this series next year!
Like I think many people, I didn't realize this was a sequel going into it. It's more of a companion so that's not a big deal though. I was actually really pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this! I loved that it was a royal wedding in the backdrop, but you weren't focusing on the characters getting married. Instead it was more of a slowly watching these characters fall in love. You see them become friends, and then that turns into more in a really natural way. I felt the chemistry between the two characters and had such a good time watching their relationship develop. It ended up reading like a best friends to lovers story because they became so close before they fell in love. The royal aspect is also something I'm SUCH a sucker for and ended up loving in this one. This is actually once again one that has festive elements but I think you could read it anytime of year! I'll definitely be reading more of the companions in this series next year!
June 18, 2021
Oh my…What a bad luck you’re dealing with: can you imagine sexiest, most charming, most charismatic baron knocks your door when you took an oath to get way from any kind of female species? Good luck dear Dani, you’re so doomed to fail and resist the irresistible charm of this walking talking addiction notice!
Newly single, New Yorker, a brilliant professor, smart, sarcastic Dani already lost her bestie Leo who is the main subject of the marriage of the year. Yes, he became part of Eldovian royals by finding his love of life. She is gonna be the best man at the wedding.
But when the with sexiest man alive- tabloids’ popular subject: Maximilian von Habsburg : Baron of Laudon: Duke of Aquila who has been dumbed by the very same princess she’s marrying now insists to befriend Dani by visiting New York before wedding to spend more time with her, his friendly intentions are rejected because after her worst marriage experience Dani’s off limits and she cannot tolerate to be best of any man.
But luckily extra charming, magical Max is not any man. He’s every man you want to breathe and he’s the man you want to stalk every move he makes and you want to keep watching him( okay this become a quite mix with Joe Goldberg stalking tendencies meets Police’s favorite song but hottest baron of Laudon truly gives you those inspirations)
Well, Dani obviously cannot resist to his charms and she adroitly restrain her desires to let him get into her pants but their chemistry is too hot to resist. Their friendship blossoms alongside with their intimate feelings they bottled up.
They wanted only friendship as a distract of their messy life. As Dani is getting through from messy divorce, Max deals with his scandalous life. But when they want more than friendship, real problems start to occur: because Max’s family doesn’t approve their relationship even though Max is ready to fight against them because he knows he already found the one he wants.
But Dani has also hesitations about adapting into Max’s pretentious lifestyle.
Could they risk everything to be together and confront with the obstacles together for pursuing their HEA?
So hot, so sexy, so genuine, so captivating! Yes, I truly devoured this book and I had amazing time! I loved both MCs, their love story, chemistry, everything about them!
Those qualities I always look for at any good written romance novels!
It highly earned my four sexy baron meets smart, aspiring, pretty professor premise stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Newly single, New Yorker, a brilliant professor, smart, sarcastic Dani already lost her bestie Leo who is the main subject of the marriage of the year. Yes, he became part of Eldovian royals by finding his love of life. She is gonna be the best man at the wedding.
But when the with sexiest man alive- tabloids’ popular subject: Maximilian von Habsburg : Baron of Laudon: Duke of Aquila who has been dumbed by the very same princess she’s marrying now insists to befriend Dani by visiting New York before wedding to spend more time with her, his friendly intentions are rejected because after her worst marriage experience Dani’s off limits and she cannot tolerate to be best of any man.
But luckily extra charming, magical Max is not any man. He’s every man you want to breathe and he’s the man you want to stalk every move he makes and you want to keep watching him( okay this become a quite mix with Joe Goldberg stalking tendencies meets Police’s favorite song but hottest baron of Laudon truly gives you those inspirations)
Well, Dani obviously cannot resist to his charms and she adroitly restrain her desires to let him get into her pants but their chemistry is too hot to resist. Their friendship blossoms alongside with their intimate feelings they bottled up.
They wanted only friendship as a distract of their messy life. As Dani is getting through from messy divorce, Max deals with his scandalous life. But when they want more than friendship, real problems start to occur: because Max’s family doesn’t approve their relationship even though Max is ready to fight against them because he knows he already found the one he wants.
But Dani has also hesitations about adapting into Max’s pretentious lifestyle.
Could they risk everything to be together and confront with the obstacles together for pursuing their HEA?
So hot, so sexy, so genuine, so captivating! Yes, I truly devoured this book and I had amazing time! I loved both MCs, their love story, chemistry, everything about them!
Those qualities I always look for at any good written romance novels!
It highly earned my four sexy baron meets smart, aspiring, pretty professor premise stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
December 10, 2025
this rarely happens, but i don't have a lot of critiques... i just didn't enjoy this one. the characters felt fairly realistic, i appreciated the care that the author put into making them friends first etc. but i just felt detached and bored the entire time.
would probably enjoy if it were a movie, but as a book meh.
would probably enjoy if it were a movie, but as a book meh.
November 27, 2022
there’s a sex scene from the pov of the guy and i’ve been losing my mind over it since i read it, it kinda makes up for the fact that he’s blonde (kinda)
February 8, 2022
This is second in a series and some important character details are established in the first. So I recommend reading them in order.
I'm ditching this at a bit over a third in. Two reasons, though they're related. Mainly, I just don't get a sense of attachment from them. By this point, there should be some indication of growing together. It doesn't help that Dani has a monster negative motivation* and Max has a standard one so the pace keeps dropping to near nothing. But even when they aren't going "nope" all over the place, they're still just piddling around. Max is kind and doing the wish-fulfillment thing of providing opportunities, but that's not a relationship.
And then we have a scene that ended my desire to continue. Dani calls Max, who is in bed with another woman. They have a conversation, including talking about him being in bed with another woman. No emotions at all, from either. It isn't cheating but it's just so not my jam. Because really, at this point in a romance, I want them to at least have some feelings for one another. Feelings that should take a hit with him sleeping around. Instead, he takes the opportunity to share his "rules" with Dani. The rules that keep him unattached to the women he sleeps with. How romantic.
Not.
So I'm out. I feel a little bad about the one star because Holiday is a decent writer and the characters didn't suck. Just. The story kind of did. At least for me.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
I'm ditching this at a bit over a third in. Two reasons, though they're related. Mainly, I just don't get a sense of attachment from them. By this point, there should be some indication of growing together. It doesn't help that Dani has a monster negative motivation* and Max has a standard one so the pace keeps dropping to near nothing. But even when they aren't going "nope" all over the place, they're still just piddling around. Max is kind and doing the wish-fulfillment thing of providing opportunities, but that's not a relationship.
And then we have a scene that ended my desire to continue. Dani calls Max, who is in bed with another woman. They have a conversation, including talking about him being in bed with another woman. No emotions at all, from either. It isn't cheating but it's just so not my jam. Because really, at this point in a romance, I want them to at least have some feelings for one another. Feelings that should take a hit with him sleeping around. Instead, he takes the opportunity to share his "rules" with Dani. The rules that keep him unattached to the women he sleeps with. How romantic.
Not.
So I'm out. I feel a little bad about the one star because Holiday is a decent writer and the characters didn't suck. Just. The story kind of did. At least for me.
* Negative Motivations: I kind of hate that the term "negative motivation" isn't widespread, yet. Since it isn't, I'm going to save off this little jag to append to my reviews that feature the term. Jennifer Crusie blogged about it a bit back (or, if that link doesn't work, here's a cache of the original) and it changed how I understand story. The problem with the term is that if you've never heard it before, you'd assume it meant motivations that are harmful or immoral. Not so. What it refers to is motivations not to do something. The thing is that many of us are motivated to not do things for a lot of different, perfectly valid and reasonable, reasons. The problem is that in a story motivations to not do things are a huge drag on the plot—particularly considering the fact that most negative motivations are overcome by the character simply deciding they don't care any more (or, rather, that they do care and are now motivated to do the thing). So not only do you have a counter to action but you also have a situation where to overcome it, all a character has to do is change their mind. Which means eventually, the reader is rooting for the character to get over him/herself already and do the thing we want them to do. Conflict drives story. Conflict between a reader and a main character drives readers away from story.
November 21, 2021
This is the second book in a series and I really think I would have enjoyed it more if I read book one. Max was supposed to marry the heroine of book one, and the couple from book one has a wedding in the second half of this book. I felt like I was missing some kind of connection to these characters and didn't really care for the second half of the book. Also, this is definitely a slow burn romance and by the time the characters finally got together 300 pages in, I was more annoyed than anything. I really loved the first half and how this was a friends to lovers romance. Dani is in the midst of a divorce and genuinely becomes friends with Max. They text and talk on the phone and tell each other things they haven't told anyone else. BUT I think that this was way too slow burn. Also, Dani freaks out when things get beyond more than friends and she really frustrated me. She was completely unfair to Max and I hated the way she treated him. So it was really hard for me to like her or care about the romance after that.
November 13, 2021
3.7 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The answer is yes, but I have questions. Question the first: Is this going to be one of those elaborately complex romantic comedies where we pretend to be in love to make your ex-husband jealous?
Continuing with characters readers met in A Princess for Christmas, Duke, Actually takes the two bestfriends of the first book's couple. Dani is going to be the Bestwoman in her friend Leo's wedding and Max is going to be the Man of Honor for his bestfriend and ex-fiancee Marie. This did start off in a fast, jump into it way, that had me wondering if I should have read the first book, Dani and Max clearly know each other and even though they weren't in each other's presence much, there is the feeling that something, however, intangible, is already between them. After feeling a little lost in the very beginning, the rest of the book takes such thoughtful, deliberate time exploring the two that you could, actually start here.
He was a baron who lived on another continent. There was no danger of him upending her life.
Dani is a literature professor who is in the middle of a divorce, her husband left her for one of his students, and has decided to swear off love and follow her list that has rules for never losing herself to a man again. At first, Max comes off as the playboy aristocrat because of all the mentions of how he is portrayed in the media, but you can tell he is generally interested in Dani, she's not impressed with his status and treats him in a real way. When Dani needs a date to a holiday party, he agrees to be her plus one and their friendship only grows from there. Right away the two are cracking together but the relationship stays in the friendship realm and the first 20% has a sweet feel with the promise of more.
She was making snow angels in Central Park with an Eldovian baron.
The two then separate as Max goes back to his country and Dani stays in New York but they stay in frequent contact as Dani goes to Max for dating advice but really their text message conversations are just bonding these two together more and more. At 50% Dani heads over to Eldovia (the fictional country of Max) and the two are reunited, having that mental and emotional connection foundation. As I mentioned, this was a very considered paced story, the bulk takes place over a year and for the vast majority, Dani and Max are friends but with that slow burn building to heating up the sheets; you're going to say “Now kiss!” out-loud more than once.
He had come here purely to keep her company at the party she was so dreading. It made her throat catch.
With that deliberate pace, there is a lot of story to sink into and sit with, this is not a story to breeze through but settle in while Dani deals with the emotional fall-out of her divorce and Max addresses his father's alcoholism and the emotional abuse from it. There was only once or twice I thought the story felt slow in the second half as maybe Dani toed the wallow line with her list but I also could have stood for more scenes added between her and her lovely relationship with her parents and Max and his brother Sebastien getting more bonding moments.
“You looked at me first.”
I loved how this became a story to invest in, it has light, sweet moments that will delight those holiday vibe senses, intriguing threads involving a forgotten WWII heroine, sincere emotional pain, full characters, and a relationship that so wonderfully developed from friendship to love.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The answer is yes, but I have questions. Question the first: Is this going to be one of those elaborately complex romantic comedies where we pretend to be in love to make your ex-husband jealous?
Continuing with characters readers met in A Princess for Christmas, Duke, Actually takes the two bestfriends of the first book's couple. Dani is going to be the Bestwoman in her friend Leo's wedding and Max is going to be the Man of Honor for his bestfriend and ex-fiancee Marie. This did start off in a fast, jump into it way, that had me wondering if I should have read the first book, Dani and Max clearly know each other and even though they weren't in each other's presence much, there is the feeling that something, however, intangible, is already between them. After feeling a little lost in the very beginning, the rest of the book takes such thoughtful, deliberate time exploring the two that you could, actually start here.
He was a baron who lived on another continent. There was no danger of him upending her life.
Dani is a literature professor who is in the middle of a divorce, her husband left her for one of his students, and has decided to swear off love and follow her list that has rules for never losing herself to a man again. At first, Max comes off as the playboy aristocrat because of all the mentions of how he is portrayed in the media, but you can tell he is generally interested in Dani, she's not impressed with his status and treats him in a real way. When Dani needs a date to a holiday party, he agrees to be her plus one and their friendship only grows from there. Right away the two are cracking together but the relationship stays in the friendship realm and the first 20% has a sweet feel with the promise of more.
She was making snow angels in Central Park with an Eldovian baron.
The two then separate as Max goes back to his country and Dani stays in New York but they stay in frequent contact as Dani goes to Max for dating advice but really their text message conversations are just bonding these two together more and more. At 50% Dani heads over to Eldovia (the fictional country of Max) and the two are reunited, having that mental and emotional connection foundation. As I mentioned, this was a very considered paced story, the bulk takes place over a year and for the vast majority, Dani and Max are friends but with that slow burn building to heating up the sheets; you're going to say “Now kiss!” out-loud more than once.
He had come here purely to keep her company at the party she was so dreading. It made her throat catch.
With that deliberate pace, there is a lot of story to sink into and sit with, this is not a story to breeze through but settle in while Dani deals with the emotional fall-out of her divorce and Max addresses his father's alcoholism and the emotional abuse from it. There was only once or twice I thought the story felt slow in the second half as maybe Dani toed the wallow line with her list but I also could have stood for more scenes added between her and her lovely relationship with her parents and Max and his brother Sebastien getting more bonding moments.
“You looked at me first.”
I loved how this became a story to invest in, it has light, sweet moments that will delight those holiday vibe senses, intriguing threads involving a forgotten WWII heroine, sincere emotional pain, full characters, and a relationship that so wonderfully developed from friendship to love.
December 14, 2022
3.5 stars
Duke, Actually is the second book in the Christmas in Eldovia romance series. This one can easily be read as a standalone novel although given the leads make supporting appearances in the first book, it's worth reading in order. Both are decent books but I did like the first one a little more. By the way, while some of the story takes place during the holiday season, there's enough action going on throughout the year where it feels like an anytime read rather than just one you pick up in December.
New Yorker Dani Martinez is in the process of getting a divorce. Maximillian "Max" von Hansburg is heir to the Duke of Aquilla and has played the field so to speak. With their friends getting married soon, Max and Dani meet and eventually strike up a friendship. Neither one is looking for a serious romantic relationship. Yeah right, we've all heard that one before.
I liked the two leads and thought they had good chemistry. However, it was such a slow developing romance. Perhaps if the friendship was stronger I would have appreciated it more. I hate analyzing a book to death especially one in the romance genre, but a little more heart to the story would have been an asset. Still though, overall I did enjoy the book even if it didn't earn top marks.
Thank you to Avon Books for providing me with a copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
Duke, Actually is the second book in the Christmas in Eldovia romance series. This one can easily be read as a standalone novel although given the leads make supporting appearances in the first book, it's worth reading in order. Both are decent books but I did like the first one a little more. By the way, while some of the story takes place during the holiday season, there's enough action going on throughout the year where it feels like an anytime read rather than just one you pick up in December.
New Yorker Dani Martinez is in the process of getting a divorce. Maximillian "Max" von Hansburg is heir to the Duke of Aquilla and has played the field so to speak. With their friends getting married soon, Max and Dani meet and eventually strike up a friendship. Neither one is looking for a serious romantic relationship. Yeah right, we've all heard that one before.
I liked the two leads and thought they had good chemistry. However, it was such a slow developing romance. Perhaps if the friendship was stronger I would have appreciated it more. I hate analyzing a book to death especially one in the romance genre, but a little more heart to the story would have been an asset. Still though, overall I did enjoy the book even if it didn't earn top marks.
Thank you to Avon Books for providing me with a copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
November 19, 2021
THE CUTEST HOLIDAY ROMANCE! The author describes it perfectly, it’s like a Hallmark rom-com with a tinge of spice! 4.5 stars for Dani and Max 🌟
"I'm taking the dog!!!"
Professor Dani Martinez has given up on love. Her sleazy husband cheated on her with someone half his age and now he won't sign the divorce papers... She decides to make a list titled, "Things I Will Never Do for a Man", which include faking orgasms and pushing away her family and friends. It's her and her Yorkie, Max, against the world. When Max von Hansburg, Baron of Laudon messages her to have drinks, she declines. Her best friend is getting married to the princess of Eldovia, aka Max's best friend, and she has no interest in reuniting with an arrogant playboy. When Dani remembers that she has a work party to attend, she realizes Max could serve as a distraction on her arm. She definitely doesn't want to see Vince and his childbride, alone.
Max von Hansburg is very attracted to Dani. He doesn't care that she's a divorcée or not royalty. Her witty personality is a breath of fresh air for the suffocated duke-to-be. His parents expect him to marry a wealthy woman of high status, but none of them spark his interest. With Dani it's different. She intrigues him and he's willing to do anything to get on her good side. After a few negronis and confessions, the pair consider themselves new friends. Being separated by an ocean proves to be easier than Dani thought. They constantly talk on the phone and text whenever they aren't able to see each other. He kindly respects her decisions of finding hookups, listens to her dreams, and makes her laugh like no other. Maybe he is different than the way the tabloids describe him.
Max has pretended to be something he isn't his whole life and he's exhausted from pleasing his father in exchange for his freedom and happiness. He's second-best in comparison to his younger brother, Sebastian, which has caused a strain in their relationship. Being friends with the beautiful Dani has completely changed his outlook on life. He admires her passion and strength and realizes his affection for her is deeper than friendship. He's falling for her.
It's time for the royal wedding! Dani and Max haven't seen each other in over a month and are excited to spend more than a few days together. Missing each other and their proximity fuels their chemistry and lust. What could go wrong with sleeping with your best friend? Dani knows she can never be Max's forever because of his family and Max knows his situationship with Dani can only last so long... She's not in love with him. All she wants is his pleasure and company. Can they sort their true emotions for each other and have the happily ever after they both deserve?
"Because at Christmas you tell the truth, and the truth is that I'm in love with you."
tropes: best friends to lovers, interracial romance, he falls first, & royalty romance
A big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read Duke, Actually, in exchange for my honest review! I loved Max! He's so genuine and romantic. He tucks her into bed?! Defends her honor and respects her?! Does the ICONIC Dirty Dancing lift scene? The plot is adorable and Max minimus was my favorite secondary character!
"I'm taking the dog!!!"
Professor Dani Martinez has given up on love. Her sleazy husband cheated on her with someone half his age and now he won't sign the divorce papers... She decides to make a list titled, "Things I Will Never Do for a Man", which include faking orgasms and pushing away her family and friends. It's her and her Yorkie, Max, against the world. When Max von Hansburg, Baron of Laudon messages her to have drinks, she declines. Her best friend is getting married to the princess of Eldovia, aka Max's best friend, and she has no interest in reuniting with an arrogant playboy. When Dani remembers that she has a work party to attend, she realizes Max could serve as a distraction on her arm. She definitely doesn't want to see Vince and his childbride, alone.
Max von Hansburg is very attracted to Dani. He doesn't care that she's a divorcée or not royalty. Her witty personality is a breath of fresh air for the suffocated duke-to-be. His parents expect him to marry a wealthy woman of high status, but none of them spark his interest. With Dani it's different. She intrigues him and he's willing to do anything to get on her good side. After a few negronis and confessions, the pair consider themselves new friends. Being separated by an ocean proves to be easier than Dani thought. They constantly talk on the phone and text whenever they aren't able to see each other. He kindly respects her decisions of finding hookups, listens to her dreams, and makes her laugh like no other. Maybe he is different than the way the tabloids describe him.
Max has pretended to be something he isn't his whole life and he's exhausted from pleasing his father in exchange for his freedom and happiness. He's second-best in comparison to his younger brother, Sebastian, which has caused a strain in their relationship. Being friends with the beautiful Dani has completely changed his outlook on life. He admires her passion and strength and realizes his affection for her is deeper than friendship. He's falling for her.
It's time for the royal wedding! Dani and Max haven't seen each other in over a month and are excited to spend more than a few days together. Missing each other and their proximity fuels their chemistry and lust. What could go wrong with sleeping with your best friend? Dani knows she can never be Max's forever because of his family and Max knows his situationship with Dani can only last so long... She's not in love with him. All she wants is his pleasure and company. Can they sort their true emotions for each other and have the happily ever after they both deserve?
"Because at Christmas you tell the truth, and the truth is that I'm in love with you."
tropes: best friends to lovers, interracial romance, he falls first, & royalty romance
A big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read Duke, Actually, in exchange for my honest review! I loved Max! He's so genuine and romantic. He tucks her into bed?! Defends her honor and respects her?! Does the ICONIC Dirty Dancing lift scene? The plot is adorable and Max minimus was my favorite secondary character!
November 22, 2021
Sweet with a romantic ending, perfect for some holiday happiness!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I love the premise and the plot of this book. I so wish I had read the first book prior as the best friends that are in book one are who we are reading about in Duke, Actually. Yes, it can be a standalone, but I think it would be so much better together!
The Hero and heroine – H/h – are just so fun and develop this amazing friendship. This story is such a slow burn that you find yourself anxious for them to just get together and enjoy the sizzle and heat they are throwing off the pages. Holiday perfects the banter and male to female bestie relationship while the push and pull grows throughout.
Duke, Actually is a romantic and captivating holiday romance that calls to your inner love child. Fun and sweet, we have to wait for the fireworks but the story holds true and is so worth the read!
* copy received for review consideration
Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/duke-actuall...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I love the premise and the plot of this book. I so wish I had read the first book prior as the best friends that are in book one are who we are reading about in Duke, Actually. Yes, it can be a standalone, but I think it would be so much better together!
The Hero and heroine – H/h – are just so fun and develop this amazing friendship. This story is such a slow burn that you find yourself anxious for them to just get together and enjoy the sizzle and heat they are throwing off the pages. Holiday perfects the banter and male to female bestie relationship while the push and pull grows throughout.
Duke, Actually is a romantic and captivating holiday romance that calls to your inner love child. Fun and sweet, we have to wait for the fireworks but the story holds true and is so worth the read!
* copy received for review consideration
Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/duke-actuall...
February 5, 2022
4⭐- Almost a fav
The chemistry - Amazing!
The banter - Incredible
This is a sloooowww burn romance which, surprisingly, I enjoyed very much! There is no smut until the very end. Again, that wasn't a problem for me.
But the final act conflict lost me.
Dani was overreacting. The author wanted to throw some conflict in the final act but it felt so stupid and unnatural, especially considering the fact that Dani and Max were really good at communicating since they were friends for the most part of the book.
1 star off for the conflict
The chemistry - Amazing!
The banter - Incredible
This is a sloooowww burn romance which, surprisingly, I enjoyed very much! There is no smut until the very end. Again, that wasn't a problem for me.
But the final act conflict lost me.
Dani was overreacting. The author wanted to throw some conflict in the final act but it felt so stupid and unnatural, especially considering the fact that Dani and Max were really good at communicating since they were friends for the most part of the book.
1 star off for the conflict
Read
July 28, 2023Friends to lovers romance with a very slow burn, set part in New York and part in Ruritania.
I love a good Ruritania book, and this hits the beats of squabbling royal family, gorgeous scenery etc very nicely. It is definitely Ruritania in the American Hallmark tradition which I totally don't understand and have only a sort of refracted view of through romance novels. (My tentative conclusion is you are meant to accept everything unlikely as part of the fun, and roll around in it, which sounds fair. HOWEVER I am still compelled to observe there hasn't been an Austrian archduke in a century, due to some events in the vicinity of 1914-18. Also it is no more likely that the newspapers would nickname a duke's son the Debauched Duke than that they'd nickname the US President's son the Pervy President: it's literally *not his title*. But Hallmark. Let it go, woman.)
This is a bouncily enjoyable romance with a fun heroine getting through a divorce, and a satisfying very rich hero who is bearing a few very real problems as well as some rich-people ones, but doesn't dump them on the heroine. They're both thoroughly likeable and I really enjoyed the exceedingly slow burn: they're both in situations that have ground them down and the pleasure is in seeing how they help each other build themselves back up. I liked Sebastian a lot; I wish we'd had more of him and his love interest, which is not something I'd often say of a minor character.
I was just a touch uncomfortable with one element: heroine is mixed race, hero is to be duke of a mitteleuropean duchy. She expresses her fears about being notably non white there, the paparazzi, Meghan Markle's treatment etc., which is entirely legit but then we don't really hear about that again. I really don't know if it would be best to tackle this in more depth or handwave it because Hallmark, but I found just the mention left me a bit betwixt and between. YMMV here, I genuinely don't know.
It's really fluently written, which is such a joy, and nicely paced. I read this in every opportunity I had with huge pleasure.
I love a good Ruritania book, and this hits the beats of squabbling royal family, gorgeous scenery etc very nicely. It is definitely Ruritania in the American Hallmark tradition which I totally don't understand and have only a sort of refracted view of through romance novels. (My tentative conclusion is you are meant to accept everything unlikely as part of the fun, and roll around in it, which sounds fair. HOWEVER I am still compelled to observe there hasn't been an Austrian archduke in a century, due to some events in the vicinity of 1914-18. Also it is no more likely that the newspapers would nickname a duke's son the Debauched Duke than that they'd nickname the US President's son the Pervy President: it's literally *not his title*. But Hallmark. Let it go, woman.)
This is a bouncily enjoyable romance with a fun heroine getting through a divorce, and a satisfying very rich hero who is bearing a few very real problems as well as some rich-people ones, but doesn't dump them on the heroine. They're both thoroughly likeable and I really enjoyed the exceedingly slow burn: they're both in situations that have ground them down and the pleasure is in seeing how they help each other build themselves back up. I liked Sebastian a lot; I wish we'd had more of him and his love interest, which is not something I'd often say of a minor character.
I was just a touch uncomfortable with one element: heroine is mixed race, hero is to be duke of a mitteleuropean duchy. She expresses her fears about being notably non white there, the paparazzi, Meghan Markle's treatment etc., which is entirely legit but then we don't really hear about that again. I really don't know if it would be best to tackle this in more depth or handwave it because Hallmark, but I found just the mention left me a bit betwixt and between. YMMV here, I genuinely don't know.
It's really fluently written, which is such a joy, and nicely paced. I read this in every opportunity I had with huge pleasure.
December 10, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️(5/5, Holiday Romance)
I know it’s terrible but I basically ALWAYS judge a (literal) book but its cover. I have been avoiding this book because:
1. I don’t find Love Actually to be a romantic Christmas movie ! It makes me sad!
2. I was expecting this to be another Hallmark “oops I fell in love with a normal guy turns out he was a DUKE” movie/book
About 20 pages into this book I realized I was a moron for waiting so long to read this.
Yes, there is a Duke…. and a fictional adorable European town, but this book is better than any Hallmark Christmas movie.
Here is all I have to say- if you pick up ONE holiday romance this year, this should be it. Witty banter, a little spice but nothing offensive, so much fun, and a surprisingly deep (for a holiday romcom) storyline.
This is one of those books where I wish they had an extra 20 pages at the end where I could just read about the characters being happy together!! Because they make me that happy! That is not a spoiler because we know they’re going to end up together- except for that one book we all love where they don’t……
Also! By pure freaking coincidence I’m posting this review on DEC 11 which is a very significant date to this couple! This makes me embarrassingly thrilled!
Love you all! Love the holidays!! Finally a romance that made me swoon!
💋 💋
I know it’s terrible but I basically ALWAYS judge a (literal) book but its cover. I have been avoiding this book because:
1. I don’t find Love Actually to be a romantic Christmas movie ! It makes me sad!
2. I was expecting this to be another Hallmark “oops I fell in love with a normal guy turns out he was a DUKE” movie/book
About 20 pages into this book I realized I was a moron for waiting so long to read this.
Yes, there is a Duke…. and a fictional adorable European town, but this book is better than any Hallmark Christmas movie.
Here is all I have to say- if you pick up ONE holiday romance this year, this should be it. Witty banter, a little spice but nothing offensive, so much fun, and a surprisingly deep (for a holiday romcom) storyline.
This is one of those books where I wish they had an extra 20 pages at the end where I could just read about the characters being happy together!! Because they make me that happy! That is not a spoiler because we know they’re going to end up together- except for that one book we all love where they don’t……
Also! By pure freaking coincidence I’m posting this review on DEC 11 which is a very significant date to this couple! This makes me embarrassingly thrilled!
Love you all! Love the holidays!! Finally a romance that made me swoon!
💋 💋
November 22, 2021
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!
What a cute book! This is the follow up to A PRINCESS FOR CHRISTMAS. I did not read the first, but if you read this synopsis, I feel this can be read without reading the first. This isn't necessarily a Christmas read, but has parts that take place during Christmas time, as it takes place over one year.
Dani is a newly divorced professor who has sworn off love/men! All she needs and wants is her little yorkie Max. Maximillian von Hansburg, is a Baron, soon to be Duke. Dani's best friend and Max's best friends are marrying and they are standing up in the wedding.
Max is being pressured into a marriage by his Duke father, but he really likes Dani, so he asks her out. They end up really hitting it off. This is a friend's to lovers trope. Their relationship develops very slowly throughout the book, and you learn so much about these characters' families and lives. It's really such a cute read. Max is such a romantic guy, I just love that. And will Dani and Max be able to be together with their different lives?
There is so much more to the story, bit I don't want to tell you because I feel it'll spoil it. Just trust me on this...it's a good one.
What a cute book! This is the follow up to A PRINCESS FOR CHRISTMAS. I did not read the first, but if you read this synopsis, I feel this can be read without reading the first. This isn't necessarily a Christmas read, but has parts that take place during Christmas time, as it takes place over one year.
Dani is a newly divorced professor who has sworn off love/men! All she needs and wants is her little yorkie Max. Maximillian von Hansburg, is a Baron, soon to be Duke. Dani's best friend and Max's best friends are marrying and they are standing up in the wedding.
Max is being pressured into a marriage by his Duke father, but he really likes Dani, so he asks her out. They end up really hitting it off. This is a friend's to lovers trope. Their relationship develops very slowly throughout the book, and you learn so much about these characters' families and lives. It's really such a cute read. Max is such a romantic guy, I just love that. And will Dani and Max be able to be together with their different lives?
There is so much more to the story, bit I don't want to tell you because I feel it'll spoil it. Just trust me on this...it's a good one.
August 19, 2022
I am super disappointed with Duke, Actually. A book which I hope is rom com to start my weekend turned out to be slow burn that consists a lot of royal lifestyle.
I spent the majority of this book in boredom. I do like slow burn which done right. Miss Holiday is not exactly done the slow burn right. The anticipation of the spark is annoying. Frustrating.
2 stars
I spent the majority of this book in boredom. I do like slow burn which done right. Miss Holiday is not exactly done the slow burn right. The anticipation of the spark is annoying. Frustrating.
2 stars
March 21, 2022
Gracias, señor, por la narración en tercera persona, por el narrador omnisciente, por lo delicioso que es leer una novela y que no te lo den todo mascado, que con una mirada intuyas los sentimientos que hay debajo. Gracias, también, por el humor inteligente.
Dani (32) solo quiere divorciarse, conservando su perro, y una plaza fija en la universidad. Lo último que necesita es un guapo aristócrata europeo sin profesión conocida que se deja caer por Nueva York y que busca su compañía porque ella, simplemente, le cae bien. Aunque al principio su respuesta es «no», acaba rindiéndose al encanto de Max (28)... como amigo.
Esta comedia romántica friends to lovers me tuvo con una sonrisa constante hasta el final, lo que no quita que haya referencias a cosas más durillas.
Crítica extensa, en mi blog.
Dani (32) solo quiere divorciarse, conservando su perro, y una plaza fija en la universidad. Lo último que necesita es un guapo aristócrata europeo sin profesión conocida que se deja caer por Nueva York y que busca su compañía porque ella, simplemente, le cae bien. Aunque al principio su respuesta es «no», acaba rindiéndose al encanto de Max (28)... como amigo.
Esta comedia romántica friends to lovers me tuvo con una sonrisa constante hasta el final, lo que no quita que haya referencias a cosas más durillas.
Crítica extensa, en mi blog.
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December 14, 2021Loved it!! I don’t do a lot of holiday themed reading but this is so much more than that. Thoroughly enjoyable romance about a soon to be divorced English professor and a modern day rake with a heart of gold. Smart, witty and bold.
December 6, 2021
“It’s going to be a good day.”
Max von Hansburg, Baron of Laudon, is slated to be the man of honour at the Royal wedding that was supposed to be his. But while in New York to meet another bride his domineering father has picked out for him, he meets the best woman for said Royal wedding, Dani Martinez, and he is determined to be her friend.
This is the first holiday romance I’ve ever read and.. I didn’t hate it! The “Duke, Actually” title is an obvious homage to Love, Actually (one of the top 3 holiday movies of all time) and I like how they incorporated one of my favourite movies (yes there IS an iconic written sign moment)
This is the second book in the “Princess for Christmas” series, and I wish I’d known this before going in. Usually these loosely connected romance series do a good job of standing apart, but this one really would’ve benefited from having read book 1.
The romance in this is friends-to-lovers, and when I say friends I mean FRIENDS. There’s friend zoned and then there’s “I’ll swipe on Tinder for you, but text me when you go on a date so I know you’re safe”-zoned.
This book would’ve completely gotten away with being a book version of those Hallmark movies where they just invent a European country so that the love story isn’t confined to reality IF this hadn’t been a quote in chapter 15:
“If the past week felt like a movie montage, he knew what kind of movie it was. A romance. Or, worse, one of those dreadful Hallmark movies where they just made up a fake European country so they could have a fairy tale free from the inconvenient constraints of reality.”
As is typical of romance books in a series, the main characters of the next book are briefly introduced in this instalment. Much to my SHOCK AND ANGER, the character that is getting next year’s book is not the gay brother who is in love with the head of security it’s…. the butler.
Playlist, Actually:
- I’ll Be Home For Christmas // Bing Crosby
- Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy // Tchaikovsky
- God Only Knows // The Beach Boys
Max von Hansburg, Baron of Laudon, is slated to be the man of honour at the Royal wedding that was supposed to be his. But while in New York to meet another bride his domineering father has picked out for him, he meets the best woman for said Royal wedding, Dani Martinez, and he is determined to be her friend.
This is the first holiday romance I’ve ever read and.. I didn’t hate it! The “Duke, Actually” title is an obvious homage to Love, Actually (one of the top 3 holiday movies of all time) and I like how they incorporated one of my favourite movies (yes there IS an iconic written sign moment)
This is the second book in the “Princess for Christmas” series, and I wish I’d known this before going in. Usually these loosely connected romance series do a good job of standing apart, but this one really would’ve benefited from having read book 1.
The romance in this is friends-to-lovers, and when I say friends I mean FRIENDS. There’s friend zoned and then there’s “I’ll swipe on Tinder for you, but text me when you go on a date so I know you’re safe”-zoned.
This book would’ve completely gotten away with being a book version of those Hallmark movies where they just invent a European country so that the love story isn’t confined to reality IF this hadn’t been a quote in chapter 15:
“If the past week felt like a movie montage, he knew what kind of movie it was. A romance. Or, worse, one of those dreadful Hallmark movies where they just made up a fake European country so they could have a fairy tale free from the inconvenient constraints of reality.”
As is typical of romance books in a series, the main characters of the next book are briefly introduced in this instalment. Much to my SHOCK AND ANGER, the character that is getting next year’s book is not the gay brother who is in love with the head of security it’s…. the butler.
Playlist, Actually:
- I’ll Be Home For Christmas // Bing Crosby
- Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy // Tchaikovsky
- God Only Knows // The Beach Boys
July 15, 2023
Smart and funny. No drama. Super likable MC's.
I hadn't read book one in the series but was able to follow along with this one with no problem. I'll go back and read it. I'm a big fan of this author. Her books never disappoint me.
*ARC provided through Netgalley*
December 6, 2021
With a nod to Love, Actually one of my favorite holiday movies, i couldn’t help but read Duke, Actually. Even though I didn’t read A Princess for Christmas book one in the series by the same name, I had no trouble slipping into this one.
Maximillian von Hansburg, Baron of Laudon and heir to the Duke of Aquilla is the ex-fiancée of the princess. Now worries though, the two are best friends. Dani Martinez is best friends to the groom and lives in New York. She has sworn off men, especially rakes like Max…but an unexpected friendship develops when he is sent to NY for family business.
This was such a fun story with a slow-burning romance that begins with doubts, turns into friendship and blossoms into more. I laughed, pulled my hair out, and cheered my way through the story as we traveled back and forth between Aquilla and New York.
A pup, family issues and responsibilities combined with their best friends offered a delightful story. Holiday allowed the characters to grow, find themselves and happiness. Her secondary characters addressed serious matters, added humor and enhanced the overall tale.
If you love sweet romances with all the feels of a Hallmark or Netflix original, you’ll want to curl up with Duke, Actually. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Maximillian von Hansburg, Baron of Laudon and heir to the Duke of Aquilla is the ex-fiancée of the princess. Now worries though, the two are best friends. Dani Martinez is best friends to the groom and lives in New York. She has sworn off men, especially rakes like Max…but an unexpected friendship develops when he is sent to NY for family business.
This was such a fun story with a slow-burning romance that begins with doubts, turns into friendship and blossoms into more. I laughed, pulled my hair out, and cheered my way through the story as we traveled back and forth between Aquilla and New York.
A pup, family issues and responsibilities combined with their best friends offered a delightful story. Holiday allowed the characters to grow, find themselves and happiness. Her secondary characters addressed serious matters, added humor and enhanced the overall tale.
If you love sweet romances with all the feels of a Hallmark or Netflix original, you’ll want to curl up with Duke, Actually. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
June 6, 2023
This book was an absolute delight!
I'm not entirely sure why I thought it was a Christmas story. I even put my Santa socks on for it. I mean, it has a few scenes that revolve around Christmas, but the story actually takes place over an entire year. Anyway, no matter, I really enjoyed it!
The main characters, Dani and Max have such good chemistry, ah, I loved their relationship. That freaking banter was everything. The texts exchange alone was so hilarious, I loved Max's wit and sense of humour. Their friendship is beautiful, the way it develops and changes over time was brilliantly written.
I'm not one for fake countries and fake royalty, but I enjoyed this book so much. I am aware this is book no. 2 in a series, but oh well, I haven't read the first one and I probably won't do it in the future either. As I said, I'm not a fan of this royal romance business.
I did however like Dani and Max. Together and separately. They're strong characters, both going through their own kind of struggles. Dani is an English professor, living and working in New York and Max is a 'baron, actually!', living in Eldovia (is this right? I feel like I've butchered the name; sigh, I passionately dislike these made up names), but traveling all over. While Dani is going through a tough divorce because her ex is practically a prick, Max is having his own crisis in terms of accepting his privileged life since dukedom is not something he really wants.
I also liked how Dani's fears were dealt with, how she feels like she can't let herself love anymore. She seems like a great person, fighting her way out of a bad relationship and trying to find her true calling, I guess.
Max's own struggles were quite nicely dealt with as well. Seen as a rake who doesn't take things seriously, he is in fact a very intelligent and thoughtful person. His past has been deeply influenced by his father's horrible behaviour, but look at him, he turned out just perfect! Awww. Because, ahem, he is freaking wonderful.
What I didn't like and ultimately led to the 4 star rating is how rushed the last part of the book was. Also, I really really really don't like miscommunication. I wish the characters would just say how they feel, consequences be damned! But I do get how both parties concerned were hiding their real feelings in order to keep the other one safe. How cute!
Also cute, the airport scene. Really enjoyable romantic gestures on both sides. Even cuter, that freaking epilogue. I'm telling you, Max is just argh, perfect. And so adorable.
Another thing I didn't like, the way Seb's coming out to their Father was handled. I mean, no. That felt a bit lazy in terms of plot, I guess. Like, this thing that is quite important for a queer person is so lightly taken and the results of it brushed away immediately, without any real resolve. Not a fan of that.
Oops, I forgot to mention how much I loved Seb and Max's relationship. They're both just so smart and posh and lovely and I really want to be friends with them.
Overall though, great romcom. Quite entertaining.
I'm not entirely sure why I thought it was a Christmas story. I even put my Santa socks on for it. I mean, it has a few scenes that revolve around Christmas, but the story actually takes place over an entire year. Anyway, no matter, I really enjoyed it!
The main characters, Dani and Max have such good chemistry, ah, I loved their relationship. That freaking banter was everything. The texts exchange alone was so hilarious, I loved Max's wit and sense of humour. Their friendship is beautiful, the way it develops and changes over time was brilliantly written.
I'm not one for fake countries and fake royalty, but I enjoyed this book so much. I am aware this is book no. 2 in a series, but oh well, I haven't read the first one and I probably won't do it in the future either. As I said, I'm not a fan of this royal romance business.
I did however like Dani and Max. Together and separately. They're strong characters, both going through their own kind of struggles. Dani is an English professor, living and working in New York and Max is a 'baron, actually!', living in Eldovia (is this right? I feel like I've butchered the name; sigh, I passionately dislike these made up names), but traveling all over. While Dani is going through a tough divorce because her ex is practically a prick, Max is having his own crisis in terms of accepting his privileged life since dukedom is not something he really wants.
I also liked how Dani's fears were dealt with, how she feels like she can't let herself love anymore. She seems like a great person, fighting her way out of a bad relationship and trying to find her true calling, I guess.
Max's own struggles were quite nicely dealt with as well. Seen as a rake who doesn't take things seriously, he is in fact a very intelligent and thoughtful person. His past has been deeply influenced by his father's horrible behaviour, but look at him, he turned out just perfect! Awww. Because, ahem, he is freaking wonderful.
What I didn't like and ultimately led to the 4 star rating is how rushed the last part of the book was. Also, I really really really don't like miscommunication. I wish the characters would just say how they feel, consequences be damned! But I do get how both parties concerned were hiding their real feelings in order to keep the other one safe. How cute!
Also cute, the airport scene. Really enjoyable romantic gestures on both sides. Even cuter, that freaking epilogue. I'm telling you, Max is just argh, perfect. And so adorable.
Another thing I didn't like, the way Seb's coming out to their Father was handled. I mean, no. That felt a bit lazy in terms of plot, I guess. Like, this thing that is quite important for a queer person is so lightly taken and the results of it brushed away immediately, without any real resolve. Not a fan of that.
Oops, I forgot to mention how much I loved Seb and Max's relationship. They're both just so smart and posh and lovely and I really want to be friends with them.
Overall though, great romcom. Quite entertaining.
November 17, 2021
Maximilian is the heir to the dukedom and Dani is a no nonsense professor who caught his eye at a royal wedding in the recent past. Max ditches his responsibilities to meet a prospective bride and hunts Dani down instead as he can't get her out of his head. Dani is going through a divorce and is carefully guarding her heart from hurt again. The two strike up a deep friendship that slowly develops into love.
This was very sweet and charming. It had great banter and some delicious steam and Max was an AMAZING hero. I loved the tiny dash of holiday time in this too.
Definitely a fun read and I look forward to more from this author.
I was provided with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This was very sweet and charming. It had great banter and some delicious steam and Max was an AMAZING hero. I loved the tiny dash of holiday time in this too.
Definitely a fun read and I look forward to more from this author.
I was provided with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 14, 2022
The banter was everything in this book. The aristocracy touches were enough to satisfy my royal obsession. And the pop culture references were on point.
Dani was the best type of FMC: intelligent, independent and funny. Max countered her beautifully with his sophisticated charm and wit. I was rooting for them from page 1 and the ending was everything I wanted and expected from a romcom. I felt my heart swelling with what would’ve been a resounding musical score, were this a movie.
Dani was the best type of FMC: intelligent, independent and funny. Max countered her beautifully with his sophisticated charm and wit. I was rooting for them from page 1 and the ending was everything I wanted and expected from a romcom. I felt my heart swelling with what would’ve been a resounding musical score, were this a movie.
December 14, 2021
A Baron, a Professor, their best friends’ wedding and an unlikely friendship that turns to love.
This is a follow-up to 𝐀 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 and I loved getting glimpses of the main characters from that book and seeing where they ended up. 𝐃𝐮𝐤𝐞, 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 is definitely best when read after having read the first book.
𝐃𝐮𝐤𝐞, 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 is festive, fun and an overall super cute, read. This is a slow-burn and I am here to tell you that it works so well with Dani and Max’s friends-to-lovers relationship. Great banter (I loved their texts and phone conversations), swoon worthy moments and who doesn’t love a former rakish Duke/Baron that wants to the Patrick Swayze lift from 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘺 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨? Yup, Max stole my heart - consider me smitten! Plus, there is pay-off for waiting for the steam and it felt perfect to me, after following their long distance friendship evolve into more.
This one is less holiday and more romance but it was so good! Highly recommend and the audio was a great listen.
This is a follow-up to 𝐀 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 and I loved getting glimpses of the main characters from that book and seeing where they ended up. 𝐃𝐮𝐤𝐞, 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 is definitely best when read after having read the first book.
𝐃𝐮𝐤𝐞, 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 is festive, fun and an overall super cute, read. This is a slow-burn and I am here to tell you that it works so well with Dani and Max’s friends-to-lovers relationship. Great banter (I loved their texts and phone conversations), swoon worthy moments and who doesn’t love a former rakish Duke/Baron that wants to the Patrick Swayze lift from 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘺 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨? Yup, Max stole my heart - consider me smitten! Plus, there is pay-off for waiting for the steam and it felt perfect to me, after following their long distance friendship evolve into more.
This one is less holiday and more romance but it was so good! Highly recommend and the audio was a great listen.
July 28, 2023
More thoughts in this vlog.
Fresh off the heels of, A Princess for Christmas, I had to pick up the companion. I think that there was some real growth here. While there were still things here that didn't quite work for me, I did appreciate Holiday taking more time to make me believe that a relationship between these two characters was not only believable but that it could be lasting. Again, there are some small hang ups, particularly in how the book ends... overall though I think that it was a really solid time. It really recaptured some of the magic of the first book while also taking more time and showing us more sides of the characters we were following. For those put off by the first book, I think that this is a much stronger showing and should definitely be given a chance.
Fresh off the heels of, A Princess for Christmas, I had to pick up the companion. I think that there was some real growth here. While there were still things here that didn't quite work for me, I did appreciate Holiday taking more time to make me believe that a relationship between these two characters was not only believable but that it could be lasting. Again, there are some small hang ups, particularly in how the book ends... overall though I think that it was a really solid time. It really recaptured some of the magic of the first book while also taking more time and showing us more sides of the characters we were following. For those put off by the first book, I think that this is a much stronger showing and should definitely be given a chance.
December 15, 2023
They made such good friends! I wish I believed in their romance that much...
I wanted the leads to remain friends and not get into the relationship so soon, at least, not this fast.
I wanted the leads to remain friends and not get into the relationship so soon, at least, not this fast.
December 29, 2023
This book was perfect. Dani and Max are perfect. Any couple that does the Dirty Dancing lift as part of their reunion at an airport are automatic faves. Those are the rules. The end.
Dani/Max’s song: King Of My Heart-Taylor Swift
Dani/Max’s song: King Of My Heart-Taylor Swift
December 12, 2021
This was super cute, though warning, if you HAVEN'T seen the movie Love, Actually, you won't get some of the references in this book. I think this book would be a nice paring with said movie. It's not a must to know the movie, but I think it would enhance the enjoyment of the book.
I LOVED the characters, they felt three dimensional and REAL, even though he was a Baron of a country only real in this book-verse, that doesn't alter the fact that all of the characters felt like you could meet them in real life.
I really, REALLY love how they started off as friends, just friends, and that they didn't do anything until after her divorce was final. It bothered me that he DID have one more fling after they started to become closer, but he was acting as he usually did, it was at the very beginning of their friendship and neither of them realized it was going to become more. He also didn't do it again and once he realized she was the one, that was it.
SLIGHT SPOILERS FOLLOW
The only thing keeping this book from being five stars is the "big bad" and how they conveniently popped off, as well as how grown adults all seemed to be scared of their parents. It was nice that they finally confronted them, but it was almost too convenient that they did that and the shock of it took out the "big bad" then and there. I get that this is a romance, which means it's a fantasy, but considering how mostly grounded in the modern world this book is, that was a tad of a stretch for me.
So, while it doesn't get the full compliment of stars, it is still highly recommended, especially if you really like the movie Love, Actually and the "slightly dislike each other to friends to lovers" tropes. Oh, and adorable little dogs with a really adorable nickname. Too cute!
4, I am really glad that I read this for my Christmas season, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
I LOVED the characters, they felt three dimensional and REAL, even though he was a Baron of a country only real in this book-verse, that doesn't alter the fact that all of the characters felt like you could meet them in real life.
I really, REALLY love how they started off as friends, just friends, and that they didn't do anything until after her divorce was final. It bothered me that he DID have one more fling after they started to become closer, but he was acting as he usually did, it was at the very beginning of their friendship and neither of them realized it was going to become more. He also didn't do it again and once he realized she was the one, that was it.
SLIGHT SPOILERS FOLLOW
The only thing keeping this book from being five stars is the "big bad" and how they conveniently popped off, as well as how grown adults all seemed to be scared of their parents. It was nice that they finally confronted them, but it was almost too convenient that they did that and the shock of it took out the "big bad" then and there. I get that this is a romance, which means it's a fantasy, but considering how mostly grounded in the modern world this book is, that was a tad of a stretch for me.
So, while it doesn't get the full compliment of stars, it is still highly recommended, especially if you really like the movie Love, Actually and the "slightly dislike each other to friends to lovers" tropes. Oh, and adorable little dogs with a really adorable nickname. Too cute!
4, I am really glad that I read this for my Christmas season, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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