After her father is killed in a duel, Lady Francesca Stanhope and her mother are banished to a cottage in the country and promptly forgotten by her Uncle. But with no money and her mother’s health failing, Franny decides enough is enough and accepts the offer of a London season by Lady Crump, not to find a husband, but to confront her Uncle. Unfortunately for her, she gets caught on a spike while scouting the house looking for her cousin Susannah and is saved by a very drunk Giles Drew, the Duke of Basingstoke and son of the man who killed her father.

Giles has come to see Lord Stanhope to ask permission to court his daughter Lady Susannah, who is the belle of the season. After the havoc his father created, Giles has tried hard to restore his family’s reputation, but that doesn’t mean that he is a saint, far from it, but he keeps his deeds quiet, but since his sisters are ready to come out, he has decided that he should marry to add another layer of respectability to their name. But his plans go awry and he finds himself married to Franny instead. And for the first time in his life, he is confronted with a woman who doesn’t fall at his feet which is intriguing, but a lot is keeping them from HEA. Will they find their way to HEA or are they doomed to a loveless marriage?

I wanted to love this book, but the past between their parents and a graphic love scene early in the book featuring Giles with 3 lovers in bed just ruined this book for me. And if that is not enough he then goes on to be a jerk to Franny. Towards the end of the book, he somewhat redeems himself but without the aid of a third party, I don’t think these two would have found their HEA and quite honestly, I am not convinced that their love is the “happy ever after” type – It felt more like happy now. This is a shame because, I thought the writing was very good, but I just didn’t like Giles and never got over the ménage à yuck scene, so this book was not for me, but if that sort of thing doesn’t bother you, you might love this book. Even though I didn’t love this story I will definitely be looking forward to the next book.

2.5 stars, rounded up to 3 stars

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

A fun and entertaining read by one of my favorite authors. Looks like a new series by Ms Bradley which will be a hit. She writes a witty and smoldering book which had me at first chapter and never let go. The characters were fully developed with thoughts of their own.
Giles the Duke of Basingstoke, is trying to be a good person and not be like is deceased father was when he was alive. He wants to live a scandal free life and has found a woman who will help him achieve it. The perfect woman will be the Suzannah Stanhope who is the Diamond of first water.
Giles meets a woman he thinks is the Stanhope daughter he wants to wed. But the woman he meets is the cousin Francesca Stanhope who was stuck on a fence at night and helped her get released. Then there is a ball with Franny attending and Giles sees the difference. Lots of misunderstandings, a quirky butler and a peeping "Thomasina".
I felt that Giles and Franny went through a lot of angst to have their happy ever after.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

Give the Devil His Duke is the first book in the Drop Dead Dukes series and is the first book I have read by the writer.

Giles, the Duke of Basingstoke was born believing himself to be God's gift to all. Never having heard the word "no" he does as he pleases. In spite of that he forever lives under the cloud of his father. Trying to put that aside but still lurking in the shadows of his thoughts. Giles has tried hard to remove the stench of his father's decades of conduct. He has agreed to marry Lady Susannah Stanhope in the effort to repair and remove the wrongs his father took upon this family. He believes this will finally set things to rights.

Lady Francesca Stanhope has arrived for her season in London. She is determined to make the most of her time here. She is not looking to match herself but to appeal to her uncle to save her and her mother from the losses caused by the previous Duke of Basingstoke. Each time she appears and asks to be seen by her aunt she is refused entry. Francesca is determined to be seen.

Preparing for her first ball, she is trying on one of the many pink gowns loaned to her. Never has she ever seen so many gowns in such a loud atrocious pink. But not having the funds to purchased new ones she agrees to wear them, but secretly hoping to alter them. Once at the ball Francesca overhears a man ridiculing her gown stating loudly for his friends to hear, "She looks like a radish unearthed from some tragic patch of country mud" thoroughly embarrassed by these remarks, she leaves. His remarks appear in the gossip sheets the next day and he feels remorse at having been caught speaking aloud. He endeavors to fix this then next time they meet.

At the next nights ball, Giles approaches Francesca and asks her to dance, but she refuses in front of all who have attended and removes herself to the ladies retiring room. Giles is stunned, having never been refused ever, it becomes all he can think about. His remarks again hit the scandal sheets.

Francesca visits her uncle the next day and forces him to pay her 10,000 pounds and she will leave the next day. Her uncle however demands she attend the next ball and repair the damage done to Susannah's betrothed if she wants to be paid. That becomes harder than she thought it would be since Giles keeps sticking his foot in his mouth. But Francesca agrees to dance with Giles and again becomes the topic of scandal in the next day's gossip rags.

Francesca and Giles relationship is rocky at best but hugely entertaining as Francesca frequently puts Giles in his place. Watching them try to work things out but failing miserably was comical. The characters are wonderfully written with strong personalities,

Francesca is a wonderful heroine. She is strong and resourceful because she has had to be due to the fall from grace of her parents. Giles has done his best to restore his family's name and he does not hesitate to do the right thing for Francesca when it was needed.

This is a thoroughly entertaining and steamy romance. I look forward to the remainder of the series.

This was the first book that I have read by this author and I was hooked from the start. It kept my attention and I had to keep reading to see what was going to happen. Giles and Frannie's story is a fun read. The story has twists and turns that will have you guessing on who is doing the wrongs and you will guess wrong. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley and leaving a review by my own accord.

I admittedly waited a bit on reading this book after reading some of the other reviews, but once I finally picked it up, I enjoyed it more than I expected. It is unlikely to be re-read, though, unlike the books in Bradley's prior Swooning Virgins series,

FMC Franny is the daughter of an earl who was killed in a duel over his wife. MMC Giles is the son of the man who killed Franny's father. Franny and her mother have been left to languish in extreme poverty by Franny's uncle and the current earl. When an old family friend offers to sponsor Franny for a season, Franny takes the opportunity to come to town and confront her uncle.

As the book opens, Giles is essentially betrothed to Franny's cousin Susannah. He is trying to overcome the scandals of his father and wants to heal the rift between the families. An unexpected encounter with Franny, however, threatens all of his plans.

I really like Franny - she is smart, strong, and resilient, She doesn't take the easy way out. Giles, on the other hand, has few redeeming qualities even as the book progresses. He of course doesn't marry Susannah but not because of his own actions or decisions. His actions towards Franny are continually dictated by his focus on his own needs and desires and the relationship feels very one-sided. He is the main detractor from my full enjoyment of the story.

Still, Bradley is a good writer and I will still likely pick up other books in this series. Solid 3 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

He's disappointing.

I really enjoyed the last series, so I was happy to try this new series. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed in Giles, the duke. We spend a whole chapter on him and his three lady conquests in great detail as they have a foursome that he is bored with. This is after he has already met Franny, the heroine, who is smart and funny and did not deerve someone who probably has an STI, as he did finish inside Lady Caroline.
He lacks growth, and character development and is lackluster at best. I do enjoy Anna's writing, so I will just chalk this up to a miss for me.

Lady Francesca Stanhope, her mother Lady Maria, live in a small cottage in Ashwell Herefordshire. Having been shunned by the ton and family for something they did not deserve. Lady Crump a friend who had not abandoned them offered to sponsor Francesca, or Franny to family, for the season in place of her niece who eloped.

Lady Susannah Stanhope, cousin and friend to Franny. Lord Edward and wife Lady Edith are egotistical, selfish, and mean spirited. Neither would acknowledge or help Franny and her mother, being it was shame and scandal that attached to them.

Judith Drew was the widow of the Seventh Duke of Basingstoke, who caused the scandal to her friend. Now is taking her daughter Lady Diana for her first season and is hopeful that it will remain scandal free as Giles had worked so hard to put they past one to rest.

Giles Frederick Charles Alexander Drew, the Eighth Duke of Basingstoke, nicknamed as Helios by the ton for his looks and charm. His friends, Maxwell Burke, the Duke of Grantham,and Jasper St. Vincent , the Duke of Montford. The three darling dukes of the ton. Giles has worked the last two years to prove he is nothing like his vile debauched father, to put to rest any association to scandal, and repair as much of the damage his father rot. So the last order is to put the scandal with the Stanhope family to rest. He therefore arranges to marry Lady Susannah and prove no animosity is between the families.

Montford and Grantham think it is sound but do not want anything to do with getting married. They are loyal, kind, true friends. They agree to help make sure Lady Diana has a good season and dances even if it is with them.

We start with sneaking, A pike, A garden, and a hope for help. Lady Francesca just want to speak with her Uncle to get help for her mother so agrees to Lady Crump's sponsorship. However, not have the wardrobe required she is gracious enough to wear the gown meant for the niece that eloped. All of which are a vibrant shocking dark pink. This sets the ton to wagging and in Franny's mind gives her plan a boost.

When Giles first realizes his mysterious lady is NOT his betrothed, he is curious. Who could she be as they have the same dark hair and bright blue eyes. That is where the similarities end, one is mild and meek the old is bold and sharp tongued.

Come join the season with dancing and drama as you watch it unfold to claim the next victims to their whim. Is more scandal in the making and to whom is it directed? Does Giles and Susannah get their wedding? Does Franny get her audience with her uncle? Does he help them? What does the ton think of the pink gowns?

So much fun and sarcastic banter abound! Giles gets what he deserves and it is so much fun watch it happen. While we all love a good love story this is much more. The dynamics of family, drama of the ton, and revenge that is justified delivered in a way that just makes it so sweet. You will not be able to put this story down. It is like a craving to find out what will happen next and how will it turn out.

3.5 Stars
Giles Drew, the Duke of Basingstoke, is everything a proper aristocrat ought to be but then a notorious scandal sheet publishes details of Giles’s questionable bedroom antics, only one bride can salvage his reputation. Prim and penniless, Lady Francesca Stanhope has resigned herself to a season full of the ton’s snickering until the Duke of Basingstoke’s dizzying courtship transforms her fate. Yet wedded bliss quickly turns into a clash of wills as Franny realizes her handsome duke is a devil in disguise.
The start of a new series & another very well written book with strong characters & a well paced story. There’s lots of backstory to the two families & not much of it good. I loved Franny who was strong & rose above the adversities thrown at her. I had difficulty liking Giles to begin with as he seemed like a chip off the block, however the more I read I gradually came to like him. I did have difficulty understanding how Franny could be drawn to him after all his father had done to her parents. I know the father’s sins are not the sons but I would have avoided him like the plague. So I'm a bit on the fence maybe it's an age thing
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Anna Bradley is off to a great start in the ‘Drop Dead Dukes’ series. I thoroughly enjoyed this romance with two strong characters. When Francesca Stanhope arrives in London, with little money but determined to address her family’s ill-treatment by her uncle, she finds herself embroiled in scandal, without even being aware of it. It appears that the Duke of Basingstoke, who is desperate to be the proper aristocrat, is more than aware that the scandal involves him and Francesca is the only one who can save him. Yet after a whirlwind courtship and marriage, Francesca discovers the truth behind the proposal, leads her to wonder of their future.
I so loved the tension between this couple and Francesca’s cutting remarks to Giles, which shows her lack of pretension. She endures pink dresses to appease her sponsor, Lady Crump and tolerates the ton events, to facilitate her plans in confronting her uncle. I also enjoyed the transformation in Giles from that of a bored peer, to someone who loves another, such that he seeks to make Francesca’s life a happy one, even when their future seems dim. Throw in an air of mystery, and this book had me captivated.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was on the fence about this one – 3 or 4. I went with 4 since I do love Anna’s writing style. She is witty and the dialog is superb. What I really loved about this book was Francesca. She is whip smart, caring, independent, and outspoken. I really was not sure if I was ever going to like Giles. I really did not like him throughout most of the story. He does nothing, he thinks his poop doesn’t stink and he is so arrogant. How could he ever redeem himself. While he did grovel, it was not enough for me. I felt he should have groveled a good bit more.

I am looking forward to his friends’ stories.

Give the devil his Duke is the first volume in the Drop, dead Dukes new series by Anna Bradley. For now, I don’t know how many books there will be, but I can say that there are two more Dukes. The second book, Damned if I Duke, will hit the shelves next year and I have a theory about our third’s heroine. We’ll wait and see.

Give the devil his Duke is not my first attempt with Anna Bradley. I already read the Swooning virgins society series – except the last volume – and I really liked the books. That’s why I wanted to read this one, plus the synopsis was very interesting.
Unfortunately, first, I was very quickly disappointed by the hero, then I didn’t like something else in the story.

The book tells the story of Francesca Stanhope and Giles Drew, the Duke of Basingstoke. When the story begins, they don’t know each other but they share a painful past together because of Giles’ father. For that matter, Giles gets acquainted with the Stanhopes in order to make amends for his father’s sins.

I liked Francesca a lot. She knows what she is expecting from this Season and doesn’t hesitate to confront people when necessary. I also liked that she doesn’t take the easy option when it’s offered to her.

Howere, Giles is another story. I was diappointed at the beginning but as I read the story, I came to not like him at all. Despite his evolution and his awarenesses, I couldn’t go over my first feeling.
I didn’t like the scene in the third chapter when he indulges in the bodies pleasures even though he has already met the heroine. Plus, this behavior is not due to his affection for the women but only because he’s used to it. Also, as much as I liked the reason why he became acquainted with the Stanhopes, I didn’t approve his reaction when he understands some things after having talked with the heroine. It should have make him take other decisions.
On the other hand, I know he was torn between the decision he has already taken and his feelings for Francesca. However, and that is why I couldn’t like the story a lot : I don’t like it when the HEA is only due to the intervention of a secondary character. I love when the heroes are determined and take their decisions despite the consequences.

The synopsis doesn’t tell a lot about the plot, so I prefer not to tell more and let readers find out about it.
As for me, I don’t know yet if I will read the other books in the series. Fortunately, I have some time before the second book’s release.

This is the first book of the Drop Dead Dukes series by Anna Bradley so that means it's a good time to pick it up and dive into something new. I enjoy Anna Bradley's other books so I figured I would enjoy this one as well. Bradley writes a solid story and enjoyable characters.

In this book, our main characters are Francesca and Giles. Their families have a history and I don't want to reveal anything that could ruin the story for you but just know that it's a pretty big deal and plays a role in prompting Giles to build a relationship with the Stanhope family so he can address the stains his father has left on the family reputation. Giles' plan is to marry Susannah Stanhope, Francesca's cousin, but on the night he commits to this, he has a run in with Francesca and can't stop thinking about her.

Francesca and her mother have been relegated to the country for the last 10 years and things are getting a bit dire. Because of that, she agrees to go to London in the hopes she can influence her uncle to help her and her mother out. When at a ball, Giles makes a statement that gets leaked to the gossip pages, Giles is put in a position where he has to build a relationship with the whole Stanhope family and that includes pushing Francesca to support the match with Susannah and showing that support in public.

Just a things are to be made official, things take a turn and Giles and Francesca find themselves married shortly after. Of course, this isn't the end of the story. There's a bit more angst to get through as they figure out how they truly feel for each other but overall I enjoyed this one. I'll definitely be checking out the next book in the series as I do enjoy Bradley's books. If you're looking for a new historical romance to pick up, consider this one.

Give the Devil His Duke is a story in which our MC's are people whose lives have been greatly affected by a scandal involving their parents; however, their circumstances are completely different. Giles is a wealthy Duke who is the darling of society and Francesca, and her mother, live in abject poverty. Their Enemies to Lovers story is witty and charming. There is a reasonable amount of angst, and Giles' transition is delightful. A fun read.

I received an ARC for free, but I give my honest opinion voluntarily.

Hot Regency Read!

I loved everything about this storyline. An arrogant Duke who thought everyone should fall at his feet worshipping him until he met Fanny.

Fanny an outcast by her own family, had come to London for a reason. Yes she gave Giles the wrong impression but it was his own fault, his arrogance was outstanding!

A hot sizzling steamy read full of wonderful characters with an engaging storyline and lots of fun witty moments which will make you laugh out loud.

This fun Cat and Mouse, enemies to lovers romance will keep you entertained well into the evening. Giles had a lesson to learn, not everyone was as eager to agree to his plans and Fanny was just the woman to do it!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved both of the characters in this story as well as the Cinderella storyline. The secondary characters added a lot to the story and I believe we also know who/what the next book will be about.

Giles Drew, the Duke of Basingstoke along with his friends Maxwell Burke, the Duke of Granham and Jasper St. Vincent, the Duke of Montford are dreading the new season in the ton. Giles knows that it is time to take a wife and decides on Lady Susannah Stanhope. When Giles stumbles upon a lady stuck on the fence at the Stanhope house, he assumes it is Susannah and has an instant connection with her. Later he finds out she is actually Susannah's cousin, Lady Francesca "Franny" Stanhope. As Giles continues through each ton festivities, he finds himself more drawn to Franny than his betrothed, especially after he sees the way Franny's uncle Edward treats her. After all it would be wrong for him to court the daughter of the lady whose husband Giles' father had murdered in a duel. But fate has a way about things and next thing Giles knows is that his betrothed is gone and now he has free rein to convince Franny that they belong together.

Giles realizes that Franny has gone back to the country and decides to follow her there. Once he sees what her life is really like, he will do everything in his power to make her his. Once he finally gets Franny to agree to marry him, he does it quickly before she changes her mind. Everything is going wonderful, especially their wedding night, until ugly secrets come crashing in. Now Giles finds himself having to win his wife all over again. Once the dust finally settles, Giles and Franny finally get the happy ending they both deserve.

I really loved this bad boy Duke / good girl Lady story. Franny was such a spitfire. I loved how she spoke her mind and didn't care that Giles was a duke. She didn't even seem to mind all the past history between their families. She knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to ask. I really enjoyed Giles too. He was a reluctant duke, not wanting to get married but once he found the right woman, all bets were off. Together these two had such a fun journey where I found myself laughing out loud at times. Overall this was a great start to a new series.

Pink outfits, red hair, and a London season!

Lady Francesca Stanhope has come to London to save her mother. Her mother had been embroiled a scandal years before. Consequently Franny’s father had been killed in a duel. Her father’s viscous brother, her uncle, Lord Edward Stanhope became the Earl, and had promptly thrown them out of the family home, giving them no assistance, and they’d had to make their way in a damp, cramped, country cottage.
Her mother’s health is failing and Franny consents to a season with the kindly Lady Crump who lives a step away from her uncle. Franny sees this as an opportunity to throw herself on her uncle’s mercy and ask for assistance for her mother. BTW Lady Crump has a wardrobe of pink ball dresses recently made but never worn because her niece Dorothea married and not had her London season. So the dresses will be used by Francesca. Francesca of the red hair will endure the pink dresses if it gives her a chance to approach her uncle.
Of course nothing goes to plan, including a run in with the deplorable yet blindingly handsome Giles, Duke of Basingstoke, whose father was the engineer of all the Stanhope family woes. Oh, and who it seems is becoming engaged to Fanny’s cousin Susannah.
Then there’s interesting factor of Giles discovering a Peeping Thom, sorry Peeping Thomasina in his garden. Mmm!
A rapidly moving and lively story with wit, rancour and romance.

A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”REVIEW 3 (GIVE THE DEVIL HIS DUKE)
I did not like this book. The storyline was okay, but I just didn't like the characters, especially the MMC, Giles. In his first appearance, he slept with three women at once(don't ask me how he did it, I was flabbergasted too). He already had someone he wished to be betrothed to, but he was still sleeping around. It really annoyed me, and it set the tone for the rest of the book.
👫🏼👫🏼
Secondly, one of the recurring issues in this book was how Giles' father 'seduced' Francesca's mother(Maria) and all of the fault was heaped on Giles' father. I even thought Maria was raped to warrant all the animosity towards Giles' father, but it wasn't mentioned. So, Maria had an affair with Giles' father, she was married with a child, and I do not understand how a human being with independent thoughts can be 'seduced'. I just felt like the blame should have been 50/50. They were both consenting adults. She was not a victim, the only victims were the rest of the family.
👫🏼👫🏼
The only thing I really liked was the witty banter
👫🏼👫🏼
However, I was still able to finish the book and gave it a 3 star. If you're a fan of Historical Romance, you might like it better than I did.

Thanks to Kensington Books, Netgalley and the author for an ARC of this book. I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily.

This is an absolutely smashing read by one of my favourite historical romance authors. Francesca and Giles have a rocky road to love, with plenty of banter and spice it's the perfect swoony read and just what I was in the mood for.

I particularly enjoyed Giles' transformation from an egotistical rake to a smitten duke in lust and then love with Francesca, Francesca is a formidable heroine, intelligent and headstrong without being irrational. She has plenty of bias to get past before she can trust Giles and reason not to.

But he proves himself in the end, becoming the reformed rake that we all enjoy reading about.

You won't be disappointed by this new series and I, for one, can't wait for the next one.

Barbara’s rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars

Hang onto your hats because this review is going to look like an Etch-A-Sketch drawing. Sorry about that. However, that is how I feel about the book – I’m all over the place – I love parts of it, I like parts of it, I dislike parts of it, and I disliked one part of it almost enough to put it down and not read the rest. Through all of those likes and dislikes though, the writing was excellent, the timing and delivery were well done, and there was a lovely epilogue. So, if you don’t object to any of the things I objected to, you’ll probably think this is a 5-star read.

Through what was dropped throughout the story you will learn; the Drews and the Stanhopes have a history. The previous Duke of Basingstoke was a villain of the first order and it sounds to me like he assaulted Francesca’s mother. The word that is used in the book is seduced, but it didn’t sound to me as if she had any choice. Then, when Francesca’s father challenged the duke to a duel – the duke killed him. Now, I don’t believe the father's sins should be visited upon the child – but I do believe it would take more than a cursory glance at the son to forgive and forget all of the pain and suffering caused by the previous duke. Especially when you don’t really know whether the current duke is a chip off the old block or not.

Lady Francesca Stanhope was a happy child, living in a happy home with a father who doted on her and a mother who loved her – until she wasn’t. Ten years ago, her father, an earl, was killed in a duel and her cruel uncle banished Franny and her mother to a dilapidated Herefordshire cottage where they had to grub in the dirt to grow enough to eat. Her mother’s health is deteriorating rapidly and Franny knows she has to find funds somewhere to get her mother away from the damp and cold. Perhaps if she could just meet with her uncle – reason with him – maybe he’d fund them. *** and pigs can fly ***

Giles Drew, the Duke of Basingstoke, has been doing his very best to rehabilitate his family name from all of the damage caused by his father. Although he isn’t a saint behind closed doors, the ton believes he is the golden child and can do no wrong. With his sisters soon making their debuts, he has to continue rehabilitating the family's reputation. One way to do that is to marry the new earl’s daughter, Susannah.

I did finally come to like Giles, but it wasn’t until the latter portion of the book. Before that, I spent my time trying to figure out if Giles suffered from hubris, arrogance, or obliviousness – or all three. I will say, that part did lend a bit of humor to the tale because Giles had no clue that anyone could or would ever say ‘no’ to him. Nobody ever had. Everyone always wanted to do whatever he asked – they always wanted to listen when he spoke – everyone always liked him – until Franny gave him his first tongue-lashing and told him no. Then, he was totally perplexed.

I liked Franny from the beginning. She wanted to help her mother and was willing to endure a trip to London and confront her Uncle Edward to do it. Whatever it took, she was willing to do. Just when she thinks she has managed to pull it all off, disaster strikes.

I did enjoy the read, and I think you probably will as well. The writing is excellent as is the delivery, but the ménage à 'however-many' in the third chapter could have been left out as it added nothing to the story and portrayed Giles in a very poor light. It would have also been nice to know why Francesca’s father didn’t provide for them in his will – or from the marriage settlements.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.