Duke, Actually by Jenny Holiday | Book Review

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

USA Today bestselling author Jenny Holiday follows A Princess for Christmas with another delightful contemporary Christmas romance, set in the heart of New York City, about a playboy baron and a woman who has said goodbye to love.

“[A] master of witty banter.”—Entertainment Weekly

There’s a royal wedding on, and things are about to get interesting.

Meet the man of honor

Maximillian von Hansburg, Baron of Laudon and heir to the Duke of Aquilla, is not having a merry Christmas. He’s been dumped by a princess, he’s unemployed, and his domineering father has sent him to New York to meet a prospective bride he has no interest in. In the city, he meets Dani Martinez, a smart (and gorgeous) professor he’s determined to befriend before their best friends marry in the Eldovian wedding of the century.

Meet the best woman

Newly single, no-nonsense New Yorker 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 the perfect partner for snow angels in Central Park and deep conversations about the futility of love.

It’s all fun and games until their friendship deepens into attraction and, oops…

Falling in love was never part of the plan.

What an absolute delight to re-enter a story universe that I am familiar with for the holidays again. Duke, Actually by Jenny Holiday is a companion to her A Princess For Christmas. This story was just what the doctor ordered and a great read for the week before I begin vacation. I cannot recommend highly enough both Christmas stories by Jenny Holiday. I do think that Duke, Actually is going to hold a special place in my heart though.

Duke, Actually follows Marie and Leo’s best friends – Daniela Martinez and Maximilian von Hansburg, baron of Luden. Dani is a professor and on tenure track. She is struggling because she just wants to get her divorce from Vince. However, he’s dragging his feet and also flaunting the new girlfriend. When Max is in town, he ends up attending the department Christmas party with Dani. The two have a really great time. They end up becoming best friends. Each has feelings that are developing into something more. However, there’s a few things standing in the way.

I am still in such a good mood from reading Duke, Actually. Holiday has such a talent for writing characters that I think feel real — even if they are blue blooded — and that I actually really like. This book is a fast read and kept my attention from beginning to end with no issues. I never lost my focus. Nor did I feel a lull where I was bored. Also — Dani’s dog, also named Max, is an added bonus. There’s some spice in this book, but nothing that detracts from the plot or makes me feel squicked out after reading.

On A Scale Of One To Buddy The Elf, How Much Christmas Spirit Does Duke, Actually by Jenny Holiday Have?

If you’re thinking that the title of this book gives you Love, Actually vibes, you’re on track. It is definitely a reference to Love, Actually which the movie does play a role in this book. We start the book during the holidays and with Dani not really feeling in the spirit. It progresses through the year and then ends on a holiday note. I felt so enthused about the season after reading this book. Actually I wanted to out and see a performance of The Nutcracker with good seats. In all — this is a wonderful escape with phenomenal romance and characters. Duke, Actually by Jenny Holiday is a must read for the yuletide.

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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