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Duking It Out
- Royal Powers, Book 1
- Narrated by: Kirt Graves
- Length: 5 hrs and 31 mins
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Summary
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.
What listeners say about Duking It Out
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- alias11
- 28-05-22
Absolutely Love It!
I loved this story when I read the ebook, and the audiobook made me love it even more. Part of that is Kirt Graves fantastic ability to really infuse these characters with life and emotion in his narration. The story can seem a little confusing at first, because there is history and super powers we don't know about, but rest assured, the author slowly reveals this history in such a way that you can't help but empathize with both Sander and Tarik (but especially Sander). I love the way Tarik turns out to be so much deeper than his initial presentation, and I especially adored how he supported Sander once he realizes how much they have in common. I love the humorous snark and banter between the MCs, and I am really looking forward to listening to the rest of the Royal Powers books in audiobook form.
I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
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- Erryn Barratt
- 03-06-22
When your greatest rival become your greatest love
I admit I didn’t see much hope for Sander and Tarik. Stranded on an island with only themselves to rely on – each believing the other kidnapped them and this is part of some nefarious plan. They also have prejudices toward each other – Tarik believes the tale of The Monster of the Roses and Sander believes the story of Tarik being ill-tempered. Except neither is accurate.
Slowly, hour by hour, the men start to learn more about each other. They eventually challenge their prejudices and get to know the man behind the myth (a lesson for all of us, I think). Finally, each man confronts his superpower and learns there might be more going on than they believed.
Rescue seems impossible as the boat has been destroyed and no one seems to know where they are. In the end, though, things work out. They have to, after all, because this is a romance. When they return to civilization, though, they are different men. So the question became – could they finally get their happily ever after?
I adore Kirt Graves and I thought he did a great job with this lovely audiobook. I look forward to more books!
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- choccygrl
- 03-06-22
Great enemies to lovers royals romance
This book was such fun. Enemies to lovers. Abandoned on a desert island. Two tropes that I love.
The chemistry between the MCs was sizzling hot and sweet. I adored Sander, a gentle man falsely labelled a monster.
I laughed, I cried, I loved.
The narration was excellent.
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- Trio
- 03-06-22
Clever & Creative, Great Performance by K. Graves
Such a clever and creative universe! E.J. Russell has an amazing imagination, and it's even better listening to Kirt Graves bring Duking It Out to life.
These are such quirky characters, and they have great chemistry... I love enemies to lovers, and seeing these two grow to accept one another is so much fun.
an audiobook copy of Duking It Out was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
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- L.D.
- 29-05-22
Enjoyable
Duking it Out is the first book in the Royal Powers series, a multiple author series which has a new author for each book in the series.
Duking it Out is a shorter novel so it doesn’t really flesh out the world building to the degree I wanted, but that’s because the world building we did get was so fascinating I immediately wanted more. It’s set in a man alternate world that has the same level of technology as our world but with completely different countries. Oh, and super powers are real for individuals of royal blood. It’s a very interesting concept and there’s so much to explore in this world. E.J. Russell focuses on two Dukes from opposing nations and gives us a plot that feels like a mix of Castaway, Romeo and Juliet (but happy), and royal intrigue. I thought the plot was interesting and my favorite part was how Tarek and Sanders worked together for survival and fell in love during the process.
The audiobook was narrated by Kirt Graves who was fantastic. The narration was on point and engaging with a well done audio production.
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- Bookoutbelow
- 20-05-22
Cute and fun enemies to lovers
A very cute and fun enemies to lovers story in a world where each member of the multiple royal families has a unique, and sometimes misunderstood, superpower. There were so many well done tropes here: enemies to lovers (as mentioned), forced proximity, there’s only one bed! There was a grumpy curmudgeonly MC and a vastly misunderstood but truly sweet MC and once they stop butting heads they work so well together. There’s political intrigue, sabotage and betrayal, and a slow sweet slide into love. Such a great start to a series with a shared world. I’m very excited to see where the rest go! You cannot go wrong with Kirt Graves who brought another level to a book I already loved.
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- KBR
- 26-05-22
Duking It Out
This was a great listen. Not going to lie; I was confused at the beginning and wondered what I missed somewhere. But once everything came together, I enjoyed the ride. The narration was very well done.
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- Lydia
- 11-08-23
love the characters and story
This is a fun and imaginative world with great characters. i loved the development of the romance and how they were able to show the other their true selves. The narration is mainly good with just a couple of overly squeaky character voices. Would recommend and I will be buying more from this author.
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- R.
- 20-05-22
Desert island
I was quite lost at the beginning, it happens to me sometimes with this author, but there is always this combination of romance and very interesting and unexpected plots which, sooner or later, always catch me.
This book has an unique and improbable couple, a desert island, royal with powers and one of the most incompetent villains ever. There is laugh, sexy times—a bit early for me—and touching moments. The ending is beautiful but not sappy, a good combination.
Narrator is good, though sometimes I got a bit lost with characters.
«…if he never asked the question, he would never be refused and the 'potential' would always be there.
'But so would regret'».
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- headinabook
- 19-05-22
4.5* of such fun
Political intrigue, kidnapping, ship wrecking and enemies to lovers, this book has it all and was such a fun book to listen to. I found this to be a well narrated book, Kirt does a great job. I found it was perfectly paced with characters that were flawed but perfect for each other. I can't wait to explore more of this multi authored world about two small countries and the royal superheroes who live there.
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