Damned if I Duke is bringing all the enemies-to-lovers heat I live for. Jasper and Prue had that slow-burn tension on lock—throwing daggers one minute, flirting with fire the next. Their marriage of convenience turned real real quick, and I was nosy and loving it the whole time.

Prue is sharp, stubborn, and not afraid to call Jasper on his mess. And Jasper? Broody, bossy, and secretly soft for her. Classic setup, but Anna Bradley made it fresh with solid character growth and some juicy post-marriage drama that kept things spicy.

If you’re into historicals with banter, beef, and a lil bedroom heat? Yeah, this one’s a good time.

I loved this story! Prudence Thorne was a delight from the first page. She's bold, adventurous and determined to help her father out of his ill chosen debt, even if she has to marry to do it. This begins an adventure that was so much fun to read. Jasper Vincent is a typical rich young lord who lives a life of indulgence. Because of circumstances that put Pru into his orbit she makes him grow up and become responsible, seeing outside himself finally. I enjoyed the give and take between these two as they find themselves in a relationship. I loved seeing the growth in Jasper because of Pru's situation that he inadvertently put her in with a gambling debt with her father.

Prudence Thorne is determined to get her father out of debt. During her first come out foray to London her father Major Thomas Thorne, a former war hero, ends up gambling with Jasper. At her very first ball her father looses big time at the tables to Jasper. The 1500 pounds is nothing to Jasper but it means her father has to sell everything to pay it off. All the land around their manor in Wiltshire goes first for a down payment. Eventually the house itself will have to sell to pay off the debt. Pru goes to London and stays with her friend Franny, Duchess Basingstoke to find a rich husband to pay off Jasper.

Jasper Vincent, Duke of Montford has been an orphan since he was eight and raised by his grandfather and guardians. He found true friends at school in Giles, Duke of Basingstoke and Maxwell Grantham, Duke of Grantham. He lives a life of indulgence and when we meet him he's just broken off with his mistress Lady Selina Archer. She isn't taking the breakup well to say the least. She had plans to be his duchess. Pru finds some ruby earrings that Jasper recovered back from Selina the night before. She ends up trying to make him a deal to cancel the debt. That backfires, but they make a deal, she'll pretend to be his fiancé to make his grandpa happy and keep the marriage minded ladies away. in exchange he'll give his assessment to the character of the men she's considering offering a marriage deal to give herself and her dad a home. This is when his wonderful grandfather Colonel Cornelius Kingston sees Jasper's perfect match, Prudence! She's spunky and unconventional with enough spirit to give Jasper a challenge. He decides they must marry. They end up making a business arrangement, he lives his life and she lives hers while giving the dukedom an heir to make grandpa happy. Then it gets really interesting with Selina and Lord Stoneleigh, her former suitor, get involved. So much fun!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. I also own a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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!