My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The first book in Megan Frampton's Hazards of Dukes series, Never Kiss a Duke, centers on ex-duke Sebastian de Silva and gambling-house owner Miss Ivy.
The first page of the book starts with Sebastian, Duke of Hasford, learning that he is in fact, not the Duke, and is in fact illegitimate. I was hooked from there! His friends take him out to the up-and-coming gambling house, Miss Ivy's to console him. Ivy, the proprietress, was raised among the aristocracy but lost everything, and (literally) gambled everything to ensure the survival of herself and her younger sister. Now she is running a successful gambling club, and hires Sebastian to help implement new ideas to increase the profits of the club.
This was the first book of Frampton's that I've read, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was very pleasantly surprised. She does an excellent job navigating Sebastian's journey from Duke to common man; the growth that he goes through feels organic and not without missteps. Ivy didn't feel quite as fleshed out as a character but was relatable and likable nonetheless.
The ending of Never Kiss a Duke felt a bit rushed, and the transition of the main characters from attraction to lust to love felt a little lacking, but otherwise it was a great read. There are so many colorful side characters as well that I can't wait to return to this world.
Would recommend!
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