An enjoyable enemies-to-lovers historical romance! I loved the growing tension between Jasper and Prue - both the emotional and sexual tension. I'm an Anna Bradley fan - and this one did not disappoint me!

A delightful story of a marriage of convenience. I loved the characters and their banter. Great beach read.
Many thanks to Kensington and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

**Review of "Damned If I Duke" by Anna Bradley**

"Damned If I Duke" by Anna Bradley is the second in the Drop Dead Dukes series and focuses on Prudence Thorne and Jasper St. Vincent, the Duke of Montford, delivering a story rich in intrigue and emotion.

Following from the end of the first novel, the story opens with Prudence’s life in turmoil after her father’s reckless gambling losses leave her family in dire financial straits. Desperate to save her family from ruin, Prudence devises a bold plan to confront Jasper, demanding he forgives her father’s debts. Jasper, however, is not easily swayed, and their encounter sets off a series of events that force them into a reluctant partnership.

As Prudence and Jasper navigate their precarious arrangement, they find themselves drawn to each other despite their initial animosity. Prudence is determined to protect her family, while Jasper is a complex and brooding duke, struggling with his own past and responsibilities. Their dynamic is both fiery and tender, with moments of humor and deep connection.

The plot thickens with elements of suspense as Prudence and Jasper uncover hidden threats and long-buried secrets that challenge their growing bond. The tension between societal expectations and personal desires adds depth to their relationship, making their journey toward love and redemption all the more compelling.

Anna Bradley’s storytelling is balanced, angsty and I am eagerly anticipating the next book in the series, The Duke's Christmas Bride!

This was a pretty classic enemies-to-lovers book. Good characters, somewhat silly story line, but a fun read for relaxing and a laugh.

This book was a fun romance to read. Love Prudence’s and Jasper's story. Hope there will be more. :)

Damned if I Duke by Anna Bradley
Drop Dead Dukes #2

Plucky Prudence and Jaded Jasper have an enemies to lovers romance to tackle in book two of this series.

What I liked:
* Prudence Thorne: strong, intelligent, horsewoman, markswoman, loving daughter, forthright, independent, doesn’t give a fig about the ton and gossip, seeking a husband to help pay off her father’s gambling debt, would be a good friend
* Jasper Vincent, Duke of Montford: rake, hedonist, orphaned early, raised by his grandfather, gets into scrapes often, seems a bit closed minded, doesn’t want to marry, doesn’t get along with Prue, for some reason ends up in a marriage of convenience with…Prudence
* Jasper’s grandfather and Prudence’s father – both may have made some mistakes but definitely loved and wanted what was best for Prudence and Jasper
* The runaway horse scene
* Prudence’s interest in things uncommon for women of the ton
* That there was an eventual happy ending for the couple
* Thinking about who Grantham will end up in the next book

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* That I had trouble feeling the connection between the main characters and that sometimes the character seen in the most of the story seemed out of synch toward the end – didn’t feel that Prue would have reacted as she did when she met up with Lady Archer.

Did I enjoy this book? It was okay
Would I read more in this series? Yes – want to read Grantham’s story

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

Bradley writes another compelling, sexy romance. I enjoyed the character development and plot pacing. I especially enjoyed the post-marital problems and work to solve them. A fresh addition to romance!

Damned if I Duke is fun opposites, attract, enemies to lovers historical novel. This was an enjoyable read with likeable characters. It was a nice touch that Prue was very skilled and capable in areas other than traditional womanly arts. Fun to read but sometimes Prue was exasperating and got herself into situations that I felt were unrealistic for the time period. Lots of nice details and a well-paced story. A good choice for fans of historical romances that want lively characters. 3.5 stars

Thank you to Kensington/Zebra Books and NetGalley for an advance copy of this novel.

The second story in the Drop Dead Dukes, Prudence Thorne and Jasper Vincent, Duke of Montford meet because she believes he duped her father but her plan backfires and they end up married. I found myself smiling as I read their engaging story. I enjoyed seeing them get their happy ending with all the ups and downs they went through.

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.

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. 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.

Prudence wants to make life better for her father and herself. Her father had wagered more than they could afford and now they were in dire straits. Her nemesis is Jasper that made the wager with her father.
Jasper is somewhat self absorbed and does not want to fall in love but slowly he learns that he needs Prudence in his life.
This story is one of getting to know you which leads to a happy ever after. I did find the “angst” a little contrived.
Overall, it was a nice story. It was also nice to visit with previous characters in the series.

Regency HEA - This book started off exciting and kept it going thru out the whole story. It was fun and interesting. It had so many twists and turns. I was entertained all throughout the book. This book was a page turner and fast paced. Basically, Prue is looking to get married to pay off her father’s debt to Duke Jasper instead she marries him. He is a rake and scoundrel while she is a bluestocking. This book is at times lighthearted and makes you smile and laugh. It deals with family and how relationships are never cut and dry. There is tons of action and fun sexy drama. I enjoyed supporting friends, family, and the interactions. They make a good couple and have a great connection. I liked it. It is an easy flowing read I would recommend this book because this author is keeps you entertained with this enjoyable book. I look forward to her other books.

**I received this book from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I received this from Netgalley in return for honest review. The story and plot is really interesting and I like how Prue and Jasper banter with each other. Not only that, I really love that Prue is not the same as the typical woman since she engaged with horse riding and fencing. However, I do find at the later of the story Jasper and Prue's somehow lack chemistry but I think the story really wrap up nicely. I can't wait for the next story in this series

I had high hopes for "Damned if I Duke" seeing that I had loved the first book of this series; however, my hopes were not met in this case.

This book deals with the fall of Jasper Vincent, the Duke of Montford into the complications of marriage with Lady Prudence Thorne. Though they have only briefly met in a ball a few years before, both the individuals manage to leave a lasting impression on each other. And an event involving the Duke and Prudence's father, land her in an untenable position, leading her to hate him. What will happen, when these two individuals decide to tie the knot with each other?

For all its interesting premise, the story failed to hold my attention and it did not succeed in endearing the lead characters to me. For all her interesting hobbies, Prudence just didn't make sense to me most of the time. Though mostly consistent as a character, Jasper's idea of himself and the people around him, did not make a real impact when he decides to make a change. Neither of them seem real, I couldn't care less if they found love nor did I want to know more about them.

This is a pleasant enough book which falls to reach its complete potential.

A rake falls hard for the woman who is trying to blackmail him into forgiving her father's gambling debt. When she comes across a pair of earrings with a little something inside, Prudence decides to use them against Jasper. Instead, he bullies and threatens her into marriage. Who knew a tiny portrait could be so detailed?! Really, he's nervous about being a husband and worried he'll be a disaster. His wife is no simpering miss. She likes to shoot, fence, ride, anything rather than shop! His former mistress causes trouble early in the marriage making for some drama. Underneath his rakish reputation Jasper is actually sweet with an inferiority complex and Prudence's sporting interest make her nothing like the other ladies of the ton. It seemed to me there was an overuse of His Grace, Her Grace, and Your Grace. It was constant! Otherwise a very enjoyable book.

A great enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience story that is really fun to read! The plot is good, the characters are absolutely endearing. Jasper may be a rake but with humor and a good heart. Prue is an impressive character who goes her own way. What I particularly liked was the author's playful narrative style. With lots of irony, self-irony from the characters, situational comedy and, above all, dry humor, it made me laugh out loud again and again. The chemistry between Jasper and Prue is great, I loved their witty banter, teasing and interactions.
Both are attracted to each other from the start but don't realise it as they are far too busy teasing and despising each other. It was nice to see how their relationship developed despite all the mishaps, misunderstandings and obstacles on the way to their happy ending.

Prue Thorne was raised by her father, a former cavalry major, and dislikes ladylike pursuits. She is a master of riding, shooting and fencing and has no interest in music, painting or embroidery. And she detests one man in particular, whom she blames for her family's financial ruin - Jasper, the Duke of Montford.

Jasper is a notorious rake who favours a carefree life without commitments. He manages to get back a pair of compromising earrings from his vicious former mistress in order to avoid a scandal, but loses them again. Of course it is Prue, a woman who despises him and whom he enjoys teasing, who finds them and tries to blackmail him. Jasper realises that he may have ruined her life...

Overall, a very entertaining read that I am happy to recommend!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

If you want to laugh out loud at the antics of these two who like each but loathe each other at the same time then this is your story!
Prudence and the Duke of Montford aka Jasper is a hilarious mix of an adult male with responsibilities but afraid to offend his friends or his grandfather!
He’s been a rake but his last mistress is such a viper she definitely has made him button his pants for the last few months!
But Pru aka Prudence attempts at blackmail make her the exact sort of Duchess his grandfather thinks he needs!
But scandal follows him with a vicious ex who plants an ugly old lady’s maid in his household!
She quickly dismissed but neither would ever guess at the ugly rumor she would unleash!
But never underestimate a reformed rake who finally realizes he’s in love! He will fight anyone and everything that would stand in his way! Bravo Jasper! Bravo Pru who didn’t let him get away with anything! I hear he’s still groveling!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased opinion!

Anna Bradley continues the Drop Dead Dukes series with the war of words between Prudence Thorne and Jasper Vincent, the Duke of Montford. Mutual dislike between the pair is the result of her father’s failed wager with the duke, which resulted in the loss of their money and their home. As their married friends are very close, they continue to be in each other’s social circle. Jasper wins back a pair of earrings hiding a salacious secret from his former mistress, and promptly drops them in his friend’s study, where Prue finds them. Prue sees a way to get her father out of ruin, by blackmailing Montford. But things backfire, and Jasper is forced to marry her by his grandfather. Montford desires Prudence more than he should, but he doesn’t want to be a husband. So why can’t he resist her fiery, independent appeal? Can this pair take a gamble that they both can win?

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. Prudence wants to be her own person, and she doesn’t let a controlling man stand in her way. Even if she’s very attracted to him. Jasper falls hard for her, even though he doesn’t want to. 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. Montford’s grandfather is a scene stealer. He takes a shine to Prudence and does some very strategic matchmaking because he sees how great a duchess she would make for his beloved grandson who has made his share of mistakes. 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.

4.5 stars

While this book seems like it's a pretty generic historical fiction romance that could be exchanged for the hundreds of other ones out there, I really enjoyed it and added the first book in the series to my to-read list. I will keep Anna Bradley on my radar for any future books.