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Duking It Out

Royal Powers, Book 1

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Duking It Out

By: E.J. Russell
Narrated by: Kirt Graves
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About this listen

Royal dukes from rival countries shipwrecked on a deserted island. The grudge match of the century—or a love story of super-heroic proportions?

Sander Fiala, Duke of Roses, is fourth in line to the South Abarran throne, even though his rogue power earned him the nickname “The Monster of Roses” and got him banished from the castle. But right before he’s about to set off on his annual birthday sailing trip, the queen asks him to meet with the notoriously volatile North Abarran Duke of Arles.

Tarik Jaso, Duke of Arles, expects the worst from people because—let’s face it—people are the worst. His superpower bombards him with any and all electronic transmissions, which…yeah, people suck. So when he’s attacked and wakes up in the cabin of a stranded boat, he knows he’s royally screwed. Because the man looming over him—the man he’d gone toe-to-toe with right before the attack—is the infamous Monster of Roses.

Tarik is positive the Monster is behind his kidnapping. Sander is sure the whole thing is Tarik’s fault. As they work toward rescue, Tarik realizes that the disturbingly hot Sander is no monster, and Sander discovers that Tarik’s temper masks a caring soul wrapped in a cantankerous (though undeniably sexy) body.

For their burgeoning connection to endure, they’ll have to duke it out with political factions, dark conspiracies, and centuries of traditions that keep them on opposite sides of the border.

But first? They have to get off this damn island.

Duking It Out is a 46,000-word M/M enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract, superhero rom-com featuring only one bed, a grumpy duke who should know better than to jump to conclusions, a self-doubting duke who’s good with his hands (heh), gossipy seagulls, competent assistants, a guaranteed HEA, and (unfortunately) capes.

©2020 Ellen J. Russell (P)2022 Ellen J. Russell
Fantasy Fiction Literature & Fiction Paranormal Paranormal Romance Romance Science Fiction & Fantasy Royalty
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The world is weird and it took me a minute to get my head around what they were trying to introduce, but if you just roll with it, it was not bad in the end. The story was cute, once you tuned out the confusing worldbuilding, and the narrator was great.

Get past the odd worldbuilding and the story was very cute

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This book is good if your feeling like a quick cute love story. The world building wasn't very good and they spend 5 minutes with each other and fall in love.

it isn't bad but also isn't fantastic. it kept me busy while on a long drive. :)

fall in love stupidly fast

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Ever since a misuse of his powers killed his father, Duke of Roses Sander Fiala lives a life of solitary exile even though he is fourth in line to the South Abarran throne. An altercation and a kidnapping leave Sander stranded with an enemy of the kingdom, the notoriously volatile North Abarran Duke of Arles, Tarik Jaso. The two must work together to escape their predicament, which will be difficult since neither likes or trusts the other!

This romance ticked a lot of my favourite trope boxes: superhero / royalty / forced-proximity / one bed / enemies-to-lovers / hurt-comfort, but it’s an unusual blend that doesn’t quite gel. The nobility in this modern fantasy world each have a superpower and are bestowed weirdly informal superhero monikers, Tarik’s is Wavelength. The vibe is low angst which is sweet but works against the superhero, enemies-to-lovers, and hurt / comfort tropes. I enjoyed it and I’ll chase up the other EJ Russell books in the series but would have liked more suspense and danger. 🎧 I always enjoy narrations by Kirt Graves and he gives another great performance here!

Royal superhero enemies fall in love!

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