Never Kiss a Duke by Megan Frampton
Series: Hazards of Dukes #1
Publisher: HarperCollins – Avon
Publication Date: January 28, 2020
Date Read: January 25, 2020
Length: 384 pages
Source: Publisher
★★★★☆
A disinherited duke and a former lady are courting much more than business in the first novel in Megan Frampton’s newest titillating series, Hazards of Dukes.
Everything he had ever known was a lie…
Sebastian, Duke of Hasford, has a title, wealth, privilege, and plenty of rakish charm. Until he discovers the only thing that truly belongs to him is his charm. An accident of birth has turned him into plain Mr. de Silva. Now, Sebastian is flummoxed as to what to do with his life—until he stumbles into a gambling den owned by Miss Ivy, a most fascinating young lady, who hires him on the spot. Working with a boss has never seemed so enticing.
Everything tells her he’s a risk she has to takeTwo years ago, Ivy gambled everything that was precious to her—and won. Now the owner of London’s most intriguing gambling house, Ivy is competent, assured, and measured. Until she meets Mr. de Silva, who stirs feelings she didn’t realize she had. Can she keep her composure around her newest employee?
They vow to keep their partnership strictly business, but just one kiss makes them realize that with each passing day—and night—it becomes clear to them both that there’s nothing as tempting as what is forbidden…
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I like to read the occasional historical romance and this one looked like it would be worth a try. This is the first book in the Hazards of Dukes series and I thought that it kicked off the new series quite well. I was hooked by this story in the first few pages and found the book to be a very pleasant read. I am so glad that I decided to pick up this book.
Sebastian, Duke of Hasford, finds his life changed through no fault of his own. Because of a lie his mother told, he is no longer a Duke. He had his life figured out before but now he must find a new path. He has to learn how to do a lot of things for himself that have always been done for him. He is up to the task and doesn’t want help from his cousin who is the new Duke or his friend who happens to be a Duke.
Ivy runs a gaming club, Miss Ivy’s. Her club is a little different in that she expects debts to be settled right away and anyone who can pay is allowed to play. Ivy was once considered a Lady but she decided to gamble to win back her future which was lost by her father. Ivy’s won that card game and her freedom but it changed how others looked at her. She is very competent to run the club and is surrounded by a very dedicated staff but she decided to take a chance and offer a job to Sebastian.
I really liked Ivy and Sebastian. They have both had to deal with some pretty big changes in their lives and are doing what they can to move forward. They are both very invested in making sure that their loved ones get the best in life. I loved the chemistry that they shared and I really liked the way they were able to work as a pair. These two just seemed to fit with each other perfectly.
I thought that the premise of the story was rather unique and very well done. I really enjoyed being with Sebastian as he learned to navigate his new life. He really had a lot to deal with and I think he made the best of things. There was some excitement in the story to keep things interesting. The secondary characters in this book were wonderful and I hope to see more of them in future books.
I would recommend this book to fans of historical romances. I thought that this was a well-done romance with wonderful characters. I can’t wait to read more of this wonderful series!
I received an advanced review copy of this book from HarperCollins – Avon.
About the AuthorMegan Frampton writes historical romance under her own name and romantic women’s fiction under the name Megan Caldwell. She likes the color black, gin, dark-haired British men, and huge earrings, not in that order. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and kid.
judging by the title, did he go back to becoming a Duke?
I can't say 🙂
It's been years since I read a historical romance but I went through a phase where I loved them. I like the way this one isn't the "typical" plot of the titled man and the eligible lady meeting at some ball. LOL This is a great twist.
I really do read a little bit of everything and like historicals from time to time.
You know I love historical romance, so how can I not be tempted by this title? 😉 I already read one with a heroine who run a similar club and I thought it was quite intriguing, I'm very curious to see how this one plays out and I hope I'm gonna have the same great time you had with it!
I hope you enjoy it if you get the chance to read it, Silvia!
i shared a historical novel today too. 🙂 i love when i get hooked quickly and enjoyed your review
sherry @ fundinmental
Thanks, Sherry!
Glad you enjoyed it. And I like the catchy title.
I do too!
That does sound different and I like that you seem to have enjoyed it.
I thought it was rather unique.
Oh it's nice that it was different, it's always great!
It is fun to find something unexpected like this!
Tough row to hoe for them both. Sounds like they bucked up and did great. I love stories like this.
I loved both of their stories!
This sounds like a lovely story. I can see see you had a good time with it.
I really did enjoy this one, Nadene!
Totally unrelated to the content but when I first looked at the cover I thought she had black wings, and I was confused. Then I realized it was his leg. Oops.
I can totally see that!
ALways kiss a Duke!
That is one way to look at it!