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Drop Dead Dukes #1
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Giles Drew, vojvoda z Basingstoku, má všetko, čo k správnemu aristokratovi patrí. Je príťažlivý, bohatý a s nepoškvrnenou povesťou. Jednoducho dokonalá partia. Keď však miestny klebetný plátok zverejní zoznam jeho údajných škandálov, niet cesty späť. Aby zachránil rodinnú česť a vlastnú reputáciu, potrebuje sa dobre oženiť. Všetko je na dobrej ceste, až kým mu plány neskríži jedna neodbytná mladá žena.
Francesca Stanhopová prišla v detstve vinou duelu o otca a spolu s matkou ich vykázali na vidiek. Nahromadené dlhy a matkin zhoršujúci sa zdravotný stav prinútia Franny vyhľadať pomoc u bohatého strýka. Jej jednoduchý plán však prekazí strýkov syn Giles, keď si ju v jeden večer pomýli so svojou novou snúbenicou. Ďalší škandál by mohol zničiť všetko, čo je Gilesovi drahé, a tak Francesce vytrvalo dvorí. Vojvoda z Basingstoku skrýva mnoho tajomstiev, no s pravdou sa nedá dlho hrať na schovávačku.
Giles Drew, vojvoda z Basingstoku, má všetko, čo k správnemu aristokratovi patrí. Je príťažlivý, bohatý a s nepoškvrnenou povesťou. Jednoducho dokonalá partia. Keď však miestny klebetný plátok zverejní zoznam jeho údajných škandálov, niet cesty späť. Aby zachránil rodinnú česť a vlastnú reputáciu, potrebuje sa dobre oženiť. Všetko je na dobrej ceste, až kým mu plány neskríži jedna neodbytná mladá žena.
Francesca Stanhopová prišla v detstve vinou duelu o otca a spolu s matkou ich vykázali na vidiek. Nahromadené dlhy a matkin zhoršujúci sa zdravotný stav prinútia Franny vyhľadať pomoc u bohatého strýka. Jej jednoduchý plán však prekazí strýkov syn Giles, keď si ju v jeden večer pomýli so svojou novou snúbenicou. Ďalší škandál by mohol zničiť všetko, čo je Gilesovi drahé, a tak Francesce vytrvalo dvorí. Vojvoda z Basingstoku skrýva mnoho tajomstiev, no s pravdou sa nedá dlho hrať na schovávačku.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published July 25, 2023
357 people are currently reading
1522 people want to read
About the author
Anna Bradley
50 books844 followersAnna Bradley writes Regency and Georgian historical romance with heat, heart, and happily-ever-afters. Her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, and Library Journal, and her debut novel won the Romantic Times’ award for Best First Historical.
Anna is originally from New England, but now makes her home in Oregon, where she lives with her family, an overgrown English garden and a menagerie of wayward pets. If she isn’t writing, she’s probably hiding in a corner reading, chasing the dog, or herding the cats. Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
Anna is originally from New England, but now makes her home in Oregon, where she lives with her family, an overgrown English garden and a menagerie of wayward pets. If she isn’t writing, she’s probably hiding in a corner reading, chasing the dog, or herding the cats. Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
August 26, 2023
4.25/5. Finally, I'm thrilled to announce that Anna Bradley is back to her full potential after some average offerings in more recent years. I had all but given up on her but I'm glad I didn't, because with this book, she is reminding me why I was enthralled by her writing right from her debut novel, A Wicked Way to Win an Earl. By the way, the blurb is not at all indicative of the actual plot line. This is no romantic wooing from the start, but a slow burn, hate-to-love tale.
The book started out in less than stellar fashion, with the Duke of Basingstoke busying himself with not just one, nor two, but three bed partners. Just ignore this one incongruous scene, fellow readers, for this is not at all representative of the person he is and wants to be. Since taking over the title, Giles has tried hard to wash off the stain left by his father's decades of ill conduct. He has been the epitome of propriety, each of his actions have been for the sole purpose of brining respectability back to his family name. Even his choice of bride serve this singular purpose of undoing the wrongful deeds committed by his dastardly father.
No one has been wronged by the previous Duke of Basingstoke more than Lady Francesca Stanhope. She is determined to make the most of her one London season, not to score herself an eligible match but to appeal to her uncle to save her and her mother from penury and starvation. However, no amount of desperation could make her overlook the utter devastation Giles's father had wrought on her family and now Giles with a few careless words seem to add fuel to the hostility burning between their two families.
"She looks like a radish unearthed from some tragic patch of country mud"
Of course, Giles is nothing like his father and he soon learns the value of radishes and bucolic upbringing. But the path to true love does not come easy, especially when he is almost betrothed to Francesca's cousin and the history between their families is so complex that it seems insurmountable to overcome.
Francesca is a wonderful heroine, strong and resourceful and not giving an inch to Giles. Giles to his credit has truly done his best to resurrect his family's good name and he did not hesitate to do what was right by Francesca when the moment called for it.
"Good Lord, it wasn't going to be enough to be the witty, charming Duke of Basingstoke, was it? Not for her. he was actually going to have to be himself, and that was going to be difficult, given that he hardly knew Giles Drew anymore. He'd spent a great deal more time being the duke."
"He said nothing, just raised his teacup to his lips, those blue eyes watching her over the rim of the cup, and ... and smoldering! He was smoldering at her, the villain."
The secondary characters were well portrayed, a special mention goes to poor Digby, Giles's manservant, who rose to every sartorial challenge without batting an eyelid, even when he was outrageously asked to de-duke the duke's appearance!
Witty with laugh out loud moments as well as sombre, heartfelt scenes that were well-written. Great fiery chemistry between them. Apart from the inexplicable initial ménage à quatre sex scene that we could have done without, the book is quite tame and their first sensual contact - a chaste kiss on the hand - did not come until 2/3 of the way through. There was a bit of unnecessary drama towards the end but this is still without a doubt Bradley's best book since her early days.
"Yet somehow, this man - a man she didn't know, or trust - this man, of all men, had somehow compelled her to tell the truth, without having asked a thing from her. Perhaps that was why. Words came easier, when no one demanded them of you."
ARC from Net Galley.
The book started out in less than stellar fashion, with the Duke of Basingstoke busying himself with not just one, nor two, but three bed partners. Just ignore this one incongruous scene, fellow readers, for this is not at all representative of the person he is and wants to be. Since taking over the title, Giles has tried hard to wash off the stain left by his father's decades of ill conduct. He has been the epitome of propriety, each of his actions have been for the sole purpose of brining respectability back to his family name. Even his choice of bride serve this singular purpose of undoing the wrongful deeds committed by his dastardly father.
No one has been wronged by the previous Duke of Basingstoke more than Lady Francesca Stanhope. She is determined to make the most of her one London season, not to score herself an eligible match but to appeal to her uncle to save her and her mother from penury and starvation. However, no amount of desperation could make her overlook the utter devastation Giles's father had wrought on her family and now Giles with a few careless words seem to add fuel to the hostility burning between their two families.
"She looks like a radish unearthed from some tragic patch of country mud"
Of course, Giles is nothing like his father and he soon learns the value of radishes and bucolic upbringing. But the path to true love does not come easy, especially when he is almost betrothed to Francesca's cousin and the history between their families is so complex that it seems insurmountable to overcome.
Francesca is a wonderful heroine, strong and resourceful and not giving an inch to Giles. Giles to his credit has truly done his best to resurrect his family's good name and he did not hesitate to do what was right by Francesca when the moment called for it.
"Good Lord, it wasn't going to be enough to be the witty, charming Duke of Basingstoke, was it? Not for her. he was actually going to have to be himself, and that was going to be difficult, given that he hardly knew Giles Drew anymore. He'd spent a great deal more time being the duke."
"He said nothing, just raised his teacup to his lips, those blue eyes watching her over the rim of the cup, and ... and smoldering! He was smoldering at her, the villain."
The secondary characters were well portrayed, a special mention goes to poor Digby, Giles's manservant, who rose to every sartorial challenge without batting an eyelid, even when he was outrageously asked to de-duke the duke's appearance!
Witty with laugh out loud moments as well as sombre, heartfelt scenes that were well-written. Great fiery chemistry between them. Apart from the inexplicable initial ménage à quatre sex scene that we could have done without, the book is quite tame and their first sensual contact - a chaste kiss on the hand - did not come until 2/3 of the way through. There was a bit of unnecessary drama towards the end but this is still without a doubt Bradley's best book since her early days.
"Yet somehow, this man - a man she didn't know, or trust - this man, of all men, had somehow compelled her to tell the truth, without having asked a thing from her. Perhaps that was why. Words came easier, when no one demanded them of you."
ARC from Net Galley.
July 15, 2023
Barbara’s rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Drop Dead Dukes #1
Publication Date: 7/25/23
Period: Regency - 1817
Number of Pages: 320
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.
Series: Drop Dead Dukes #1
Publication Date: 7/25/23
Period: Regency - 1817
Number of Pages: 320
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.
May 29, 2023
I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Anna Bradley is back! I mean, she didn't really ever leave but I think she has focused a lot of her time on her Swooning Virgin Society series, which I adore, so some of her romance books have been shorter and lacking some of the character development I have been wanting. Have they been bad? No. They're good, but this harkens back to her early romance series and the ones that got me hooked onto her writing. I enjoyed the characters and the plot, and even though she really likes the misunderstanding trope, it doesn't bother me much in her books because everything else I want is there. She added a little dash of a mystery and set up for the next book nicely, and it didn't take away from the relationship at all. The romance was the real winner in this story, and it just makes me so happy to see her back to her to her original romance roots. Overall, a really nice beginning to her new series, and can't wait to see where it grows from here.
4.5 stars rounded to 5
Just some notes on why it didn't get to 5 stars from me: Anna really loves the word sweetheart, a lot, and sometimes it grated on me. She should try some other pet names, but hey that's me nit picking. Also, the radish storyline was pretty goofy, but it worked for the story!
There were three solid sex scenes in here too for anyone wondering.
Anna Bradley is back! I mean, she didn't really ever leave but I think she has focused a lot of her time on her Swooning Virgin Society series, which I adore, so some of her romance books have been shorter and lacking some of the character development I have been wanting. Have they been bad? No. They're good, but this harkens back to her early romance series and the ones that got me hooked onto her writing. I enjoyed the characters and the plot, and even though she really likes the misunderstanding trope, it doesn't bother me much in her books because everything else I want is there. She added a little dash of a mystery and set up for the next book nicely, and it didn't take away from the relationship at all. The romance was the real winner in this story, and it just makes me so happy to see her back to her to her original romance roots. Overall, a really nice beginning to her new series, and can't wait to see where it grows from here.
4.5 stars rounded to 5
Just some notes on why it didn't get to 5 stars from me: Anna really loves the word sweetheart, a lot, and sometimes it grated on me. She should try some other pet names, but hey that's me nit picking. Also, the radish storyline was pretty goofy, but it worked for the story!
There were three solid sex scenes in here too for anyone wondering.
October 1, 2023
2.5 ⭐️ At 30% I was going to life-is-too-short DNF. After the first two or three lively chapters, it was repetitious, repetitious, repetitious… in every way possible. The plot hadn’t even reached the book description yet. I skimmed to 50% to an amusing scene with drunken Giles and the other dukes. Coincidentally, this was when the story started to define muscle, and continued to the ending with some judicious skipping.
The aforementioned scene, the character growth in Giles, and a few romantic sentiments are why I rounded up a star. However, this is the second book by this author I had read noting the same complaints. Bradley isn’t for me.
eta: typo fix
The aforementioned scene, the character growth in Giles, and a few romantic sentiments are why I rounded up a star. However, this is the second book by this author I had read noting the same complaints. Bradley isn’t for me.
eta: typo fix
March 17, 2023
Maybe a high 2 stars?
I really didn't know what to make of this novel. It's well written, as most books by this author are (and I've really liked her previous novels), but the content just doesn't resonate with me. I like Francesca well enough, but Giles takes a lot longer to warm up to. His promiscuity early on is gross, probably there partly for shock value and mostly for humor, but it just makes him look ridiculous. He also seems to have no actual profession, as we never see him doing anything except lounging around at White's or disparaging wallflowers at balls. He's redeemed slightly by the obvious love he has for his mother and four sisters, though, and he definitely improves later in the novel though.
I struggled with the history between Francesca's and Giles' families. We never fully get the story of what happened, but we do learn that Giles father ruined Francesca's mother, which led to the death of Francesca's father. Francesca's uncle, who inherited the earldom after her father's death, basically banished Francesca and her mother to live a life of poverty in the country. She's back in Town to try to get some financial assistance from her uncle, but instead she finds herself mixed up with Giles, her cousin (Giles' almost betrothed), and lots of judgy people. I just found it bewildering that Francesca would even give the time of day to a family that basically destroyed hers.
Eventually, the two end up together, in spite of Francesca not really believing anything Giles has to offer. There's not a whole lot of chemistry between the two of them, although they are kind of fun together. I just felt like there was something missing, and I didn't buy into the idea that they belong together.
I feel like this review is all over the place, but that's kind of how I felt about the novel. I just never felt grabbed by whatwas happening, and I found that disappointing. But as I said earlier, this author is a great writer and the words do flow on the page. I just didn't particularly like the content this time around.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
I really didn't know what to make of this novel. It's well written, as most books by this author are (and I've really liked her previous novels), but the content just doesn't resonate with me. I like Francesca well enough, but Giles takes a lot longer to warm up to. His promiscuity early on is gross, probably there partly for shock value and mostly for humor, but it just makes him look ridiculous. He also seems to have no actual profession, as we never see him doing anything except lounging around at White's or disparaging wallflowers at balls. He's redeemed slightly by the obvious love he has for his mother and four sisters, though, and he definitely improves later in the novel though.
I struggled with the history between Francesca's and Giles' families. We never fully get the story of what happened, but we do learn that Giles father ruined Francesca's mother, which led to the death of Francesca's father. Francesca's uncle, who inherited the earldom after her father's death, basically banished Francesca and her mother to live a life of poverty in the country. She's back in Town to try to get some financial assistance from her uncle, but instead she finds herself mixed up with Giles, her cousin (Giles' almost betrothed), and lots of judgy people. I just found it bewildering that Francesca would even give the time of day to a family that basically destroyed hers.
Eventually, the two end up together, in spite of Francesca not really believing anything Giles has to offer. There's not a whole lot of chemistry between the two of them, although they are kind of fun together. I just felt like there was something missing, and I didn't buy into the idea that they belong together.
I feel like this review is all over the place, but that's kind of how I felt about the novel. I just never felt grabbed by whatwas happening, and I found that disappointing. But as I said earlier, this author is a great writer and the words do flow on the page. I just didn't particularly like the content this time around.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
September 7, 2023
This was my first book by Anna Bradley, and I can't believe I waited so long. It was fantastic!
Give the Devil His Duke is a wonderful start to a new series. It's filled with humor, characters that I was thoroughly enamored with, and a good amount of spice.
Francesca and Giles were great together. Their chemistry was truly amazing! They were absolutely perfect as a couple.
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Give the Devil His Duke is a wonderful start to a new series. It's filled with humor, characters that I was thoroughly enamored with, and a good amount of spice.
Francesca and Giles were great together. Their chemistry was truly amazing! They were absolutely perfect as a couple.
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
July 17, 2023
Pink outfits, red hair, and a London season!
Lady Francesca Stanhope has come to London to save her mother. Her mother had been embroiled a scandal years before. Consequently Franny’s father had been killed in a duel. Her father’s viscous brother, her uncle, Lord Edward Stanhope became the Earl, and had promptly thrown them out of the family home, giving them no assistance, and they’d had to make their way in a damp, cramped, country cottage.
Her mother’s health is failing and Franny consents to a season with the kindly Lady Crump who lives a step away from her uncle. Franny sees this as an opportunity to throw herself on her uncle’s mercy and ask for assistance for her mother. BTW Lady Crump has a wardrobe of pink ball dresses recently made but never worn because her niece Dorothea married and not had her London season. So the dresses will be used by Francesca. Francesca of the red hair will endure the pink dresses if it gives her a chance to approach her uncle.
Of course nothing goes to plan, including a run in with the deplorable yet blindingly handsome Giles, Duke of Basingstoke, whose father was the engineer of all the Stanhope family woes. Oh, and who it seems is becoming engaged to Fanny’s cousin Susannah.
Then there’s interesting factor of Giles discovering a Peeping Thom, sorry Peeping Thomasina in his garden. Mmm!
A rapidly moving and lively story with wit, rancour and romance.
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
Lady Francesca Stanhope has come to London to save her mother. Her mother had been embroiled a scandal years before. Consequently Franny’s father had been killed in a duel. Her father’s viscous brother, her uncle, Lord Edward Stanhope became the Earl, and had promptly thrown them out of the family home, giving them no assistance, and they’d had to make their way in a damp, cramped, country cottage.
Her mother’s health is failing and Franny consents to a season with the kindly Lady Crump who lives a step away from her uncle. Franny sees this as an opportunity to throw herself on her uncle’s mercy and ask for assistance for her mother. BTW Lady Crump has a wardrobe of pink ball dresses recently made but never worn because her niece Dorothea married and not had her London season. So the dresses will be used by Francesca. Francesca of the red hair will endure the pink dresses if it gives her a chance to approach her uncle.
Of course nothing goes to plan, including a run in with the deplorable yet blindingly handsome Giles, Duke of Basingstoke, whose father was the engineer of all the Stanhope family woes. Oh, and who it seems is becoming engaged to Fanny’s cousin Susannah.
Then there’s interesting factor of Giles discovering a Peeping Thom, sorry Peeping Thomasina in his garden. Mmm!
A rapidly moving and lively story with wit, rancour and romance.
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
April 30, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this story and this is my freely given opinion.
Francesca Stanhope is the daughter of an Earl, but she and her mother were relegated to a rundown cottage in the country after scandal rocks her family, and her father is killed in a duel for the honour of her mother, 10 years prior. They mourn the loss of her beloved father, but his heir, her Uncle Edward, blames her mother for his brother's death and the scandal in the family, and they are forced to live an impoverished life in penury. Francesca, now a young woman, manages to be sponsored for the Season in London by a family friend. But her goals are not to enjoy the social whirl, or to gain the notice of a wealthy man seeking a wife. What she hopes is to gain some leverage to see her family and try to gain some funding from her uncle, to help her ailing mother.
Giles, the Duke of Basingstoke, has a handsome face and form, and has earned a sterling reputation. He has worked hard to live down his father's reputation, despite having his own hidden sins. He hopes to further live down the scandal of his family's past by marrying into the Stanhope family, wedding the Diamond of the Season, Susannah Stanhope, Francesca's cousin. His father had ruined the prior countess, Francesca's mother after assaulting her, leading to her father fighting a duel with the previous Duke for her honour, leading to the Earl's death. Giles is hoping to improve their family's reputation by wedding Susannah, thus repairing the rift in the families, and the family reputation, allowing his sisters to wed well.
Francesca and Giles have a meet cute at the beginning of the story, with Giles not realizing that he has met the wrong Stanhope girl, and when he later sees Francesca at a ball, he is caught unawares, making derogatory comments about her which become public and further causes more scandal for both families. Giles puts his foot into it further when he tries to fix things, but gives Franny the leverage she needs to force her uncle to give her the funds she needs to help her mother, because he very much would like to see his daughter become the Duchess of Stanhope. Too bad Susannah has other plans...
When the betrothal of Giles and Susannah fails to occur, Fran returns to her run down cottage, having failed to gain the funds to help her mother. But Giles, realizing that he is attracted to Franny, and that he could still right the wrongs by marrying the other Stanhope, chases after her and convinces her to marry him. Franny thinks she may be starting down the road to her happily ever after, until she discovers that Giles may have only married her to stave off further scandal.
This was rather a cute story, with Franny and Giles being rather likeable characters, despite a rather awkward group sex scene with Giles at the beginning of the story. That sets him up as a rather shallow character, who doesn't have to think or work hard to get what he wants. But I did not find it really believable that there was not more angst or objections since he is the son of her mother's rapist, and his father killed her father. Also, knowing that history, why was his first thought to marry the cousin, the current Earl's daughter, rather than the daughter of the family his father most wronged?
3.5 stars out of 5
Francesca Stanhope is the daughter of an Earl, but she and her mother were relegated to a rundown cottage in the country after scandal rocks her family, and her father is killed in a duel for the honour of her mother, 10 years prior. They mourn the loss of her beloved father, but his heir, her Uncle Edward, blames her mother for his brother's death and the scandal in the family, and they are forced to live an impoverished life in penury. Francesca, now a young woman, manages to be sponsored for the Season in London by a family friend. But her goals are not to enjoy the social whirl, or to gain the notice of a wealthy man seeking a wife. What she hopes is to gain some leverage to see her family and try to gain some funding from her uncle, to help her ailing mother.
Giles, the Duke of Basingstoke, has a handsome face and form, and has earned a sterling reputation. He has worked hard to live down his father's reputation, despite having his own hidden sins. He hopes to further live down the scandal of his family's past by marrying into the Stanhope family, wedding the Diamond of the Season, Susannah Stanhope, Francesca's cousin. His father had ruined the prior countess, Francesca's mother after assaulting her, leading to her father fighting a duel with the previous Duke for her honour, leading to the Earl's death. Giles is hoping to improve their family's reputation by wedding Susannah, thus repairing the rift in the families, and the family reputation, allowing his sisters to wed well.
Francesca and Giles have a meet cute at the beginning of the story, with Giles not realizing that he has met the wrong Stanhope girl, and when he later sees Francesca at a ball, he is caught unawares, making derogatory comments about her which become public and further causes more scandal for both families. Giles puts his foot into it further when he tries to fix things, but gives Franny the leverage she needs to force her uncle to give her the funds she needs to help her mother, because he very much would like to see his daughter become the Duchess of Stanhope. Too bad Susannah has other plans...
When the betrothal of Giles and Susannah fails to occur, Fran returns to her run down cottage, having failed to gain the funds to help her mother. But Giles, realizing that he is attracted to Franny, and that he could still right the wrongs by marrying the other Stanhope, chases after her and convinces her to marry him. Franny thinks she may be starting down the road to her happily ever after, until she discovers that Giles may have only married her to stave off further scandal.
This was rather a cute story, with Franny and Giles being rather likeable characters, despite a rather awkward group sex scene with Giles at the beginning of the story. That sets him up as a rather shallow character, who doesn't have to think or work hard to get what he wants. But I did not find it really believable that there was not more angst or objections since he is the son of her mother's rapist, and his father killed her father. Also, knowing that history, why was his first thought to marry the cousin, the current Earl's daughter, rather than the daughter of the family his father most wronged?
3.5 stars out of 5
January 13, 2026
I loved every single thing about this. Everyone can pry historical romance from my cold, dead hands.
January 21, 2025
This book started off with a bang! The chemistry between the MCs was explosive. Every interaction was sizzling, the angst was palpable, I was hooked! Then, they got married. And just like that, the fireworks fizzled out. The last quarter of the book felt like watching paint dry. All the tension, all the drama, vanished. It was like the author ran out of ideas after the wedding. Talk about a letdown!
July 23, 2024
More like 4.5 stars this was my first Anna Bradley book and I really enjoyed it!
Franny has come to London for the season to try and talk some sense into her horrible uncle. While trying to achieve this goal she runs into Giles the Duke of Stanhope who plans to marry Franny’s cousin.
There is obviously no connection between Giles and Suzanna but there is plenty between him and Franny. But even though this chemistry they can’t get along and to make matters worse, their families have some bad blood 😬
Franny has come to London for the season to try and talk some sense into her horrible uncle. While trying to achieve this goal she runs into Giles the Duke of Stanhope who plans to marry Franny’s cousin.
There is obviously no connection between Giles and Suzanna but there is plenty between him and Franny. But even though this chemistry they can’t get along and to make matters worse, their families have some bad blood 😬
November 24, 2023
THIS IS WHY I READ THIS GENRE. FOR HIDDEN GEMS LIKE THIS.
However. I can't give it five stars. Because HOW does a publisher get the blurb of a book SO WRONG when the inside of the book is so good? Literally, the only accurate thing in the blurb on the book cover, on Goodreads, on anywhere is the name of the two lead characters. What is described happens in the last third of the book and it's such a shame because this IS a great regency romance. It's funny, it's sexy, it builds a world of exciting characters that each feel distinguished. There's just enough plot for the plot lovers and just enough pining and yearning for the character lovers. I felt so immersed reading this - but I kept waiting for the actual plot that had been described to begin and it didn't.
Also - alpha dukes? That is...not how these characters are written. In fact, Anna Bradley has perhaps written some of the best male heroes in regency fiction. I didn't feel the need to violently wave a red flag at their actions and they were sensible and sensitive - with the exception to having random orgies at the start of chapters (though that only happened once).
So, if you're considering reading this book, let me give you a slightly more accurate blurb:
"Lady Francesca Stanhope is returning to London after her family's scandalous shunning by the Ton that involves a duel, a murder, an illicit affair and two grand families. Now in dire straits, she plans to use her time in London to coerce her unfeeling uncle into giving her and her ailing mother money. Except, when she gets there she meets the son of the man who killed her father - the notorious rake, the Duke of Basingstoke - an infuriatingly handsome man who both loves her eyes and insults her at a ball. He's betrothed to Francesca's cousin - and to get her down the aisle, Francesca needs to play nice. Only, can they ignore their growing feelings for each other? Or will things get even more complicated?"
Read this book, it's great. Don't read the blurb.
However. I can't give it five stars. Because HOW does a publisher get the blurb of a book SO WRONG when the inside of the book is so good? Literally, the only accurate thing in the blurb on the book cover, on Goodreads, on anywhere is the name of the two lead characters. What is described happens in the last third of the book and it's such a shame because this IS a great regency romance. It's funny, it's sexy, it builds a world of exciting characters that each feel distinguished. There's just enough plot for the plot lovers and just enough pining and yearning for the character lovers. I felt so immersed reading this - but I kept waiting for the actual plot that had been described to begin and it didn't.
Also - alpha dukes? That is...not how these characters are written. In fact, Anna Bradley has perhaps written some of the best male heroes in regency fiction. I didn't feel the need to violently wave a red flag at their actions and they were sensible and sensitive - with the exception to having random orgies at the start of chapters (though that only happened once).
So, if you're considering reading this book, let me give you a slightly more accurate blurb:
"Lady Francesca Stanhope is returning to London after her family's scandalous shunning by the Ton that involves a duel, a murder, an illicit affair and two grand families. Now in dire straits, she plans to use her time in London to coerce her unfeeling uncle into giving her and her ailing mother money. Except, when she gets there she meets the son of the man who killed her father - the notorious rake, the Duke of Basingstoke - an infuriatingly handsome man who both loves her eyes and insults her at a ball. He's betrothed to Francesca's cousin - and to get her down the aisle, Francesca needs to play nice. Only, can they ignore their growing feelings for each other? Or will things get even more complicated?"
Read this book, it's great. Don't read the blurb.
July 20, 2023
This is the first book of the Drop Dead Dukes series by Anna Bradley so that means it's a good time to pick it up and dive into something new. I enjoy Anna Bradley's other books so I figured I would enjoy this one as well. Bradley writes a solid story and enjoyable characters.
In this book, our main characters are Francesca and Giles. Their families have a history and I don't want to reveal anything that could ruin the story for you but just know that it's a pretty big deal and plays a role in prompting Giles to build a relationship with the Stanhope family so he can address the stains his father has left on the family reputation. Giles' plan is to marry Susannah Stanhope, Francesca's cousin, but on the night he commits to this, he has a run in with Francesca and can't stop thinking about her.
Francesca and her mother have been relegated to the country for the last 10 years and things are getting a bit dire. Because of that, she agrees to go to London in the hopes she can influence her uncle to help her and her mother out. When at a ball, Giles makes a statement that gets leaked to the gossip pages, Giles is put in a position where he has to build a relationship with the whole Stanhope family and that includes pushing Francesca to support the match with Susannah and showing that support in public.
Just a things are to be made official, things take a turn and Giles and Francesca find themselves married shortly after. Of course, this isn't the end of the story. There's a bit more angst to get through as they figure out how they truly feel for each other but overall I enjoyed this one. I'll definitely be checking out the next book in the series as I do enjoy Bradley's books. If you're looking for a new historical romance to pick up, consider this one.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
In this book, our main characters are Francesca and Giles. Their families have a history and I don't want to reveal anything that could ruin the story for you but just know that it's a pretty big deal and plays a role in prompting Giles to build a relationship with the Stanhope family so he can address the stains his father has left on the family reputation. Giles' plan is to marry Susannah Stanhope, Francesca's cousin, but on the night he commits to this, he has a run in with Francesca and can't stop thinking about her.
Francesca and her mother have been relegated to the country for the last 10 years and things are getting a bit dire. Because of that, she agrees to go to London in the hopes she can influence her uncle to help her and her mother out. When at a ball, Giles makes a statement that gets leaked to the gossip pages, Giles is put in a position where he has to build a relationship with the whole Stanhope family and that includes pushing Francesca to support the match with Susannah and showing that support in public.
Just a things are to be made official, things take a turn and Giles and Francesca find themselves married shortly after. Of course, this isn't the end of the story. There's a bit more angst to get through as they figure out how they truly feel for each other but overall I enjoyed this one. I'll definitely be checking out the next book in the series as I do enjoy Bradley's books. If you're looking for a new historical romance to pick up, consider this one.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2023
3.5 Stars
Giles Drew, the Duke of Basingstoke, is everything a proper aristocrat ought to be but then a notorious scandal sheet publishes details of Giles’s questionable bedroom antics, only one bride can salvage his reputation. Prim and penniless, Lady Francesca Stanhope has resigned herself to a season full of the ton’s snickering until the Duke of Basingstoke’s dizzying courtship transforms her fate. Yet wedded bliss quickly turns into a clash of wills as Franny realizes her handsome duke is a devil in disguise.
The start of a new series & another very well written book with strong characters & a well paced story. There’s lots of backstory to the two families & not much of it good. I loved Franny who was strong & rose above the adversities thrown at her. I had difficulty liking Giles to begin with as he seemed like a chip off the block, however the more I read I gradually came to like him. I did have difficulty understanding how Franny could be drawn to him after all his father had done to her parents. I know the father’s sins are not the sons but I would have avoided him like the plague. So I'm a bit on the fence maybe it's an age thing
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Giles Drew, the Duke of Basingstoke, is everything a proper aristocrat ought to be but then a notorious scandal sheet publishes details of Giles’s questionable bedroom antics, only one bride can salvage his reputation. Prim and penniless, Lady Francesca Stanhope has resigned herself to a season full of the ton’s snickering until the Duke of Basingstoke’s dizzying courtship transforms her fate. Yet wedded bliss quickly turns into a clash of wills as Franny realizes her handsome duke is a devil in disguise.
The start of a new series & another very well written book with strong characters & a well paced story. There’s lots of backstory to the two families & not much of it good. I loved Franny who was strong & rose above the adversities thrown at her. I had difficulty liking Giles to begin with as he seemed like a chip off the block, however the more I read I gradually came to like him. I did have difficulty understanding how Franny could be drawn to him after all his father had done to her parents. I know the father’s sins are not the sons but I would have avoided him like the plague. So I'm a bit on the fence maybe it's an age thing
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
September 15, 2024
3.5 🌟
Fun, light read.
Giles is a Duke. His late father was an awful man whose assault on Francesca's mother 10 years earlier resulted in a duel that killed Franchesca's father and left mother and daughter living in near-poverty in a small village in the country.
With her mother's health failing, Francesca travels to London to beg her nasty uncle for support. She meets Giles who is about to enter a betrothal with Francesca's cousin. Giles intends the marriage to help rectify the wrongs done by his father but has no real attachment to his bride-to-be.
Francesca and Giles clash immediately. Giles is fascinated by the temerity of the country miss and so begins an enemies-to-lovers plot.
The set-up to their relationship builds over the first half of the book, and then the second half has a fair bit of Giles grovelling after they marry. I thought what he did didn't deserve such harsh punishment though.
This book contains descriptive love scenes. On this point...There is a love scene at the beginning with Giles, his lover and another couple which seemed unnecessary to the story and created confusion about his character early on that took quite some time to recover from in my eyes.
Fun, light read.
Giles is a Duke. His late father was an awful man whose assault on Francesca's mother 10 years earlier resulted in a duel that killed Franchesca's father and left mother and daughter living in near-poverty in a small village in the country.
With her mother's health failing, Francesca travels to London to beg her nasty uncle for support. She meets Giles who is about to enter a betrothal with Francesca's cousin. Giles intends the marriage to help rectify the wrongs done by his father but has no real attachment to his bride-to-be.
Francesca and Giles clash immediately. Giles is fascinated by the temerity of the country miss and so begins an enemies-to-lovers plot.
The set-up to their relationship builds over the first half of the book, and then the second half has a fair bit of Giles grovelling after they marry. I thought what he did didn't deserve such harsh punishment though.
This book contains descriptive love scenes. On this point...There is a love scene at the beginning with Giles, his lover and another couple which seemed unnecessary to the story and created confusion about his character early on that took quite some time to recover from in my eyes.
May 11, 2023
4.5 Stars! I really enjoyed this book. It’s the first in a new series ‘Drop Dead Dukes’. The main characters are Giles Drew, The Duke of Basingstoke and Lady Francesca Stanhope. I loved Francesca from the beginning. Giles, however, I didn’t really care for, until the last few chapters of the book. I didn’t care for a ‘sexy times’ scene that included Giles & 2 other women. That just made me dislike him even more and I kept thinking, ‘they really need to burn that bed’. I wish the history between Giles & Francesca’s family’s was explained a bit more. Shame on all of them AND “the ton” for how they never helped Francesca & her Mom. Other than my dislike of the main male character, I loved this book. This seems like a really interesting series and I’d highly recommend this book! I can’t wait for the rest of the series! Anna Bradley is such an amazing author! She gets me so invested in fictional characters that I laugh, cry and get angry over their fake stories! Seriously, who does that?!
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
June 19, 2023
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.
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.
June 19, 2023
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. 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!
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. 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!
October 5, 2023
4.5 stars
My first book by this author, It made me remember why I enjoy historical romance stories as much as I do. This one included a number of my preferred themes, enemies to lovers, appropriate amount of groveling, supportive, family, villains, romance, and steam,. For me to rate five stars it would’ve needed to have some angst, conflict or tension a dark side to the story which is just my personal preference. Although there were some lows they were not dark. This is a great first read, I think for future HR fans.
My first book by this author, It made me remember why I enjoy historical romance stories as much as I do. This one included a number of my preferred themes, enemies to lovers, appropriate amount of groveling, supportive, family, villains, romance, and steam,. For me to rate five stars it would’ve needed to have some angst, conflict or tension a dark side to the story which is just my personal preference. Although there were some lows they were not dark. This is a great first read, I think for future HR fans.
November 29, 2023
Well I thought that the story was a fun read.Giles and Franny made it known very publicly that they clearly did not get along. I loved the humor of the story and between the characters. I was entertained with romance and the telling of a good story. The writer did a wonderful job of describing a story through the details and dialogue. The story is a fun read for me. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2025
Francesca was amazing! She was witty and didn't take crap from anyone, even Dukes. I hated what happened to her mother and the life they both were forced to live. Thankfully, Fran got a chance to escape that life. Giles really had no clue what was waiting for him that season. He expected a perfect bride and got the perfect woman for him. I love them together.
Read
October 20, 2023You would think a series called “drop dead dukes” would have more death or droppings
September 3, 2024
I will have to preface my review with this - that my favorite genre of book is my absolute favorite - British courting romance! This book had a little bit of everything that makes it my favorite!
January 22, 2025
I really did not like the hero nor the herione but I did get a few laughs so I gave it 3 stars.
May 2, 2024
4 stars!
this book has really strong MCs in my opinion...both Giles and Francesca are lovable and interesting! I gave it only 4 stars due to it not going beyond the line with Francesca's situation and actually making Giles understand what a piece of S*** his father was!
RTC!
this book has really strong MCs in my opinion...both Giles and Francesca are lovable and interesting! I gave it only 4 stars due to it not going beyond the line with Francesca's situation and actually making Giles understand what a piece of S*** his father was!
RTC!
June 13, 2025
I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected to.
Unexpectedly spicy for a historical romance, although the bedroom scenes were rather modern in their language for my taste.
3.5⭐️ ( 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4⭐️ because I enjoyed it enough to dive straight in to the sequel)
Unexpectedly spicy for a historical romance, although the bedroom scenes were rather modern in their language for my taste.
3.5⭐️ ( 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4⭐️ because I enjoyed it enough to dive straight in to the sequel)
August 12, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed Francesca and Giles' story. I would highly recommend. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
March 29, 2023
A new series from Anna Bradley who always delivers well-written Regency romances with great characters and just enough heat.
There is a lot of story in Give the Devil His Duke. Scheming relatives, past and present scandals, groveling, steam, redemption, headstrong heroine, reprobate hero…
Bradley has definitely set up future books with the rogue-y Duke friends of Giles.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There is a lot of story in Give the Devil His Duke. Scheming relatives, past and present scandals, groveling, steam, redemption, headstrong heroine, reprobate hero…
Bradley has definitely set up future books with the rogue-y Duke friends of Giles.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2023
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.
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.
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