Review - A Wicked Bargain for the Duke by Megan Frampton

 Megan Frampton's A Wicked Bargain for the Duke is the third book in her Hazards of Dukes series - all of which are wonderful, and this one is no exception. Thad had no expectations of ever being a duke, but now that he is he plans to run it with the same military efficiency he's known for. To that end, he makes a list of attributes he must have in a duchess, and somehow finds them all at his first social event. Lady Jane is perfect - except for her pesky sister, Lavinia, who is too loud, too opinionated, and far too sensual to ever be his duchess. Until, that is, they are caught in a compromising position and forced to wed. He proposes a bargain: they produce an heir, then they can lead separate lives. Lavinia agrees, but decides that if they're going to be intimate, she'd better enjoy it!

This book is so good for so many reasons. Frampton is so aware of the power dynamics and is so careful with them - Thad is constantly aware that Lavinia is at a disadvantage in their relationship, and tries to even their footing however he can. Lavinia is determined to make the best of her situation, and is fiercely loyal. 

SPOILERS!!!

One thing that really stood out to me while reading: Lavinia is secretly a romance author, and her books are gaining wild popularity. Her half-brother is pretending to be the author at signings and events, but all the work is Lavinia's. During a reading at their home, Thaddeus realizes that Lavinia is the true author of the novels, and this is the "low point" for the novel, as he is livid. However, what really stuck out to me is the reason for his ire - he isn't upset that she has this secret, he's upset that she didn't trust him enough to share what he realizes is an essential part of herself with him. It's so sweet and heartbreaking all at once, proving that Frampton is a master.

Overall, this is a wonderful book, and I can't wait to see what she writes next!!

Review - Tall, Duke and Dangerous by Megan Frampton

When I first read the first book in Megan Frampton's Hazards of Dukes series, Never Kiss a Duke, I thought that this book had already been published, and was devastated to learn it wasn't and I'd have to wait to read it. Now that I have, I can say that the wait was definitely worth it!

Tall, Duke and Dangerous is a story about two people who have both survived traumatic pasts trying to figure out how to move forward and what kind of people they are and can choose to become. It's also a beautiful friends - to - lovers romance story. 

Nash, the Duke of Malvern, is a man of very few words, preferring to let his fists do the talking. His best friend's sister, Ana Maria, is newly out in Society after a lifetime of drudgery, and he offers to give her self-defense lessons. Ana Maria is caught between two worlds, neither of which she feels she belongs in, and enlists Nash to help her figure out what it is she really wants.

Tall, Duke and Dangerous is really a wonderful book, and Megan Frampton handles so many sensitive topics deftly and with care. It would have been easy to focus on the past traumas these characters have faced, but instead Frampton focuses on growth and possibility, while acknowledging what they have been through. It's a beautiful book and I can't wait to read Frampton's next work.

I received an ARC of this book from HarperCollins and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Review - Never Kiss a Duke by Megan Frampton

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!