Duking It Out

Royal Powers, Book 1

De: E.J. Russell

Narrado por: Kirt Graves

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

Just Delightful!

A semi take on a theme already explored by C. Rochelle with her Villainous Things series, this story incorporates supe families who possess unique powers over the natural world.
Despite an its similarities to Rochelle’s wonderfully snarky series, EJ Russell develops the theme in a more sweetly romantic direction. I enjoyed the book very much.
Kirt Graves performed well and I am so grateful for his voice acting skills and Russell’s decision to use a human rather than AI narration.

Great enemies to lovers

When this story began they were enemies but that quickly changed when they were stranded and had to rely on and help each other while working together to try and escape they fell in love after sharing their own stories with each other and helping each other with their powers it was a really great story and I enjoyed all of it though I would have liked to actually get a wedding scene at the end

Enemies to lovers in only one berth!

This was just a darn good time. The narrator gave this one his all, definitely went with the spirit of the thing. The world is like . . . a superhero aristocracy society? And while it probably warranted an English accent (what with all the arses and bloodies and tossers), it still worked and was a lot of fun. I mean, it’s Superhero Dukes done with aplomb, so I kinda just rolled with it.

The main characters were both over the top and endearing, and forced proximity is one of my favorite tropes, so of course I enjoyed this.

Super Sweetness

Star-crossed super powered royals stranded on a deserted island are the center of this sweet, low angst story. Not really an enemies to lovers as the MCs only meet shortly before the story begins but they are from two occasionally warring kingdoms. Both characters are very lovable and you can't help to fall in instalove with them. I'm glad this is part of a series as it felt too short. I want to know more about this world and the superpowers in the mix. I also wished there was an epilogue as it felt like the end was a bit abrupt. Still, I will look forward to the next book. Kirt Graves' narration was fabulous as always.

Enjoyed It a Lot

I was in the mood for sweet, light story but didn't expect to enjoy this book so much. It had my favorite tropes, two MCs who dislike each other stuck in close proximity and magic powers that added mystery to the story. I liked Sander a lot, he was my favorite character with his untamed power and sweetheart personality, he charmed Tarik and I loved following the change from dislike and accusations to mutual attraction. Narrator did a great job, he made this fun story a perfect listening experience.