Duking It Out

Royal Powers, Book 1

By: E.J. Russell

Narrated by: 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

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.

Fun Story, Superb Narration

Kirt always gets 5 starts -- he's the best narrator or of the dozens I've heard. This story is adorable, and the characters liveable. The superhero-esque world building melded with royal intrigue lends it a fun ridiculousness that could have easily detracted but instead enhances the storyline.

Pleasantly Surprised

I wasn't sure what to expect as the story began. Sander and Tarik are royal superheroes from South and North Abarran; Tarik despises Sander not only on principle but because with a nickname, Monster of Roses, Sanders cannot be that great of a guy. Enemies Tarik is kidnapped and, unbeknownst to Sanders, is left aboard Sanders' boat. Setting sail for his annual birthday trip, Sanders discovers Tarik. While arguing the logistics of how Tarik ended up on the ship, they are pulled from the ocean by an unseen force and stranded on a deserted island.

Forced to work together to survive, Tarik and Sanders discover they're not that different. Tarik helps Sanders find his true abilities, and they quickly develop a passionate relationship.

Duking it Out is a sweet, low angst fantasy tale that had me laughing at times. I enjoyed it and wished the story were longer.
The narration, performed by Kirt Graves, was terrific. He did a great job of providing each character with a distinct voice.

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.

Not Your Ordinary Royal Romance

‘Duking It Out’ is trope-tastic! Readers experience enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract,
forced-proximity, stranded-together, and bed/clothes-sharing, with a dash of forbidden- and insta-love. Paranormal, in the form of magical powers, also features heavily. I don’t read a lot of PNR and I enjoy EJ Russell's mix of the contemporary world with people’s powers.

Even though the use of royal intrigue and I-hate-your-country-because-you’re-RIGHT-NEXT-DOOR as the impetus for getting Tarik and Sander alone together feels a bit contrived, it’s employed to good effect for the character growth of Sander and Tarik. They find that preconceived notions about each other can be broken by spending the time needed to really know the other. Low-angst and a few sexy scenes round out this sweet love story.

Kirt Graves has long been a favorite narrator of mine. He does a good job in making Tarik and Sander’s voices unique.

I received this book as a free ARC. This review is voluntary.

Recommended.

Fun listen!

Really enjoyed this new audio from EJ Russell and narrated by Kirt Graves! It was super fun and made me smile the whole way through! Loved the charming characters that Kirt brought to life. Solid story and a great listen!

Cute, Fantasy Romance

Kirt Graves does an excellent job bringing this cute, fantasy romance to life. The world building is a bit hard to follow at the beginning, but the two main characters and the growth of their relationship kept me listening to the end. Really enjoyed listening to this fun read.

Enemies to lovers

Alright I had a blast listening to this story. I loved the dual PoVs and getting to see the story and relationship develop from both perspectives. I took a bit to warm up to Tarik since he was really good at being an ass and shoving his foot into his mouth. Sander was a really sweet guy who was seen as a monster. Though he wasn’t a push over and wanted to protect those he loved. I really enjoyed the enemies to lovers and forced proximity of them being trapped on an island together. The narrator did a fantastic job bringing these characters to life and making the story even more enjoyable.