Release Day Review: Never Kiss a Duke by Megan Frampton

Never Kiss a Duke
(Hazards of Dukes #1)
Megan Frampton
Release: January 28, 2020
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ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley

A disinherited duke and a former lady are courting much more than business in the first novel in Megan Frampton's newest titillating series, Hazards of Dukes.

Everything he had ever known was a lie…

Sebastian, Duke of Hasford, has a title, wealth, privilege, and plenty of rakish charm. Until he discovers the only thing that truly belongs to him is his charm. An accident of birth has turned him into plain Mr. de Silva. Now, Sebastian is flummoxed as to what to do with his life—until he stumbles into a gambling den owned by Miss Ivy, a most fascinating young lady, who hires him on the spot. Working with a boss has never seemed so enticing.

Everything tells her he’s a risk she has to 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—it becomes clear to them both that there's nothing as tempting as what is forbidden… 

Review:

Never Kiss a Duke is my first Megan Frampton book and I really enjoyed it. It puts a historical twist on the office romance, which is one of my faves. Admittedly, this might be because I've never really worked in an office. I just love the whole making out on the desk thing!

I also loved how self-aware Ivy is. She chose to make her gambling hall somewhat revolutionary by welcoming people from all classes as long as they could pay their debts. But she's also conscious of how carefully she has to manage its image because she is a woman, which is so relatable. Sebastian is similarly self-aware, which was maybe not as believable. He handles the loss of his title surprisingly calmly and is quite thoughtful about what it means to him, to his family, and to Society even immediately after it happens.

In addition to the charming workplace flirtation, I feel like their story is about Identity - how often we let wealth, careers or relationships define who we are. Both Ivy and Sebastian have to relearn who they are without a title, though she has already done that by the time the story starts. And I think that's why Sebastian behaves as he does at the end of the book, because Ivy refuses to let their relationship define her. I had to stop and think about his actions in that context to avoid getting mad at him.

Honestly, my biggest complaint is that I didn't find any Dukes of Hazard references. Such a missed opportunity with that series title! No one would notice if you slipped in a cousin named Beau or Luke.

I did enjoy the cousin in the story though, tragically named Thad, who takes over as Duke. But the real stars are Ivy and Sebastian's sisters. They are both hilarious! Sebastian's sister and his best friend, the broody, hotheaded duke, star in the next book in the series which I'm really looking forward to.

Recommended for fans of: Tessa Dare

    

4  stars