This is the story of Prudence Thorne and Jasper St. Vincent, Duke of Montford, her nemesis. Pru is furious that Jasper took advantage of her father in a card game. When she finds something that he wants to stay private, she seizes the opportunity to convince him to forgive what’s left of her father’s debt – blackmail. He refuses her. Then he changes his mind. Trying to make things right isn’t easy, but it is amusing. Their interactions impress his grandfather who believes Pru is the perfect duchess for Jasper. The path to true love is not always easy. Can Jasper handle this unconventional, independent woman? Maybe. This is a wonderfully entertaining story with great characters. There is snarky banter, attempted blackmail, a slightly crazy ex-mistress, a match-making grandfather, and a heroine who shoots the hero in the rear-end. This is an enemies-to-lovers story with lots of fun, an interesting romance, and a happy ending.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

In the book, Damned if I Duke by Anna Bradley, Jasper Vincent, the Duke of Montford, is happy with the life he is leading, which is a careless life that his grandfather, Colonel Kingstone, disapproves of. His grandfather has been taking care of him since his parents passed away at an early age, and he's very fond of him regardless of his ways. After he tries to get rid of his ugly past, one of the sins of his past catches up with him when the daughter of a man he had tricked into gambling, and lost more than he had bargained for, namely prudence Thorne, appears in his life. According to her, she was trying to find a solution to redeem her father and get back what they had lost. After several unpleasant encounters between them, Jasper realizes that prudence despises him, but his grandfather thinks otherwise. In prudence, Colonel King Stone sees the next Duchess of Montford. Furthermore, he thinks that prudence will be the answer he has been looking for to make the Duke of Montford a better man. Reading the book Damned if I Duke by Anna Bradley will answer the question as to whether Colonel Kingstone's prayer will be answered and whether love will blossom after all.

What I like most about the book is the sense of humor; the characters' thoughts, as explained by the author, are the most hilarious. It's incredible how humans can think of one thing and say another. The book offers an enjoyable reading experience, especially when reading the conversations. It's also a book with a lesson that love can soften the hearts of even the most powerful, which is a good thing.

I rate this book, Damned if I Duke, by Anna Bradley, 5 out of 5 stars.

I recommend this book, to those readers who love historical fiction, especially about dukes and their way of life. I also recommend it to those who love books with a good sense of humor. It's an excellent book to read when readers want to lift their spirits after a long day.

Prudence tries to extort Jasper, Duke of Montford, into forgiving her father’s gambling debts. When their plans backfire, Jasper’s grandfather pressures them into marriage. As they clash and ignite an unexpected passion, Jasper wonders if it’s too late to win the heart of his unconventional wife.

I love the characters in this book. The chemistry between Prue and Jasper is combustible. The story is engrossing and fun, the kind you stay up all night to finish. The audiobook narration was entertaining.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, steamy and kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

In 2015 I was in a bookstore and spotted a book cover with a handsome man.. I picked it up, read the back cover and liked what I read. Turns out it was the first book Anna Bradley published and I've been a fan ever since. Damned if I duke gets a 5-star rating which is very rare for me.

I couldn't put this book down, I read until I nodded off. I love Jasper & Pru, like in an old movie they have the wittiest funniest repartee. Jasper turns out to be the really funny one. The plot kept my attention and ended on such a good note. The HEA has such promise for this couple's future. Jasper gets a rude awakening when he finally falls in love; the man loses his head and runs around like his hair is on fire. I just love a rake who swears he'll never marry because when he's hit by lightning it's always fun. Pru keeps her head better and her fall into love is quicker and easier. She's such a nice girl that when she got her feelings hurt I was not happy even though I knew it needed to happen for the story. You'll enjoy Jasper's grandfather, he's gruff, well-meaning and funny. Now I'm in a holding pattern waiting on the last bachelor to have his story told. The I told you so from the first two should be worth the read.

#AnnaBradley #DamnedifIDuke #DropDeadDukes #Netgalley #ZebraBooks #historicalromance

Damned if I Duke by Anna Bradley is book 2 of the Drop Dead Dukes series and while it is a book two, I do think you could read this as a standalone. Characters from the first book are mentioned but I don't think you miss anything if you just jump right to this one. One thing I didn't love was the cover. For some reason this one didn't really do anything for me but if you feel the same, don't let it deter you from picking this up.

Prudence Thorne is the fmc of this book and she is positive that Jasper Vincent, the Duke of Montford, conned her father into racking up some pretty big gambling debts during her first season and now that her father is paying it off by bankrupting her family, Prue is determined to do whatever it takes to save them - this will most likely be an unwanted marriage. While staying with her good friend while in town, Prue crosses paths with Jasper and when she goes back to the study they encountered each other in the previous evening, she finds something of Jasper's that she believes will be of use to her and decides to blackmail him.

Jasper is our mmc and he is truly surprised when Prue comes to him and tries to blackmail him. Never mind that his grandfather has decided that she is the perfect woman for Jasper, he has no intention of marrying just yet even if he is drawn to Prue.

I loved how Prue and Jasper’s relationship developed. She didn’t trust him and he couldn’t believe her audacity but they were both drawn to each other despite their history and it was well done.

This is a definite enemies to lovers trope so if you’re looking for a new historical romance that fits that, consider picking this one up. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. Bradley’s books are enjoyable and the fact that they are fairly quick reads makes them even better as we get right to the story.

Jasper is.....

No leading man. He's way more vapid villain than hero. Jasper is an entitled duke (probably with multiple STI's) and has chosen poorly in his mistresses. We meet him and one of his many mistresses in the beginning of the book, gambling over ruby earrings. She's a viper, he's just horrible.

Prue is the daughter of an honorable man who lost 1500 pounds to Jasper. They are beggaring themselves to repay that debt that Jasper (oh, I'm a duke) forgot to cancel, so he's takes the money and shrugs.

Prue really did deserve a better man than Jasper. I saw no real redemption or changing of his behavior through the course of the book. A miss for me.

Marriage of convenience is one of my FAVORITE tropes, and this gave me exactly what I wanted!! Pining, banter, fiesty FMC/rake MMC, HEA. Definitely recommend to anyone looking to fill the Bridgerton void until season 3 comes out :)

3.5 Stars
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, Prue and Jasper torment and tempt each other beyond reason.
The second book in the series but it could easily be read on its own. I grew to like both Prue & Jasper but didn’t love them & in the beginning didn’t like them. I felt they weren’t redeemed enough & I found the chemistry wasn’t there. I did enjoy the banter between them & enjoyed their journey to a HEA but it wasn’t an enthralling, engrossing romance for me. So a bit of a disappointment as I usually love the author’s books
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

“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.)

This was a very good book by one of my favorite authors. Ms Bradley writes a winner from the get go.
The characters were fully developed with thoughts and feelings of their own. Even though this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone.
Jasper, the Duke of Monfort is a totally scandalous man who gets into trouble with his ex mistress who getting grasping. She has some jewels that he wants back but getting them is reason to not let his grandfather know. He does has a conscience and doesn't need to cause a scandal. When he wins the jewels back, he celebrates by getting drunk and arriving at the home of Giles, the Duke of Basingstoke. It seems he forgot his dinner engagement there and gets in to a heated argument with Miss Prudence Thorne. She is upset with this haughty Duke who (she says) took advantage of her father's loss at cards. They are going to be homeless pretty soon if they don't come up with the money.
Prue and Jasper have a distrust of each other. She thinks he's a rake of the first order and he thinks she is just like previous scheming women in his life.
There is also an attraction between them that burns slow and eventually gets hot.
I like a romance that means more when the two people find out what makes each tick and turns to love.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

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.

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)

Love this series addition. Turns out the Duke of Montford discovers his forever happiness. I love that Prudence isn't forced to save her family by marrying the Duke. Their love story is romantic, emotional, with some steam, humorous and tense moments. I love that she isn't practical or subdued but bold and adventurous which challenges him, drives him to distraction and opens his heart to a love neither expected. Love it, read nonstop!

I loved the entire premise of the story. Loved that Prudence already had negative feelings for Jasper, the Duke of Montford, prior to meeting him again at her best friend’s home. They don’t like each other- Jasper won money off her father that he couldn’t afford to lose and Prue is resentful of having their home in jeopardy because her father is unable to recover his loss. Jasper suspects that Prue is in town looking for a husband and when he finds out who it is, he does not think he is the right match for her. What follows their meeting again is a series of events that allow them to get closer to each other - their interactions are funny, at times sensual but very emotional and thought provoking. I am looking forward to the next installment of the Drop dead Dukes series.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Damned if I Duke is the 2nd book in tbe Drop Dead Dukes series, but can easily be read as a standalone. It's an entertaining read with witty dialogue, a hint of suspense and two sub-plots effecting Prue and Jasper's road to wedded bliss. I would have liked an epilogue where Prue confronts her nemesis and stands strong against the ton's machinations, but maybe that'll happen in the next story to come.

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

Rated 3.5 Stars

Damned If I Duke was an enjoyable and amusing read. It was funny and had likeable characters, both main and secondary. It was also a bit slow and some parts boring but I loved the author's writing style, voice and turn of phrase. Some of her descriptions were breathtaking and amazing. I definitely look forward to reading more of her work.

This was a good historical romance with great characters and an interesting plot!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

This book has a very broad appeal. The enemies-to-lovers and marriage of convenience tropes are there. Best friends, a meddling elderly relative and an evil-ex are there as well. The relationship of Jasper and Prue started out badly. However, even when they had conflict, the scenes were frequently quite humorous.
Prudence was her father's only child, and she was raised like a boy. She excelled at masculine hobbies and didn't know very much about traditional female pursuits. That being said, her character was surprisingly free of the modern concepts that tend to ruin many HR novels these days. Jasper, who had lost his parents when he was young, felt like he was a great disappointment to his grandfather. Society saw him as a rake and a scoundrel. He wanted to be a better man, but he didn't know how to go about it.
Prue and Jasper butted heads constantly and it was delightful. Eventually, both of them realized that their hearts were engaged. Unfortunately, this didn't happen until their marriage was at a point of crisis. I actually cried my way through the last few chapters. The ending of the story was very satisfying and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.