A duke by default
(Large Print)

"New York City socialite and perpetual hot mess Portia Hobbs is tired of disappointing her family, friends, and herself. An apprenticeship with a struggling swordmaker in Scotland is a chance to use her expertise and see what she's capable of. Turns out she excels at aggravating her gruff, sexy, silver-fox boss. Tavish McKenzie doesn't need a rich, spoiled American telling him how to run his armory -- even if she's infuriatingly good at it. And when Portia discovers that he's the secret son of a duke, Tav becomes her newest makeover project."--Page 4 of cover.

Cole's follow-up to A Princess in Theory features Portia Hobbs, a smart but self--destructive socialite, who takes an apprenticeship at a traditional swordmaking armory in Scotland. While doing research, Portia discovers that her rugged and handsome boss Tavish is actually the son of a duke, and the consequences turn both their worlds upside down. During the fallout, Portia discovers her inner strengths and realizes her worth. A contemporary romance with interracial relationships and an inspiring message of empowerment, this is a satisfying tale. Narrator Karen Chilton beautifully voices Portia, but the Scottish accents do not come through, and it can be difficult to determine which character is speaking. VERDICT Recommended where patrons like contemporary happily ever afters. ["A lively, upbeat escapade rich with humor and heart": LJ 8/18 review of the Avon pap.]-Donna Bachowski, Orange Cty. Lib. Syst., Orlando, FL © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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