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.

After spending the last two years making the ton forget his father’s merciless cruelty, Gilis Drew, Duke of Basingstoke, is ready to make his final move: his betrothal to Lady Susannah Stanhope. Not that he knows the girl, but their union will finally put a decade old scandal between their families to rest. A solid plan, until he drunkenly stumbles across and rescues the Lady with the dragonfly blue eyes…

A decade after her father’s death and nearly destitute, Lady Francesca Stanhope returns to London. Spending her Season on wallflower row being mocked by the ton isn’t the worst if it means she’ll finally get to reconnect with her dear cousin Susannah. But then Basingstoke goes and insults her publicly after rescuing her the night before. Hasn’t his family made her suffer enough?

The gossip sheets latch on, and the scandal causing her father’s death is revived. Unwilling to let gossip ruin his family once more, Giles launches a charm offensive. But the Lady just won’t cooperate. Fran is neither impressed, nor afraid to stand up to him. And the harder he tries, the more viscous the gossip gets.

📚 Both MCs are innocent victims of the same scandal, and overcoming it can only be achieved together. A fascinating game of tug-of-war between two strong and clever MCs. The chemistry!! A captivating battle of wills resulting in witty banter, secret admiration and undeniable attraction.
This was a delicious, funny and fast-paced read, with some wicked and unexpected twists! I loved it!
📚 Enemies to lovers, slow burn, marriage of convenience, steamy, open door, s3x in the mirror, cinnamon roll hero

Thank you to the author for this eARC! All opinions are entirely my own.

Looking to make a respectable marriage, Giles hopes to have the ton forget about his evil deceased father. Francesca, a penniless lady, goes to London to make her come out under the guidance of a friend of her sickly mother’s. She’s actually there to ask her uncle to give her some money since she and her mother are destitute. While Giles and Francesca feel an immediate attraction, neither of them were looking for love. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Books for my honest review

This is romantic, interesting and entertaining. I really liked the characters, not just the H/h, but the supporting characters also, they were relatable and captivating. The storyline was very captivating from start to finish, and I enjoyed it very much.

I'm sure there are lots of readers who find Anna Bradley to be an engaging writer. Unfortunately I'm not one of those readers. The blurb sounded interesting, but I just couldn't get into it. And this isn't the first attempt I've made at reading Bradley's work. It just doesn't pull me in.
Again, I wish I could have enjoyed this, but sadly, it didn't happen. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this arc, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.

This is the first book in a new series by Anna Bradley called Drop Dead Duke's. She introduces her 3 Dukes for the series in this book.
So we start with the Duke of Basingstoke, Giles. A Duke, who in the eyes of the ton, can do no wrong. Until of course everything goes wrong.
Enter Lady Francesca Stanhope. Daughter of an Earl who is now deceased. Her Uncle who is now the Earl, has banished her and her mother to the wilds of the country. But with the help of a family friend, she comes back to be sponsored for the season.
Their cute meet was what had me hooked from the start. Francesca is a strong determined young lady who will do anything to help her mother who is in poor health. That includes making a temporary truce with the son of a man who destroyed her family.
Giles doesn't understand why he can't get Francesca out of his mind. After all he is practically betrothed to her cousin. But it seems like since the day he met her his life has turned upside down.
I was drawn into this story right from the beginning. The characters were well developed. The only problem I had with this book was I just couldn't see Francesca getting involved with the man who's father killed her father. But by the middle of the book, somehow Giles went from being a spoiled brat to being a really good guy and the past history seemed to not matter. It became about the two of them in the present, leaving behind their past.
4⭐⭐⭐⭐

Francesca Stanhope is the daughter of an Earl. Her and her mother had to leave London and live in poverty when her father was killed in a duel defending her mother's reputation. Her uncle blames her mother for her father's death.
Ten years later, Francesca is sponsored by Lady Crump for her season. She is hoping to get some money from her uncle who is now the Earl, to help her ailing mother.
Giles, The Duke of Basingstroke is extremely handsome and wealthy. His father was the one responsible for Francesca's father's death.
Giles is hoping to marry Susannah, Francesca's cousin to heal the rift in the family, so his sisters can find husbands. When he sees Francesca at a ball, he makes some nasty comments about her dress that are in the paper the next day. He tries to fix things but ends up making then worse. He convinces Francesca to marry him after he realizes that he cares for her. After they marry, she thinks he only married her to prevent a further scandal.
This was an interesting, entertaining read, with a few plot twists. I am looking forward to the next one in the series.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and these are my opinions.

I will start by saying that I think Anna Bradley writes beautifully - there are lots of vivid scene descriptions, good pacing, and her stories pull you in. This particular book wasn't my favorite - I could not get past the very traumatic past between the Stanhope's and the Basingstoke's. I could not imagine Francesca (and her mother) being so willing to even be around Giles...not as a reflection on his character but just because of how difficult it would be as a reminder of their trauma. I think this is sort of glossed over and I wish it hadn't been such a horrible situation that made them outcasts. I liked Francesca quite a bit, I found her to be endearing and quite determined. Giles was much more difficult to like, and the scene with him and his mistresses at the beginning of the book really did nothing to build his character, as its never really even touched on ever again. He is made out to be the "good Duke" of the ton, that he has such good behavior because he wants to be the opposite of his father, but none of it really fit together. Overall, this kept me turning the page but there were some aspects that just didn't sit right with me, but I will always continue to read books by Anna Bradley. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to provide my honest review.

The heroine is plucky despite the fact that she and her mother have suffered a grave injustice. All that she wants is some support from her wicked uncle to help them out. On the way she encounters the Duke of Bassingstoke, the son of the wicked man who ruined her family’s lives. When gossip magazines start linking her and the Duke, gossip ensues forcing them to marry. Of course, the Duke has fallen in love with her after a few meetings because this is a romance book and that is what happens. Complications ensue and the heroine has to decide whether or not to forgive him.

There is a lot that is unbelievable here. First of all, the heroine is the daughter of an earl. When he is killed, she and her mother are thrown into abject poverty. Wouldn’t the loving father have set aside money for his beloved wife and daughter? Wouldn’t there have been marriage settlements to protect against just such a tragedy? And how did the evil duke get away with killing the father in a duel? Back then, even a duke would have had to leave the country for a while after having killed a fellow peer. These sort of plot conveniences that ignore the actual history really irritate me and distract from my enjoyment of the book.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

Francesca was cast away by her family when her father died, she's broke and has the attitude the match. Not easily impressed with the life of the ton, she takes part in her first season sponsored by a local friend who may love the wrong shade of pink.
She meets the Duke who is already betrothed to her younger cousin, and it's really their story of hating each other then getting married due to a scandal.
I think the story was ok, I really only liked the Duke after the marriage, you see much more of his personality. It feels like the author may have tried too hard to make it be part of the regency era. I was a little irked by some of the dialogue, but overall it was a quick and fun read.

I would like to thank netgalley and Kensington Books for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Enjoyable.

I liked this book; it's perfect for snuggling up in bed and devouring in one sitting. It's a quick read that keeps you hooked from start to finish. While it occasionally falls into the predictable patterns of typical historical romance, there's still plenty of charm and excitement in the cute love story with a dash of spice thrown in. Although I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I couldn't help but yearn for a little something extra. I can't quite put my finger on what precisely I desired, but perhaps I longed for that special spark to make it truly remarkable. Don't get me wrong, it's undoubtedly a good read, but my personal longing for something more left me feeling a tad unfulfilled.

This is a wonderful read where the woman is strong and courageous and doesn’t expect much from society, nor easily impressed by rank and wealth. The book also tells the story of a honorable man who is trying to right the wrongs of his father. Their interactions are witty and funny. Their journey towards each other is what makes this tale very engaging.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

FYI - The current descriptive blurb is seriously misleading about the plot for this book. Lady Francesca Stanhope comes to London to be sponsored for the season by a family friend. Her father an Earl, died in a duel ten years before and his brother upon taking his title leaves she and her mother poor and in the country. The supposedly diamond of the season is her cousin and she is betrothed to Giles Drew, the Duke of Basingstroke. Giles is adored by the ton as Dukes are. But he wants to put the scandal caused by his father behind him. In a very icky backstory his father assaulted Franny’s mother and then killed her father in a duel with no repercussions because he was a Duke. Giles doesn’t care about Franny’s cousin other than it will look good to the ton to have the scandal behind him.

I am new to author and I’m going to commend her for getting me to like this book when at least until the 60 percent mark I thought the Duke was an a$$. He is self serving and doesn’t care about anyone else's feelings or reputation but his own. Franny is lovely and dealing with things as best she can. When her uncle offers her incentive to pretend there isn’t a rift in their family she takes it knowing it will pay off bills and help her mother. I won’t go into the small and grand gestures the Duke does to gain Franny’s favor but cumulatively they work to win me over for the story.

This is the first in a new series from the author and I look forward to the next one. Thank you to Kensington Books, Zebra for the ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving a voluntary review.

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Anna Bradley is one of my go to authors for a reason. Give the Devil His Duke is the first book in a new series and it starts off strong.
Giles is to be married to the niece of the man his father's killed in a duel after ruining the man's wife. Only he encounters her cousin instead, Franny.
This is Franny's first season but she isn't in London to find a groom rather she wants the new earl, her uncle to answer for turning his back on her and her mother.
I love a when a MMC is desperately in love with FMC before even realizing it and works hard to earn her love.
I loved the growth in Giles. I appreciate how strong Franny is and how she isn't willing to settle.
5 stars

“Give the Devil His Duke” by Anna Bradley
Spicy Regency at its best !
I thoroughly enjoyed my time within this story. It was at once fun, yet at the same time ever so touching as to cause saline to over flow my eyes and wash my cheeks. If the story description tempted you as it did myself, then you most likely will be glad you chose this story to read. Happy Reading !!
Note: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this story via NetGalley.

I really enjoyed this book, it has a lot of what I like. A scandal from a previous generation, a neglected poor relation, a scheme to elope, all fun stuff. I really liked Francesca, she makes the best of things but is in a really tight spot. Nothing that happens in her life is really within her control, but she ultimately only really cares about doing right by her mother. I feel like "sick parent who needs care" can be a bit overdone, but it works here.

Giles is different than I expected- I do like him, and I think he changes for the better. He seems to take seriously his father's crimes and want to set things right. I usually think that deception really sours a character, but in his case, it makes sense. He cares for Francesca, he knows he messed up, and he wants to fix things as much as he can. He still did the wrong thing, but his heart is in the right place, and the result would have come out the same anyway.

Overall, this is a great beginning to a new series. Looking forward to the next one!

thank you netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

personally, I lean more towards giving this book 3.5 stars, but because it did have me wanting to go back to as soon as I put it down, I rounded it up on here :).

this book immediately starts with hijinks, as our main character, Franny, gets stuck on a fence when she's trying to get in contact with her cousin, and our love interest, Giles (barf) has to help untangle her. The barf is for the name Giles, there's nothing wrong with the character itself (not really, at least). From there on out, while they may try to stay away from each other, each on their own mission to save their families, they seemingly cannot escape each other on any occasion. It doesn't take all too long until they don't want to escape each other any longer.

The characters Franny and Giles are two people that should not get together, their families have entirely too much history. If I was Franny, I would have steered clear of Giles from the second I knew who he was. I wouldn't speak to him, I wouldn't look at him, I would not exist in his presence. <spoiler> like his father killed her father???? babe, why are you falling in love with him???? I could simply never, sorry </spoiler> But Franny is more accepting of his presence in her life and together they work out to be a pretty good couple, I must say. I liked the build-up to their relationship, and while I would have wanted there to be more happy times before the 'third act separation', I liked it enough to overlook it.

Overall, while this book may not have left me aching for more, I did want to get back to it asap (while at a festival so that's not nothing!) and I stayed up to read it, despite having an early morning the next day. I will definitely look out for future installments!

Give the Devil his Duke by Anna Bradley is a new book in a brand new series called Drop Dead Dukes. The book introduces us to a new group of best friends who are all part of the wealthy and titled. However Giles Drew, the Duke of Basingstoke is expected to marry and he has chosen to marry Susannah Stanhope. He feels that this will allow him to continue to regain his family’s position after his father did so much to destroy it.

However, Francesca (Susannah’s cousin) has come to London to get to her Uncle and beg for help. Francesca’s father was killed in a situation leaving Francesca and her mother penniless in a cottage in the country. Francesca has been offered a year to “marry well”. She met the Duke of Basingstoke, the son of the man that ruined her family.

Francesca and Giles are forced into some interesting situations and quite frankly are an awesome couple if they can just get out of their own heads and talk. What an interesting story line and great characters! Give the Devil his Duke by Anna Bradley is a good read.

The summary doesn't really describe the actual plot line. The beginning of the book was a bit of an odd way to start a romance novel. Francesca is a wonderful character, strong and resourceful and she really makes Giles work for it. The secondary characters were well portrayed. This author is a great writer and the words have great flow on the page. The dialogue between the characters is excellent. This is a funny, quick witted romance.

A pretty good start to the series and I am interested to see where she goes with the series from here.

I received an ARC of this book for free from Netgalley. I am writing this review voluntarily, it is my opinion.