Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋 (There were things I didn’t love about this book, but there were still some scenes that grabbed my heart! I felt the angst and had some heartbreak and longing with the characters)
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞 (While I did get frustrated with the hero, I thought both characters did romantic things for each other and there was a lot of sweet moments in this story!)
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋 (I -LOVE- Bradley’s kisses and intimate scenes. Love love love. This book was a bit lighter than some of her others I’ve read, but still had so much I crave in romance scenes)
Intimate Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑 ( I love how much time Bradley spends on her kisses and intimate scenes. They get so emotional and I get so wrapped up in them – LOVE!)
Steam Scale (Number of Scenes): 🔥 (I might have missed one???)
Humor: A bit – more if you like that enemies to lovers banter play
Perspective: third person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: It's pretty soon in, about 3%
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: yes, about 2 years later

Should I read in order?
I don’t think it’s necessary. The mains from the other 2 books are at the house party within this book, but the main focus is on the main couple. Maybe you get a better feel for Grantham (the hero) if you read the series in order -I’ll admit I didn’t pay a lot of attention to him in book 2 when I read it haha.

Basic plot:
Maxwell Burke wants Hammond Court back after his father wagered it away – except he isn’t ready for the feisty Rose St. Claire that is within residence.

Give this a try if you want:
- Regency – 1819
- English countryside setting – Gloucestershire
- class difference – hero is a duke, heroine is an adoptive daughter of a gambler
- sunshine (her) and grump (him) vibes
- close proximity – the hero and heroine were each given half of a house and also are together at a house party
- bespectacled hero
- house party
- holiday vibes – this has a winter/snowy country backdrop and includes Twelfth Night and Christmas celebrations – ice skating and sleigh rides too ;)
- bit of a size difference (taller hero)
- rags to riches
- lower steam – I believe there’s a few kisses and one full scene?

Ages:
- hero is around 31, heroine is 21

My thoughts:
Sadly, I was a bit disappointed in this one – I adored book 2 of this series.

This one, I loved the idea of it – I like revenge plots (this hero was enemies with the heroine’s father), and I love the close proximity of being in a house that both characters want. But, the beginning felt really repetitive to me and I got a bit bored. I struggled with the hero – he was a bit unpleasant, which I can get behind, but he held onto it a bit too long for me.

But still, this one had elements that I loved in it. Some of the scenes gave me those angsty feels I am always chasing in Bradley’s books, and I really appreciated the all is lost ending and make up.

In the best tradition of Christmas stories set in Regency England, Anna Bradley has gifted readers with a heartwarming confection full of joyous redemption, ginger nut biscuits whose taste and smell evoke memories long forgotten, and a slow burn but spicy romance between a penniless, but kind and beautiful commoner and a surly, jaded duke hiding a hurting boy inside. It’s light on the angst, but enriched with romantic gestures, honest, heartfelt conversations, and friends who provide loving guidance to both Rose and Max, Duke of Grantham. Although it’s set at Christmas, there’s very little mention of festivities until the latter part of the story other than Max’s bad memories associated with the holiday. Regardless, it’s a welcome addition to the genre. Although part of a series, it can be read as a standalone although the couples from books 1 and 2 make an appearance. Recommended.

Fairford Gloucestershire - December 1819

Rose St. Claire lives in Hammond Court with just her maid. Her father, Ambrose St. Claire, has recently died and many creditors are coming to her wanting to be paid for Ambrose’s debts. The house is crumbling and she doesn’t know what she is going to do.

One morning, a beautiful carriage draws up and a dashing man steps out. He is Maxwell (Max) Alastair, Hammond Burke, the Tenth Duke of Grantham, 31. When he was a young man, Ambrose managed to cheat his father and take Hammond Court from them. Today, Max is wealthy and wants Hammond Court back. It was his mother’s home and while he has another grander home nearby, this place is sentimental to him. But Rose greets him with a pistol in his face. After a chat, he explains the situation to her and also shows her a note from Ambrose telling him to come and get the treasure. He then leaves but returns the next day to meet with Rose and her solicitor. Ambrose’s will shows that Rose and Ambrose own the house equally and one cannot evict the other without losing their right to the property.

When Rose and Max get to know one another better, they realize that they are attracted to one another. Max just wants to help Rose and so he invites her to stay with him at his nearby home Grantham Hall. It is a gorgeous home filled with beautiful things. Rose agrees and is comfortable there. When max learns how much she loves Christmas, he decides to have a house party and invites a number of his friends. He and Rose enjoy sleigh rides and all of the joys of Christmas. When she finds his grandmother’s original recipes for ginger biscuits that he loved as a child, she makes them for him and he is totally smitten. Ah, but there is a fly in the ointment in the form of a man named Dunwitty who tries to destroy their relationship and almost succeeds. Will Rose and Max stand a chance of finding a love that will last forever?

Oh my! What a delicious romance with some great humor thrown in as well. I loved the characters and, as always, this author has knitted some great twists into this story. Enjoy!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Maxwell Burke, the 10th Duke of Grantham returns to his hometown village of Fairford in an attempt to regain access to his family home, Hammond Court but when he arrives he discovers the home is already occupied. Rose St. Clair is the adoptive daughter of Max's nemesis, Ambrose St. Clair who is recently deceased but has left the home to both of them. Neither Max nor Rose want to give up the house, for Rose its the only home she knows and for Max it has a lot of bad memories. Despite the angst they have towards each other, there is an attraction that they cannot deny. Max tries to use all of his old tricks to get Rose to sell him here part of the home and even plans to marry her off so that the spouse could sell him the property. Of course, it all backfires and he must rely on friends, the Duke/Duchess of Montford and the Duke/Duchess of Basingstoke and the magic of Christmas to help him save his relationship with Rose. A cute story just in time to get readers ready for the holiday.

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

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was charming, fun, steamy and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

The house is falling apart, but it is house he lived in as a child before his father gambled it away. He wants it back. Rose is the adopted daughter of the man who won the house from his father. She loves the house and wants to keep it. Ambrose St. Claire had the perfect solution. When he died, he left it to both of them. That might not work out, or he might have known just what he was bringing about. This is a charming story with wonderful characters. There is lots of fun (sometimes you have to laugh), a house falling down, misunderstandings past and present, and a slow-burn romance. Rose and Max are Both have another side that is caring and protective. The secondary characters, Max’s staff, Billy, and Addy, are delightful. Enjoyable story!
I received an Arc of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

They were brought together by a man she thought was the most wonderful man while he thought him a scoundrel. Until she brought joy and the magic of Christmas into his heart and they found the home in each other. Wonderful and enchanting story.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

The Duke's Christmas Bride is the 3rd book in the Drop Dead Dukes series, yet there's only a loose connection to the previous books with characters making a cameo appearance. Unfortunately, I found Max and Rose's story less than compelling. While I quite liked her and felt a bit sorry for him at the beginning, there was very little happening given the length of the book and I found myself skipping pages to get to the sweet HEA.

What a wonderful book. I was captivated from the moment Max broke into Rose's house and she aimed a pistol at him. I knew we were going to be down for some real shenanigans and I was going to love these characters! This is the third book by Anna Bradley this year and what a joy to have found another fantastic author.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

4.5/5 The Duke’s Christmas Bride is the third book in the Drop Dead Dukes series.

This was an emotional and enjoyable read that started off having you on the edge of your seats and unraveled into a story about letting go and choosing joy. It had an overall lighthearted feel thanks to the abundance of holiday traditions. I loved that it was a full-length novel so that the Christmas and winter traditions were sprinkled throughout making it perfect to read any time of the year.

I enjoy a good revenge plot as I eat up the transformation the MC makes as they realize the error of their ways and what matters in life. But also liked that it was a different take on the revenge plot.

It was fun as Rose slowly got under Max’s skin and the progression of their feelings. Rose also unknowingly finds a way to break through the Duke of Ice’s heart through his stomach.

Holiday and winter traditions includes holiday baking, decorating, ice skating, sleigh riding, and more.

The MC from the first two books are supportive side characters in the second half but reading their stories first isn’t necessary to the plot.

This is a slow burn with one encounter, some kisses, and a fade to black in the epilogue. While there’s no consummation, the one scene is long and detailed.

I received an advance ecopy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Duke’s Christmas Bride by Anna Bradley is the third book in the Drop Dead Dukes series. The series focuses on Dukes who are forced to relook at their lives after meeting their soon to be duchesses. This novel is about Maxwell Burke, Duke of Grantham and Rose St. Claire,

Rose St. Claire has been left a mansion that is falling down around her. To top the indignity of the situation, it sounds like someone broke into her home. Maxwell Burke, Duke of Grantham kicked in the door to break into his house! Bothe believe the house is theirs and theirs alone. The surprise comes when they find out they both have inherited the house. Rose is not willing to sell it and Maxwell is determined to get the only house that was his home.

Maxwell ends up saving Rose when the roof fell in and then manages to convince his friends to come for a Christmas Party and bring their wives to chaperone Rose. Rose’s enthusiasm for life and Christmas brings a whole new way of looking at life for Maxwell and soon she is all he can think of. However Rose is ready to give up and leaves. Now the last of the drop dead dukes needs to make a decision and follow Rose and let her know he loves her.

I enjoyed Rose’s enthusiasm and love of the season. Her joy at the simple things will fill hearts this Christmas. The Duke’s Christmas Bride by Anna Bradley is a fun read.

A sweet adorable story in preparation of the upcoming holiday season. Max is a grumpy Duke who holds a grudge and is determined to obtain something he believes belongs to him. That is until he meets the delightful Rose who has no intention of allowing him to take anything. Rose is up beat, positive and has a great sense of humor. This author has created a cheerful story that allows the reader to see, feel and remember what it's like to fall in love, love Christmas and be filled with joy. Lovely story, well paced and detailed.

Rose inherits a grand estate, only to find it’s claimed by the handsome Duke of Grantham. He believes it was stolen from his family. Forced to share the property, their animosity turns into a Christmas truce, as Rose helps Max plan a holiday party. But Max’s plan to use the party to gain control of the estate backfires when he finds himself falling for Rose’s spirited charm. Can their shared Christmas create a love that will last beyond the holidays?

Anna Bradley is one of my favorite Regency authors, and this book is a good example of why. Funny and fast-paced, this novel has a strong plot and lovable characters. Rose is strong and defiant. Max is a grump with a heart of gold. I love how he takes care of Rose when she needs him to, but otherwise allows her to be independent.

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

After the death of Ambrose St Clair, both Rose and Max have inherited Hammond Court equally. From their first meet-cute (involving a gun!) they have been at loggerheads.

Due to the condition of Hammond Court, Max ends up bringing Rose back to Grantham Lodge to live with him. Despite Rose’s petite size she is not afraid to “spar” with the duke and enforce Christmas traditions in his own home. The grumpy duke is no match for the sunshine-y young lady.

I enjoyed the different traditions which Rose upheld especially the ginger biscuits. She is indeed an amazing lady, and perfect for Max. There were many other interesting side characters as well, and my favourite was Townsend whom made me laugh! Abby and Billy are also worth a mention, with them being loyal and always ready to defend Rose!

This was my first book from Anna Bradley and while it is outside of what I normally read; I enjoyed it. Rose is a bit of an unconventional compared to most Regency heroines, in her upbringing and current living situation. Max is a Duke who is set on reclaiming a house that was stolen from his family years ago, but little does he know Rose is living there. This book definitely has grumpy/sunshine vibes, and we watch Rose try to bring some joy into Max's life. I liked the addition of the characters from the house party. While I haven't read the first two books, there are two couples I am assuming are from these books. Seeing Max interact with them makes him more likable. This was a light and quick read for me.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Alarmed by the sound of an intruder, Rose St. Claire fetches her pistol. She’s shocked to discover that the trespasser is a handsome gentleman who states that the house, which Rose recently inherited from her late benefactor, was stolen from his father decades ago. He claims it is now his. As it turns out, Hammond Court has been left to them both and neither can evict the other without forfeiting their right to the property. Wealthy and ruthless, Maxwell Burke, Duke of Grantham, has spent years regaining the many properties his father lost to bad wagers. Only Hammond Court remains. But Rose has no intention of leaving. In fact, as Christmas draws near, circumstances force Max to plan a holiday party, and Rose is all too happy to help. Max will forgive the debt of another young duke’s family if the attractive gentleman woos Rose at the party, ultimately marries her and then returns her share of the estate to Max. It’s foolproof or is it?
The third book in the series but it’s easily read on its own & what a thoroughly enjoyable romance it was. A fun, entertaining book with a tad of angst. I really liked both Max & Rose who clashed from the word go, she sees the best in every situation & is a happy, delightful woman, where as Max has been driven by revenge & determined to get back all his father lost. They are definitely chalk & cheese but sparks fly every time they meet. I had a smile on my face for much of the time & recommend this feel good book
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

When Max finally has a chance to get back his childhood home that his father had gambled away, he is determined to destroy it. He does not count on kind hearted Rose to be standing in his way. Rose decides to help Max to let go of his anger and hurt. Can Max choose to be happy? I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for my honest review.

This was the perfect feel-good Christmas story. Max was a grumpy duke and Rose was a ray of sunshine. Max had been planning revenge for most of his life. Finally, when he was about to reach his goal, Rose found herself blocking his path. Making Rose's acquaintance, caused Max to become uncertain of his motives.
The dialog is frequently humorous and the interactions of Max and Rose are simmering. Two dukes and their duchesses from previous stories appear as Christmas guests. This was a fairly quick read and I highly recommend it.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.

Cute story of a grumpy duke who arrives at his ancestral home only to find a pretty, petite woman already in residence with a gun pointed at him! He initially assumes she is a squatter and tries to find out who she is. Of course, Rose St. Claire does not give him the satisfaction of an introduction and instead remains a mystery to him until he returns home and learns of her identity there.

Rose on her part, finally decides to send for Sir Richard who will be able to shed light on why Max seems to think the house belongs to him. Long story short, it was a grumpy duke vs sweet sunshine and how they fall in love.

I received an ARC from the publishers and NetGalley and submit my honest review voluntarily.

Thank you to NetGalley, Zebra Books, Kensington Books, and Anna Bradley for providing this advance reader copy of the book. I'm providing my honest review.

What a romantic tale. I was enchanted by the sleigh ride across the sparkling fresh snow. It's sigh worthy. The run-down manor house limping along due to the love and care of a plucky young lady is classic. Mean wealthy man trying to kick her out of said house had me invested in the outcome. I know romance books must have a happy ending, but the journey should make you wonder if it will happen at all. Max, nicknamed The Duke of Ice, is an anti-hero who 's heart is black and way too small. Luckly, he meets the one woman who can thaw him out. Rose is the kind of person who's
a smiling, singing, happy to greet the day kind of person I couldn't live with. I'm grumpy without coffee and she's a hot chocolate girl. At first Max is irritated by everything she does but bit by bit she gets under his skin and changes his perspective on life and his history. Max is wealthy and unhappy while Rose is happy and broke. He confused by her outlook and stubborn manner. At first Rose sees Max as something to be fixed and saved not realizing that he'll save her too. Max goes to great and romantic lengths to win the heart of his Rose, it's sweet.

An enjoyable read from page one to the epilogue. This is the end of the three Dukes in the Drop Dead Dukes series. I liked them all.

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