Review: The Duke's Christmas Bride (Drop Dead Dukes #3) by Anna Bradley

                                                      

Print Length: 400 pages

Publisher: Kensington Publishing, Zebra (September 24, 2024)

From Goodreads.com: 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—one 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. And it is—but not entirely. 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 despises such merriment—until he sees it as an opportunity . . .

Max will forgive the debt of another young duke’s family if the attractive gentleman woos Rose at the party, ultimately marries her—and returns her share of the estate to Max. It’s foolproof. Except that Rose’s spirited joy is seductive, recalling within Max long ago feelings of happiness—and awakening a deep attraction. Has Max cooked his own Christmas goose—or is there a chance love will prevail? . . .

  

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My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

This book was such an adorable read that I had a hard time putting it down! Sure, I enjoyed watching Max and Rose butt heads before starting to fall for each other, but I also enjoyed the way the author managed to bring the holiday spirit to life. You could smell the fresh pine scent of the cut greenery as they decorated the ballroom, and could smell the ginger and cinnamon in the cooking. I feel like the focus of this book was just as much about the traditions of the Christmas season and the memories made during that time as it was about our two main characters. And while that should have been confusing, or one of those things overwhelming the other, that wasn't the case here which is a rare skill for an author to possess. 

For anyone worried about this being the third book in the series, it can be read as a complete stand alone, although his friends from the first two books (and their wives) do make an appearance at the house party, their arrivals only add to the story as the wives immediately befriend Rose while their husbands hound Max to no end about his motives. 

I only have two complaints about this story. The first one being with two of the side characters.

I wish there had been more where Lady Emily was concerned. It was evident that in her mind, she had a chance of being the next Duchess of  Grantham so I would have liked to have seen at least a little bit more of her jealousy at the thought of Rose usurping that position. I was also a little confused as to why Dunwitty admitted the truth to Rose and then turned around and told shown Max in a positive light anyway. Why bother telling her at all if not for his own gain? That was a little odd to me. 

The second complaint comes at the very end with the epilogue, as I feel like we didn't need the bit about them in the kitchen together, just showing them on the lake would have been enough to show how blissfully happy they were. 

That being said, I do think this book will appeal to not only fans of historical romances, but especially those who are also looking for a cute read either during the holidays, or to get them in the holiday spirit. I will continue to read more stories from this author! 

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.