Award-winning author Alyssa Cole’s Reluctant Royals series continues with a woman on a quest to be the heroine of her own story and the duke in shining armor she rescues along the way…

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?

OUT JULY 31st!(click on cover for link)

Ok all my fellow HR nerds, I am giving you fair warning right now.  While it does involve a Duke, THIS IS NOT A HISTORICAL ROMANCE BOOK.  That being said this book was a fun read!  It was a nice break from my typical genre and I really enjoyed it. Getting to know Portia and her view of herself was like getting to see my own internal reflections, which made it really easy to become fully engrossed in this book.  Her sassy interactions with Tavish made me wish I had her quick wit.  I love how she was able to bloom and grow and find herself through Tavish and the other character’s eyes.   This is the first book I have read by this author and I will be on the look-out for more. 

Danielle