The Duke's Christmas Bride
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
Set against the Bridgerton-era backdrop of Regency London, Anna Bradley’s witty and sexy trilogy sets fiercely alpha dukes against the duchesses who are determined to transform their delinquent husbands by any means necessary. A delight for fans of Mary Jo Putney, Sabrina Jeffries, Ella Quinn, Diana Quincy and Julia Quinn.
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 despites 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? . . .
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
An old family rivalry and an unexpected inheritance animate Bradley's enchanting third Drop Dead Dukes Regency (after Damned If I Duke). Max Burke, the Duke of Grantham, has long resented Ambrose St. Claire, who won the Burke's family home, Hammond Court, from Max's father in a bet. When Ambrose dies, Max expects to regain access to Hammond Court, and is shocked to learn he must share the estate with Rose St. Clare, Ambrose's secret adopted daughter. Rose balks at Max's offer to buy her out, so Max enlists the handsome Viscount Dunwitty to court Rose, marry her, and sign over Rose's interest in Hammond Court to Max in exchange for forgiving the viscount's uncle's debts. This scheme is complicated, however, by Max's own budding attraction to Rose, whom he invites to stay with him at Grantham Lodge after dilapidated Hammond Court floods. With the Christmas season underway, the pair enjoy many festivities and Rose bakes her way into Max's heart with his favorite ginger biscuits. But what will happen when Rose learns of his plotting with the viscount? Bradley makes the slow-building attraction between her leads believable and enhances the already sparkling Regency background with holiday cheer. Readers are sure to root for this appealing couple.