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Dukes Behaving Badly #4
Why Do Dukes Fall in Love?
In Megan Frampton’s captivating new Dukes Behaving Badly novel, we learn the answer to the Why do dukes fall in love? Michael, the Duke of Hadlow, has the liberty of enjoying an indiscretion . . . or several. But when it comes time for him to take a proper bride, he ultimately realizes he wants only one Edwina Cheltam. He’d hired her as his secretary, only to quickly discover she was sensuous and intelligent. They embark on a passionate affair, and when she breaks it off, he accepts her decision as the logical one . . . but only at first. Then he decides to pursue her. Michael is brilliant, single-minded, and utterly indifferent to being the talk of the ton. It’s even said his only true friend is his dog. Edwina had begged him to marry someone appropriate–—someone aristocratic . . . someone high-born . . . someone else. But the only thing more persuasive than a duke intent on seduction is one who has fallen irrevocably in love.
371 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 26, 2016
86 people are currently reading
865 people want to read
About the author
Megan Frampton
41 books1,053 followersMegan Frampton's love affair with books began when her parents moved her to a remote town in New Hampshire where there was only one television station. And then the TV broke. She devoured every book of fiction in her well-read parents' library, finding special joy in Georgette Heyer and the fairy tales collected and translated by Andrew Lang. Megan majored in English literature at Barnard College and worked in the music industry for fifteen years. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband (her former intern) and her kid.
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July 29, 2016
Why Do Dukes Fall in Love?
92. Love is the grandest of emotions, and dukes are the grandest of men. It just makes logical sense.
So I really, really enjoyed this one. Once again I've read a book in the middle of a series and found that I would like to read the rest of the books in the series. I don't know what it is about me with these forward thinking and feminist Victorian heroines lately... but I'm not complaining because I'm having way too much fun. This was read like a historical "office romance" and I really enjoyed how the author let everything play out.
Edwina Cheltam is a widow, a penniless widow with a little a girl to take care of. When she finds employment with the Duke of Hadlow its a blessing in disguise, because while the duke may be abrupt, terribly honest and arrogant he treats her like an employee. Not a female employee just an employee which is a rarity. Something that I found quite funny in this book was that is was frowned upon for a business man to have a female secretary but these days the exact opposite is probably frowned upon although not to the same extent.
I loved how the author stayed true to the heroines independent and feisty character while still feeding my grumpy and sometimes high handed duke craving. Michael is a socially innept man, but don't let that fool you into thinking he's a pushover. Michael cannot stand the illogical and innane activities of the ton so he keeps to himself. Until Edwina and her daughter come into his life, and for the first time in his life he finds people he enjoys spending time with.
The only real conflict in this story was the couples different stations in life and their unwillingness to share their feelings with one another or rather voice them. The banter between Edwina and Michael was very entertaining. Gertrude's sweet friendship with Michael's dog chest was adorable and I think I'd really like to read Carolyn's story now.
ARC kindly provided by publisher in return for an honest review
July 23, 2016
Why Do Dukes Fall in Love? By Megan Frampton is a 2016 Avon publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This cute Victorian era romance centers around Eliza Cheltham, her young daughter, Gertrude, and Michael, the Duke of Hadlow. The lives of these three very unique individuals converge when the duke finds himself in need of a secretary and Eliza discovers her deceased husband has left her destitute, meaning she will need to find a job.
Michael’s disposition is like that of many aristocrats, in that he is arrogant and impatient, snobbish and boorish. He makes no apologies for these traits and refuses to pretend politeness, or play along with what society dictates, becoming impatient when people play games instead of speaking their minds.
Eliza immediately makes an assessment of the duke’s unconventional attitude toward polite society. She shrugs off his rudeness and forthright musings and proves herself invaluable to him, earning the great duke’s respect and stirring something deep within him he can’t quite put a name to.
But, as time passes the relationship moves well beyond the propriety of their professional contract. In fact, it’s downright scandalous. However, with the huge class differences between them, they can never take the relationship any further, forcing Eliza to make a painful decision about her future.
This is a very light romp, with cute banter and an adorable child to add an added dose of charm to the story.
I know I lament often enough about the overabundance of soft and fluffy historical romances, without any dire or difficult challenges for the characters to face, other than the usual difficulties, like dealing with fussy, spoiled dukes, who avoid marriage at all cost.
But, we do still need the mind candy, if you will, with stories that provide a diversion from our hectic, stress filled lives, or from depressing headlines. This book is the perfect medicine for those times, and just what the doctored ordered.
I actually found the duke’s outlook rather refreshing. Of course, one can be plainly spoken or forthright in a tactful way, which is what Michael needed to work on. But, I agreed with him about the tediousness of polite conversations, as I also prefer people just cut to the chase and get right to the point.
He also made a pivotal connection with Gertrude. I don't usually like children added into the mix, but Gertrude proves to be a refreshing addition and I loved the way Michael accepted her and she wound him around her finger. In fact, I knew by the way he responded to Gertrude, he was in already in deep, and was in serious trouble, he just didn't know it yet.
Eliza is a practical person, and I liked that she is a mature character, and not a virginal teenager, which made it easier for me to relate to her. She doesn’t complain, is smart, and isn’t always on the verge of tears, or filled with high octane angst. She does what is right for herself and her child, proving she believes in her own self-worth.
The characters are not extremely developed, nor are not shallow. The book is intended to be fun, light and airy, and it successfully entertained me for a few hours and lighted my mood, which is something we all could use right now.
This is a nice escapist read, cute and sassy, filled with charm and humor. These types of stories never go out of style or lose their popularity, because who doesn’t like to see love erase class boundaries and defy logic?
3.5 rounded to 4
This cute Victorian era romance centers around Eliza Cheltham, her young daughter, Gertrude, and Michael, the Duke of Hadlow. The lives of these three very unique individuals converge when the duke finds himself in need of a secretary and Eliza discovers her deceased husband has left her destitute, meaning she will need to find a job.
Michael’s disposition is like that of many aristocrats, in that he is arrogant and impatient, snobbish and boorish. He makes no apologies for these traits and refuses to pretend politeness, or play along with what society dictates, becoming impatient when people play games instead of speaking their minds.
Eliza immediately makes an assessment of the duke’s unconventional attitude toward polite society. She shrugs off his rudeness and forthright musings and proves herself invaluable to him, earning the great duke’s respect and stirring something deep within him he can’t quite put a name to.
But, as time passes the relationship moves well beyond the propriety of their professional contract. In fact, it’s downright scandalous. However, with the huge class differences between them, they can never take the relationship any further, forcing Eliza to make a painful decision about her future.
This is a very light romp, with cute banter and an adorable child to add an added dose of charm to the story.
I know I lament often enough about the overabundance of soft and fluffy historical romances, without any dire or difficult challenges for the characters to face, other than the usual difficulties, like dealing with fussy, spoiled dukes, who avoid marriage at all cost.
But, we do still need the mind candy, if you will, with stories that provide a diversion from our hectic, stress filled lives, or from depressing headlines. This book is the perfect medicine for those times, and just what the doctored ordered.
I actually found the duke’s outlook rather refreshing. Of course, one can be plainly spoken or forthright in a tactful way, which is what Michael needed to work on. But, I agreed with him about the tediousness of polite conversations, as I also prefer people just cut to the chase and get right to the point.
He also made a pivotal connection with Gertrude. I don't usually like children added into the mix, but Gertrude proves to be a refreshing addition and I loved the way Michael accepted her and she wound him around her finger. In fact, I knew by the way he responded to Gertrude, he was in already in deep, and was in serious trouble, he just didn't know it yet.
Eliza is a practical person, and I liked that she is a mature character, and not a virginal teenager, which made it easier for me to relate to her. She doesn’t complain, is smart, and isn’t always on the verge of tears, or filled with high octane angst. She does what is right for herself and her child, proving she believes in her own self-worth.
The characters are not extremely developed, nor are not shallow. The book is intended to be fun, light and airy, and it successfully entertained me for a few hours and lighted my mood, which is something we all could use right now.
This is a nice escapist read, cute and sassy, filled with charm and humor. These types of stories never go out of style or lose their popularity, because who doesn’t like to see love erase class boundaries and defy logic?
3.5 rounded to 4
November 19, 2016
I've given this a B at AAR.
Why Do Dukes Fall in Love? asks the overly cutsey title of this, the fourth book in Megan Frampton’s Dukes Behaving Badly series. Before I answer that, I’m going to ask a question of my own. Is there anyone out there who isn’t fed up with the current vogue for horribly contrived romance novel titles based on song/movie appellations?
Fortunately, the first answer to the first question (there are a number given throughout the story) – Because it’s better than falling into a muddy ditch – sets the tone for this particular book, which is deftly written and strongly characterised with a nice line in deadpan humour and a well-matched central couple who are a little out of the ordinary.
Mrs Edwina Cheltam’s late husband has left her practically destitute; and with a young daughter to provide for, she needs to find a way of supporting them, and quickly. She turns to a close friend for advice; a friend who runs an employment agency which, in her more prosperous past, Edwina had used in order to find suitable domestics. Now the boot is on the other foot, and it’s Edwina who needs to find a job. Fortunately, she is clever; up until the year before his death, she had managed all her husband’s business interests and her excellent stewardship had grown his investments considerably. Unfortunately, she is also female – and there is no place for intelligent, business-minded women in the strict society of the mid-nineteenth century. Mr Cheltam married his much younger wife simply because she was beautiful and he liked schmoozing with her on his arm. In the last year of his life, he had transferred the management of his affairs to his younger brother, with the disastrous results that now mean Edwina has nothing.
Michael, the Duke of Hadlow, is precise, controlled, blunt and honest to a fault. He doesn’t suffer fools at all, let alone gladly, and has no patience with meandering small-talk or the little white lies that keep the wheels of society turning. He’s undoubtedly the sort of man who would simply reply “yes” when asked “does my bum look big in this?”. He’s also fiercely intelligent and ruthlessly dedicated to running his many and varied business interests which range from agriculture to railways and he has no time or patience for flattery, sycophancy or anything that embellishes the plain and simple facts of whatever it is that interests him. At first, I wondered if his excessive orderliness and his seeming inability to understand or offer what most of us would regard as normal responses to personal and social interaction were an indication that he might have sociopathic tendencies, or perhaps be a high-functioning autistic. Obviously, neither of these were conditions that would have been understood at the time the book is set, so the author doesn’t attempt to classify Hadlow’s reactions in those terms. He does eventually develop an awareness of others and of the need for empathy through his association with Edwina, so I suppose he could just as easily be a man whose inheritance of a lofty social position at an early age meant he never had to bother with simple manners or to worry about how his no-nonsense attitude would be received by others.
As the story opens, the Duke of Hadlow’s orderly existence stands in real danger of becoming disorderly, owing to the fact that he is currently without a secretary. Fourteen candidates have been and gone and he despairs of finding anyone suitable when one more possibility presents itself – in the form (the rather delightful form) of Mrs Edwina Cheltam. Edwina very quickly shows herself to be intelligent, resourceful and, more importantly, able to keep up with him mentally, so Hadlow hires her on the spot. The fact that she’s a woman is by the by – she’s the best ‘man’ for the job and that’s all there is to it.
Once Edwina gets over her astonishment at having been taken on, she settles in quickly. The duke allows her to engage a governess for six-year-old Gertrude and Edwina can finally start to breathe easy. She is earning a good living, she and her daughter have a roof over their heads, and she enjoys working with the duke, who is clearly brilliant and visionary, if somewhat socially inept. He’s also gorgeous, which is the sort of distraction Edwina could do without, especially when he shows signs of being as smitten as she is. She’s not of his class, and besides, Hadlow is not a man likely to choose emotions over practicalities. Eventually he’ll have to find himself a suitable, aristocratic bride, even though one of those will likely bore him silly within minutes. But until then… perhaps a little self-indulgence might not be such a bad idea.
The story is a simple one, but it’s very well told and both central characters are easy to like, even Hadlow, whose seeming rudeness might have made him unpleasant. The author skilfully tempers his abrasiveness with glimpses of other aspects of his character and his past which mitigate his less endearing traits, painting a strong portrait of a man who really IS an island. His only friend appears to be his dog, and he attends the occasional social event purely because he knows he needs to mix occasionally with those of his peers from whom he will at some point, need to secure cooperation for a parliamentary bill or other such political manoeuvre. The death of his older brother when he was just four years-old affected him profoundly as did the fact that his parents seemed only ever to value his achievements and not Hadlow himself; so he made the decision long ago that emotions were inconvenient things that served no purpose and needed to be shut away. Besides, he has no idea what to do with them.
The romance proceeds at a good pace and the couple’s decision to become lovers is not taken without either of them being aware of all the potential pitfalls. I enjoyed the way they became friends first, both of them coming to admit to being lonely and then to delight in the discovery of another person with whom they can talk and exchange ideas and who, most importantly, has some sort of insight into their thought processes. Edwina’s intelligence might not be quite the equal of Hadlow’s in some areas, but in others she’s way ahead of him, which leads me to the thing I appreciated most about the book. Whatever the reasons for his behaviour, by the end, he’s still essentially the same man, but one who has started to develop some degree of empathy. His brain still works a hundred times faster than anyone else’s, he still gets impatient waiting for people to catch up and he still doesn’t really understand the concept of idle pleasantries or the social niceties. But under Edwina’s influence, he starts to understand that perhaps his words and manner have been hurtful in the past, and he begins to make the attempt to change. And that’s the important thing. He doesn’t have a personality transplant and suddenly turn into Lord-transformed-by-love; but he is trying to change.
Why Do Dukes Fall in Love? is very much a character-driven story, and I raced through it in a couple of sittings. I wasn’t wild about the blackmail sub-plot that is shoe-horned in near the end or about the other last-minute attempt to create some uncertainty, both of which caused me to lower my final grade a little. Ultimately, though, this is a solidly enjoyable read, and one I’m happy to recommend.
Why Do Dukes Fall in Love? asks the overly cutsey title of this, the fourth book in Megan Frampton’s Dukes Behaving Badly series. Before I answer that, I’m going to ask a question of my own. Is there anyone out there who isn’t fed up with the current vogue for horribly contrived romance novel titles based on song/movie appellations?
Fortunately, the first answer to the first question (there are a number given throughout the story) – Because it’s better than falling into a muddy ditch – sets the tone for this particular book, which is deftly written and strongly characterised with a nice line in deadpan humour and a well-matched central couple who are a little out of the ordinary.
Mrs Edwina Cheltam’s late husband has left her practically destitute; and with a young daughter to provide for, she needs to find a way of supporting them, and quickly. She turns to a close friend for advice; a friend who runs an employment agency which, in her more prosperous past, Edwina had used in order to find suitable domestics. Now the boot is on the other foot, and it’s Edwina who needs to find a job. Fortunately, she is clever; up until the year before his death, she had managed all her husband’s business interests and her excellent stewardship had grown his investments considerably. Unfortunately, she is also female – and there is no place for intelligent, business-minded women in the strict society of the mid-nineteenth century. Mr Cheltam married his much younger wife simply because she was beautiful and he liked schmoozing with her on his arm. In the last year of his life, he had transferred the management of his affairs to his younger brother, with the disastrous results that now mean Edwina has nothing.
Michael, the Duke of Hadlow, is precise, controlled, blunt and honest to a fault. He doesn’t suffer fools at all, let alone gladly, and has no patience with meandering small-talk or the little white lies that keep the wheels of society turning. He’s undoubtedly the sort of man who would simply reply “yes” when asked “does my bum look big in this?”. He’s also fiercely intelligent and ruthlessly dedicated to running his many and varied business interests which range from agriculture to railways and he has no time or patience for flattery, sycophancy or anything that embellishes the plain and simple facts of whatever it is that interests him. At first, I wondered if his excessive orderliness and his seeming inability to understand or offer what most of us would regard as normal responses to personal and social interaction were an indication that he might have sociopathic tendencies, or perhaps be a high-functioning autistic. Obviously, neither of these were conditions that would have been understood at the time the book is set, so the author doesn’t attempt to classify Hadlow’s reactions in those terms. He does eventually develop an awareness of others and of the need for empathy through his association with Edwina, so I suppose he could just as easily be a man whose inheritance of a lofty social position at an early age meant he never had to bother with simple manners or to worry about how his no-nonsense attitude would be received by others.
As the story opens, the Duke of Hadlow’s orderly existence stands in real danger of becoming disorderly, owing to the fact that he is currently without a secretary. Fourteen candidates have been and gone and he despairs of finding anyone suitable when one more possibility presents itself – in the form (the rather delightful form) of Mrs Edwina Cheltam. Edwina very quickly shows herself to be intelligent, resourceful and, more importantly, able to keep up with him mentally, so Hadlow hires her on the spot. The fact that she’s a woman is by the by – she’s the best ‘man’ for the job and that’s all there is to it.
Once Edwina gets over her astonishment at having been taken on, she settles in quickly. The duke allows her to engage a governess for six-year-old Gertrude and Edwina can finally start to breathe easy. She is earning a good living, she and her daughter have a roof over their heads, and she enjoys working with the duke, who is clearly brilliant and visionary, if somewhat socially inept. He’s also gorgeous, which is the sort of distraction Edwina could do without, especially when he shows signs of being as smitten as she is. She’s not of his class, and besides, Hadlow is not a man likely to choose emotions over practicalities. Eventually he’ll have to find himself a suitable, aristocratic bride, even though one of those will likely bore him silly within minutes. But until then… perhaps a little self-indulgence might not be such a bad idea.
The story is a simple one, but it’s very well told and both central characters are easy to like, even Hadlow, whose seeming rudeness might have made him unpleasant. The author skilfully tempers his abrasiveness with glimpses of other aspects of his character and his past which mitigate his less endearing traits, painting a strong portrait of a man who really IS an island. His only friend appears to be his dog, and he attends the occasional social event purely because he knows he needs to mix occasionally with those of his peers from whom he will at some point, need to secure cooperation for a parliamentary bill or other such political manoeuvre. The death of his older brother when he was just four years-old affected him profoundly as did the fact that his parents seemed only ever to value his achievements and not Hadlow himself; so he made the decision long ago that emotions were inconvenient things that served no purpose and needed to be shut away. Besides, he has no idea what to do with them.
The romance proceeds at a good pace and the couple’s decision to become lovers is not taken without either of them being aware of all the potential pitfalls. I enjoyed the way they became friends first, both of them coming to admit to being lonely and then to delight in the discovery of another person with whom they can talk and exchange ideas and who, most importantly, has some sort of insight into their thought processes. Edwina’s intelligence might not be quite the equal of Hadlow’s in some areas, but in others she’s way ahead of him, which leads me to the thing I appreciated most about the book. Whatever the reasons for his behaviour, by the end, he’s still essentially the same man, but one who has started to develop some degree of empathy. His brain still works a hundred times faster than anyone else’s, he still gets impatient waiting for people to catch up and he still doesn’t really understand the concept of idle pleasantries or the social niceties. But under Edwina’s influence, he starts to understand that perhaps his words and manner have been hurtful in the past, and he begins to make the attempt to change. And that’s the important thing. He doesn’t have a personality transplant and suddenly turn into Lord-transformed-by-love; but he is trying to change.
Why Do Dukes Fall in Love? is very much a character-driven story, and I raced through it in a couple of sittings. I wasn’t wild about the blackmail sub-plot that is shoe-horned in near the end or about the other last-minute attempt to create some uncertainty, both of which caused me to lower my final grade a little. Ultimately, though, this is a solidly enjoyable read, and one I’m happy to recommend.
July 31, 2016
'Why Do Dukes Fall in Love?' is book four in the "Dukes Behaving Badly" series. This is the story of Michael, the Duke of Hadlow and Edwina Cheltam. I have been jumping in and out of this series, so for me this easily was a standalone book.
Hadlow is a loner with only a dog and his servants. Hadlow finds people boring / dull and gets tired easily of talking to others. But he is in need of a secretary and hasn't found one yet that he thinks he can put up with.
Edwina is now a widow and mother of a six year old daughter. Edwina husband left her without any money and is in need of a job. So she goes to her friend who has a job placement business and asked for help. Edwina is set up to interview with Hadlow who quickly hires her and allows her daughter to move in with her since he wants his secretary to live at his house. They start of finding out that each other are both witty, smart and that they become friends of sort...I would guess you say. Then their attraction start to take over...which leads to and added complication to their already odd friendship/business arrangement.
I really enjoyed this book and could not put it it down! I am now looking for more in this series.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
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Hadlow is a loner with only a dog and his servants. Hadlow finds people boring / dull and gets tired easily of talking to others. But he is in need of a secretary and hasn't found one yet that he thinks he can put up with.
Edwina is now a widow and mother of a six year old daughter. Edwina husband left her without any money and is in need of a job. So she goes to her friend who has a job placement business and asked for help. Edwina is set up to interview with Hadlow who quickly hires her and allows her daughter to move in with her since he wants his secretary to live at his house. They start of finding out that each other are both witty, smart and that they become friends of sort...I would guess you say. Then their attraction start to take over...which leads to and added complication to their already odd friendship/business arrangement.
I really enjoyed this book and could not put it it down! I am now looking for more in this series.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
http://booklikes.com/
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
https://twitter.com/soapsrus68
June 2, 2017
I read this story as a buddy read with Midniteillusion. Why Do Dukes Fall in Love? had some nice elements, but there were a few inconsistencies in the characterization that kept me from falling in love with the novel.
Megan Frampton has risen in the ranks of authors since her appearance on the scene a few years ago. She has a quirky writing style with heroes who are often different and unexpectedly endearing. I have found that I have enjoyed her books starting with book three (One Eyed Dukes are Wild). This novel had an interesting plot and a hero who often had difficulty connecting with humanity. The developing romance between the characters felt organic and unexpected and I liked how he gave her confidence and made her feel beautiful, while she taught him how to embrace emotions and care about people other than himself. This was really well done and my favorite part of the novel.
The lower rating came from two flaws. First, the middle of the story dragged. I felt like the beginning and the end were well-paced, but when the couple started sleeping together, the middle started dragging on as the couple's tortured themselves with internal dialogue and why it is never meant to be. The second reason is that I really didn't think the sex scenes fit with the characters. They talked "dirty" to each other (several f words were used) and it just didn't fit with what I expected from the two of them. I really didn't like it at all and it more felt like the author was trying to be edgy rather than fitting with how the characters would actually be together. It really diminished my enjoyment. I've found that I can still love a story if the sex scenes are corny or there are no scenes at all, but if the scenes are too graphic or don't feel appropriate for the characters, it really lowers my connection to the story. Take this assessment with a grain of salt. If this doesn't bother you, the story is well done and you will most likely enjoy it.
Overall, this wasn't my favorites of Frampton's works thus far, but I really think she has found a nice balance with her storytelling. The fifth book in this series didn't appeal to me, but I plan to try her new series. If the sex scenes are toned down a bit, I will definitely keep reading her. If the scenes are as graphic as they were in this book, I will probably stop with her novels for a while just because I prefer less graphic sex scenes in my books not because she isn't a good author.
Megan Frampton has risen in the ranks of authors since her appearance on the scene a few years ago. She has a quirky writing style with heroes who are often different and unexpectedly endearing. I have found that I have enjoyed her books starting with book three (One Eyed Dukes are Wild). This novel had an interesting plot and a hero who often had difficulty connecting with humanity. The developing romance between the characters felt organic and unexpected and I liked how he gave her confidence and made her feel beautiful, while she taught him how to embrace emotions and care about people other than himself. This was really well done and my favorite part of the novel.
The lower rating came from two flaws. First, the middle of the story dragged. I felt like the beginning and the end were well-paced, but when the couple started sleeping together, the middle started dragging on as the couple's tortured themselves with internal dialogue and why it is never meant to be. The second reason is that I really didn't think the sex scenes fit with the characters. They talked "dirty" to each other (several f words were used) and it just didn't fit with what I expected from the two of them. I really didn't like it at all and it more felt like the author was trying to be edgy rather than fitting with how the characters would actually be together. It really diminished my enjoyment. I've found that I can still love a story if the sex scenes are corny or there are no scenes at all, but if the scenes are too graphic or don't feel appropriate for the characters, it really lowers my connection to the story. Take this assessment with a grain of salt. If this doesn't bother you, the story is well done and you will most likely enjoy it.
Overall, this wasn't my favorites of Frampton's works thus far, but I really think she has found a nice balance with her storytelling. The fifth book in this series didn't appeal to me, but I plan to try her new series. If the sex scenes are toned down a bit, I will definitely keep reading her. If the scenes are as graphic as they were in this book, I will probably stop with her novels for a while just because I prefer less graphic sex scenes in my books not because she isn't a good author.
May 21, 2017
Entertaining story of the widowed h who must find work due to her idjit of a dead husband and even bigger idjit of a boring BIL wasting money. Hint: they should have listened to the little woman.
She's pretty and smart, and brings along her pretty and smart and sassy little girl to live with the ever efficient Duke who may or may not have Aspergers.
Bring your fan and some ice water as the sex scenes are sultry to say the least. The story touches lightly on the inappropriateness of a woman working for a man and the potential violation of class issues between a high and lofty Duke and mere Mrs. What's the point of being a Duke if you can't make your own rules? Some small suspense as well.
The series is entertaining and a nice way to pass the day.
She's pretty and smart, and brings along her pretty and smart and sassy little girl to live with the ever efficient Duke who may or may not have Aspergers.
Bring your fan and some ice water as the sex scenes are sultry to say the least. The story touches lightly on the inappropriateness of a woman working for a man and the potential violation of class issues between a high and lofty Duke and mere Mrs. What's the point of being a Duke if you can't make your own rules? Some small suspense as well.
The series is entertaining and a nice way to pass the day.
July 28, 2016
I have had so much fun with the Dukes Behaving Badly series. Each story has been unique with engaging characters and compelling plots. This latest installment is no different, but I think it may feature my favorite hero of the series thus far.
Michael, the Duke of Hadlow, is a man without a friend except for his dog, Chester. But don't feel bad for Michael - he does not lament his lack of friends. In fact, people annoy him. They do things that, to him, make no sense. Very irksome, other people.
Edwina Cheltham has gotten used to people only wanting her for her beauty and nothing more. She was married off to a husband who wanted a trophy... but he had the temerity to die without providing for her or their daughter, Gertrude. Nearly destitute, Edwina visits her friend Carolyn at the Quality Employment Agency and lands the position of secretary to our dashing duke. Carolyn is astounded that she is now being appreciated for her mind and capability, rather than her beauty. She did an awesome job managing the duke, his expectations and irascible moods. They really made the perfect couple. She understood him and his brilliance, and didn't let his barking scare her away.
The romance between these two was endearing and, at times, steamy. It wasn't perfect... but love isn't logical and it took our duke a while to figure that out. I know I had a smile on my face the entire time I was reading as I really enjoyed watching Michael and Edwina figure things out. Gertrude was also a nice addition, bringing some youth and innocence into the story. Megan Frampton really brings her characters to life with unique personalities and captivating dialogue. I can't wait for the next installment, My Fair Duchess.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Avon via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Full review posted at Bambi Unbridled.
Michael, the Duke of Hadlow, is a man without a friend except for his dog, Chester. But don't feel bad for Michael - he does not lament his lack of friends. In fact, people annoy him. They do things that, to him, make no sense. Very irksome, other people.
Why did people find the need to just . . . talk about things nobody cared about? Incessantly?I totally get him. This anti-social hero and I could hang out with no problem, as long as it wasn't too, you know, peopley. I won't say that Michael had a form of Aspberger's Syndrome because he understood social cues, he just felt all those social niceties were illogical. Michael is very intelligent and doesn't quite understand that other people don't think like he does, so he only wishes people were practical. He kind of reminded me of Sheldon on Big Bang Theory. When he does the logical thing of hiring a female secretary because she was qualified and capable, Michael finds himself with new feelings and curiosities that he hasn't really dealt with before. It was so fun watching this eccentric and cranky duke interact with others, but particularly our heroine and her daughter. I loved the unexpected dirty side that came out in our duke when things started heating up between our couple.
Edwina Cheltham has gotten used to people only wanting her for her beauty and nothing more. She was married off to a husband who wanted a trophy... but he had the temerity to die without providing for her or their daughter, Gertrude. Nearly destitute, Edwina visits her friend Carolyn at the Quality Employment Agency and lands the position of secretary to our dashing duke. Carolyn is astounded that she is now being appreciated for her mind and capability, rather than her beauty. She did an awesome job managing the duke, his expectations and irascible moods. They really made the perfect couple. She understood him and his brilliance, and didn't let his barking scare her away.
The romance between these two was endearing and, at times, steamy. It wasn't perfect... but love isn't logical and it took our duke a while to figure that out. I know I had a smile on my face the entire time I was reading as I really enjoyed watching Michael and Edwina figure things out. Gertrude was also a nice addition, bringing some youth and innocence into the story. Megan Frampton really brings her characters to life with unique personalities and captivating dialogue. I can't wait for the next installment, My Fair Duchess.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Avon via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Full review posted at Bambi Unbridled.
July 18, 2017
2.5 stars
August 9, 2016
ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this one! *dreamy sigh*
Duke of Hadlow, Michael has no time for stupid people. All he wants is an efficient sectary to help him as he handles his ever growing business and wealth. He is very intelligent, analytical and would really like it if people were to follow logic as he does. He is in today's terms socially awkward and ofcourse his abruptness doesn't help him make any friends.
Edwina Cheltam , now a widow and single mother worked really hard to make money for her husband's business only to end up him giving his bother everything and leaving her and their daughter with nothing after he dies. She needs a job to take care of her daughter and find herself becoming the sectary to the Duke.
Michael finds Edwina enchanting; not only is she is beautiful, she's intelligent and more than capable of putting him in his place or reminding him of manners. Edwina on the other hand thought she was done with men after her husband's death, come of to think of it she was probably done with men while being married. Finding her boss fascinating wasn't in the plans to make a better future for herself and her daughter.
Their relationship is honest, they both know that it can't go anywhere but neither is the attraction they both seem to have not only for each others bodies but also each other's mind and behaviour. I loved the contrast between two highly intelligent individuals who were so different from each other , one is a grumpy, arrogant and very ducal (Michael) and the other is the caring, independent and sassy (Edwina). They made a wonderful couple, however for two extremely intelligent people they have a hard time telling each other about their feelings.
Quibbles: I would have liked a bit more of how Michael grew up and how his childhood made him into the man he is today. And because the story progress really fast after Michael and Edwina come back from their trips we didn't get to see more of them being a 'couple' which I would have liked to see.
I really loved the banter between Michael and Edwina. Michael only finding the Cheltam women worth his time and energy. I loved his interactions with Edwina's daughter Gertrude and ofcourse Michael's best friend his dog, Chester. I also loved the Why do Dukes fall in love reasonings, I found them adorable. Here's a few that I loved:
66. Because even a duke is powerless when it comes to the heart.
92. Love is the grandest of emotions, and dukes are the grandest of men. It just makes logical sense.
60. Because if they didn't, they would be very grouchy. And grouchy dukes are even more impossible than regular ones.
39. Because they can only talk to their dig for so long before getting frustrated at the lack of response.
This one was just plain fun. Who doesn't want to watch a grumpy, arrogant Duke fall in love??
I really enjoyed this one! *dreamy sigh*
Duke of Hadlow, Michael has no time for stupid people. All he wants is an efficient sectary to help him as he handles his ever growing business and wealth. He is very intelligent, analytical and would really like it if people were to follow logic as he does. He is in today's terms socially awkward and ofcourse his abruptness doesn't help him make any friends.
Edwina Cheltam , now a widow and single mother worked really hard to make money for her husband's business only to end up him giving his bother everything and leaving her and their daughter with nothing after he dies. She needs a job to take care of her daughter and find herself becoming the sectary to the Duke.
Michael finds Edwina enchanting; not only is she is beautiful, she's intelligent and more than capable of putting him in his place or reminding him of manners. Edwina on the other hand thought she was done with men after her husband's death, come of to think of it she was probably done with men while being married. Finding her boss fascinating wasn't in the plans to make a better future for herself and her daughter.
Their relationship is honest, they both know that it can't go anywhere but neither is the attraction they both seem to have not only for each others bodies but also each other's mind and behaviour. I loved the contrast between two highly intelligent individuals who were so different from each other , one is a grumpy, arrogant and very ducal (Michael) and the other is the caring, independent and sassy (Edwina). They made a wonderful couple, however for two extremely intelligent people they have a hard time telling each other about their feelings.
Quibbles: I would have liked a bit more of how Michael grew up and how his childhood made him into the man he is today. And because the story progress really fast after Michael and Edwina come back from their trips we didn't get to see more of them being a 'couple' which I would have liked to see.
I really loved the banter between Michael and Edwina. Michael only finding the Cheltam women worth his time and energy. I loved his interactions with Edwina's daughter Gertrude and ofcourse Michael's best friend his dog, Chester. I also loved the Why do Dukes fall in love reasonings, I found them adorable. Here's a few that I loved:
66. Because even a duke is powerless when it comes to the heart.
92. Love is the grandest of emotions, and dukes are the grandest of men. It just makes logical sense.
60. Because if they didn't, they would be very grouchy. And grouchy dukes are even more impossible than regular ones.
39. Because they can only talk to their dig for so long before getting frustrated at the lack of response.
This one was just plain fun. Who doesn't want to watch a grumpy, arrogant Duke fall in love??
August 7, 2016
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: http://wp.me/p3QRh4-q3
Edwina Cheltam, now a widow, has to find some means of supporting herself and her young daughter, Gertrude. Her deceased husband did not make provision for her, and, in fact, turned her successful management of their property over to his incompetent brother. Her brother-in-law reluctantly agrees to provide a home for Gertrude, but doesn't offer any help to Edwina. Since Edwina will not be parted from her daughter, this is not an acceptable solution, and she knows that she must seek employment.
Michael, the Duke of Hadlow, has interviewed one incompetent candidate after another for the position of his secretary. When his butler announces there is one more candidate, a female, Michael is willing to interview and hire her if she is competent. Edwina knows that the chance of being hired as the Duke's secretary is pretty slim, but she impresses him with her intelligence and composure. To her surprise, he does offer her the position, but stipulates that she has to live-in due to the demands of the job. A crestfallen Edwina has to decline because she won't live apart from her daughter. When she tells Michael her circumstances, he unexpectedly offers to allow Gertrude to live there as well.
I really like Edwina. She's in a desperate situation, yet, she sticks to her conviction that she won't be parted from her daughter. While her convenient marriage lacked fulfillment and passion, and has left her somewhat disenchanted with the whole institution, she still has the self confidence to stand toe to toe with the Duke. Her intelligence and genuine interest in his business dealings impresses Michael, and soon she becomes invaluable to him. Michael noted her beauty right from the start, and while he desired her, he had no desire to jeopardize their satisfactory working relationship.
Michael is somewhat odd, and it is his character that makes this novel so wonderful and special. There is only one person in life that Michael loved - his older brother, who died when Michael was only four. Since then, he has determined not to love. He has no friends, he's miserable in society, he's well aware of his own stature, and he's not afraid to flaunt his dukeliness to get what he wants. He's also very intelligent and very determined to keep his dukedom successful. Despite all his best intentions, his desire for Edwina is flaring, and they eventually begin a passionate affair. (Thank you, Megan Frampton, for addressing birth control.)
As you can guess, Edwina begins to fall in love. And Michael begins to become self reflective and confused. Watching this distant, self contained duke evolve into just a man in love who wants no other woman is pure joy. Megan Frampton has outdone herself with her brilliant characterizations and this entertaining, touching, sexy, and very romantic story. I adore every aspect of WHY DO DUKES FALL IN LOVE, and I'm happy to give it my highest recommendation.
Edwina Cheltam, now a widow, has to find some means of supporting herself and her young daughter, Gertrude. Her deceased husband did not make provision for her, and, in fact, turned her successful management of their property over to his incompetent brother. Her brother-in-law reluctantly agrees to provide a home for Gertrude, but doesn't offer any help to Edwina. Since Edwina will not be parted from her daughter, this is not an acceptable solution, and she knows that she must seek employment.
Michael, the Duke of Hadlow, has interviewed one incompetent candidate after another for the position of his secretary. When his butler announces there is one more candidate, a female, Michael is willing to interview and hire her if she is competent. Edwina knows that the chance of being hired as the Duke's secretary is pretty slim, but she impresses him with her intelligence and composure. To her surprise, he does offer her the position, but stipulates that she has to live-in due to the demands of the job. A crestfallen Edwina has to decline because she won't live apart from her daughter. When she tells Michael her circumstances, he unexpectedly offers to allow Gertrude to live there as well.
I really like Edwina. She's in a desperate situation, yet, she sticks to her conviction that she won't be parted from her daughter. While her convenient marriage lacked fulfillment and passion, and has left her somewhat disenchanted with the whole institution, she still has the self confidence to stand toe to toe with the Duke. Her intelligence and genuine interest in his business dealings impresses Michael, and soon she becomes invaluable to him. Michael noted her beauty right from the start, and while he desired her, he had no desire to jeopardize their satisfactory working relationship.
Michael is somewhat odd, and it is his character that makes this novel so wonderful and special. There is only one person in life that Michael loved - his older brother, who died when Michael was only four. Since then, he has determined not to love. He has no friends, he's miserable in society, he's well aware of his own stature, and he's not afraid to flaunt his dukeliness to get what he wants. He's also very intelligent and very determined to keep his dukedom successful. Despite all his best intentions, his desire for Edwina is flaring, and they eventually begin a passionate affair. (Thank you, Megan Frampton, for addressing birth control.)
As you can guess, Edwina begins to fall in love. And Michael begins to become self reflective and confused. Watching this distant, self contained duke evolve into just a man in love who wants no other woman is pure joy. Megan Frampton has outdone herself with her brilliant characterizations and this entertaining, touching, sexy, and very romantic story. I adore every aspect of WHY DO DUKES FALL IN LOVE, and I'm happy to give it my highest recommendation.
August 14, 2017
When Edwina's husband died, he left her almost destitute. Not the sort to wallow in self-pity, she ask her friend, who owns the Quality Employment Agency, to help her find work.
The Duke of Hadlow take his duties seriously, but he's a difficult man to please, so he have a hard time finding a secretary. He doesn't care that employing a woman for the position is an unconventional thing. Of all the people he interviewed, she's the only one who seem competent. But what is it about his new employee that makes him feel a curiosity he never had for anyone else ?
So I know the name of this series is Dukes Behaving Badly, but Michael was a little too insensitive and rude for my taste. He thinks that everyone (expect him and the heroine) are idiots, he's impatient and condescending. His only friend is his dog, that's saying something about his attitude, don't you think ? I wonder if maybe the author intended to make him autistic or just anti-social, but it didn't work for me anyway. I'll admit he had his moments and at least he didn't act like an ass with the heroine, but he was just too intolerant. I don't understand how Edwina can find the duke's petulant behavior charming. If I'm honest, the only character I found endearing was Edwina's six years old daughter. Little Gertrude is cute as a button.
There's too much repetition about the hero's thoughts, his reaction to other people and his way of thinking, The story didn't took the direction I expected either. From what I read of the back cover, I thought it would begin after they had their affair, but they learned to know each other and then half-way through the book, the fling began. There was no pursuing and again, that's what the blurb implied. There was a few cute moments between the duke and Edwina, and him and her little girl, but it was not enough to satisfy me.
The Duke of Hadlow take his duties seriously, but he's a difficult man to please, so he have a hard time finding a secretary. He doesn't care that employing a woman for the position is an unconventional thing. Of all the people he interviewed, she's the only one who seem competent. But what is it about his new employee that makes him feel a curiosity he never had for anyone else ?
So I know the name of this series is Dukes Behaving Badly, but Michael was a little too insensitive and rude for my taste. He thinks that everyone (expect him and the heroine) are idiots, he's impatient and condescending. His only friend is his dog, that's saying something about his attitude, don't you think ? I wonder if maybe the author intended to make him autistic or just anti-social, but it didn't work for me anyway. I'll admit he had his moments and at least he didn't act like an ass with the heroine, but he was just too intolerant. I don't understand how Edwina can find the duke's petulant behavior charming. If I'm honest, the only character I found endearing was Edwina's six years old daughter. Little Gertrude is cute as a button.
There's too much repetition about the hero's thoughts, his reaction to other people and his way of thinking, The story didn't took the direction I expected either. From what I read of the back cover, I thought it would begin after they had their affair, but they learned to know each other and then half-way through the book, the fling began. There was no pursuing and again, that's what the blurb implied. There was a few cute moments between the duke and Edwina, and him and her little girl, but it was not enough to satisfy me.
December 26, 2021
I liked this book because i felt Michael, the hero, was the most real and relatable character & human being I’ve seen in a long time in reading historical romance books. At least he is, to me.
I relate to him because like him, i also hate people and their lies. I prefer honesty and am very straightforward in my actions and words. I like that the duke is like that, so i can see that he is true in what he says and do, also because he does not like wasting time and believes a straightforward approach is the most efficient way of doing things. Due to his straightforward ways, i feel his actions are not deceptive and it makes him truthful.
He has his flaws due to his dislike of people and straightforward ways, which may come off as rude to other people, but that is what i liked about him. It is his flaws that make him a human, just a man and not a highly esteemed duke. He does not give a damn what other people thinks of him.
As he hates people, he does not possess good communication and people skills. Hence, he ends up being awkward/embarrassed around Edwina and her daughter for being actually kind to them, and that endears me to him. It’s adorable to see a guy who only shows his soft side to a select number of people. It was nice to see him change, under Edwina’s influence.
Edwina is…she is a strong woman, and a good mother. To prevent being separated from her child, despite being widow of a aristocrat/noblemen, she was willing to take up employment. I like that she is not scared of the duke, and faces him head on. She has humour sometimes, and brings out the humour in the duke as well. Alas, suffice to say, i liked the duke more than Edwina.
The chemistry between Edwina and Michael was alright. They shared a few teasing/jokes with one another, and was great in bed.
As much as i enjoyed the book, there were some issues i had with it.
1. The first is how the story focused more on Edwina than Michael. We know more about Edwina than we did of Michael because we never got the detailed back story of Michael and his parents. I would have liked to see him talk about his past and family with Edwina.
2. The thing with Edwina’s brother in law felt unresolved. I wondered what happened after he took the duke’s 1000 pounds. Did his business succeed or fail? Did he come after Edwina again after she married the duke? I was left with questions.
I relate to him because like him, i also hate people and their lies. I prefer honesty and am very straightforward in my actions and words. I like that the duke is like that, so i can see that he is true in what he says and do, also because he does not like wasting time and believes a straightforward approach is the most efficient way of doing things. Due to his straightforward ways, i feel his actions are not deceptive and it makes him truthful.
He has his flaws due to his dislike of people and straightforward ways, which may come off as rude to other people, but that is what i liked about him. It is his flaws that make him a human, just a man and not a highly esteemed duke. He does not give a damn what other people thinks of him.
As he hates people, he does not possess good communication and people skills. Hence, he ends up being awkward/embarrassed around Edwina and her daughter for being actually kind to them, and that endears me to him. It’s adorable to see a guy who only shows his soft side to a select number of people. It was nice to see him change, under Edwina’s influence.
Edwina is…she is a strong woman, and a good mother. To prevent being separated from her child, despite being widow of a aristocrat/noblemen, she was willing to take up employment. I like that she is not scared of the duke, and faces him head on. She has humour sometimes, and brings out the humour in the duke as well. Alas, suffice to say, i liked the duke more than Edwina.
The chemistry between Edwina and Michael was alright. They shared a few teasing/jokes with one another, and was great in bed.
As much as i enjoyed the book, there were some issues i had with it.
1. The first is how the story focused more on Edwina than Michael. We know more about Edwina than we did of Michael because we never got the detailed back story of Michael and his parents. I would have liked to see him talk about his past and family with Edwina.
2. The thing with Edwina’s brother in law felt unresolved. I wondered what happened after he took the duke’s 1000 pounds. Did his business succeed or fail? Did he come after Edwina again after she married the duke? I was left with questions.
August 2, 2017
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
Why Do Dukes Fall in Love was an absolute delight. It was impossible to not fall head-first in love with Mrs. Chelsam and His Grace! They were awesome, I loved their tongue-in-cheek humor, their loyalty, their intelligence and their steamy romance!
Story:
A duke who hires a female secretary is unconventional to say the least, and I love unconventional historical romances. Why Do Dukes Fall in Love was a fun story, with some intrigue and suspense, and a lot of slow, hot romance. I loved that a capable woman got a chance to take care of herself and her daughter - and still have some love in her life.
Characters:
Edwina was a widow, left with her young daughter, and not much else. She really had to work, and she definitely had experience in keeping an office in order and taking care of the numbers. Michael didn't really care much who his secretary was, as long as the work got done, and he didn't have to spend too much time finding one.
Writing Style:
Why Do Dukes Fall in Love is written in third person point of view, with a good insight to both Edwina and Michael. There are also a lot of dialogues, and the humor had me laugh out loud more than once.
Feels:
I went through all the feels with Why Do Dukes Fall in Love, I was happy, afraid, sad, angry and hopeful at different points of the story.
But he wouldn't be noticing her beauty, not in a longing way, if he hadn't first recognized her intelligence. He had seen plenty of lovely women before, but non of them intrigued him as she did - the rare, likely unique, combination of appearance and intelligence was one that hit him in a way he'd never experienced before.
Why didn't people just come out and say what they wanted him to say instead of making him work for it?
There would be too many disreputable men willing to take advantage of a lady in a precarious position, even if the lady in question had an honest desire to take and keep a position.
Why Do Dukes Fall in Love was an absolute delight. It was impossible to not fall head-first in love with Mrs. Chelsam and His Grace! They were awesome, I loved their tongue-in-cheek humor, their loyalty, their intelligence and their steamy romance!
Story:
A duke who hires a female secretary is unconventional to say the least, and I love unconventional historical romances. Why Do Dukes Fall in Love was a fun story, with some intrigue and suspense, and a lot of slow, hot romance. I loved that a capable woman got a chance to take care of herself and her daughter - and still have some love in her life.
Characters:
Edwina was a widow, left with her young daughter, and not much else. She really had to work, and she definitely had experience in keeping an office in order and taking care of the numbers. Michael didn't really care much who his secretary was, as long as the work got done, and he didn't have to spend too much time finding one.
Writing Style:
Why Do Dukes Fall in Love is written in third person point of view, with a good insight to both Edwina and Michael. There are also a lot of dialogues, and the humor had me laugh out loud more than once.
Feels:
I went through all the feels with Why Do Dukes Fall in Love, I was happy, afraid, sad, angry and hopeful at different points of the story.
But he wouldn't be noticing her beauty, not in a longing way, if he hadn't first recognized her intelligence. He had seen plenty of lovely women before, but non of them intrigued him as she did - the rare, likely unique, combination of appearance and intelligence was one that hit him in a way he'd never experienced before.
Why didn't people just come out and say what they wanted him to say instead of making him work for it?
There would be too many disreputable men willing to take advantage of a lady in a precarious position, even if the lady in question had an honest desire to take and keep a position.
August 2, 2016
Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2016/08/review-...
Grade: C+
Mrs. Edwina Chelton was dismayed to learn her late husband left her and their young child with nothing upon his death. Having spent her marriage keeping the books for her husband’s company, it’s only when the company begins to show a healthy profit does he decide to hand everything over to his debt harassed brother who ends up running the company into the ground. Luckily for her, a dear friend is able to help her secure an interview to be a secretary for a Duke.
Michael Hadlow needs a secretary yesterday. Having spent his valuable time turning away fourteen applicants, he is at his wits end. Your typical aristocrat; he is high-handed, boorish, quick to cut, and suffers fools lightly. Honest to a fault, he expects the same from those around him and does not play the games polite society insists upon. When he meets Edwina, he sees a beautiful woman. When he talks to her, he sees an intelligent woman who intrigues him and hires her on the spot.
The fourth installment of Frampton’s smart and humorous standalone series-Dukes Behaving Badly- introduces us to Michael, the Duke of Hadlow, and Mrs. Edwina Chelton. Two very intelligent and somewhat unconventional people whose personalities and social class differences make for a light-hearted and whimsical boss/secretary romance. Frampton uses “reasons” for why Dukes fall in love as chapter titles that only adds to the light atmosphere of the story.
Edwina and Michael complement each other well. Edwina is not some virginal miss intent on finding herself a husband. Nor is she looking to gain herself another. As a widow, she has already sampled the marriage mart and quickly learned she can only depend on one person-herself. Intelligent and forthright, she uses her brains and skills to obtain a position not offered to women in this day and age in order to not only secure herself a future but one for her daughter. She is not afraid to say what is on her mind and holds her own against Michael’s more intense personality.
Michael is very linear in both his thinking and attitude. Born into a ducal family and always knowing his place in the world affords him a luxury and sense of superiority. He doesn’t seem to realize that not everyone thinks the same way he does so he views them as inferiors for not understanding what he wants. But Edwina understands him. She also gently nudges him towards thinking beyond himself and his needs.
The romance is comfortable, cute, and sexy as we watch Michael and Edwina’s affair smoothly unfolds. Sensual erotic scenes and some rather intriguing dirty talk keeps you firmly engaged. What I enjoyed most was the contrast between their dialogue and their internal thoughts. You watch them fall in love but it takes much longer for them to verbalize it. Especially Michael.
Various secondary characters flow in and out of this couple’s lives, used to further flesh out our protagonists, two important ones being Gertrude, Edwina’s daughter and Chester, Michael’s dog. Both are lively beings who are frankly used as plot devices but amusing enough for you easily forgive the author for using them in such a manner. I am very curious to know Edwina’s friend Carolyn’s story. Her warnings to Edwina against men in general leaves you to wonder who hurt her so badly. I do wish the conflict regarding Edwina’s brother in law had been drawn out more. It all felt rather rushed in its resolution.
Why Do Dukes Fall In Love is lightweight romance that doesn’t divulge too deeply beyond the basic parameters of the trope used. Michael and Edwina aren’t particularly profound or demanding emotionally and their romance isn’t a love story for the ages. It’s a simple and fun feel good story; perfect for a few hours of relaxing escapism.
Grade: C+
Mrs. Edwina Chelton was dismayed to learn her late husband left her and their young child with nothing upon his death. Having spent her marriage keeping the books for her husband’s company, it’s only when the company begins to show a healthy profit does he decide to hand everything over to his debt harassed brother who ends up running the company into the ground. Luckily for her, a dear friend is able to help her secure an interview to be a secretary for a Duke.
Michael Hadlow needs a secretary yesterday. Having spent his valuable time turning away fourteen applicants, he is at his wits end. Your typical aristocrat; he is high-handed, boorish, quick to cut, and suffers fools lightly. Honest to a fault, he expects the same from those around him and does not play the games polite society insists upon. When he meets Edwina, he sees a beautiful woman. When he talks to her, he sees an intelligent woman who intrigues him and hires her on the spot.
The fourth installment of Frampton’s smart and humorous standalone series-Dukes Behaving Badly- introduces us to Michael, the Duke of Hadlow, and Mrs. Edwina Chelton. Two very intelligent and somewhat unconventional people whose personalities and social class differences make for a light-hearted and whimsical boss/secretary romance. Frampton uses “reasons” for why Dukes fall in love as chapter titles that only adds to the light atmosphere of the story.
Edwina and Michael complement each other well. Edwina is not some virginal miss intent on finding herself a husband. Nor is she looking to gain herself another. As a widow, she has already sampled the marriage mart and quickly learned she can only depend on one person-herself. Intelligent and forthright, she uses her brains and skills to obtain a position not offered to women in this day and age in order to not only secure herself a future but one for her daughter. She is not afraid to say what is on her mind and holds her own against Michael’s more intense personality.
Michael is very linear in both his thinking and attitude. Born into a ducal family and always knowing his place in the world affords him a luxury and sense of superiority. He doesn’t seem to realize that not everyone thinks the same way he does so he views them as inferiors for not understanding what he wants. But Edwina understands him. She also gently nudges him towards thinking beyond himself and his needs.
The romance is comfortable, cute, and sexy as we watch Michael and Edwina’s affair smoothly unfolds. Sensual erotic scenes and some rather intriguing dirty talk keeps you firmly engaged. What I enjoyed most was the contrast between their dialogue and their internal thoughts. You watch them fall in love but it takes much longer for them to verbalize it. Especially Michael.
Various secondary characters flow in and out of this couple’s lives, used to further flesh out our protagonists, two important ones being Gertrude, Edwina’s daughter and Chester, Michael’s dog. Both are lively beings who are frankly used as plot devices but amusing enough for you easily forgive the author for using them in such a manner. I am very curious to know Edwina’s friend Carolyn’s story. Her warnings to Edwina against men in general leaves you to wonder who hurt her so badly. I do wish the conflict regarding Edwina’s brother in law had been drawn out more. It all felt rather rushed in its resolution.
Why Do Dukes Fall In Love is lightweight romance that doesn’t divulge too deeply beyond the basic parameters of the trope used. Michael and Edwina aren’t particularly profound or demanding emotionally and their romance isn’t a love story for the ages. It’s a simple and fun feel good story; perfect for a few hours of relaxing escapism.
July 31, 2016
While I was reading this book I was a little afraid that my review would not do it justice. I love when a writer takes a character to another level.
Michael, the Duke of Hadlow is a very unusually memorable Hero for me. I only one I can think of to compare him to is Mr. Spock from the original Star Trek series. Micheal is a very logical Duke. He never shows emotion, he doesn't waste his time going out into Society, he has no use to idle chatter or gossip. All he does is try to make his Dukedom better for all the generations to come.
He has no friends and does not feel the loss. He sees his family once a year for the holidays at his country estate. He cannot find anyone who meets his exact standards, so he doesn't even try. When he feels the need for sexual release he will pay for it. He does not allow any emotion in his life. The only time he ever loved someone when he was a child. He idolized his older brother and followed him everywhere. When he was four years old, his brother died and he became the heir and everything changed. As he grew up he decided why love someone if they were going to leave you? So he doesn't.
Unfortunately his demeanor and personality is detrimental to finding a secretary that he can work with. He just lost another one and is frustrated that there is nobody that is intelligent enough and organized to satisfy his standards.
Then one day a woman shows up from a Employment Agency and applies for the position. His Butler Hawkins is bent out of shape that a woman would dare to apply for the position. Michael decides to interview her and to his amazement (that he doesn't show) she is exactly what he has been looking for.
He hires her.
Edwina Cheltam is a widow with a young daughter to support. Her husband left her destitute when he died and her brother in law has volunteered to take her daughter but not her. Edwina know that she must find a job to support them both. Her friend Carolyn owns an Employment Agency and finds her a position that she can interview for.
When Edwina arrives at the Duke's resident she assumes he is an older gentleman with a pot belly and a wife and grown children. To her surprise he is young, fit and breathtakingly handsome.
As for the Michael, he finds her competent and gloriously beautiful, not that it matters. He doesn't care if she is female only that she is capable of performing her duties to his satisfaction. He even agrees to let her daughter live here with her.
As the days and weeks pass Michael is finding that besides being an excellent Secretary he is attracted to her and wants to take her to bed. Edwina has the same feelings but is afraid that if she becomes his lover that it will ruin the security she has found for herself and her daughter.
They embark on an affair that is sexually satisfying to them both. Neither one of them have had such intensely emotional sex before and they are both enthralled. Edwina knows what she is feeling but Michael feels that he is losing control of his logical life, but he still doesn't want to stop.
There is a grasping, unprincipled brother in law who will force Edwina to choose between Michael and her daughter's safety.
I have loved Megan's books since I read her first one. As far as I am concerned this is the best of the Duke's Behaving Badly Series. The transition that Michael makes as the story progresses is like his waking up from a bad dream and Edwina is his salvation. Her is writing is intensely compelling and hard to put down. The sex scenes in this book are explicit and the language graphic but even these are essential to the transition that Michael and Edwina go through in this amazing love story.
I highly recommend this book to everybody whether you read Historical Romance or some other genre.
Received a complimentary copy for an honest review.
Michael, the Duke of Hadlow is a very unusually memorable Hero for me. I only one I can think of to compare him to is Mr. Spock from the original Star Trek series. Micheal is a very logical Duke. He never shows emotion, he doesn't waste his time going out into Society, he has no use to idle chatter or gossip. All he does is try to make his Dukedom better for all the generations to come.
He has no friends and does not feel the loss. He sees his family once a year for the holidays at his country estate. He cannot find anyone who meets his exact standards, so he doesn't even try. When he feels the need for sexual release he will pay for it. He does not allow any emotion in his life. The only time he ever loved someone when he was a child. He idolized his older brother and followed him everywhere. When he was four years old, his brother died and he became the heir and everything changed. As he grew up he decided why love someone if they were going to leave you? So he doesn't.
Unfortunately his demeanor and personality is detrimental to finding a secretary that he can work with. He just lost another one and is frustrated that there is nobody that is intelligent enough and organized to satisfy his standards.
Then one day a woman shows up from a Employment Agency and applies for the position. His Butler Hawkins is bent out of shape that a woman would dare to apply for the position. Michael decides to interview her and to his amazement (that he doesn't show) she is exactly what he has been looking for.
He hires her.
Edwina Cheltam is a widow with a young daughter to support. Her husband left her destitute when he died and her brother in law has volunteered to take her daughter but not her. Edwina know that she must find a job to support them both. Her friend Carolyn owns an Employment Agency and finds her a position that she can interview for.
When Edwina arrives at the Duke's resident she assumes he is an older gentleman with a pot belly and a wife and grown children. To her surprise he is young, fit and breathtakingly handsome.
As for the Michael, he finds her competent and gloriously beautiful, not that it matters. He doesn't care if she is female only that she is capable of performing her duties to his satisfaction. He even agrees to let her daughter live here with her.
As the days and weeks pass Michael is finding that besides being an excellent Secretary he is attracted to her and wants to take her to bed. Edwina has the same feelings but is afraid that if she becomes his lover that it will ruin the security she has found for herself and her daughter.
They embark on an affair that is sexually satisfying to them both. Neither one of them have had such intensely emotional sex before and they are both enthralled. Edwina knows what she is feeling but Michael feels that he is losing control of his logical life, but he still doesn't want to stop.
There is a grasping, unprincipled brother in law who will force Edwina to choose between Michael and her daughter's safety.
I have loved Megan's books since I read her first one. As far as I am concerned this is the best of the Duke's Behaving Badly Series. The transition that Michael makes as the story progresses is like his waking up from a bad dream and Edwina is his salvation. Her is writing is intensely compelling and hard to put down. The sex scenes in this book are explicit and the language graphic but even these are essential to the transition that Michael and Edwina go through in this amazing love story.
I highly recommend this book to everybody whether you read Historical Romance or some other genre.
Received a complimentary copy for an honest review.
July 19, 2016
Let Megan Frampton sweep you off your feet with a most beautiful and heartfelt romance!
Michael enjoys being the duke of Hadlow, to a point. His title and his wealth enable him to make the world a more progressive place, and in 1844 London, a lot of interesting things are indeed happening. However those are not found at the Ton’s soirées and balls. He is a logical, honest and demanding man, and unfortunately for those reasons, not very well liked, so keeping a good secretary has been a challenge. And so he finds himself again in search of a secretary who corresponds to his exacting standards, and he finds that pearl in the person of the exceedingly competent, albeit much too beautiful, Mrs. Edwina Cheltam. Recently widowed, Edwina was left without a penny by her late husband, who never appreciated her fine mind, and she is desperate to find employment so that she and her six year-old daughter Gertrude don’t starve to death. Edwina knows her worth, but she anticipated the duke to be reluctant to employ a female secretary, but he doesn’t care as long as the job gets done well. However she must reside in the duke’s residence, but she can bring her daughter along. If only the gruff duke weren’t so young and handsome…
Sheer bliss! Even before I had read the first chapter, I was loving WHY DO DUKES FALL IN LOVE, and I had already chuckled, because before every chapter, there is one reason as to why dukes fall in love, and every one is just wonderful and fun. But all is not giggles, while humour permeates the whole story, Ms. Frampton has woven exceedingly complex and very appealing characters into a rather simple story, but those wonderful characters make WHY DO DUKES FALL IN LOVE positively enthralling. Both Edwina and Michael are so exceptionally fleshed out, that I felt like they were real people to me, and I adored the dynamics between them as well.
Megan Frampton’s writing skills have reached the point where I never felt I was reading sentences, paragraphs, chapters; it rather seemed like I were a part of the story, that I was in the middle of what was happening, and I became oblivious to my surroundings. WHY DO DUKES FALL IN LOVE left me bursting with joy and hope, and it will have a special place in my heart for years to come. Megan Frampton has a rare talent, which grows with every book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Michael enjoys being the duke of Hadlow, to a point. His title and his wealth enable him to make the world a more progressive place, and in 1844 London, a lot of interesting things are indeed happening. However those are not found at the Ton’s soirées and balls. He is a logical, honest and demanding man, and unfortunately for those reasons, not very well liked, so keeping a good secretary has been a challenge. And so he finds himself again in search of a secretary who corresponds to his exacting standards, and he finds that pearl in the person of the exceedingly competent, albeit much too beautiful, Mrs. Edwina Cheltam. Recently widowed, Edwina was left without a penny by her late husband, who never appreciated her fine mind, and she is desperate to find employment so that she and her six year-old daughter Gertrude don’t starve to death. Edwina knows her worth, but she anticipated the duke to be reluctant to employ a female secretary, but he doesn’t care as long as the job gets done well. However she must reside in the duke’s residence, but she can bring her daughter along. If only the gruff duke weren’t so young and handsome…
Sheer bliss! Even before I had read the first chapter, I was loving WHY DO DUKES FALL IN LOVE, and I had already chuckled, because before every chapter, there is one reason as to why dukes fall in love, and every one is just wonderful and fun. But all is not giggles, while humour permeates the whole story, Ms. Frampton has woven exceedingly complex and very appealing characters into a rather simple story, but those wonderful characters make WHY DO DUKES FALL IN LOVE positively enthralling. Both Edwina and Michael are so exceptionally fleshed out, that I felt like they were real people to me, and I adored the dynamics between them as well.
Megan Frampton’s writing skills have reached the point where I never felt I was reading sentences, paragraphs, chapters; it rather seemed like I were a part of the story, that I was in the middle of what was happening, and I became oblivious to my surroundings. WHY DO DUKES FALL IN LOVE left me bursting with joy and hope, and it will have a special place in my heart for years to come. Megan Frampton has a rare talent, which grows with every book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2017
I love an awkward hero. And Michael, the Duke of Hadlow, is most definitely that. The man has no social skills at all. He doesn’t know how to interact with people. He’s blunt; he’s rude; and he’s terribly alone… until he hires Edwina to be his new secretary.
The widowed mother is in dire financial straights, but she is smart. She is also forthright and insightful, a combination which makes her one of the few people he can stand to be around. Not only does he realize she’s the perfect secretary, he comes to consider her his very first friend, and ultimately, she becomes much more.
I don’t know if Michael has a bit of Aspergers or something, but his mind just works differently than other people’s. I liked the time spent in his POV, seeing how he processed things, how his time with Edwina and her daughter began changing his perceptions and his priorities.
Then, there is our heroine, who is pretty, but appreciates being valued for her mind. I respected her devotion to her daughter and I liked her progressiveness (though occasionally, it strained credibility how much so, considering the time and possible consequences.) The romance doesn’t progress too quickly, which I appreciated and there is some good sexual tension there. The love scenes have sexy, good dirty talk (but nothing that was so crass it turned me off.) And I believed that these two were a good match.
The book is a bit predictable at times, especially the storyline involving Edwina’s daughter. You can see that one coming a mile away. But Michael made up for it with his strangely attractive mix of arrogance and vulnerability. He believes so totally in his own superiority, until falling in love makes him realize his own shortcomings. I loved his journey of self actualization, and his growth, while managing to stay true to himself at his core.
I enjoyed this one overall, and though it’s the 4th book in the Dukes Behaving Badly series, it holds up just fine as a standalone.
Rating: B
*ARC provided by Avon
The widowed mother is in dire financial straights, but she is smart. She is also forthright and insightful, a combination which makes her one of the few people he can stand to be around. Not only does he realize she’s the perfect secretary, he comes to consider her his very first friend, and ultimately, she becomes much more.
I don’t know if Michael has a bit of Aspergers or something, but his mind just works differently than other people’s. I liked the time spent in his POV, seeing how he processed things, how his time with Edwina and her daughter began changing his perceptions and his priorities.
Then, there is our heroine, who is pretty, but appreciates being valued for her mind. I respected her devotion to her daughter and I liked her progressiveness (though occasionally, it strained credibility how much so, considering the time and possible consequences.) The romance doesn’t progress too quickly, which I appreciated and there is some good sexual tension there. The love scenes have sexy, good dirty talk (but nothing that was so crass it turned me off.) And I believed that these two were a good match.
The book is a bit predictable at times, especially the storyline involving Edwina’s daughter. You can see that one coming a mile away. But Michael made up for it with his strangely attractive mix of arrogance and vulnerability. He believes so totally in his own superiority, until falling in love makes him realize his own shortcomings. I loved his journey of self actualization, and his growth, while managing to stay true to himself at his core.
I enjoyed this one overall, and though it’s the 4th book in the Dukes Behaving Badly series, it holds up just fine as a standalone.
Rating: B
*ARC provided by Avon
August 13, 2016
It took me a while to get into this one. It had way too much internal dialogue and lots of talking with no action. Its saving grace was Megan's typical humor. And Michael. Michael absolutely enchanted me! Besides snickering, this book made me tear up. Always a sign of a good book IMHO.
September 3, 2016
Excellent read, best in the series so far. Review to come!
March 8, 2020
I don’t usually like to immediately read another book (if available) in a longer series, to not to get tired with particular author’s style to quickly. But with how pleasantly surprised I was while reading
One-Eyed Dukes Are Wild
, I decided to gamble a little and jump right into the next story.
It’s, again, really good one. I’m happy to say the rise in series’s quality is still present. Not only the writing style, language used, and structure of the story are well crafted; the characters fleshed out and likable, and the story – albeit a little slow developing at times – engaging, but there’s even more pretty deliciously hot erotic scenes.
Nevertheless, I'm a bit disappointed with what feels like a really rushed ending. But about that later.
First of all, let's talk about main characters.
Among them, I especially liked Michael, the Duke of Hadlow, even if he at times feels almost detached from the heroine and chemistry between them. I’m not going to lie, he is a rather difficult character to like sometimes – he tends to be insensitive and not care he misses social cues - but because we have Edwina to balance him out, and surprisingly sweet presence of her daughter, the romance works.
Still, there is one thing I can’t let go when it comes to our hero.
The main conflict, if we can call it, in the story comes from the difference in social standing between the Duke and his new secretary; what each of them are allowed to do before the society shuns them out. Obviously, Michael being nobility and a male has much more freedom to do even the most scandalous of things and still be in the Ton’s good graces. Not that he cares about that; thorough the book he is pretty consistently adamant about not giving a damn about what people think about him. But, again, he can do that and be left unscathed because of his position of power.
Edwina, on the other hand, is an impoverished widow who needs to start working to be able to support her daughter and herself. And she is pretty desperate, even mentioning taking her own life if it wasn’t for her daughter. Edwina’s affair with the Duke, if discovered, would destroy her.
Yes, it was mutually agreed between them to start intimate relationship, but I feel like Michael doesn’t quite understand the danger it posed for Edwina.
Later, when she explains her reservations about marrying him – worrying about the Ton ostracizing her and gossiping about them – the Duke again doesn’t seem to understand her fears. Not to mention, the topic of marriage comes up pretty late in the story, as if Michael doesn’t even see the need to propose to Edwina. Or wants to, to be honest.
In the end, even when he finally proposes and tells her that he loves her… it doesn’t really resolve the story’s main conflict. People will still gossip and the Ton most likely will give the new Duchess a cold shoulder.
Edwina’s immediate change of heart from worrying for most of the book about the society’s reaction to Michael’s “marrying down”, to just saying “if we love each other, all will be good” just doesn’t ring true. And she has a young daughter to think about too.
I know there’s a lot of other historical romances where this very problem is mentioned, and in many of them the resolution is basically the same, with the Ton begrudgingly accepting the “undesirable” character because of their charm, good heart, or just because. And I love happy endings, but Why Do Dukes Fall in Love?, whole story stands on juxtaposition of Duke’s detachment from the society (and almost disdain towards it) and Edwina’s fears of being ostracized, and the disastrous consequence that might bring for her and her young child.
I just feel there could be more to that ending.
The last thing I’d like to mention are the sex scenes.
With this book the series’s heat level deliciously rises. We have a beautifully written, scorching hot moment where heroine and hero pleasure themselves, and it’s really good. Thus, it might be strange that I have a slight problem with the instant love/lust trope Megan Frampton likes to use in her books. I didn’t mention this reviewing her previous titles, but I guess it’s a good book to finally made a comment on this. I’m not a fan, to be honest. I prefer a balance between slow burn developing romance and the instant want to bang someone, but sometimes the latter works well. Why Do Dukes Fall in Love? is an example where initially Michael’s immediate lust for Edwina was a little grating, but then when the romance kept developing I went with it, and had a lot of fun finishing this book.
Although, While Why Do Dukes Fall in Love? has its problems – of course me seeing them as problems derives from personal preferences – it’s another fun and thrilling book. I enjoyed reading it, and it shows more improvements to Megan Frampton’s writing style and storytelling abilities.
~4/5 stars
It’s, again, really good one. I’m happy to say the rise in series’s quality is still present. Not only the writing style, language used, and structure of the story are well crafted; the characters fleshed out and likable, and the story – albeit a little slow developing at times – engaging, but there’s even more pretty deliciously hot erotic scenes.
Nevertheless, I'm a bit disappointed with what feels like a really rushed ending. But about that later.
First of all, let's talk about main characters.
Among them, I especially liked Michael, the Duke of Hadlow, even if he at times feels almost detached from the heroine and chemistry between them. I’m not going to lie, he is a rather difficult character to like sometimes – he tends to be insensitive and not care he misses social cues - but because we have Edwina to balance him out, and surprisingly sweet presence of her daughter, the romance works.
Still, there is one thing I can’t let go when it comes to our hero.
The main conflict, if we can call it, in the story comes from the difference in social standing between the Duke and his new secretary; what each of them are allowed to do before the society shuns them out. Obviously, Michael being nobility and a male has much more freedom to do even the most scandalous of things and still be in the Ton’s good graces. Not that he cares about that; thorough the book he is pretty consistently adamant about not giving a damn about what people think about him. But, again, he can do that and be left unscathed because of his position of power.
Edwina, on the other hand, is an impoverished widow who needs to start working to be able to support her daughter and herself. And she is pretty desperate, even mentioning taking her own life if it wasn’t for her daughter. Edwina’s affair with the Duke, if discovered, would destroy her.
Yes, it was mutually agreed between them to start intimate relationship, but I feel like Michael doesn’t quite understand the danger it posed for Edwina.
Later, when she explains her reservations about marrying him – worrying about the Ton ostracizing her and gossiping about them – the Duke again doesn’t seem to understand her fears. Not to mention, the topic of marriage comes up pretty late in the story, as if Michael doesn’t even see the need to propose to Edwina. Or wants to, to be honest.
In the end, even when he finally proposes and tells her that he loves her… it doesn’t really resolve the story’s main conflict. People will still gossip and the Ton most likely will give the new Duchess a cold shoulder.
Edwina’s immediate change of heart from worrying for most of the book about the society’s reaction to Michael’s “marrying down”, to just saying “if we love each other, all will be good” just doesn’t ring true. And she has a young daughter to think about too.
I know there’s a lot of other historical romances where this very problem is mentioned, and in many of them the resolution is basically the same, with the Ton begrudgingly accepting the “undesirable” character because of their charm, good heart, or just because. And I love happy endings, but Why Do Dukes Fall in Love?, whole story stands on juxtaposition of Duke’s detachment from the society (and almost disdain towards it) and Edwina’s fears of being ostracized, and the disastrous consequence that might bring for her and her young child.
I just feel there could be more to that ending.
The last thing I’d like to mention are the sex scenes.
With this book the series’s heat level deliciously rises. We have a beautifully written, scorching hot moment where heroine and hero pleasure themselves, and it’s really good. Thus, it might be strange that I have a slight problem with the instant love/lust trope Megan Frampton likes to use in her books. I didn’t mention this reviewing her previous titles, but I guess it’s a good book to finally made a comment on this. I’m not a fan, to be honest. I prefer a balance between slow burn developing romance and the instant want to bang someone, but sometimes the latter works well. Why Do Dukes Fall in Love? is an example where initially Michael’s immediate lust for Edwina was a little grating, but then when the romance kept developing I went with it, and had a lot of fun finishing this book.
Although, While Why Do Dukes Fall in Love? has its problems – of course me seeing them as problems derives from personal preferences – it’s another fun and thrilling book. I enjoyed reading it, and it shows more improvements to Megan Frampton’s writing style and storytelling abilities.
~4/5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2016
In Why Do Dukes Fall In Love, we have a hero that's almost anti social and a young widow whose brains are underappreciated because of her gender. Meet Michael, Duke of Hadlow. He's been looking for a secretary that is minimally efficient and can get his stuff organized, the way he wants it done. And when he does find one, it doesn't matter if she's the wrong gender as long as she gets the job done. If only he can remain as unaffected by her looks as he's always been able to do. Edwina Cheltam is basically broke. After being married at the young age of 17, to a man twice her age and after keeping his business affairs flourishing, she and her daughter find themselves with no home and no business. Apparently her husband thought his idiotic brother could do a better job hence no money left to them at all. But like a miracle, she finds the job perfect for her in every way. Well, except for the very distracting Duke whose abrupt manners, absolutely zero social life and demanding work habits appears to be quite attractive as well. So when Cheltam and Hadlow are finished with business, Edwina and Michael decided to play. Little did they know that it would carry consequences they aren't prepared for.
This book had all the feels and that wonderful journey of two people with different personalities falling in love. There is the obvious class divide and it is used here as a plot device however its mostly Michael's inability to discover that he can develop feelings for Edwina and that it needed to be said for him to win her over. There is more introspective prose that each of the main character is prone to engage in, making the book sometimes move in a slower paced that befits most romance novels. This is definitely a book with great secondary characters but it still concentrated on the two protagonists. There is humor and surprisingly erotic sexual encounters between Michael and Edwina but its mostly the emotional discovery for both that carries this book.
*ARC provided by the publisher *
This book had all the feels and that wonderful journey of two people with different personalities falling in love. There is the obvious class divide and it is used here as a plot device however its mostly Michael's inability to discover that he can develop feelings for Edwina and that it needed to be said for him to win her over. There is more introspective prose that each of the main character is prone to engage in, making the book sometimes move in a slower paced that befits most romance novels. This is definitely a book with great secondary characters but it still concentrated on the two protagonists. There is humor and surprisingly erotic sexual encounters between Michael and Edwina but its mostly the emotional discovery for both that carries this book.
*ARC provided by the publisher *
January 17, 2020
Exactly my kind of story! I've so fallen for this Amazing HEA couple! Michael, Duke of Hadlow was so unique/quirky at taking his lofty rank for granted. He never needed to cultivate personal relationship beyond ensuring that he would get enough vote to move his agenda in the House of Lords. So he practically had no friends, nor did he enjoy social engagements.
When his new secretary, Edwina and her six year old daughter, Gertrude, moved in, they practically challenged his belief and invited him to question the tradition. The entire story was a beautiful courtship of Edwina, the bridging of the two classes that could/should never fall in love, let alone get married! In the end, the Duke of Hadlow made the simplest choice. He would make his world one where Edwina and her daughter could live in, too. He got a standing ovation from me. Fun and entertaining! My kind of Happy Ending! Sharing three of my favorite answers to the question in the title:Why Do Dukes Fall in Love?:
When his new secretary, Edwina and her six year old daughter, Gertrude, moved in, they practically challenged his belief and invited him to question the tradition. The entire story was a beautiful courtship of Edwina, the bridging of the two classes that could/should never fall in love, let alone get married! In the end, the Duke of Hadlow made the simplest choice. He would make his world one where Edwina and her daughter could live in, too. He got a standing ovation from me. Fun and entertaining! My kind of Happy Ending! Sharing three of my favorite answers to the question in the title:Why Do Dukes Fall in Love?:
" 💘 8. If they don't, then they're idiots. Don't be an idiotic duke. "
"💘 18. There is no logical answer. "
"💘 92. Love is the grandest of emotions, and dukes are the grandest of men. It just makes logical sense."
August 8, 2016
Here comes another great story from Megan Frampton. As the ones before it, I liked the main characters and I had so much fun following their journey to their happily ever after.
Edwina is capable, strong and fun heroine that’s in dire straits after her husband dies. She needs a job in order to support herself and her child. Her hero is a handsome, lonesome and equally smart Duke who hires her as his secretary.
Their personalities are what makes this story fun and entertaining. I highly recommend it!
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
Edwina is capable, strong and fun heroine that’s in dire straits after her husband dies. She needs a job in order to support herself and her child. Her hero is a handsome, lonesome and equally smart Duke who hires her as his secretary.
Their personalities are what makes this story fun and entertaining. I highly recommend it!
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
August 12, 2017
4.5 stars. Once again, I am drawn in by Megan Frampton's quirkiness. I enjoy her stream-of-consciousness type of internal dialogue for the quirky characters. This was a very nice story with fascinating characters. I especially enjoyed the hero coming out of his shell. The heroine's daughter added a very sweet touch. Good book.
November 8, 2020
3.5 stars - because while I enjoyed it, the steamy scenes didn't fit with the times or their characters. The H appears to have Asperger syndrome so he lives quietly, isolated from society. The h is a great character, with a sweet little girl - they felt very believable. But some parts of the plot just didn't fit her character or the times. It was good but fell short of great.
June 25, 2016
Pub date: July 2016
Edwina gives as good as she gets from the brusque Duke, when she becomes his secretary. I was a wee disappointed in the end, but overall it was a good, solid romance, if not as wonderful as her last one in the series.
Edwina gives as good as she gets from the brusque Duke, when she becomes his secretary. I was a wee disappointed in the end, but overall it was a good, solid romance, if not as wonderful as her last one in the series.
May 23, 2016
Cute. It's nice to read about a widow instead of a really young girl with no experience in a historical novel.
August 8, 2016
Originally posted on the blog What the Cat Read
This was my first foray into Frampton’s writing, and given how much I enjoyed this book, I can say with confidence that it won’t be my last, murr! If you are looking for a steamy romance that will make your heart swoon then this is the perfect book for you.
First thing first, Hadlow was the type of character I wasn’t sure I was going to like when I started reading. He’s arrogant, rude, inconsiderate of other people’s emotions, and basically made me want to hiss in exasperation. However, as the story progressed, I found myself warming up to him and his eccentric personality, and by the end I found that I admired him greatly. Edwina, meanwhile, was a sweet character whom I instantly took a liking to. She’s intelligent, unafraid to speak her mind, devoted to her young daughter, and the perfect influence for the boorish Hadlow. Together theirs is a relationship that is sizzling as it is fun and humorous. Who knew that a discussion about train parts could be so filled with innuendo? I won’t be able to hear the words “eccentric crank” without smirking ever again, I fear.
Edwin’s daughter Gertrude stole my heart, as I’m sure was Frampton’s intent. She’s very precocious, but also vulnerable in that she’s yet to see the harsher side of life though she’s intelligent to know that things aren’t always perfect. I loved the scenes that involved her and Hadlow together because I felt like she was the initial influence in changing my feelings toward him. I think had she not been in the book I’d have been less inclined to want to like him in the end, despite what one learns of his life as the story progresses. So while she is not one of the main characters in this book, she’s certainly vital to the shaping of Hadlow’s character, and as such more than worth mentioning in the context of this review.
While this is the fourth book in the series, it works perfectly as a stand-alone novel. From what I gather the common element that ties all the books together, besides dukes who behave badly obviously, is The Quality Employment Agency, an agency designed to place women who otherwise wouldn’t be able to find work easily in quality positions throughout London and the surrounding countryside. Now I’m sure someone who has read the other books in the series can correct me if I’m wrong on this, and if I am please do, but I do get the sense that it isn’t vital for a reader to have read all the books leading up to this one unlike in other series which noticeably build upon previous books. This isn’t to say that I don’t encourage readers to read the other books in this series! As I said I definitely have plans on reading the previous books because I greatly enjoyed Frampton’s writing, and I would suggest that other readers do likewise as I suspect that they are enjoyable reads as well.
The pacing of the book was smooth with very few moments where I felt things were dragging. I think the only reason I felt that there was any lag was because I was anxious for Hadlow to realize he had messed up and go after Edwina to set things right. Yeah, I knew that they would eventually end up happily-ever-after, that’s a given, but the last quarter of the book was agonizing at times because of Hadlow’s obtuseness. Actually, I stand corrected, the journey that Hadlow and Edwina take to look at various train companies grew a bit tedious for me, but that’s more because I wasn’t all that interested in learning about the running of a train company, though as I mentioned earlier in this review discussion of train parts makes for some fun innuendo moments. “Eccentric crank.” =^.^=
Let me just sum this review up by saying that this was a fun book. It had enjoyable characters, humorous and steamy moments, touching scenes, especially the last chapter, a touch of drama, and it keeps the reader turning the pages in order to discover what happens next. It’s a wonderful introductory read for those who are new to Frampton’s titles like I was, and what I’m sure is a welcoming addition for those readers who are long time fans. So if you love historical romance, I definitely recommend that you add this title to your reading list. Now if you will excuse me, I’m going to go curl up with the first book of this series, murr!
This was my first foray into Frampton’s writing, and given how much I enjoyed this book, I can say with confidence that it won’t be my last, murr! If you are looking for a steamy romance that will make your heart swoon then this is the perfect book for you.
First thing first, Hadlow was the type of character I wasn’t sure I was going to like when I started reading. He’s arrogant, rude, inconsiderate of other people’s emotions, and basically made me want to hiss in exasperation. However, as the story progressed, I found myself warming up to him and his eccentric personality, and by the end I found that I admired him greatly. Edwina, meanwhile, was a sweet character whom I instantly took a liking to. She’s intelligent, unafraid to speak her mind, devoted to her young daughter, and the perfect influence for the boorish Hadlow. Together theirs is a relationship that is sizzling as it is fun and humorous. Who knew that a discussion about train parts could be so filled with innuendo? I won’t be able to hear the words “eccentric crank” without smirking ever again, I fear.
Edwin’s daughter Gertrude stole my heart, as I’m sure was Frampton’s intent. She’s very precocious, but also vulnerable in that she’s yet to see the harsher side of life though she’s intelligent to know that things aren’t always perfect. I loved the scenes that involved her and Hadlow together because I felt like she was the initial influence in changing my feelings toward him. I think had she not been in the book I’d have been less inclined to want to like him in the end, despite what one learns of his life as the story progresses. So while she is not one of the main characters in this book, she’s certainly vital to the shaping of Hadlow’s character, and as such more than worth mentioning in the context of this review.
While this is the fourth book in the series, it works perfectly as a stand-alone novel. From what I gather the common element that ties all the books together, besides dukes who behave badly obviously, is The Quality Employment Agency, an agency designed to place women who otherwise wouldn’t be able to find work easily in quality positions throughout London and the surrounding countryside. Now I’m sure someone who has read the other books in the series can correct me if I’m wrong on this, and if I am please do, but I do get the sense that it isn’t vital for a reader to have read all the books leading up to this one unlike in other series which noticeably build upon previous books. This isn’t to say that I don’t encourage readers to read the other books in this series! As I said I definitely have plans on reading the previous books because I greatly enjoyed Frampton’s writing, and I would suggest that other readers do likewise as I suspect that they are enjoyable reads as well.
The pacing of the book was smooth with very few moments where I felt things were dragging. I think the only reason I felt that there was any lag was because I was anxious for Hadlow to realize he had messed up and go after Edwina to set things right. Yeah, I knew that they would eventually end up happily-ever-after, that’s a given, but the last quarter of the book was agonizing at times because of Hadlow’s obtuseness. Actually, I stand corrected, the journey that Hadlow and Edwina take to look at various train companies grew a bit tedious for me, but that’s more because I wasn’t all that interested in learning about the running of a train company, though as I mentioned earlier in this review discussion of train parts makes for some fun innuendo moments. “Eccentric crank.” =^.^=
Let me just sum this review up by saying that this was a fun book. It had enjoyable characters, humorous and steamy moments, touching scenes, especially the last chapter, a touch of drama, and it keeps the reader turning the pages in order to discover what happens next. It’s a wonderful introductory read for those who are new to Frampton’s titles like I was, and what I’m sure is a welcoming addition for those readers who are long time fans. So if you love historical romance, I definitely recommend that you add this title to your reading list. Now if you will excuse me, I’m going to go curl up with the first book of this series, murr!
August 17, 2016
Edwina Cheltam is a young widow with a daughter. She has discovered that her husband squandered all their money. Edwina is in immediate need of a job. Her friend who owns an employment agency and has a solution. Edwina will apply to become the secretary for the Duke of Hadlow. Of course that is not a fit job for a woman. But, Hadlow is in need of someone who is capable. After many interviews, he has not found a man who is capable. Now he has found someone who meets his criteria. The fact that someone happens to be a woman is of no importance.
Michael is an abrupt and brilliant man who has varied interests. He is presently looking into the possibility of investing in railroads. Cheltam is helping him research the companies who have applied for his investments. She is able to research and provide valuable information. She is also good with numbers. Her mind is capable and quick. In short, she has become a very good secretary for him.
Michael has begun to fantasize about his new secretary. The fantasies are not about her ability with numbers.
Edwina also has an asset that Michael did not expect. Edwina has a daughter named Gertrude. Gertrude is a bright child who asks questions. Michael likes to ask questions himself, and he and Gertrude become friends. They also share a love of Chester, Michael's dog.
Slowly, but surely the attraction between Edwina and Michael grows and grows. There is an admiration between the two. There is also lust.
Edwina is a strong heroine. She is devoted to Gertrude. She has humor and wit and she is beautiful. Michael admires her beauty but he also admires her mind. They share a great deal of the same attitudes. Neither one wants to suffer fools gladly. And both enjoy sparring with one another.
Michael is a perfect hero. He has a terrific sense of humor, a quick mind and he is familiar with the concept of always getting his way. His life as a duke has prevented him from hearing the word “No”. He also generally does not have people who disagree with him. Cheltam disagrees and voices her opinion. Those are qualities which make Michael very attracted to her.
This book is well written, and the character development is terrific. Everyone in the book from the butler to the Duke are wonderful characters. Gertrude is especially wonderful. She behaves exactly like a bright little girl would behave. The story has humor and drama and wonderful romance.
Ms Frampton is a talented author who produces stories which draw the reader into the lives of her characters. This is the first book I have read of hers, but it will not be the last.
Michael is an abrupt and brilliant man who has varied interests. He is presently looking into the possibility of investing in railroads. Cheltam is helping him research the companies who have applied for his investments. She is able to research and provide valuable information. She is also good with numbers. Her mind is capable and quick. In short, she has become a very good secretary for him.
Michael has begun to fantasize about his new secretary. The fantasies are not about her ability with numbers.
Edwina also has an asset that Michael did not expect. Edwina has a daughter named Gertrude. Gertrude is a bright child who asks questions. Michael likes to ask questions himself, and he and Gertrude become friends. They also share a love of Chester, Michael's dog.
Slowly, but surely the attraction between Edwina and Michael grows and grows. There is an admiration between the two. There is also lust.
Edwina is a strong heroine. She is devoted to Gertrude. She has humor and wit and she is beautiful. Michael admires her beauty but he also admires her mind. They share a great deal of the same attitudes. Neither one wants to suffer fools gladly. And both enjoy sparring with one another.
Michael is a perfect hero. He has a terrific sense of humor, a quick mind and he is familiar with the concept of always getting his way. His life as a duke has prevented him from hearing the word “No”. He also generally does not have people who disagree with him. Cheltam disagrees and voices her opinion. Those are qualities which make Michael very attracted to her.
This book is well written, and the character development is terrific. Everyone in the book from the butler to the Duke are wonderful characters. Gertrude is especially wonderful. She behaves exactly like a bright little girl would behave. The story has humor and drama and wonderful romance.
Ms Frampton is a talented author who produces stories which draw the reader into the lives of her characters. This is the first book I have read of hers, but it will not be the last.
August 13, 2016
I really liked this book - it was a great addition to the series, but so loosely connected it could easily be a stand alone title.
Edwina is left penniless after her husband dies and is forced to find employment to support herself and her six year old daughter Gertrude (unfortunate name). With the help of her friend Carolyn who runs an employment agency - she finds work as a secretary to Michael, the Duke of Hadlow.
Michael is incredibly intelligent and has no patience for stupid people or to be more accurate, anyone who is not as smart as he is, which is just about everyone. He lives and breathes logic and reason and has no desire to socialize, be polite or involve himself with anyone. He is very much alone and until he meets Edwina, was perfectly content with his life.
Edwina and Michael are attracted to each other, but try to ignore the sparks between them. Edwina because she needs the job and Michael because he doesn't want to lose the best secretary he has ever had. But eventually they succumb to there mutual attraction and this is where the story really takes off.
They engage in a HOT affair, each knowing that this will not last. When Edwina's daughter is taken and Michael is basically blackmailed to get her back - Edwina decides to break things off with Michael and find another job. She loves him and can't bear the thought of him being blackmailed because of her. When Michael proposes marriage, she declines, because she doesn't want another loveless marriage and because in this case she loves him and believes he will never return that love.
Michael is not happy that Edwina refuses his offer, but takes her advice and looks for an "appropriate woman" - the only problem is, none of them are Edwina.
Edwina leaves and Michael finally realizes that no other woman will ever do. But he has no idea how to get Edwina back, all of her reasons for leaving were perfectly logical and Michael is nothing if not logical.
It takes Michael a little while to figure out that he loves her - he knew he did, but it wasn't logical so he denied it. When he finally decides that he no longer wants to be logical about Edwina, he goes after her.
His declaration of love to Edwina was so adorable - I was charmed (which after you read this book you will understand the significance of that statement).
I would highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to the next installement in this series!
Edwina is left penniless after her husband dies and is forced to find employment to support herself and her six year old daughter Gertrude (unfortunate name). With the help of her friend Carolyn who runs an employment agency - she finds work as a secretary to Michael, the Duke of Hadlow.
Michael is incredibly intelligent and has no patience for stupid people or to be more accurate, anyone who is not as smart as he is, which is just about everyone. He lives and breathes logic and reason and has no desire to socialize, be polite or involve himself with anyone. He is very much alone and until he meets Edwina, was perfectly content with his life.
Edwina and Michael are attracted to each other, but try to ignore the sparks between them. Edwina because she needs the job and Michael because he doesn't want to lose the best secretary he has ever had. But eventually they succumb to there mutual attraction and this is where the story really takes off.
They engage in a HOT affair, each knowing that this will not last. When Edwina's daughter is taken and Michael is basically blackmailed to get her back - Edwina decides to break things off with Michael and find another job. She loves him and can't bear the thought of him being blackmailed because of her. When Michael proposes marriage, she declines, because she doesn't want another loveless marriage and because in this case she loves him and believes he will never return that love.
Michael is not happy that Edwina refuses his offer, but takes her advice and looks for an "appropriate woman" - the only problem is, none of them are Edwina.
Edwina leaves and Michael finally realizes that no other woman will ever do. But he has no idea how to get Edwina back, all of her reasons for leaving were perfectly logical and Michael is nothing if not logical.
It takes Michael a little while to figure out that he loves her - he knew he did, but it wasn't logical so he denied it. When he finally decides that he no longer wants to be logical about Edwina, he goes after her.
His declaration of love to Edwina was so adorable - I was charmed (which after you read this book you will understand the significance of that statement).
I would highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to the next installement in this series!
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