One of Cosmopolitan’s Best Romance Novels of 2020!
One of Orpah Mag’s Best Romance Novels of 2020!
A disinherited duke and a former lady are courting much more than business in the first novel in Megan Frampton’s newest titillating series, Hazards of Dukes.Everything he had ever known was a lie… lie…
Sebastian, Duke of Hasford, has a title, wealth, privilege, and plenty of rakish charm. Until he discovers the only thing that truly belongs to him is his charm. An accident of birth has turned him into plain Mr. de Silva. Now, Sebastian is flummoxed as to what to do with his life—until he stumbles into a gambling den owned by Miss Ivy, a most fascinating young lady, who hires him on the spot. Working with a boss has never seemed so enticing.
Everything tells her he’s a risk she has to take…
Two years ago, Ivy gambled everything that was precious to her—and won. Now the owner of London’s most intriguing gambling house, Ivy is competent, assured, and measured. Until she meets Mr. de Silva, who stirs feelings she didn’t realize she had. Can she keep her composure around her newest employee?
They vow to keep their partnership strictly business, but just one kiss makes them realize that with each passing day—and night—there’s nothing as tempting as what is forbidden…
more
Sebastian Dutton, Duke of Hasford, is just settling into his responsibilities since the death of his careless father, only to have his entire world turned upside down. Due to his mother’s deception, Sebastian is now just plain Mr. de Silva, illegitimate son of the late duke. He has no idea who he truly is or what to do with his life now he only has his charm to rely on. When his friend takes him to a new gambling house, Miss Ivy’s, Sebastian is surprised to be offered a job almost immediately.
Thanks to her reckless father’s gambling her future away on a bet, Ivy’s reputation is ruined and she’s taken control of her own life, opening a gaming club to ensure her security and that of her younger sister. She’s known for being competent, efficient, and unflappable, but her reaction to her newest employee throws all of that into question as she struggles to keep their relationship professional. Sebastian faces the same difficulty and soon it becomes clear they’re both developing deeper feelings for one another, but with both of them having such different outlooks, love may not be enough.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the idea of a duke having to humble himself and learn to be a regular person, something that you don’t see very often. The idea of a lady gambling club owner was also refreshing, even if the how of it never quite made sense to me. I think Ivy was a bit harsh and power-mad at times. Though I understand her fears, especially given her past dealings with her father, she annoyed me a bit at times and came off as rather naive.
From here on you chance what may be considered spoilers.
This book had me all the way up until the end when there was a two month separation between the hero and heroine. The explanation was that Sebastian needed to work on himself some more, but this seemed to come out of left field and left me wondering if I’d missed some pages. I felt it didn’t really fit or make much sense since he’d been working on himself all along and I would’ve liked to see more communication between Sebastian and Ivy before this happened. It just seemed like unnecessary heartache and angst to me, but maybe that’s just because separations are one of my pet peeves.
I liked the ending of this one and I think the secondary characters stole the show. I’m looking forward to reading future installments in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
So the book was entertaining but the title should have been something else because Ivy one of the main characters didn’t kiss a duke. Let me explain. So Sebastian- Duke of Hastings is at his solicitors office along with his cousin, come to find out that his mother was a scheming liar and cheated the system so he Sebastian is no longer a Duke but a lowly Mr. On a drunken night out along with his other bestie Nash they go to a new club in town where Ivy is the proprietor. Now Ivy is no longer considered a lady because she did not go along with her fathers plan of marrying her off to a old gentleman which had won Ivy in cards to. Ivy was a really good person not only did she save herself, but she took care of the people who worked for her father, and her sister and in her club she welcomed all regardless of gender and color, so yes I respected her. Sebastian starts working for Ivy and both of them are attracted to each other, and after of hot night together (which I really did not think they talked this way at that era) but regardless had a hot night and she was beside herself and in love. While out at a party for Sebastian’s sister she overhears a young lady mention that she was to marry Sebastian..What??! In confronting him since he thought he wanted that life he didn’t really think when talking and made it sound like he was doing her a favor, and got rid of him and luckily he woke up and realized she was the best thing that happened to him.
Rcvd and ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.