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Drop Dead Dukes #2
Damned If I Duke
A sensible duke wants a dutiful duchess. A rakish duke wants no bride at all. But a truly wise man knows the pleasure of finding a wife who’s his match in every way . . .
Bold and adventurous, Prudence Thorne is not the kind of woman to stand by meekly when someone she loves has been wronged. And she’s quite certain that Jasper Vincent, Duke of Montford, somehow duped her father into racking up enormous gambling debts. When fate offers her a chance to blackmail Jasper into forgiving her father’s losses, she seizes it . . . only to have her scheme backfire.
Jasper enjoys London’s illicit delights too much to wed. Too bad his grandfather has decided that a woman with the nerve to blackmail might be exactly the sort of wife to tame him. Pressed into a marriage neither wanted—and fighting a desire neither expected—Prue and Jasper torment and tempt each other beyond reason.
Surely a proper duchess should be subdued, obedient, and dignified? Yet just as he begins to get his wish, Jasper realizes how much he wants his unconventional wife—and only her—if it’s not too late to win her . . .
Bold and adventurous, Prudence Thorne is not the kind of woman to stand by meekly when someone she loves has been wronged. And she’s quite certain that Jasper Vincent, Duke of Montford, somehow duped her father into racking up enormous gambling debts. When fate offers her a chance to blackmail Jasper into forgiving her father’s losses, she seizes it . . . only to have her scheme backfire.
Jasper enjoys London’s illicit delights too much to wed. Too bad his grandfather has decided that a woman with the nerve to blackmail might be exactly the sort of wife to tame him. Pressed into a marriage neither wanted—and fighting a desire neither expected—Prue and Jasper torment and tempt each other beyond reason.
Surely a proper duchess should be subdued, obedient, and dignified? Yet just as he begins to get his wish, Jasper realizes how much he wants his unconventional wife—and only her—if it’s not too late to win her . . .
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published March 26, 2024
About the author
Anna Bradley
39 books795 followersAnna Bradley writes Regency and Georgian historical romance with heat, heart, and happily-ever-afters. Her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, and Library Journal, and her debut novel won the Romantic Times’ award for Best First Historical.
Anna is originally from New England, but now makes her home in Oregon, where she lives with her family, an overgrown English garden and a menagerie of wayward pets. If she isn’t writing, she’s probably hiding in a corner reading, chasing the dog, or herding the cats. Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
Anna is originally from New England, but now makes her home in Oregon, where she lives with her family, an overgrown English garden and a menagerie of wayward pets. If she isn’t writing, she’s probably hiding in a corner reading, chasing the dog, or herding the cats. Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
March 3, 2024
4.25✨, 1.5🌶️
Elements/Tropes:
📖~360 pages
📖Historical romance/romcom
📖FMC early/mid 20s x MMC 28 years old
📖A free-spirited FMC who doesn’t conform to society’s expectations
📖Former rake ‘what is this painful feeling in my chest it CANNOT be love’ MMC
📖Marriage of convenience
📖Loathe-to-love
📖Mutual pining
📖Fun banter between MCs
📖LOVE CONFESSION IN THE RAIN
📖Book 2 of an interconnected series with standalone romances (for full reference, I haven’t read Book 1)
📖Ending
This is a NetGalley arc review. Thank you as always! Expected publication March 26, 2024.
Damned If I Duke is a historical romance by Anna Bradley and Book 2 in the Drop Dead Dukes series. It follows FMC Prudence Thorne, who’s been put in the immediate circumstance of having to find a husband and fast in order to contend with the extraordinary debt her father got them into with one unfortunate wager.
The person her father owes is none other than our MMC Jasper Vincent, the Duke of Monford, who happened to be having foul night and took a bet he usually wouldn’t have taken, one that put a man and his family out of their entire life’s earnings.
Fifteen hundred pounds later, there’s only about 500 pounds left, but to get them, Prue and her father must sell their last remaining place of residence.
Due to the circumstances, there is obviously no love lost between Prue and Jasper, however, sometimes the brightest of love can come from the deepest of loathing. Plus, their mutual denied physical attraction doesn’t simplify matters.
Prue and Jasper and their relationship absolutely make this story. Their banter was fun, their chemistry undeniable, and I loved how their dynamic slowly progressed through all the situations and wagers they found themselves in. There were times when the story wasn’t even intentionally trying to be funny, but Prue and Jasper’s personalities oozed off the page so much you couldn’t help but be pleased as anything while reading. Jasper in particular was just effortlessly entertaining. He has high maintenance drama king vibes that I’ve never seen work so well before in a historical MMC, and still be so extremely likeable. He had his jerk moments for sure, but Jasper is just simply and utterly a delight to read about.
There isn’t much I would change in this story. I think everything worked fairly well and came full circle story wise, with great character development for both MCs. I personally think this also could’ve worked as a shorter story with just the debt between the MCs as the main plot foil, versus also including the slight former mistress revenge ploy towards the end. I didn’t absolutely hate it because we got an amazing love confession in the rain scene and additional emotional developments out of it, but I just could’ve also done without it if it wasn’t there. I also think the MMC could’ve fought harder to avoid this third-act separation, but again, I accept it for the resolution we got. I’m just glad that there was no question about the MMC’s romantic feelings on the former mistress. He was wholly and completely done with her, even before the FMC happened, and then only had eyes for the FMC.
Loved the grandparent and grandchild relationship highlight with the MMC and his grandpa. Anyone who knows me knows how much those mean to me!
I would recommend this book to readers looking for a fun historical romcom that’s a great length, not too long or too short, with vibrant and dynamic characters and a solid romance.
Safety:
🦺 MMC has broken up with his latest mistress before this book starts, but the former mistress is a second act villain in the story with some minor appearances. No OW for MMC aside from this related aspect
🦺 FMC is looking to settle her father’s debt, and has some outings with a potential suitor, but she is never romantically interested and this is mostly done to trigger jealousy in MMC (not intentional on FMC’s part) and propel MMC’s plot choices
🦺 Minor talk of animal hunting relevant to a historical shooting party
Spice:
🌶️Explicit but scenes on the shorter side, about 3 or 4 in total
🌶️Virgin FMC x experienced [former] rake MMC
Elements/Tropes:
📖~360 pages
📖Historical romance/romcom
📖FMC early/mid 20s x MMC 28 years old
📖A free-spirited FMC who doesn’t conform to society’s expectations
📖Former rake ‘what is this painful feeling in my chest it CANNOT be love’ MMC
📖Marriage of convenience
📖Loathe-to-love
📖Mutual pining
📖Fun banter between MCs
📖LOVE CONFESSION IN THE RAIN
📖Book 2 of an interconnected series with standalone romances (for full reference, I haven’t read Book 1)
📖Ending
This is a NetGalley arc review. Thank you as always! Expected publication March 26, 2024.
Damned If I Duke is a historical romance by Anna Bradley and Book 2 in the Drop Dead Dukes series. It follows FMC Prudence Thorne, who’s been put in the immediate circumstance of having to find a husband and fast in order to contend with the extraordinary debt her father got them into with one unfortunate wager.
The person her father owes is none other than our MMC Jasper Vincent, the Duke of Monford, who happened to be having foul night and took a bet he usually wouldn’t have taken, one that put a man and his family out of their entire life’s earnings.
Fifteen hundred pounds later, there’s only about 500 pounds left, but to get them, Prue and her father must sell their last remaining place of residence.
Due to the circumstances, there is obviously no love lost between Prue and Jasper, however, sometimes the brightest of love can come from the deepest of loathing. Plus, their mutual denied physical attraction doesn’t simplify matters.
Prue and Jasper and their relationship absolutely make this story. Their banter was fun, their chemistry undeniable, and I loved how their dynamic slowly progressed through all the situations and wagers they found themselves in. There were times when the story wasn’t even intentionally trying to be funny, but Prue and Jasper’s personalities oozed off the page so much you couldn’t help but be pleased as anything while reading. Jasper in particular was just effortlessly entertaining. He has high maintenance drama king vibes that I’ve never seen work so well before in a historical MMC, and still be so extremely likeable. He had his jerk moments for sure, but Jasper is just simply and utterly a delight to read about.
There isn’t much I would change in this story. I think everything worked fairly well and came full circle story wise, with great character development for both MCs. I personally think this also could’ve worked as a shorter story with just the debt between the MCs as the main plot foil, versus also including the slight former mistress revenge ploy towards the end. I didn’t absolutely hate it because we got an amazing love confession in the rain scene and additional emotional developments out of it, but I just could’ve also done without it if it wasn’t there. I also think the MMC could’ve fought harder to avoid this third-act separation, but again, I accept it for the resolution we got. I’m just glad that there was no question about the MMC’s romantic feelings on the former mistress. He was wholly and completely done with her, even before the FMC happened, and then only had eyes for the FMC.
Loved the grandparent and grandchild relationship highlight with the MMC and his grandpa. Anyone who knows me knows how much those mean to me!
I would recommend this book to readers looking for a fun historical romcom that’s a great length, not too long or too short, with vibrant and dynamic characters and a solid romance.
Safety:
🦺 MMC has broken up with his latest mistress before this book starts, but the former mistress is a second act villain in the story with some minor appearances. No OW for MMC aside from this related aspect
🦺 FMC is looking to settle her father’s debt, and has some outings with a potential suitor, but she is never romantically interested and this is mostly done to trigger jealousy in MMC (not intentional on FMC’s part) and propel MMC’s plot choices
🦺 Minor talk of animal hunting relevant to a historical shooting party
Spice:
🌶️Explicit but scenes on the shorter side, about 3 or 4 in total
🌶️Virgin FMC x experienced [former] rake MMC
February 29, 2024
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall:4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: Very soon in, about 4% (after a brief set up for the hero’s mistress situation)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, 7 months later
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy through NetGalley
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I picked this one up alone and thought it was very readable alone. The characters from book 1, Basingstoke and Francesca are characters in this one and do have some page time so ideally for all character background reading in order would be pleasant. (much of the first half of the story takes place at Basingtoke’s house so there is frequent interaction)
Basic plot:
Prue takes the opportunity to blackmail the Duke of Montford when it falls into her lap. He did scheme to take over a thousand pounds from her father and cut her season short after all..
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency (1818)
- house party-ish setting for much of the book (in Kent)
- close proximity
- heroine blackmails the hero
- enemies to lovers – the hero won a large wager against the heroine’s father
- hero is a bit possessive/jealous
- medium steam – 3 full scenes
Ages:
- hero is 28, didn’t see heroine mentioned but would guess early 20s?
First line:
Jasper St. Vincent, the Duke of Montford, had a talent for sin.
My thoughts:
I have read quite a few Anna Bradley books and have loved a lot of them. I wasn’t a big fan of her mystery series because I just prefer character driven romance and I was so very excited that she came back to that with this book.
I adore Bradley’s writing. She just wraps me up in swoony lines and her characters can get all angsty and emotional and pull at my heart and I found that with this novel. So many scenes I just loved, and thought there was some great humor here too.
I do think there’s some things going on in this plot that some others might find tiring – the evil mistress plot for one (which, thankfully, is not a huge part). And the hero borders on a bit of a jerk in some scenes.
I have such a soft spot for the name Jasper. I was already in love with him when I heard his name! I loved Jasper – I loved how he fell for Prue and just started acting a fool for her. I eat that UP! And I was so engaged with his heartbreak towards the end. Jasper has my heart!
Prue was a great heroine too. I liked how spunky she was and how she was raised to be fairly independent. But there’s so much she doesn’t know, especially about love and passion and the way she falls for Jasper was lovely.
I love Bradley’s steam. She’s usually on the lower end (and here the scenes aren’t super long) but there’s something there, emotionally, that just makes her scenes feel so much stronger to me. I have missed reading her books and now I want to go back and read all that I’ve missed! (Like book 1 of this series)
And I do have a shelf for ‘feisty older lady’ for those interfering matchmaking grandmotherly figures, but I found that in a grandfather here and just loved it! I really enjoy when the grandparents are trying to hook up the grandkids 😂
Endearments
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:Any mistakes/typos are my own
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall:4.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: Very soon in, about 4% (after a brief set up for the hero’s mistress situation)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, 7 months later
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy through NetGalley
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I picked this one up alone and thought it was very readable alone. The characters from book 1, Basingstoke and Francesca are characters in this one and do have some page time so ideally for all character background reading in order would be pleasant. (much of the first half of the story takes place at Basingtoke’s house so there is frequent interaction)
Basic plot:
Prue takes the opportunity to blackmail the Duke of Montford when it falls into her lap. He did scheme to take over a thousand pounds from her father and cut her season short after all..
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency (1818)
- house party-ish setting for much of the book (in Kent)
- close proximity
- heroine blackmails the hero
- enemies to lovers – the hero won a large wager against the heroine’s father
- hero is a bit possessive/jealous
- medium steam – 3 full scenes
Ages:
- hero is 28, didn’t see heroine mentioned but would guess early 20s?
First line:
Jasper St. Vincent, the Duke of Montford, had a talent for sin.
My thoughts:
I have read quite a few Anna Bradley books and have loved a lot of them. I wasn’t a big fan of her mystery series because I just prefer character driven romance and I was so very excited that she came back to that with this book.
I adore Bradley’s writing. She just wraps me up in swoony lines and her characters can get all angsty and emotional and pull at my heart and I found that with this novel. So many scenes I just loved, and thought there was some great humor here too.
I do think there’s some things going on in this plot that some others might find tiring – the evil mistress plot for one (which, thankfully, is not a huge part). And the hero borders on a bit of a jerk in some scenes.
I have such a soft spot for the name Jasper. I was already in love with him when I heard his name! I loved Jasper – I loved how he fell for Prue and just started acting a fool for her. I eat that UP! And I was so engaged with his heartbreak towards the end. Jasper has my heart!
Prue was a great heroine too. I liked how spunky she was and how she was raised to be fairly independent. But there’s so much she doesn’t know, especially about love and passion and the way she falls for Jasper was lovely.
I love Bradley’s steam. She’s usually on the lower end (and here the scenes aren’t super long) but there’s something there, emotionally, that just makes her scenes feel so much stronger to me. I have missed reading her books and now I want to go back and read all that I’ve missed! (Like book 1 of this series)
And I do have a shelf for ‘feisty older lady’ for those interfering matchmaking grandmotherly figures, but I found that in a grandfather here and just loved it! I really enjoy when the grandparents are trying to hook up the grandkids 😂
Endearments
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:Any mistakes/typos are my own
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
April 21, 2024
2.5⭐️ It’s time for me to part ways with Anna Bradley. The characters were likable as was the plot, but when it came to pacing, we were incompatible. She’s addicted to repetition. I’m allergic to it. It puts me to sleep. Seriously, everything was repeated in triplicate:
📖 Scene
📖 MC goes over it in his/her head. 🥱
📖 MC discusses what had occurred with friend or relative or with him/herself again. 💤
The good news is this book is great for speed reading or skimming. You won’t miss a thing.
📖 Scene
📖 MC goes over it in his/her head. 🥱
📖 MC discusses what had occurred with friend or relative or with him/herself again. 💤
The good news is this book is great for speed reading or skimming. You won’t miss a thing.
Shelved as 'dnf'
July 27, 2024DNF at 68% (half way through Chapter 19). July 9, 2024.
I believe this is my first DNF of 2024 but it’s not the first time I couldn’t finish a book by Anna Bradley, so it’s most likely over between the two of us.
I was looking forward to reading this book, too, based on the reviews. However, I found myself skimming through most of the chapters. I didn’t like how many things the heroine (Prue) could do proficiently: ride, shooting/hunting, play billiards, and fencing. She was too much “not like every girl” for me that I couldn’t suspend my disbelief.
Some parts and dialogue felt modern at times, which took me out of the story.
At the 68% mark, they had just married and consummated the marriage (or did they?). I have a feeling there’ll be OW (other woman) drama since they keep bringing up the hero’s former mistress, Selina. I didn’t want to feel anxious about this potential plot device coming true so I decided to stop. One day, I’ll skim the rest of the book to see how it ends.
Edit: I skimmed the rest of the book and, yes, I was correct in that there is OW drama. The same ol’ lies to make the heroine doubt her husband’s faithfulness. It was also out of character for her. I was so irritated.
I believe this is my first DNF of 2024 but it’s not the first time I couldn’t finish a book by Anna Bradley, so it’s most likely over between the two of us.
I was looking forward to reading this book, too, based on the reviews. However, I found myself skimming through most of the chapters. I didn’t like how many things the heroine (Prue) could do proficiently: ride, shooting/hunting, play billiards, and fencing. She was too much “not like every girl” for me that I couldn’t suspend my disbelief.
Some parts and dialogue felt modern at times, which took me out of the story.
At the 68% mark, they had just married and consummated the marriage (or did they?). I have a feeling there’ll be OW (other woman) drama since they keep bringing up the hero’s former mistress, Selina. I didn’t want to feel anxious about this potential plot device coming true so I decided to stop. One day, I’ll skim the rest of the book to see how it ends.
Edit: I skimmed the rest of the book and, yes, I was correct in that there is OW drama. The same ol’ lies to make the heroine doubt her husband’s faithfulness. It was also out of character for her. I was so irritated.
March 26, 2024
“Jasper St. Vincent, the Duke of Montford, had a talent for sin.” _____3.5
As neat an opening line as to be had.
There’s more than a surfeit of tension between the main characters, Jasper St. Vincent and Miss Prudence Thorne. Added to the mix is a wicked ex-mistress, Lady Selina Archer, causing trouble.
Then there’s Jasper who just doesn’t feel women can be trusted. Selina certainly can’t!
Prior to this story Jasper’s been a bit of a swine gambling with an older gentleman at a ball last season, who couldn’t afford the stakes that Jasper had proposed in his usual careless drunken state. The older gentleman it turns out was Prue’s very upright father who of course sells part of his estate to pay off most of his debt. The balance will be paid after he sells the family home, Thornewood. A terrible outcome, especially for Prue. She’s come to London as the guest of her friend the Duchess of Basington to find a husband wealthy enough to pay off the last of her father’s debt.
When Prue sees the chance to apply a bit of blackmail to keep Thornewood she does. Jasper still hasn’t comprehended the damage he’s done because, let’s face it, he’s so self centred.
When he realizes, it’s too late.
I loved his grandfather who called him to account. Jasper’s grandfather is also quite taken with Prue.
It all worked out after convoluted complexities. The main characters are forced into a marriage of convenience. Naturally it all goes awry at the celebration ball. Of course!
It turns out Prue is a bruising rider, a sharp shooter, and wants to learn to fence. Which she does much to Jasper’s dismay and anger. (Reminds me a bit of scenes in Heyer’s These Old Shades)
Jasper storms off after telling Prue she was free to do what she wanted. Golly Gosh! and Oops!
Both characters miscommunicate and misunderstand each other.They keep bungling everything, which might be construed as somewhat endearing but is totally frustrating to this reader.
The part where the horse bolted was great! Read it and find out!
There’s also more than the required glances and heavy breathing.
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
As neat an opening line as to be had.
There’s more than a surfeit of tension between the main characters, Jasper St. Vincent and Miss Prudence Thorne. Added to the mix is a wicked ex-mistress, Lady Selina Archer, causing trouble.
Then there’s Jasper who just doesn’t feel women can be trusted. Selina certainly can’t!
Prior to this story Jasper’s been a bit of a swine gambling with an older gentleman at a ball last season, who couldn’t afford the stakes that Jasper had proposed in his usual careless drunken state. The older gentleman it turns out was Prue’s very upright father who of course sells part of his estate to pay off most of his debt. The balance will be paid after he sells the family home, Thornewood. A terrible outcome, especially for Prue. She’s come to London as the guest of her friend the Duchess of Basington to find a husband wealthy enough to pay off the last of her father’s debt.
When Prue sees the chance to apply a bit of blackmail to keep Thornewood she does. Jasper still hasn’t comprehended the damage he’s done because, let’s face it, he’s so self centred.
When he realizes, it’s too late.
I loved his grandfather who called him to account. Jasper’s grandfather is also quite taken with Prue.
It all worked out after convoluted complexities. The main characters are forced into a marriage of convenience. Naturally it all goes awry at the celebration ball. Of course!
It turns out Prue is a bruising rider, a sharp shooter, and wants to learn to fence. Which she does much to Jasper’s dismay and anger. (Reminds me a bit of scenes in Heyer’s These Old Shades)
Jasper storms off after telling Prue she was free to do what she wanted. Golly Gosh! and Oops!
Both characters miscommunicate and misunderstand each other.They keep bungling everything, which might be construed as somewhat endearing but is totally frustrating to this reader.
The part where the horse bolted was great! Read it and find out!
There’s also more than the required glances and heavy breathing.
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
June 11, 2024
3.5⭐️ This is my second book by Anna Bradley and I am glad it turned out to be such a lovely read! I adore her writing style!😍
Our story follows Jasper, the witty, sarcastic duke of Montford and our sassy, willful fmc, Prudence. This is a marriage of convenience romance but the marriage part happens well past the 50% mark, so it’s not the main focus of the book! Pru & Jasper had a bit of an enemies to lovers thing going on in the beginning, because Jasper wagered against Pru’s father knowing beforehand that he is bad at cards and as a result, her father lost all of their money. So because of that, she couldn’t stand him! But a year later, if I remember correctly, they meet again at a house party and they are forced to be in each other’s presence! Of course, they are attracted to each other…and so their story begins!
And let me tell you, the banter between these two was on point! 👌🏻
Let me give you an example:
________________________________________
“There’s no need for you to stand outside my bedchamber door shouting, Jasper.” Prue pinched her lips into a prim line. “You might have knocked like a civilized gentleman, you know, rather than raving like a bedlamite.”
“I did knock! I’ve been knocking for the better part of an hour! And if I am a bedlamite, it’s you who’s driven me mad!”
“An hour!” She stared at him. “You mean to say you’ve been outside my door for an hour, bellowing like an angry bull?”
“I beg your pardon, Your Grace.” Jasper drew himself up with a sniff. “I don’t bellow. I’m a duke, for God’s sake.” Though to be fair, this was precisely the sort of situation that might reduce the sanest of gentlemen to undignified bellowing.
________________________________________
See!? This is the kind of dialogue I enjoy in my books!☝🏻😮💨 😏
So now, you‘re asking yourself, well if you liked the book so much, why rate it only 3.5 stars?! I’ll tell you why! Even though the prose was great, the characters were interesting and the humor was top notch, the romantic connection between the mc lacked depth! There was no real build up to their relationship!
Let me explain!
Up until they decided to get married, which was around 55/60% in the book, they were only somewhat attracted to each other! Yes, they kissed once and I had the feeling that Jasper was a lot more into Pru than she was into him until that point, because he was quite possessive and jealous at times, but besides that, I couldn’t really feel a real connection between them. And keep in mind that this was very late in the book! They decided to get married and lead separate, independent lives! The wedding scene was skipped altogether by the author, we were only told this in a short summary, nothing was shown. Anyway….some things happen in the weeks that followed, again we were mostly told things, not shown and all of the sudden, both of them realize they fell in love!!! I was like, how? They saw each other a couple of times, were married for 2 weeks and all of the sudden they are in love? 🤔 Yeah no, it’s too instalovey for me!
So you see, their connection wasn’t built on anything solid, it wasn’t believable that they fell in love in the span of 2 weeks when they didn’t spend much time together, conversing and getting to know each other.
And it’s sad really, because the third act breakup could have been that much more dramatic and angsty if I‘d been able to feel their love and yearning for each other before they got married.
One other aspect that I had an issue with was Pru‘s behavior at times. I liked that she wasn’t a doormat and that she had a backbone but she tended to exaggerate in her desire to be „independent“ and not like other women when it came to her hobbies. Like the time she wanted to go hunting (even though Jasper was against it because he was worried for her) because she had learned to hunt from her father (of course she did😒), but instead, she ended up shooting Jasper in the ass (because of the rain, of course)😌! Yep, you read that right! She shot him in the ass!😂
So you see, things like this or the fact that she expected to be allowed to fence, go watch boxing matches and so on even after she became a duchess was what annoyed me a bit! Because let’s be honest here, a duchess during that period of time wouldn’t have been allowed such liberties on a daily basis, no matter how eccentric you are.
Overall, this was a cute story full of witty banter and a touch of angst, perfect as a palate cleanser. I would have easily rated it 5 stars if the romance was executed a bit better, but sadly that wasn’t the case!🤷🏻♀️
Our story follows Jasper, the witty, sarcastic duke of Montford and our sassy, willful fmc, Prudence. This is a marriage of convenience romance but the marriage part happens well past the 50% mark, so it’s not the main focus of the book! Pru & Jasper had a bit of an enemies to lovers thing going on in the beginning, because Jasper wagered against Pru’s father knowing beforehand that he is bad at cards and as a result, her father lost all of their money. So because of that, she couldn’t stand him! But a year later, if I remember correctly, they meet again at a house party and they are forced to be in each other’s presence! Of course, they are attracted to each other…and so their story begins!
And let me tell you, the banter between these two was on point! 👌🏻
Let me give you an example:
________________________________________
“There’s no need for you to stand outside my bedchamber door shouting, Jasper.” Prue pinched her lips into a prim line. “You might have knocked like a civilized gentleman, you know, rather than raving like a bedlamite.”
“I did knock! I’ve been knocking for the better part of an hour! And if I am a bedlamite, it’s you who’s driven me mad!”
“An hour!” She stared at him. “You mean to say you’ve been outside my door for an hour, bellowing like an angry bull?”
“I beg your pardon, Your Grace.” Jasper drew himself up with a sniff. “I don’t bellow. I’m a duke, for God’s sake.” Though to be fair, this was precisely the sort of situation that might reduce the sanest of gentlemen to undignified bellowing.
________________________________________
See!? This is the kind of dialogue I enjoy in my books!☝🏻😮💨 😏
So now, you‘re asking yourself, well if you liked the book so much, why rate it only 3.5 stars?! I’ll tell you why! Even though the prose was great, the characters were interesting and the humor was top notch, the romantic connection between the mc lacked depth! There was no real build up to their relationship!
Let me explain!
Up until they decided to get married, which was around 55/60% in the book, they were only somewhat attracted to each other! Yes, they kissed once and I had the feeling that Jasper was a lot more into Pru than she was into him until that point, because he was quite possessive and jealous at times, but besides that, I couldn’t really feel a real connection between them. And keep in mind that this was very late in the book! They decided to get married and lead separate, independent lives! The wedding scene was skipped altogether by the author, we were only told this in a short summary, nothing was shown. Anyway….some things happen in the weeks that followed, again we were mostly told things, not shown and all of the sudden, both of them realize they fell in love!!! I was like, how? They saw each other a couple of times, were married for 2 weeks and all of the sudden they are in love? 🤔 Yeah no, it’s too instalovey for me!
So you see, their connection wasn’t built on anything solid, it wasn’t believable that they fell in love in the span of 2 weeks when they didn’t spend much time together, conversing and getting to know each other.
And it’s sad really, because the third act breakup could have been that much more dramatic and angsty if I‘d been able to feel their love and yearning for each other before they got married.
One other aspect that I had an issue with was Pru‘s behavior at times. I liked that she wasn’t a doormat and that she had a backbone but she tended to exaggerate in her desire to be „independent“ and not like other women when it came to her hobbies. Like the time she wanted to go hunting (even though Jasper was against it because he was worried for her) because she had learned to hunt from her father (of course she did😒), but instead, she ended up shooting Jasper in the ass (because of the rain, of course)😌! Yep, you read that right! She shot him in the ass!😂
So you see, things like this or the fact that she expected to be allowed to fence, go watch boxing matches and so on even after she became a duchess was what annoyed me a bit! Because let’s be honest here, a duchess during that period of time wouldn’t have been allowed such liberties on a daily basis, no matter how eccentric you are.
Overall, this was a cute story full of witty banter and a touch of angst, perfect as a palate cleanser. I would have easily rated it 5 stars if the romance was executed a bit better, but sadly that wasn’t the case!🤷🏻♀️
March 31, 2024
I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love historical romances and try to read them at every opportunity. Damned If I Duke was really disappointing and I didn't enjoy myself. It featured a lot of cliches found in this genre and it was highly unoriginal. It was the typical marriage of convenience to erase her father's gambling debts storyline that I've seen countless times. There was nothing unique and I didn't like either protagonist. I took a chance on an unknown author and it blew up in my face.
I believe I would have enjoyed this book more if the romance hero wasn't such a toad. Jasper was entitled, pompous, and selfish to the max. He wasn't an endearing protagonist and I didn't like him one bit. He shares a name with my family cat and dragged his name through the mud. I read Damned If I Duke last month and don't recall much about my reading experience, other than it was unpleasant. Prudence was fine in comparison, and the only part I liked about this book was the billiards bet. It's also a very common trope to swindle the love interest via the pool table, but it worked for me. I personally have no billiards skills, but I'm willing to learn if I have the same outcome as Prudence.
Damned If I Duke was a run of the mill romance and nothing groundbreaking in the genre. I've read plenty like it and I'm sure I'll read plenty more in the future. I don't believe I'll pursue this particular author, but I'm happy to have given her a chance. I'm pleased that Jasper and Prudence got their happy ending, but it was certainly a perilous path to get there. I wouldn't touch this member of the gentry with a 50 foot pole and I'll be Damned If I Duke.
I love historical romances and try to read them at every opportunity. Damned If I Duke was really disappointing and I didn't enjoy myself. It featured a lot of cliches found in this genre and it was highly unoriginal. It was the typical marriage of convenience to erase her father's gambling debts storyline that I've seen countless times. There was nothing unique and I didn't like either protagonist. I took a chance on an unknown author and it blew up in my face.
I believe I would have enjoyed this book more if the romance hero wasn't such a toad. Jasper was entitled, pompous, and selfish to the max. He wasn't an endearing protagonist and I didn't like him one bit. He shares a name with my family cat and dragged his name through the mud. I read Damned If I Duke last month and don't recall much about my reading experience, other than it was unpleasant. Prudence was fine in comparison, and the only part I liked about this book was the billiards bet. It's also a very common trope to swindle the love interest via the pool table, but it worked for me. I personally have no billiards skills, but I'm willing to learn if I have the same outcome as Prudence.
Damned If I Duke was a run of the mill romance and nothing groundbreaking in the genre. I've read plenty like it and I'm sure I'll read plenty more in the future. I don't believe I'll pursue this particular author, but I'm happy to have given her a chance. I'm pleased that Jasper and Prudence got their happy ending, but it was certainly a perilous path to get there. I wouldn't touch this member of the gentry with a 50 foot pole and I'll be Damned If I Duke.
April 9, 2024
Damned if I Duke is a classic enemies to lovers story full of sizzling tension and surprising tenderness. Bennett nails the Regency period, but brings a unique feel to her characters at the same time. Watching this pair fall in love, as they continually clash and trade insults, is utterly engrossing. They fight their feelings more than they fight each other, which is saying something. But when they give in to their fiery attraction, wow! The great thing about this book is that it’s not about lust. There’s an authentic bond that beloved friends and family around them sees and pitches in to bring to fruition, particularly Montford’s matchmaking grandfather. I loved this old guy. This book touches the heart and brings tears to the eyes as the authentic emotions are so well rendered on the page. Prue and Montford’s journey to true love makes for a wonderful read.
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com
Advanced Review Copy provided by Netgalley courtesy of Kensington Books
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com
Advanced Review Copy provided by Netgalley courtesy of Kensington Books
March 25, 2024
This follows Give the Devil His Due (July 2023) as the second in the Drop Dead Dukes series. This can be read on its own and the Dukes in both books are best friends. This follows a typical storyline in historical romances. A lovely daughter, Prudence Thomas, is offered up in marriage to settle her father’s gambling debts. In this case to Jasper, the Duke of Montford. What elevates this a bit is that Prudence is feisty and independent. She knows the Duke through her friends, the couple in the previous book. As already revealed in the blurb she tries to return some ruby earrings that she found to the Duke in exchange for him canceling her fathers debts. The Duke’s grandfather likes her brashness so much he suggests she is the future wife for Jasper.
As with the first book in this series I found the Duke too confident and too knowing. I didn’t begin to like him till the second half, again much like the previous book. And unfortunately this is the second book in a row that I read, where the woman's naiveness about her body and the wedding night comes into play. That being said there is playfulness between the pair and you can see that Prue really begins to care for her man. Thank you to Kensington Books for the ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving an honest review. (3.5 Stars)
As with the first book in this series I found the Duke too confident and too knowing. I didn’t begin to like him till the second half, again much like the previous book. And unfortunately this is the second book in a row that I read, where the woman's naiveness about her body and the wedding night comes into play. That being said there is playfulness between the pair and you can see that Prue really begins to care for her man. Thank you to Kensington Books for the ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving an honest review. (3.5 Stars)
April 17, 2024
This is book two in the Drop Dead Duke's series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. Anna Bradley has done a fantastic job with this series. I've enjoyed both books so far!
Damned if I Duke features Jasper and Prudence. At the start, this book is an enemies to lovers romance. She hates him because her father owes him a gambling debt, and he thinks she is headstrong and bossy. After lots of bickering, fun, and someone getting shot, then two end up in a marriage of convenience.
This was such a fun read! It's filled with humor, an entertaining plot, sweet romantic moments, and charming characters. Prudence and Jasper have amazing chemistry, and I enjoyed both of them together and apart.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Damned if I Duke features Jasper and Prudence. At the start, this book is an enemies to lovers romance. She hates him because her father owes him a gambling debt, and he thinks she is headstrong and bossy. After lots of bickering, fun, and someone getting shot, then two end up in a marriage of convenience.
This was such a fun read! It's filled with humor, an entertaining plot, sweet romantic moments, and charming characters. Prudence and Jasper have amazing chemistry, and I enjoyed both of them together and apart.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
July 14, 2024
Tropes: rake/spinster; house party; marriage of convenience
Steam level: 3ish
Part of a series, but works as a standalone.
3.75 stars rounded up. This is a smoothly written book, with nice doses of humor and steam, and I enjoyed it overall, but didn't feel it quite lived up to expectations. While the MFC, Prue, is laudably strong-willed and unafraid to be herself, the MMC, Jasper, is consistently patriarchal and highhanded, the standard over-imbibing duke who doesn't know how to love, making it hard to believe his sudden character arc toward the end. Even though his gruff behavior is obviously supposed to hide that he cares for Prue, he's too overbearing and dismissive at key moments. While most of the scenes in the first half, set at the house party, work well--particularly a slow-burn billiards competition between the MC's--I didn't like the way Jasper cornered Prue into marrying him and how he tried to control her as soon as they were married.
There's also the "I'm going to abandon my wife the morning after our first night together" scene, which always makes me cringe. Prue deserved more grovel from Jasper than she got, and I didn't really felt the connection between them that they could have had. I wanted to see more support from him and I wanted her to have more of a chance to confront the nasty ex-mistress and the general nastiness of the Ton in the final chapters.
Secondary characters, such as Jasper's grandfather and the MC's from the previous book, do bring a lot to the storyline, mostly in the first half.
Bottom line: while this is fun, I had really hoped that there would be more chemistry between the MC's and less reliance on tropes. If you have a soft spot for old-school, overbearing dukes, you might like this more than I did.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Thanks to th publisher, author, and Net Galley.
Steam level: 3ish
Part of a series, but works as a standalone.
3.75 stars rounded up. This is a smoothly written book, with nice doses of humor and steam, and I enjoyed it overall, but didn't feel it quite lived up to expectations. While the MFC, Prue, is laudably strong-willed and unafraid to be herself, the MMC, Jasper, is consistently patriarchal and highhanded, the standard over-imbibing duke who doesn't know how to love, making it hard to believe his sudden character arc toward the end. Even though his gruff behavior is obviously supposed to hide that he cares for Prue, he's too overbearing and dismissive at key moments. While most of the scenes in the first half, set at the house party, work well--particularly a slow-burn billiards competition between the MC's--I didn't like the way Jasper cornered Prue into marrying him and how he tried to control her as soon as they were married.
There's also the "I'm going to abandon my wife the morning after our first night together" scene, which always makes me cringe. Prue deserved more grovel from Jasper than she got, and I didn't really felt the connection between them that they could have had. I wanted to see more support from him and I wanted her to have more of a chance to confront the nasty ex-mistress and the general nastiness of the Ton in the final chapters.
Secondary characters, such as Jasper's grandfather and the MC's from the previous book, do bring a lot to the storyline, mostly in the first half.
Bottom line: while this is fun, I had really hoped that there would be more chemistry between the MC's and less reliance on tropes. If you have a soft spot for old-school, overbearing dukes, you might like this more than I did.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Thanks to th publisher, author, and Net Galley.
July 3, 2024
Absolutely an entertaining and quick read! And 1st by Anna Bradley.
I loved from start until end. Mcs despised each other but both of them have a little interest for each other.. Like h want to know how the H smell. The H correcting his friend what the exact h eyes colour. The steam here low 2-3 full scene which I loved because I think more sex scene tend to make the story off. It was funny and fun to read H falling in love with h😂
I loved from start until end. Mcs despised each other but both of them have a little interest for each other.. Like h want to know how the H smell. The H correcting his friend what the exact h eyes colour. The steam here low 2-3 full scene which I loved because I think more sex scene tend to make the story off. It was funny and fun to read H falling in love with h😂
March 1, 2024
i personally thought it was a bit all over the place and wanted the characters to be more fleshed out. I thought that the characters felt ooc sometimes and wished that they were more consistent and then had more growh
March 11, 2024
Jasper St.Vincent, Duke of Montford, has no desire to marry. He has enough problems trying to discourage his former mistress. Prudence Thorne is angry at Jasper for taking advantage of her father in a game of piquet. She has an opportunity to blackmail him to forgive the debt. Jasper is intrigued. His grandfather is, too. She's the woman he thinks is perfect for Jasper's duchess. An independent woman who wants to keep her freedom, won't change to be a conventional duchess. Jasper must decide if he can accept his independent wife. An enemies to lovers romance. Mild descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
March 15, 2024
An incredibly good read from one of my favorite authors, with a good blend of wit and steam. She is unusual, smart and independent. He is an honorable man of pure heart in a scoundrel's clothing. A gambling debt and a viper tries to set them apart but their hearts meant for them to be together. A supporting cast of friends/family make for good sounding board for the couple as well.
I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.
I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.
March 25, 2024
The story of Jasper and Prudence. A duke, who has no cares in the world, and Prue, who is an independent woman. I enjoyed the story. The interaction between the two main characters kept the story interesting. The gambling debt by Prue's father was a factor for her but not so much for Jasper other than a bargaining point.
I would read another book by this author.
I received an ARC by NetGalley and the publisher and leaving a review by my own choice.
I would read another book by this author.
I received an ARC by NetGalley and the publisher and leaving a review by my own choice.
July 27, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
August 11, 2024
so mid
April 11, 2024
You can spend an entire book telling me that your character is plucky and strong-willed and interesting - but if everything that character does makes me want to slap her / shake some sense into her, you haven't written it properly.
Ugh. I haven't read a historical romance for a few months now because every single one of them was basically the same and I prayed that this book - the follow up to Anna Bradley's first in the series, which I enjoyed - would change my feelings. If it hasn't been made clear yet, it didn't. This book DRAGGED. There is no reason for it to be this long, the characters and the plot do not warrant it to be this long. Prue is an infuriating character - we are told, constantly, that she's plucky and strong and 'not like other girls' but put within six feet of another person she becomes the dullest creature known to man, all trembling and 'innocent' and, of course, immediately turned on by a man actively trying to control her every move who is, inexplicably, in love with her despite the fact that his granddad is making them get married. Jasper is an ENORMOUS RED FLAG, even for historical romance. My god. I cannot stress enough how, if you encounter a man like that in real life, you sprint in the opposite direction. I am so sick of reading historical romance with these kinds of characters in it. I've written it, it can be different! We don't have to spend our lives reading gender stereotypes!
Literally, the highlight of this book is when he gets shot in the butt. Yes. That is something that actually happens and is a genuine, serious event.
This was so stupid. And I'm so annoyed.
Ugh. I haven't read a historical romance for a few months now because every single one of them was basically the same and I prayed that this book - the follow up to Anna Bradley's first in the series, which I enjoyed - would change my feelings. If it hasn't been made clear yet, it didn't. This book DRAGGED. There is no reason for it to be this long, the characters and the plot do not warrant it to be this long. Prue is an infuriating character - we are told, constantly, that she's plucky and strong and 'not like other girls' but put within six feet of another person she becomes the dullest creature known to man, all trembling and 'innocent' and, of course, immediately turned on by a man actively trying to control her every move who is, inexplicably, in love with her despite the fact that his granddad is making them get married. Jasper is an ENORMOUS RED FLAG, even for historical romance. My god. I cannot stress enough how, if you encounter a man like that in real life, you sprint in the opposite direction. I am so sick of reading historical romance with these kinds of characters in it. I've written it, it can be different! We don't have to spend our lives reading gender stereotypes!
Literally, the highlight of this book is when he gets shot in the butt. Yes. That is something that actually happens and is a genuine, serious event.
This was so stupid. And I'm so annoyed.
April 4, 2024
Prue and Jasper had a marriage of convenience. She was actually kind of blackmailed to marry him as her father owed Jasper quite a large sum and she didn't want them to lose the estate.
I read this book a week before so I don't remember much anymore. I know that there was some drama with Jasper's ex-lover and I didn't love the miscommunication at the end as the main conflict. For such a strong character as Prue, who fences, shoots, and boxes, the fact that she didn't resolve the issue with Jasper but believed his ex the story she told her just doesn't sit right with me. They all told Prue his ex Selina is a liar and yet, she goes against her character.
3-3.5 stars.
ARC was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I read this book a week before so I don't remember much anymore. I know that there was some drama with Jasper's ex-lover and I didn't love the miscommunication at the end as the main conflict. For such a strong character as Prue, who fences, shoots, and boxes, the fact that she didn't resolve the issue with Jasper but believed his ex the story she told her just doesn't sit right with me. They all told Prue his ex Selina is a liar and yet, she goes against her character.
3-3.5 stars.
ARC was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 25, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.
This is book 2 of the Drop Dead Dukes series and while there are some characters that were in book 1 that show up in this one, it can be read as a standalone story.
In this one, the Duke of Montford, Jasper, has broken off things with his mistress, after coming to realize just how much of an grasping shrew she is. However, to avoid more scandal, he needs to engage with her one last time to get back a poorly thought out gift. Apparently, during the height of his lusty affair with the woman, he gifted her with a special set of jewels - and within these jewels are hidden miniatures exposing Jasper's own ducal jewels.
Despite being a noted scandalous rake, Jasper does have a bit of a conscious and does not want to give his beloved grandfather, his only living relative, any more scandals to hold against Jasper. To this end, he manages to win back the jewels, but also earns Selina's anger and likely be a target for her future schemes of vengeance.
In drunken celebration, he ends up at his friend's townhouse, Giles, the Duke of Basingstoke, well after the dinner he missed, and gets into a drunken confrontation with their houseguest, Miss Prudence Thorne. Prue has good reason to dislike Jasper, as she and her father are in dire straits and about to be homeless because of a misbegotten wager that her father engaged Jasper in the preceding Season, causing a loss of a fortune they cannot afford. But her father's pride and honor will not allow him to renege on the loss, even if it means losing their land and estate. Prudence is in Town in the hopes of finding a way to ameliorate the loss. Despite not wanting to marry because she values her freedom and independence, this ends u[p becoming an option that her friends, the Duke and Duchess of Basingstoke are trying to help her explore as well.
Jasper does not have a lot of trust in women, and sees Prue as a sharp-tongued shrew looking to trap a man in marriage, and Prue sees Jasper as a wealthy, spoiled rake with no care for others. What they both try hard to hide is their attraction to each other. This is an enemies to lovers romance. After their confrontation in the study, Jasper passes out on the chaise, and loses the jewels he worked so hard to win back from Selina. Prue, returning to the study in the morning finds them, and comes up with a misbegotten plan to use them as leverage (after she discovers their salacious secret, which only serves to intrigue her) against Jasper to forgive what remains of her father's debt. Unfortunately this plan, when she confronts Jasper with it, goes awry, and strengthens his belief that she is a manipulative liar like he thinks most women are.
Their future meetings, through their mutual friends, often lead to misunderstandings and mishaps made more uncomfortable by their continued hidden desire and attraction to each other. During a houseparty held by the Basingstokes, Prue meets Jasper's grandfather and strikes up a friendship with him, earning the older man's admiration. When tensions and misunderstandings build up even further between Jasper and Prue, to the point where Prue thinks of leaving, he persuades Jasper that Prue would make him a good wife, and Jasper, thinking to do one thing to please his only living relative, agrees and makes Prue an offer of marriage of convenience. He promises her freedom and independence for the both of them. But of course things do not go as planned and they have frequent miscommunications and mishaps as they navigate their new relationship and developing closeness.
But Jasper's ex - the venomous Selina is still lurking about and waiting to strike back at him, and decides that the best way to do so is through his wife. Prue, not being savvy to the back stabbing ways of the Ton, is vulnerable to her attack and Jasper is not sure of how to be a good husband to his wife. Their emotional vulnerabilities and uncertainty about each other make it so that Selina's attack nearly tears apart the newly married couple.
A very sweet love story with very likeable characters (except the obvious villains of course). I enjoyed the confrontations between Jasper and Prue, and the side characters as well, especially Jasper and his grandfather.
3.75 stars out of 5
This is book 2 of the Drop Dead Dukes series and while there are some characters that were in book 1 that show up in this one, it can be read as a standalone story.
In this one, the Duke of Montford, Jasper, has broken off things with his mistress, after coming to realize just how much of an grasping shrew she is. However, to avoid more scandal, he needs to engage with her one last time to get back a poorly thought out gift. Apparently, during the height of his lusty affair with the woman, he gifted her with a special set of jewels - and within these jewels are hidden miniatures exposing Jasper's own ducal jewels.
Despite being a noted scandalous rake, Jasper does have a bit of a conscious and does not want to give his beloved grandfather, his only living relative, any more scandals to hold against Jasper. To this end, he manages to win back the jewels, but also earns Selina's anger and likely be a target for her future schemes of vengeance.
In drunken celebration, he ends up at his friend's townhouse, Giles, the Duke of Basingstoke, well after the dinner he missed, and gets into a drunken confrontation with their houseguest, Miss Prudence Thorne. Prue has good reason to dislike Jasper, as she and her father are in dire straits and about to be homeless because of a misbegotten wager that her father engaged Jasper in the preceding Season, causing a loss of a fortune they cannot afford. But her father's pride and honor will not allow him to renege on the loss, even if it means losing their land and estate. Prudence is in Town in the hopes of finding a way to ameliorate the loss. Despite not wanting to marry because she values her freedom and independence, this ends u[p becoming an option that her friends, the Duke and Duchess of Basingstoke are trying to help her explore as well.
Jasper does not have a lot of trust in women, and sees Prue as a sharp-tongued shrew looking to trap a man in marriage, and Prue sees Jasper as a wealthy, spoiled rake with no care for others. What they both try hard to hide is their attraction to each other. This is an enemies to lovers romance. After their confrontation in the study, Jasper passes out on the chaise, and loses the jewels he worked so hard to win back from Selina. Prue, returning to the study in the morning finds them, and comes up with a misbegotten plan to use them as leverage (after she discovers their salacious secret, which only serves to intrigue her) against Jasper to forgive what remains of her father's debt. Unfortunately this plan, when she confronts Jasper with it, goes awry, and strengthens his belief that she is a manipulative liar like he thinks most women are.
Their future meetings, through their mutual friends, often lead to misunderstandings and mishaps made more uncomfortable by their continued hidden desire and attraction to each other. During a houseparty held by the Basingstokes, Prue meets Jasper's grandfather and strikes up a friendship with him, earning the older man's admiration. When tensions and misunderstandings build up even further between Jasper and Prue, to the point where Prue thinks of leaving, he persuades Jasper that Prue would make him a good wife, and Jasper, thinking to do one thing to please his only living relative, agrees and makes Prue an offer of marriage of convenience. He promises her freedom and independence for the both of them. But of course things do not go as planned and they have frequent miscommunications and mishaps as they navigate their new relationship and developing closeness.
But Jasper's ex - the venomous Selina is still lurking about and waiting to strike back at him, and decides that the best way to do so is through his wife. Prue, not being savvy to the back stabbing ways of the Ton, is vulnerable to her attack and Jasper is not sure of how to be a good husband to his wife. Their emotional vulnerabilities and uncertainty about each other make it so that Selina's attack nearly tears apart the newly married couple.
A very sweet love story with very likeable characters (except the obvious villains of course). I enjoyed the confrontations between Jasper and Prue, and the side characters as well, especially Jasper and his grandfather.
3.75 stars out of 5
February 27, 2024
3.75/5. Releases 3/26/2024.
Heat Index: 5.5/10.
Vibes: ballroom historical, snarky sniping, SCANDALOUS EARRINGS, and head over heels heroes who don't want to admit it
Prudence Thorne isn't happy with the rakish Duke of Montford, Jasper Vincent. Not because he's done her wrong personally--but because he won a sum from her father at cards, so massive that Prue is now forced to look for a husband to save them from ruin. A boring, staid husband. In an attempt to avoid her fate, she tries blackmailing Jasper--but when it backfires, there's the added complication of his grandfather deciding that she's EXACTLY the woman the duke needs. And pushing them inexorably towards a marriage they say they don't want.
Anna Bradley is good at writing chemistry, and you definitely feel the spark between Prue and Jasper from the start. They can't help getting their little digs in, even as their attraction to each other is very apparent. She doesn't reinvent the wheel here; it's kind of a classic ballroom historical, all about the snarking and the virgin-heroine-ing and the marriage-of-convenience-ing. However, the humor (I found several elements of this one QUITE funny) and Jasper falling pathetically in love made it entertaining, even if it didn't quite blow me away. It's definitely one for the traditional historical romance girlies.
Quick Takes:
--As I said above, a high point for me was the humor in this one. Jasper happens to have a pair of earrings he just secured from his former mistress (and I did like that he was an actual rake who'd kept actual mistresses, even if I wasn't in love with how this particular mistress was presented) which is what Prue gets a hold of for her blackmail scheme. And those earrings. Are not... normal earrings. They are earrings which teach Prue a thing or two, unintentionally. Visually.
Which leads to one of my favorite moments in this book, which is "Prue learns about things further while talking to her friend, the heroine of the previous book, who Is A Woman Now". I really wish that we had more historicals in which heroines learn about ~the marriage bed~ from previous heroines. It reminds you that, oh yeah, that last romance happened, and everyone is still AT IT. Plus, it's just a nice, authentic friendship beat for the girls.
--The physical comedy in general is really good here. Prue shoots Jasper by accident (and like, the location she shoots him in is probably one of the better locations to be shot in from a health perspective, but THE SHAME!!!). In general, you get the sense that Jasper is kind of a disaster, and he's just sort of fumbling his way through love while growing both increasingly besotted and increasingly infuriated with with her.
--I'm actually surprisingly fond of an "older person meddles in the love lives of the younger people" thing in certain historicals, and I don't think I realized this until I read this book...? Jasper's grandfather is right, and he knows he's right, and though I honestly wasn't 100% sure about how he had the clout to force Jasper to marry Prue, it worked. It's fine.
--That does lead to my critique of this one, though. The fluff and the chemistry and the romance is all good, but the plot kind of lacks? There isn't a lot of one, and that's FINE, but when you do have elements like the grandfather forcing the marriage, or Prue getting confused about her wedding night in a way that has actual ramifications... I just kind of feel like they weren't solidly tracked? Like, it sort of seemed thrown together, which is not how I felt about the previous book in the series.
However, I still had fun and I still very much want to read the next installment. So it doesn't derail the read, but it does keep it from being as strong as it could have been. I kind of felt like Prue and Jasper just sort of stumbled into love, versus falling in a way that I as the reader could track.
The Sex:
There are 2-3 sex scenes in this book, depending on how you define them (for me, it was three). I could have used one more, or more DETAIL in general. The first one in particular felt weirdly bare, as we get this pretty delightful lead up to the wedding night from Jasper's perspective. And he actually has a lot of anxiety about it, and it's charming, and I just wanted more follow-through after that.
This is a sweet romcom, which I do think could've hit harder, but was nevertheless pleasing. I think it will work very well for the Bridgerton crowd.
Thanks to Netgalley and Zebra for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Heat Index: 5.5/10.
Vibes: ballroom historical, snarky sniping, SCANDALOUS EARRINGS, and head over heels heroes who don't want to admit it
Prudence Thorne isn't happy with the rakish Duke of Montford, Jasper Vincent. Not because he's done her wrong personally--but because he won a sum from her father at cards, so massive that Prue is now forced to look for a husband to save them from ruin. A boring, staid husband. In an attempt to avoid her fate, she tries blackmailing Jasper--but when it backfires, there's the added complication of his grandfather deciding that she's EXACTLY the woman the duke needs. And pushing them inexorably towards a marriage they say they don't want.
Anna Bradley is good at writing chemistry, and you definitely feel the spark between Prue and Jasper from the start. They can't help getting their little digs in, even as their attraction to each other is very apparent. She doesn't reinvent the wheel here; it's kind of a classic ballroom historical, all about the snarking and the virgin-heroine-ing and the marriage-of-convenience-ing. However, the humor (I found several elements of this one QUITE funny) and Jasper falling pathetically in love made it entertaining, even if it didn't quite blow me away. It's definitely one for the traditional historical romance girlies.
Quick Takes:
--As I said above, a high point for me was the humor in this one. Jasper happens to have a pair of earrings he just secured from his former mistress (and I did like that he was an actual rake who'd kept actual mistresses, even if I wasn't in love with how this particular mistress was presented) which is what Prue gets a hold of for her blackmail scheme. And those earrings. Are not... normal earrings. They are earrings which teach Prue a thing or two, unintentionally. Visually.
Which leads to one of my favorite moments in this book, which is "Prue learns about things further while talking to her friend, the heroine of the previous book, who Is A Woman Now". I really wish that we had more historicals in which heroines learn about ~the marriage bed~ from previous heroines. It reminds you that, oh yeah, that last romance happened, and everyone is still AT IT. Plus, it's just a nice, authentic friendship beat for the girls.
--The physical comedy in general is really good here. Prue shoots Jasper by accident (and like, the location she shoots him in is probably one of the better locations to be shot in from a health perspective, but THE SHAME!!!). In general, you get the sense that Jasper is kind of a disaster, and he's just sort of fumbling his way through love while growing both increasingly besotted and increasingly infuriated with with her.
--I'm actually surprisingly fond of an "older person meddles in the love lives of the younger people" thing in certain historicals, and I don't think I realized this until I read this book...? Jasper's grandfather is right, and he knows he's right, and though I honestly wasn't 100% sure about how he had the clout to force Jasper to marry Prue, it worked. It's fine.
--That does lead to my critique of this one, though. The fluff and the chemistry and the romance is all good, but the plot kind of lacks? There isn't a lot of one, and that's FINE, but when you do have elements like the grandfather forcing the marriage, or Prue getting confused about her wedding night in a way that has actual ramifications... I just kind of feel like they weren't solidly tracked? Like, it sort of seemed thrown together, which is not how I felt about the previous book in the series.
However, I still had fun and I still very much want to read the next installment. So it doesn't derail the read, but it does keep it from being as strong as it could have been. I kind of felt like Prue and Jasper just sort of stumbled into love, versus falling in a way that I as the reader could track.
The Sex:
There are 2-3 sex scenes in this book, depending on how you define them (for me, it was three). I could have used one more, or more DETAIL in general. The first one in particular felt weirdly bare, as we get this pretty delightful lead up to the wedding night from Jasper's perspective. And he actually has a lot of anxiety about it, and it's charming, and I just wanted more follow-through after that.
This is a sweet romcom, which I do think could've hit harder, but was nevertheless pleasing. I think it will work very well for the Bridgerton crowd.
Thanks to Netgalley and Zebra for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 15, 2024
My Rating: 2.5 Stars
There was one moment in this book that really stood out in terms of being both memorable and hilarious. It was when after one very unfortunate chain of events Prue accidentally shoots Jasper in the arse. Well technically, she grazes said arse, but Jasper's running commentary on it (both mentally and to his grandfather) was some of the funniest I have read in awhile.
But sadly, even that couldn't keep this one afloat. Nor could the banter/sniping between Prue and Jasper as amusing as that could be at times. Don't get me wrong, I loved that she stood up to him (especially when he tried to dictate what she could and couldn't do), and I enjoyed the way he tried to make things right where the debt her father owed was concerned without making it look like charity.
However, there was a lot of other stuff going on here that just felt.... odd. For instance, why did Prue feel like marrying would solve not only her problems (which it would), BUT also for her father's as well? It wouldn't have been her husband's responsibility to either pay her father's debt or allow him to move in with them. In fact, one of her suitors was adamantly against this and yet she still considered him a potential candidate for marriage simply because she assumed she could "bring him around" in the future?
Also, why did her friends think that Jasper was a perfectly acceptable suitor knowing his reputation? Added to that, the minute she confessed certain things to her friend (and showed her friend certain things in her possession), why wasn't her friend's husband demanding that Jasper marry Prue since according to the time she could have been considered compromised? When you add to that the fact that Jasper had no desire to marry anyone, much less Prue, why did he suddenly agree just because his grandfather said he should? I would have expected more of a fight out of him as well, but no, the next thing you know he's telling Prue they should marry. And so they do.
But of course, they do, and their marriage isn't without some trials. One being the way Jasper tried to flat out forbid Prue to do the things she enjoyed only the day after their wedding. Granted most of her hobbies (in this instance fencing in a gentleman's only club) were highly inappropriate for a woman to do, but he knew that these things were parts of her before he married her. The second (and maybe bigger) trial caused by none other than that of Jasper's ex-mistress Selina. And while I get that she was convincing in her tales, Prue had been repeatedly warned about the ton (and Selina especially), so the fact that she just immediately accepted her words as the truth without even confronting Jasper about it was wild to me.
And honestly, after the absolute havoc caused by Selina and her co-conspirators, there needed to be some sort of punishment for them. Granted, one of them got what they were coming to them, but in the grand scheme of things Selina caused the most damage, so the fact there was no "final showdown" with her and Prue (or even her and Jasper), was very disappointing. I would really have loved to see Prue come into her own and stand up to Selina. Because to be honest, after being told how much spirit and pluck Prue had throughout this entire novel, it was incredibly dissatisfying to say the least that she didn't stand up for herself when and where it mattered.
All things considered, I have read this author in the past, and even though this one didn't gel for me as well as I would have liked, I will read more from this author in the future.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
There was one moment in this book that really stood out in terms of being both memorable and hilarious. It was when after one very unfortunate chain of events Prue accidentally shoots Jasper in the arse. Well technically, she grazes said arse, but Jasper's running commentary on it (both mentally and to his grandfather) was some of the funniest I have read in awhile.
But sadly, even that couldn't keep this one afloat. Nor could the banter/sniping between Prue and Jasper as amusing as that could be at times. Don't get me wrong, I loved that she stood up to him (especially when he tried to dictate what she could and couldn't do), and I enjoyed the way he tried to make things right where the debt her father owed was concerned without making it look like charity.
However, there was a lot of other stuff going on here that just felt.... odd. For instance, why did Prue feel like marrying would solve not only her problems (which it would), BUT also for her father's as well? It wouldn't have been her husband's responsibility to either pay her father's debt or allow him to move in with them. In fact, one of her suitors was adamantly against this and yet she still considered him a potential candidate for marriage simply because she assumed she could "bring him around" in the future?
Also, why did her friends think that Jasper was a perfectly acceptable suitor knowing his reputation? Added to that, the minute she confessed certain things to her friend (and showed her friend certain things in her possession), why wasn't her friend's husband demanding that Jasper marry Prue since according to the time she could have been considered compromised? When you add to that the fact that Jasper had no desire to marry anyone, much less Prue, why did he suddenly agree just because his grandfather said he should? I would have expected more of a fight out of him as well, but no, the next thing you know he's telling Prue they should marry. And so they do.
But of course, they do, and their marriage isn't without some trials. One being the way Jasper tried to flat out forbid Prue to do the things she enjoyed only the day after their wedding. Granted most of her hobbies (in this instance fencing in a gentleman's only club) were highly inappropriate for a woman to do, but he knew that these things were parts of her before he married her. The second (and maybe bigger) trial caused by none other than that of Jasper's ex-mistress Selina. And while I get that she was convincing in her tales, Prue had been repeatedly warned about the ton (and Selina especially), so the fact that she just immediately accepted her words as the truth without even confronting Jasper about it was wild to me.
And honestly, after the absolute havoc caused by Selina and her co-conspirators, there needed to be some sort of punishment for them. Granted, one of them got what they were coming to them, but in the grand scheme of things Selina caused the most damage, so the fact there was no "final showdown" with her and Prue (or even her and Jasper), was very disappointing. I would really have loved to see Prue come into her own and stand up to Selina. Because to be honest, after being told how much spirit and pluck Prue had throughout this entire novel, it was incredibly dissatisfying to say the least that she didn't stand up for herself when and where it mattered.
All things considered, I have read this author in the past, and even though this one didn't gel for me as well as I would have liked, I will read more from this author in the future.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
March 18, 2024
Barbara’s rating: 3.3 out of 5 Stars
Series: Drop Dead Dukes #2
Publication Date: 3/26/24
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 368
Prudence Thorne has been raised differently than most females of her time. Her mother died when Prue was very young and she was then raised by her father – who allowed her to pursue skills that were different than other young ladies. While fashionable young women were restricted to dance, music, embroidery, etc., Prue learned to shoot, ride like a demon, and handle a rapier. She was strong-willed and not afraid of anything or anyone – even a duke. I liked Prue and was rooting for her and her HEA.
Jasper Vincent, Duke of Montford, lost both of his parents early in his life and was raised by his grandfather – his mother’s father. Jasper has a different view of himself than his friends and family do. Jasper sees the fearless rake who is always finding some new way for excitement, while his friends see through to the caring man with a good heart. They also see the rake and troublemaker – but believe that is his way of protecting his heart. So, what is he to make of a woman who goes toe-to-toe with him and even attempts to blackmail him? Strangely, I liked him from the beginning and that usually isn’t the case. I was rooting for his redemption and HEA.
For me, this was the typical ‘daughter/sister does whatever to save father/brother, etc from ruin after gambling debt trope. It was well written and a nice read, but nothing so attention-grabbing that I’d want a second read. For me, that isn’t unusual, so you might feel entirely different. I enjoyed the sniping/banter between Prue and Jasper, and I thoroughly enjoyed the scene where she shot him in the rear with buckshot. What I didn’t enjoy was where Prue acted totally out of character and ran away sniveling. I know the author needed a scene where there was a conflict – but – this was just too unbelievable given all we’d been led to believe about Pru. What I would have preferred was for her to stand up to the antagonist, then confront Jasper, and the two of them work together to exact revenge. One of the antagonists paid a price – but that was just the lackey – I wanted the real aggressor to pay – big time. The bottom line for me – I liked the characters, I liked the story, but wouldn’t care for a second read. However, I will read the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Drop Dead Dukes #2
Publication Date: 3/26/24
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 368
Prudence Thorne has been raised differently than most females of her time. Her mother died when Prue was very young and she was then raised by her father – who allowed her to pursue skills that were different than other young ladies. While fashionable young women were restricted to dance, music, embroidery, etc., Prue learned to shoot, ride like a demon, and handle a rapier. She was strong-willed and not afraid of anything or anyone – even a duke. I liked Prue and was rooting for her and her HEA.
Jasper Vincent, Duke of Montford, lost both of his parents early in his life and was raised by his grandfather – his mother’s father. Jasper has a different view of himself than his friends and family do. Jasper sees the fearless rake who is always finding some new way for excitement, while his friends see through to the caring man with a good heart. They also see the rake and troublemaker – but believe that is his way of protecting his heart. So, what is he to make of a woman who goes toe-to-toe with him and even attempts to blackmail him? Strangely, I liked him from the beginning and that usually isn’t the case. I was rooting for his redemption and HEA.
For me, this was the typical ‘daughter/sister does whatever to save father/brother, etc from ruin after gambling debt trope. It was well written and a nice read, but nothing so attention-grabbing that I’d want a second read. For me, that isn’t unusual, so you might feel entirely different. I enjoyed the sniping/banter between Prue and Jasper, and I thoroughly enjoyed the scene where she shot him in the rear with buckshot. What I didn’t enjoy was where Prue acted totally out of character and ran away sniveling. I know the author needed a scene where there was a conflict – but – this was just too unbelievable given all we’d been led to believe about Pru. What I would have preferred was for her to stand up to the antagonist, then confront Jasper, and the two of them work together to exact revenge. One of the antagonists paid a price – but that was just the lackey – I wanted the real aggressor to pay – big time. The bottom line for me – I liked the characters, I liked the story, but wouldn’t care for a second read. However, I will read the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 20, 2024
This is the second installment of the ‘Drop dead Dukes’ series by Anna Bradley. The first book, ‘Give the devil his duke’, was so much fun to read, so I was happy to read the next book about the Duke of Montford, whom you get to know in the first book.
Although part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone.
This book is about Jasper, the duke of Montford, and Prudence Thorne, the daughter of a man who recently lost a fortune to Jasper. She accidentally stumbles on a pair of valuable earrings belonging to Jasper. There is a particular reason he needs to have them back, so Prue decides to try and make a wager with him to win back the dept her father owes to him. Jasper isn’t used to such a bold, courageous woman who not only rides a horse like a pro, but also shoots, hunts and fences like a man. He’s not impressed by her trying to force his hand, but is intrigued by her. Prue thinks he’s a scoundrel and seemingly can’t stand him. Both of them are irritated by the other but can’t seem to stop noticing the other one, and slowly you see them developing feelings for the other one where they can’t stop thinking about the other one, and fall in love. I liked that their emotions evolved gradually and realistically. Prue is a courageous, bold woman, who doesn’t shy away from pursuing what she wants and doesn’t give a fig about what society thinks of her. In a way Jasper is the same, but he values the opinion of his grandfather a lot, the same as Prue cares about her father.
I really liked the book a lot. The plot was well-paced and it’s an easy and fun read. I wouldn’t have chosen for the rubies to contain pornographic miniatures, but would’ve made them into family heirlooms or something like that. Same result, less gross. I liked Jasper’s uncle a lot! Overall a book I recommend; you will enjoy it! I am looking forward to book three of this series.
I received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and I am grateful for this opportunity. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
P.S.: I found two minor errors:
- “She may appear to be the picture of ladylike innocence, but the truth was, the duchess of Basingstoke was a slippery one.” Jasper is talking about his wife here, so it should read: “…the duchess of Montford was a slippery one.”
- Montford is spelled Monford once.
Although part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone.
This book is about Jasper, the duke of Montford, and Prudence Thorne, the daughter of a man who recently lost a fortune to Jasper. She accidentally stumbles on a pair of valuable earrings belonging to Jasper. There is a particular reason he needs to have them back, so Prue decides to try and make a wager with him to win back the dept her father owes to him. Jasper isn’t used to such a bold, courageous woman who not only rides a horse like a pro, but also shoots, hunts and fences like a man. He’s not impressed by her trying to force his hand, but is intrigued by her. Prue thinks he’s a scoundrel and seemingly can’t stand him. Both of them are irritated by the other but can’t seem to stop noticing the other one, and slowly you see them developing feelings for the other one where they can’t stop thinking about the other one, and fall in love. I liked that their emotions evolved gradually and realistically. Prue is a courageous, bold woman, who doesn’t shy away from pursuing what she wants and doesn’t give a fig about what society thinks of her. In a way Jasper is the same, but he values the opinion of his grandfather a lot, the same as Prue cares about her father.
I really liked the book a lot. The plot was well-paced and it’s an easy and fun read. I wouldn’t have chosen for the rubies to contain pornographic miniatures, but would’ve made them into family heirlooms or something like that. Same result, less gross. I liked Jasper’s uncle a lot! Overall a book I recommend; you will enjoy it! I am looking forward to book three of this series.
I received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and I am grateful for this opportunity. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
P.S.: I found two minor errors:
- “She may appear to be the picture of ladylike innocence, but the truth was, the duchess of Basingstoke was a slippery one.” Jasper is talking about his wife here, so it should read: “…the duchess of Montford was a slippery one.”
- Montford is spelled Monford once.
April 21, 2024
Second in the Series, Drop Dead Dukes, Prudence Thomas, "Prue," and Jasper Vincent, Duke of Montford have a history that is continued from the first novel. Boy, do they not like each other. This can be read as a stand-alone. Their backstory from the first novel as well as the main characters are explained and described in a natural way. I haven't read the first novel, (yet!) but it is easy to follow.
Prue was very upset and detested Jasper because she felt he took advantage of her father by bankrupting him by betting a ridiculous amount in a card game. As a result, Prue comes to London to marry, and save her father, a war hero, as well as their home.
Jasper had planned to forgive the debt unbeknownst to Prue. One night, he took back a pair of ruby earrings from a former mistress. They had some very risqué drawings in them, and he did not want his grandfather to find out about them. Unfortunately, he accidentally loses them at his friend's house, the duke from the first novel...where Prue happens to be staying while in London. Guess who finds them. How convenient.
She finds the earrings, and decides to blackmail Jasper since she knows he wants them. She doesn't seem to have it in her to actually blackmail him, and thinks of it more as a trade. Since she has started this, he decided to not forgive the debt until he finds out how far she will go.
This is an enemies to lovers novel, and it really does follow the trope. It was amusing but not very original. IT is a quick read.
Jasper's grandfather is the most enjoyable character. He is funny, and is really good at playing matchmaker.
There was so much focus on how evil his former mistress was, I was surprised how she decided to get revenge. Really? That was it?
This was a heated, sexy novel. I will say I don't know if I would have wanted to recreate the scene in the earrings. While they weren't even friendly towards one another when they were made, I thought Prue would have some reservations since it reminded her of the relationship he had with his mistress.
It was a quick read, and makes me want to read the first one. I'm not sure I'd read this one a second time. It was fun, but not fun enough.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Prue was very upset and detested Jasper because she felt he took advantage of her father by bankrupting him by betting a ridiculous amount in a card game. As a result, Prue comes to London to marry, and save her father, a war hero, as well as their home.
Jasper had planned to forgive the debt unbeknownst to Prue. One night, he took back a pair of ruby earrings from a former mistress. They had some very risqué drawings in them, and he did not want his grandfather to find out about them. Unfortunately, he accidentally loses them at his friend's house, the duke from the first novel...where Prue happens to be staying while in London. Guess who finds them. How convenient.
She finds the earrings, and decides to blackmail Jasper since she knows he wants them. She doesn't seem to have it in her to actually blackmail him, and thinks of it more as a trade. Since she has started this, he decided to not forgive the debt until he finds out how far she will go.
This is an enemies to lovers novel, and it really does follow the trope. It was amusing but not very original. IT is a quick read.
Jasper's grandfather is the most enjoyable character. He is funny, and is really good at playing matchmaker.
There was so much focus on how evil his former mistress was, I was surprised how she decided to get revenge. Really? That was it?
This was a heated, sexy novel. I will say I don't know if I would have wanted to recreate the scene in the earrings. While they weren't even friendly towards one another when they were made, I thought Prue would have some reservations since it reminded her of the relationship he had with his mistress.
It was a quick read, and makes me want to read the first one. I'm not sure I'd read this one a second time. It was fun, but not fun enough.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 23, 2023
*This book was graciously given for free as an ARC on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own*
Prue, our MC, is a bit of an unconventional lady. As the only child of a military man, she's been well taught in horseriding, shooting and far more. We open the story where Prue is visiting her dear friend, a Duchess, who is currently nursing her young infant. With the help of her friend, Prue is currently trying to be matched with a gentlemen due to the fact that her father made a wager that was a bit more than their family could afford to lose. To whom do they owe money? Our scoundrel of a MMC, of course!
Overall, I'd say that this book was a very pleasant read! Prue remained sure of herself throughout the entire book but also learnt a bit more about not diving into things head first. Jasper was a bit obtuse to his feelings, at first, and panicked but did treat Prue quite well. There was a small timeskip roughly in the middle of the book, which, wasn't clear to me straight away, so I was a bit confused as I thought the event in question happened the next day at first lol.
The side characters felt fleshed out and contributed to the whole book as you could see their relationship with other characters and have a greater understanding of their personalities and their thoughts. Both leads weren't afraid of confiding in friends and these other characters. The conflict of the book wasn't too dragged out and I'm glad it was on the milder side with less of a blowup/drama created from it. I think it worked well for the characters.
This is my first book from the author and I'm sure there are other books in the series and to come. I will definitely be returning to read more from this author!
Prue, our MC, is a bit of an unconventional lady. As the only child of a military man, she's been well taught in horseriding, shooting and far more. We open the story where Prue is visiting her dear friend, a Duchess, who is currently nursing her young infant. With the help of her friend, Prue is currently trying to be matched with a gentlemen due to the fact that her father made a wager that was a bit more than their family could afford to lose. To whom do they owe money? Our scoundrel of a MMC, of course!
Overall, I'd say that this book was a very pleasant read! Prue remained sure of herself throughout the entire book but also learnt a bit more about not diving into things head first. Jasper was a bit obtuse to his feelings, at first, and panicked but did treat Prue quite well. There was a small timeskip roughly in the middle of the book, which, wasn't clear to me straight away, so I was a bit confused as I thought the event in question happened the next day at first lol.
The side characters felt fleshed out and contributed to the whole book as you could see their relationship with other characters and have a greater understanding of their personalities and their thoughts. Both leads weren't afraid of confiding in friends and these other characters. The conflict of the book wasn't too dragged out and I'm glad it was on the milder side with less of a blowup/drama created from it. I think it worked well for the characters.
This is my first book from the author and I'm sure there are other books in the series and to come. I will definitely be returning to read more from this author!
February 23, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the 'Drop Dead Dukes' series by Anna Bradley when I read it in July 2023, in fact it was a 5 star read for me.
So, when I got the opportunity to read the next book, I jumped at the opportunity. This is a little bit of an enemies to lovers story, but he falls first so it's not really enemies to lovers, because although these two fight, they aren't really enemies. I must admit that I didn't remember Prue from the previous book, so when I started reading she seemed very 'buttoned up' and a little snobbish.
Jasper is endearingly captivated but oblivious Before he even knows he likes her he points out to everyone that her hair and eyes are not brown. Her eyes are HAZEL and her hair is CARAMEL, and why is everyone so blind?
In the first half of the book, there were parts that dragged a little. While Jasper and Prue's interactions from Jasper's point of view are entertaining, I found Prue's reflections and conversations a little, well, boring at times. In the beginning of the book, I couldn't get a handle on her character.
I found Jasper extremely entertaining from the beginning. He is acerbic and witty, with a colourful turn of phrase. I particularly liked his summation of Stoneleigh's character. It must have been a lot of fun to write his scenes.
Seeing Prue through Jasper's eyes really made me warm to her and, as the story goes on, her strength and courage become more evident.
By the middle of the book I was hooked, especially when these two finally give in to their attraction.
Even if the pace didn't work for me, this was still a very enjoyable read.
I received an ARC of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
So, when I got the opportunity to read the next book, I jumped at the opportunity. This is a little bit of an enemies to lovers story, but he falls first so it's not really enemies to lovers, because although these two fight, they aren't really enemies. I must admit that I didn't remember Prue from the previous book, so when I started reading she seemed very 'buttoned up' and a little snobbish.
Jasper is endearingly captivated but oblivious Before he even knows he likes her he points out to everyone that her hair and eyes are not brown. Her eyes are HAZEL and her hair is CARAMEL, and why is everyone so blind?
In the first half of the book, there were parts that dragged a little. While Jasper and Prue's interactions from Jasper's point of view are entertaining, I found Prue's reflections and conversations a little, well, boring at times. In the beginning of the book, I couldn't get a handle on her character.
I found Jasper extremely entertaining from the beginning. He is acerbic and witty, with a colourful turn of phrase. I particularly liked his summation of Stoneleigh's character. It must have been a lot of fun to write his scenes.
Seeing Prue through Jasper's eyes really made me warm to her and, as the story goes on, her strength and courage become more evident.
By the middle of the book I was hooked, especially when these two finally give in to their attraction.
Even if the pace didn't work for me, this was still a very enjoyable read.
I received an ARC of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 1, 2024
Phew what a book.
We have Prue, daughter of a military man, well versed in shooting, boxing and riding. Her father lost a significant amount to the hero Jasper, that if called fully, will leave them in penury. She is considering marrying Stoneleigh a pompous idjit.
Jasper, rake personified. Rich, carousing and a little aimless. He just kicked out his last mistress Lady Archer (the villian). Also feels bad for wagering against Prues father and is thinking of forgiving the rest of the debt.
Story premise, Prue finds Jaspers compromising earrings. She blackmails him, I'll return the earrings, you cancel my father's debt. He's always planned to do it anyways, but does not give in to blackmail so he fights back. She's remorseful about blackmailing.
In comes Jaspers grandfather who has raised him and forces them into a marriage of convinience. He's a duke and has to produce heirs anyway. He offers her freedom to do what she wants and forgives the debt.
Working through the marriage and feelings is the next half of the book.
Jasper is in lust for his wife and is also developing feelings, but they are so new to him he does not know what to do.... he flounders very sweetly.
A few uncomfortable situations later, the h and H reconcile.
Loved these scenes
She sniffing the pillow on which he slept and then throwing it away in panic.
Him racing down the hill to rescue her when her horse goes a little wild.
She shooting his arse by mistake
Her friend looking at Jaspers naked pics.
Him trying to raze the door because wants her so badly.
Him kinda dueling the secondary villian.
We have Prue, daughter of a military man, well versed in shooting, boxing and riding. Her father lost a significant amount to the hero Jasper, that if called fully, will leave them in penury. She is considering marrying Stoneleigh a pompous idjit.
Jasper, rake personified. Rich, carousing and a little aimless. He just kicked out his last mistress Lady Archer (the villian). Also feels bad for wagering against Prues father and is thinking of forgiving the rest of the debt.
Story premise, Prue finds Jaspers compromising earrings. She blackmails him, I'll return the earrings, you cancel my father's debt. He's always planned to do it anyways, but does not give in to blackmail so he fights back. She's remorseful about blackmailing.
In comes Jaspers grandfather who has raised him and forces them into a marriage of convinience. He's a duke and has to produce heirs anyway. He offers her freedom to do what she wants and forgives the debt.
Working through the marriage and feelings is the next half of the book.
Jasper is in lust for his wife and is also developing feelings, but they are so new to him he does not know what to do.... he flounders very sweetly.
A few uncomfortable situations later, the h and H reconcile.
Loved these scenes
She sniffing the pillow on which he slept and then throwing it away in panic.
Him racing down the hill to rescue her when her horse goes a little wild.
She shooting his arse by mistake
Her friend looking at Jaspers naked pics.
Him trying to raze the door because wants her so badly.
Him kinda dueling the secondary villian.
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