This Marriage of Convenience romance had some fun moments. I really liked the heroine, and the hero grew on me as he fell in love with her. He thinks he wants the "perfect" wife, but is drawn to the heroine from the start. The author deals with the issue of bad sex, which is always refreshing.

I had trouble getting into the story, but I did enjoy it more as things went on.

The heroine is an author, so the book includes snippets from the novel she is writing. I like that trope, but I found that I wanted to skip them to get to the plot sometimes. Instead, I wish there had been more time spent on the secondary characters. I am guessing they will get their own romances in the future. I look forward to their stories.

I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the publisher and Net Galley in return for a fair review.

I have mixed feelings on this one. The trope is exactly my catnip so I really enjoyed that. I found Lavinia fun and the sunshine/grump dynamic was great. I really appreciated how much Thaddeus just sucked at wooing her and romantic things in general.
That said, the scenes are very quick and a little disjointed, and overall the writing was a little clunky and repetitive. The end especially felt rushed and odd.

I really enjoy this author! She does such a wonderful job with characters and their stories! I was so excited to have been given the opportunity to read the advanced copy! I really adore this series! Thaddeus and Lavinia are such a wonderful duo! They are definitely opposites attract with enemies to lovers going on! All my favorite things! Thaddeus, a Duke, is our grumpy, former military man, who like order and lists! He’s also a big man! Thaddeus decides he is in want of a wife….a quiet, proper wife for a Duke. Enter our lovely, talks her mind, book loving heroine Lady Lavinia! Not the lady Thaddeus was trying to woo. He had his sights on Lavinia’s older sister Jane. Lavinia and Thaddeus have an argument that leads to a compromising position & a marriage! Thus a bargain is struck. These two have some serious chemistry & banter as well! I loved that Lavinia told Thaddeus he wasn’t pleasing her so he listens and works on that…in the bedroom of course! Outside of that, these two have a lot to work through & really need to talk about their actual feelings more. It was so wonderfully satisfying when they finally feel and made it to their HEA!! I really loved the dynamic of this story and how fun it was to read!! It was sweet with a side of sexy! I’m looking forward to Jane’s story next!

Honestly, this was the best one in the entire series for me to date! Marriage of convenience is one of my all-time favorite historical tropes (and contemporary too, even if that’s a tough needle to thread), but here it’s done with such humor and deftness and is truly Frampton at her best. This is a couple who goes through instalust before the feelings catch up, and about how they decide their pragmatic arrangement isn’t that pragmatic after all. (Plus: bonus points for a hero who finds out he isn’t pleasing his new wife in the bedroom and decides to make it up to her ten times over!) Everything about this plot felt genuine: the stakes, the conflict, and the ultimately satisfying HEA reminded me of everything I love best about romance novels. I’d give this six stars if I could.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thaddeus makes the decision to marry. He ,makes a list of qualities he wants in a wide, and makes a choice. How often does that work out as expected? On the other hand there is Lavinia, she is determined to keep her timid sister safe, especially from determined suitors with nice thighs!

As they both try to stick with their decisions the discover they may want to put themselves out there and reach for more. This is a wonderful story about making the most out circumstances that are beyond your control. Great book!

I reviewed this title for All About Romance and it can be found here: https://allaboutromance.com/book-review/a-wicked-bargain-for-the-duke-by-megan-frampton/

I loved this book, fun from beginning to the end. Love a stuffy military man (duke) and the free spirited heroine. Fantastic characters and dialog.

I didn't much enjoy this Megan Frampton book. Honestly, I found it boring and found myself skipping large sections of text. I also just didn't enjoy the hero and the plot. That said, I liked Lavinia and her boldness in asking for what she desired. In addition, I enjoyed Jane and Percy and hope they get their own stories. 2.5/5 for me.

I recently read a trilogy out of order by accident: I picked up Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert (Avon, $15.99 each) on a whim and fell head over heels in love with Hibbert's writing style and character development. On learning that there was a prequel (Get a Life, Chloe Brown) and a sequel (Act Your Age, Eve Brown), I practically squealed with delight. All three of the Brown sisters books are full of insight and wit, with diverse sets of characters who reflect candidly and openly on matters of mental health, neurodivergence, ability and love--with some steamy romance scenes to boot. (Added bonus for audiophiles: all three boast excellent narration in the audiobook format.)

Because I came to Hibbert's trilogy later than many avid romance readers, I was able to binge-read all three back-to-back. The same was not true of Cat Sebastian's Sedgwick series. I waited with great impatience for the 2020 release of Two Rogues Make a Right, which followed It Takes Two to Tumble and A Gentleman Never Keeps Score (Avon, $5.99 each). This trilogy also follows a trio of siblings, as Sebastian spins stories of each brother's search for love and belonging in a historical era not known for its kindness toward queer men.

Megan Frampton's Hazards of Dukes novels put me back in the same position: I've read the first three of the series and am now eagerly awaiting the fourth (due out this fall). As much as I hate the waiting, I'm confident it will be worth it. Never Kiss a Duke; Tall, Duke, and Dangerous; and A Wicked Bargain for the Duke (Avon, $7.99 each) have all proven to be delightful historical romance reads for those looking for something to pick up while, say, keenly anticipating the next season of Netflix's Bridgerton

After having watched Bridgerton I was on the hunt for a book similar to it because I fell in love with historical romance and I was pleasantly surprised.
It was funny, steamy and full of swinging romance

If you are fan of a starchy hero then you are going to love this book. Thaddeus has recently left military service as he elevated to the title of Duke. He does everything with that military precision he is used to and so sets out to find a wife to produce an heir. He thinks he has found her when he meets Jane but circumstances lead him to actually marry Jane's sister, the loud, opinionated, unpredictable Lavinia.

This book had a lot of Pride and Prejudice vibes. These two characters enter a marriage of convenience really not liking one another other than some sense of attraction. They way they come together is angsty and entertaining at times. Thaddeus really is one of the most starchy, proper heroes I have ever read. Seeing him react to easygoing, colorful Lavinia was so much fun. I loved watching him unravel a bit at each turn and loved the epic ending for these two. It's pure romance novel material. There is a side-story written as an interstitial that I could have done without but it doesn't take away from the main story. This book is the third in a series but reads just fine as a standalone. I would recommend this to fans of Pride and Prejudice as well as anyone who likes a solid historical romance.

A Wicked Bargain for the Duke is book 3 in Megan Frampton’s Hazards of Dukes series. This is the first book of the series I have read and I was able to enjoy it as a standalone story. This book tells the story of a reluctant Duke,Thaddeus Dutton the Duke of Hasford. He never intended to be a Duke but now that he is he has made a list of things to accomplish.
Ducal Duties
(to be accomplished within a year of assuming the title).
1. Learn the names of the upper staff.
a. Learn the names of the lower staff within a year and a half.
2. Survey the properties and assess their efficiency.
3. Acquire a civilian wardrobe.
a. No pastel colors.
4. Make connections in Society.
a. Avoid any who seem to require a set strategy for dealing with them.
5. Secure the dukedom with the addition of a suitable wife and subsequent heir.



This should be fun and exciting ... a nightmare! Thaddeus has never wooed a Lady. He never thought he would have to, at least not for a while...he was a military man! He surely never thought he would have to go to silly parties and act interested in having a social life. But a Duke must do, what a Duke must do. Duty demands it. So, with his list formulated he found himself on his way to his first party with the goal of securing the dukedom by finding a wife, “And if he was fortunate, he would meet a lady of excellent birth, a quiet demeanor, of a pleasing appearance, who was also sexually adventurous.

It’s not long, once he is at the party, before the eligible Ladies are being introduced. Then he spots her...his future Duchess. When he is introduced to Lady Jane and Lady Lavinia — he knows Lady Jane is his future wife. If he can just get some time to woo her a bit, preferably away from her beautiful and aggravating sister, Lady Lavinia.

Should be easy enough after all he is a Duke!! Little does he know that while Lady Jane appears as pure and innocent as a white lilly, her sister Lady Lavinia is fiercely protective of her family and not afraid to stand out in a crowd if needed. Much like a brilliantly beautiful orange tiger lilly. She may even have some thorns, so the Duke better be careful!

Lady Lavinia is on a mission. Keeping her sister Jane from becoming tied to a prowling Duke so she can marry her longtime love Mr. McTavish. Once Jane was safely married to Mr. McTavish, Lavinia could finally relax.

It was with her plans firmly in place that that Lavinia ends up as the third wheel on a date to the gardens, then she continues to accompany Lady Jane to the next social event...where they are both sure the Duke will ask for Lady Jane’s agreement to marry. Lavinia swears she will do everything she can to stop him, to Keep Lady Jane free.

She didn’t think she would end up being the one the Duke would marry. Yet that is precisely the situation she finds herself in.

The book goes on to follow the trope of marriage of duty slowly turning into a real marriage. The marriage bed becomes one of the main places the two MC interact. To say Lavinia is disappointed in their first encounter into the carnal joys of marriage would be an understatement.
”She had not thought her first time would be so . . . brief. So mildly disappointing.”


“This was what the poets waxed rhapsodic about? This general pushing into one’s body for a few minutes, then a gush of liquid and then that was it? Entirely disappointing.”

Lavinia is a strong female MC and very sex positive, she is also not afraid to demand satisfaction. With this in mind Lavinia formulates a list of her own and seeks out her husband for a unique conversation.

Discussion Points on Evening Activities
1. There should be more kissing.
2. It should take more time than it currently does.
a. Be patient.
b. Be curious.
c. Be adventurous.
4. It should be more fun than it currently is. For me.
5. We should discuss what is most enjoyable. A frank conversation will yield the best results.

Thaddeus who’s only goal was to get Lavinia with child as soon as possible doesn’t start out as the most attentive lover. I mean this is his WIFE and one does not enjoy sex with a wife, it is to be a respected coming together with the purpose of begetting an heir.

Lavinia let’s him know just how she feels about his lack of detail & attention in the marriage bed.

“I was under the impression that the activity would be enjoyable for both of us.”
His eyebrows rose in shock. “It’s not?”
Poor ignorant man.
“No, it’s not,” she said softly.
She paused, then spoke again. “Since we have agreed to leave one another once you have an heir—” and I’ll have to leave my child, but don’t think about that now, never think about that “—and that is the focus of my life here, I would like to have more fun doing it.”

Lavinia presents Thaddeus with her list at this time and let’s just say Thaddeus is more than a little intrigued and ready to satisfy his wife.

“I am to show patience, exhibit curiosity, and have a sense of adventure.” His tone had turned almost predatory, and a part of her—the part that shamelessly admired his thighs, his heavy muscles, and how his arse felt—thrilled at the sound.

“Thaddeus wasn’t sure whether he should applaud her for speaking up, be appalled he’d not noticed her disappointment, or haul her over his shoulder to her bedroom now. The conversation—or more specifically, what lay underneath the conversation—made his imagination run wild. If there were no constraints, none of the usual sexual protocol that he presumed was supposed to exist between husband and wife—what could they do? What couldn’t they do? He couldn’t wait until the evening. But he knew she was just as anxious for it, and a tiny part of him wanted to tease her into a state of heightened frustration. Until they finally were alone.”

They seal their conversation and new agreement with a kiss and Thaddeus decides to give Lavinia a small taste of his desire...

“He broke the kiss, putting his mouth to the tender spot just below her ear. “We could do that forever,” he said in a low tone. “But I know you want exploration.” He splayed his fingers, moving them a tiny bit toward her breasts. She shivered in response. “I want to explore all of you.” He licked her neck, then moved his lips so they were right at her ear. “You are right to demand patience and curiosity.” His cock was hard and heavy, straining against his trousers. “I will demand the same from you.” He reached toward his neck, withdrawing one of her hands and bringing it down toward his aching erection. Slowly, so she could stop him if she wanted. Patiently, he thought to himself wryly.

But she didn’t stop him, and then he’d put her palm on his cock so she could feel what just their kiss had done to him. “Later tonight,” he whispered into her ear, “I’ll want to explore you. And I hope you’ll want to explore me.” He drew back from their embrace, slowly, her hand still resting on his penis, her eyes heavy with a sensual gaze. Her mouth wet from their kiss. She met his gaze and he nearly held his breath—had he shocked her? Would she be outraged by what he’d said, what she’d touched, how he’d spoken? And then her mouth—that lush, curved mouth—curled up into a smile, her dimple adding additional punctuation to her emotion.”

Needless to say the couples bedroom scenes heat up...now that they conquered that hurdle the only one left is to not fall in love.



While this is the first book I have read from Megan Frampton—I will be looking for more!! Her writing style is impeccable and the characters do not follow any grid. I will be checking out the rest of this series!!

4 Stars & 4 Flames for this wickedly delicious book!!

Thaddeus didn’t expect to but has now received the title of the Duke of Hanford. He wants a prim wife and focuses on Lady Jane Capel. Her sister Lavinia is opposed to this plan and somehow they are found in a compromising position and Thaddeus and Lavinia must marry. They agree to separate lives after an heir is born.
This was such a refreshing take on a forced marriage. Both characters did not like each other at all but do find themselves changing their minds slowly. It’s done slowly and this is no instant love which is part of the books charm. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

3/5 Stars

** I received this as an E-ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review, Thank you!**

I liked this book, I'll admit it's not my favorite historical romance. But it was entertaining and easy to read. I found I didn't quite connect to the characters, so I felt a little disconnected from the story. I also wasn't the biggest fan of the sex scenes in there, it just wasn't my personal preference in the way it was written. Overall it was still a good, easy and quick read.

I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an advanced reader copy of this story.

A Wicked Bargain For The Duke, by Meg Frampton, is available at booksellers on 4-27-2021. Wicked Bargain is book 3 in the Hazards of Dukes series. I love the play on the title, I was a fan of the Dukes Of Hazzard way back when. Thad and Lavinia are likeable characters but I didn't love them. It wasn't till Thad loosened up that it seemed the couple might get an HEA. Lavinia was too outgoing for the time period and spoke her mind when other ladies did not. I guess it's ok if it's to your husband. She just didn't bowl me over. Anyway, what started out as a marriage of scandal turned out ok with both of them being open and honest like, hopefully, a modern marriage. It was interesting to watch how Thad realized that his idea of a perfect Duchess wasn't what he wanted in a wife.

A Wicked Bargain for the Duke by Megan Frampton is the thrid book in the Hazards of Dukes series. A steamy romance that is sure to full you in from the beginning and leave you wanting more.

A Wicked Bargain for the Duke by Megan Frampton is book Three in the Hazards of Dukes Series. This is the story of Lavinia Capel and Thaddeus Dutton, the new Duke of Hasford. I did feel this could be a standalone book. Thaddeus was planning on staying in the military as he is a very discipline man so it suited him. But when the residing Duke had been disqualified he was giving the title. Now he plans to find a wife that is shy, who will listen and not rock the boat. But what he ends up with is the total opposite...Lavinia. Lavinia has a mind of her own and speaks it. Nothing is easy going nor will she allow it. I enjoyed their story and will look for more from this author.

The most staid and responsible Duke is looking to meet all requirements of the title. He’s on the hunt for a picture perfect obedient wife, but he’s in for a surprise.

A romance writing, outgoing woman needs to support her shy sister and ends up in a compromising position.

This leads to a bargain that seems great at first, but it’s amazing how things change as feelings come into play.

I loved both main characters and the story is fantastic. There’s family drama, steamy scenes and sweet moments. What makes it even greater is the sex...and how it is not good at first. And even better - Lavinia asks for what she wants and he listens!!! I don’t think I’ve ever read this in a historical romance novel before and I about squealed in excitement.

Duke seeking bride, meets sister of prospective bride.

I do so enjoy when Megan Frampton does a proper duke (as in One Eyed Dukes are Wild) over the typical and rather boring rake. Thaddeus is a new duke, (lot's of odes to JQ's Wyndham series and of course, an ode to The Viscount Who Loved Me) who has crafted a list of qualities of a potential bride (number 5 is of particular interest to Thaddeus, as it involves bed sport).

Lavinia is from a scandal-prone family, an author who's brother Percy is her beard and her sister, Jane, who wants to marry their quiet neighbor. She too, has a list. Mainly, keep Jane from marrying someone other than her beau.
She's the opposite from Thaddeus' list, (except for #5) of which Jane is perfect (except for #5).. Thaddeus of course is determined to marry Jane and Lavinia is just as determined to foil him.

A fun, romp with shenanigans and humor, and of course, #5 of Thaddeus' list.

Recommend.

I'm absolutely here for anything Megan writes and I loved the previous two books in the series, so I wasn't going to skip this one.

I loved Lavinia and Thaddeus. She's bright and loving and he's grumpy and stoic and together there's so much potential it was impossible not to root for them. Their relationship is an acquaintance at most and it was delightful reading them figure everything out with their lists and stilted conversations. There are a lot of secondary characters here in families and staff, but the story is firmly Lavinia and Thaddeus.

Plot wise, it was good and maddening. I just wanted to shake these two and make them have an open conversation all while mashing their faces together. The little interludes in between chapters didn't serve a purpose for me (I understood what and why they were included, just didn't add anything) and seriously could have done with another 100 pages of these two.

Overall, it was a fun and quick read that I couldn't get enough of. I can't wait to get my greedy hands on whatever Megan writes next.

**Huge thanks to Avon for providing the arc free of charge**