Duke, Actually by Jenny Holiday was a perfect holiday read. The slow-burn romance and witty humor 
made this feel like a Hallmark story. I have not read a lot of books by the author, but I am a huge fan after reading this. It was beautifully written and paced perfectly. The characters were charming and perfect for each other.
Almost divorced Dani Martinez was done with men and romance. She had made a list of “Things I Will Never Again Do for a Man” to remind herself of her post-men campaign. This year she is looking forward to Christmas since she spent the last one getting over her ex-husband who left her for one of their younger students. Now she must get through the last day of the semester and the department’s holiday party before she can enjoy her Christmas break. When Max texted her to have dinner, she decided he would be the perfect plus-one to go with her to her work party. She knew with her ex-husband being there she would be the center of attention.
Maximillian von Hansburg, Baron of Laudon and heir to the Duke of Aquilla, made the trip to New York to satisfy his mother and father. After his ex-fiancé dropped him to marry someone else, his parents have been pushing him to marry another lady they chose. Max felt smothered by his overbearing father and wants an escape from their expectations. He had been fascinated by Dani when they met at a royal wedding and wanted to see her again. He was tired of his lifestyle and Dani helped to center him and understood him.
Max and Dani’s characters both grew in the book, and I enjoyed seeing them help each other. Max was trying to keep his parents’ happy while also trying to find contentment in his life with a worthwhile endeavor. Dani was trying to avoid heartbreak again by following her post-men rules. They both had to learn to openup and trust each other. I loved watching their friendship progress and the slow-burn romance between them grow. This was a wonderful holiday rom-com that will grab your attention in the beginning and leave you with a smile at the end.
Book Info:
Publication: November 16, 2021 | Avon |
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?
