This was fine. 

I don’t prefer an enemies to lovers situation where they still hate each other and are still sabotaging each other even like 85% in. Mostly it was a result of miscommunication and lack of trust, but also the Duke acted like an asshole most of the time. 

I also don’t like when the MMC actively lusts after the FMC even while finding her personality annoying (and frequently remarking upon his dislike.) eg this scene that happens 55% through: “Strick wasn’t sure whether he wanted to gag the harpy or lay her down beneath him and have his way with her.” and then later that same paragraph: “It confounded him that he was actually eager to make this harridan his wife. That’s what happened when a man thought with his cock.” Am I supposed to find this amusing or charming? 

I enjoyed all the Arab American aspects the author incorporated, and that Raya was focused on being a businesswoman at a time when that was heavily frowned on. It was good to see that she was really smart & savvy, and also that the Duke liked that about her, as opposed to him merely tolerating it. Her ideas for saving the castle were cool and interesting to read about.  

Towards the end I started listening at 1.75 speed so that I could get through the final 3 hours more quickly.  

I have read some truly excellent historical romances lately, so this one was especially a miss.