Book Review: A Duke By Default by Alyssa Cole

Shelly's Book Corner received a review copy from Edelweiss and voluntarily provided an honest review. This does not affect the opinion of the book or the content of the review.

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

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

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

My Review: 

I’ve been dying to read Portia’s story since “A Princess in Theory” and it didn’t disappoint at all. We are introduced to Portia, in the previous book and she was very easy not to like.  I knew there was another side to her and I couldn’t wait to until unravel the many layers that is Portia. On her quest to change herself for the better she applies and is accepted for an apprenticeship in Scotland. I admire Portia’s bravery for leaving everything she knows and going to a new county. I’m a born and raised New Yorker and I’m not sure if I would be able to leave here. I must say her first encounter with Tavish was one for the books!!

Tavish. Where do I start with Tavish?? He was brash, dismissive and set in his old ways. Yet, he had a big heart and I loved how he gave back to the community.Tavish and Portia are complete opposites and you know how the old saying goes. I loved the build up and connection between Tavish and Portia. They each made judgments about the other in the beginning but once they got to know each other better they realized how looks can be deceiving. That their opinions were wrong and you shouldn’t be so quick to judge.

I have to say I’m a huge fan of character growth and Portia matures so much in this book and I loved it! I knew there was more to her than what was portrayed in the last story. I love reading royal romances and this book didn’t disappoint.  I also loved how the story touches on certain issues that are presently going on as well.

This is my second book by Alyssa Cole and I have to say I’m really impressed with this author and her writing. The story flows and it’s so refreshing to read about characters that I can identify with and found myself nodding along in agreement with them several times. I can’t not wait to read about Johan as I feel he is going to be so messy!!