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Dukes Behaving Badly #2
Put Up Your Duke
He was once happily bedding and boxing, but in the newest Duke's Behaving Badly novel, Nicholas Smithfield has inherited a title and a bride . . .
To keep his estate afloat, the new Duke of Gage must honor an agreement to marry Lady Isabella Sawford. Stunningly beautiful, utterly tempting, she's also a bag of wedding night nerves, so Nicholas decides to wait to do his duty—even if it means heading to the boxing saloon every day to punch away his frustration.
Groomed her whole life to become the perfect duchess, Isabella longs for independence, a dream that is gone forever. As her husband, Nicholas can do whatever he likes—but, to Isabella's surprise, the notorious rake instead begins a gentle seduction that is melting every inch of her reserve, night by night . . .
To his utter shock, Nicholas discovers that no previous exploits were half as pleasurable as wooing his own wife. But has the realm's most disreputable duke found the one woman who can bring him to his knees— and leave him there?
To keep his estate afloat, the new Duke of Gage must honor an agreement to marry Lady Isabella Sawford. Stunningly beautiful, utterly tempting, she's also a bag of wedding night nerves, so Nicholas decides to wait to do his duty—even if it means heading to the boxing saloon every day to punch away his frustration.
Groomed her whole life to become the perfect duchess, Isabella longs for independence, a dream that is gone forever. As her husband, Nicholas can do whatever he likes—but, to Isabella's surprise, the notorious rake instead begins a gentle seduction that is melting every inch of her reserve, night by night . . .
To his utter shock, Nicholas discovers that no previous exploits were half as pleasurable as wooing his own wife. But has the realm's most disreputable duke found the one woman who can bring him to his knees— and leave him there?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2015
74 people are currently reading
1138 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
May 15, 2016
Oh, what a fun story! By the blurb I wasn't sure what to expect, but Nicholas and Isabella won me over!
This second book in the Duke's Behaving Badly series is even better than the first. Lots of romance, passion, and humor made this unputdownable, and has earned Ms. Frampton a spot on my "must read" authors shelf!
An ARC was provided by Avon Books. In appreciation I'm giving them an honest review. Short, but honest!
This second book in the Duke's Behaving Badly series is even better than the first. Lots of romance, passion, and humor made this unputdownable, and has earned Ms. Frampton a spot on my "must read" authors shelf!
An ARC was provided by Avon Books. In appreciation I'm giving them an honest review. Short, but honest!
September 16, 2016
I've given this a B+ at AAR, so 4.5 stars.
Although this is part of Ms Frampton’s current Dukes Behaving Badly series, Put Up Your Duke doesn’t seem to involve characters from previous books and can easily be read as a standalone. I was between books when the offer of a review copy reached me, and as I’m pretty much unable to resist any story in which the protagonists are forced into a marriage of convenience, it solved the problem of my temporary booklessness and did it in a most enjoyable manner.
Nicholas Smithfield knows he’s damn good at two things – pugilism and sex. As the book opens we meet him during an evening spent at a favourite house of ill repute in company with three delectable ladies, but before he can get very far his younger brother, Griff, interrupts him with some amazing news. Due to a series of completely unexpected and freakish circumstances, it turns out that Nicholas is, in fact, the rightful holder of the title and estates of the Duke of Gage. Even the pleasures to be found in the arms of three lusty ladies can’t quite top that, and Nicholas – very regretfully – departs with his brother in order to find out exactly what is going on and if he really has just become a duke.
Nicholas discovers there’s no question about it – he is the lawful duke even if the previous incumbent, usually referred to as “the duke that was” is not at all happy about being suddenly deprived of his position and threatens to make trouble. He aiso discovers that he has not only inherited a dukedom, but he has inherited a fiancée as well, Lady Isabella Sawford, the daughter of the Earl of Grosston.
Even less prepared for matrimony than “dukehood”, Nicholas is at first determined to see if he can break the betrothal – after all, the young lady was betrothed to a man, not a title. But meeting with her father, it quickly becomes apparent that the betrothal is so watertight that to break it would almost certainly ruin Nicholas – and by extention, the dukedom – financially, and he has no alternative but to honour the agreement. Upon meeting the beautiful Isabella, Nicholas decides that being married to her might not be such a bad thing after all.
Isabella has been brought up to be perfect. Beautiful, poised, demure, the model of decorum, she has been bred to be the perfect duchess by parents who see her as nothing more than a highly valuable commodity. She has spent her entire life doing as others have dictated and fulfilling their expectations, the slightest hint of resistance immediately quashed by her mother’s threatening to send away her sister, Margaret, whom she loves dearly – and whom her parents treat almost as though she doesn’t exist.
Isabella is no more enthusiastic at the prospect of being married than Nicholas, although she is relieved, upon meeting him, to discover that he is incredibly attractive and seems kind, completely unlike her previous fiancé on both counts. The wedding takes place, and both Nicholas and Isabella find themselves completely unprepared as to what to do next. Well, Nicholas knows what he would like to do next – but realising he and his bride are all but strangers, manfully decides that they should get to know each other better before consummating the marriage. It’s going to take incredible fortitude on his part to wait and he has no intention of dishonouring his wife by slaking his lust with other women, so instead, he attempts – mostly unsuccessfully – to work off his frustrations in the boxing ring.
I enjoyed the story very much. Ms Frampton displays a lovely deftness of touch and a sense of humour that reminded me of writers such as Tessa Dare and Maya Rodale, and she has created a couple of very engaging characters in her two principals. Nicholas is such a loveable rogue that he’s impossible to dislike; he is desperate to get Isabella into bed, but does the gentlemanly thing and waits until she’s comfortable with the idea, even though he is unaware that his bride is perhaps not taking his gentlemanliness in the manner in which it is intended. Isabella has grown up in a cage, albeit a gilded one, and finds it difficult to express her own wishes and desires, which makes perfect sense, given the way she has been treated by her odious parents. It’s almost as though she has been institutionalised, her own decision making tools have been taken away from her and she has learned to do and to want what is expected of her regardless of her own opinions. I liked the way Ms Frampton has addressed the idea that even the most beautiful among us can have insecurities and neuroses, and that Isabella has to learn slowly to express herself truthfully and own her own desires. Nicholas is an absolute sweetie, but he, too, has a lot to learn about marriage, never having been one for sharing his thoughts and emotions, yet he is blessed with an instinctive emotional intelligence which enables him to discern that there is more to Isabella than the icy, always proper façade she presents to the world – and I will admit to raising a small, inward cheer each time he stood up to Isabella’s parents.
Put Up Your Duke hit the spot for me; it doesn’t depend on anything other than the central romance to drive the story forward, and that romance is well put-together as Nicholas and Isabella are allowed to get to know each other before getting frisky between the sheets. That’s not to say that there is a dearth of steaminess – not at all, but the romance is paramount and, well, you know what they say about delayed gratification! If I have a complaint it’s with the fact that Nicholas is so very, VERY sex-obsessed. I know he’s determined to wait for Isabella to want him and has thus condemned himself to an indeterminate period of celibacy, but almost every internal monologue and thought he expresses has a sexual overtone which, while often quite funny, does get a bit wearing after a while.
All in all, however, Put Up Your Duke is an enjoyable, light-hearted and often humorous read which features a well-drawn secondary cast and an engaging central couple. It’s definitely a good bet for whiling away a few hours on the beach this summer.
Although this is part of Ms Frampton’s current Dukes Behaving Badly series, Put Up Your Duke doesn’t seem to involve characters from previous books and can easily be read as a standalone. I was between books when the offer of a review copy reached me, and as I’m pretty much unable to resist any story in which the protagonists are forced into a marriage of convenience, it solved the problem of my temporary booklessness and did it in a most enjoyable manner.
Nicholas Smithfield knows he’s damn good at two things – pugilism and sex. As the book opens we meet him during an evening spent at a favourite house of ill repute in company with three delectable ladies, but before he can get very far his younger brother, Griff, interrupts him with some amazing news. Due to a series of completely unexpected and freakish circumstances, it turns out that Nicholas is, in fact, the rightful holder of the title and estates of the Duke of Gage. Even the pleasures to be found in the arms of three lusty ladies can’t quite top that, and Nicholas – very regretfully – departs with his brother in order to find out exactly what is going on and if he really has just become a duke.
Nicholas discovers there’s no question about it – he is the lawful duke even if the previous incumbent, usually referred to as “the duke that was” is not at all happy about being suddenly deprived of his position and threatens to make trouble. He aiso discovers that he has not only inherited a dukedom, but he has inherited a fiancée as well, Lady Isabella Sawford, the daughter of the Earl of Grosston.
Even less prepared for matrimony than “dukehood”, Nicholas is at first determined to see if he can break the betrothal – after all, the young lady was betrothed to a man, not a title. But meeting with her father, it quickly becomes apparent that the betrothal is so watertight that to break it would almost certainly ruin Nicholas – and by extention, the dukedom – financially, and he has no alternative but to honour the agreement. Upon meeting the beautiful Isabella, Nicholas decides that being married to her might not be such a bad thing after all.
Isabella has been brought up to be perfect. Beautiful, poised, demure, the model of decorum, she has been bred to be the perfect duchess by parents who see her as nothing more than a highly valuable commodity. She has spent her entire life doing as others have dictated and fulfilling their expectations, the slightest hint of resistance immediately quashed by her mother’s threatening to send away her sister, Margaret, whom she loves dearly – and whom her parents treat almost as though she doesn’t exist.
Isabella is no more enthusiastic at the prospect of being married than Nicholas, although she is relieved, upon meeting him, to discover that he is incredibly attractive and seems kind, completely unlike her previous fiancé on both counts. The wedding takes place, and both Nicholas and Isabella find themselves completely unprepared as to what to do next. Well, Nicholas knows what he would like to do next – but realising he and his bride are all but strangers, manfully decides that they should get to know each other better before consummating the marriage. It’s going to take incredible fortitude on his part to wait and he has no intention of dishonouring his wife by slaking his lust with other women, so instead, he attempts – mostly unsuccessfully – to work off his frustrations in the boxing ring.
I enjoyed the story very much. Ms Frampton displays a lovely deftness of touch and a sense of humour that reminded me of writers such as Tessa Dare and Maya Rodale, and she has created a couple of very engaging characters in her two principals. Nicholas is such a loveable rogue that he’s impossible to dislike; he is desperate to get Isabella into bed, but does the gentlemanly thing and waits until she’s comfortable with the idea, even though he is unaware that his bride is perhaps not taking his gentlemanliness in the manner in which it is intended. Isabella has grown up in a cage, albeit a gilded one, and finds it difficult to express her own wishes and desires, which makes perfect sense, given the way she has been treated by her odious parents. It’s almost as though she has been institutionalised, her own decision making tools have been taken away from her and she has learned to do and to want what is expected of her regardless of her own opinions. I liked the way Ms Frampton has addressed the idea that even the most beautiful among us can have insecurities and neuroses, and that Isabella has to learn slowly to express herself truthfully and own her own desires. Nicholas is an absolute sweetie, but he, too, has a lot to learn about marriage, never having been one for sharing his thoughts and emotions, yet he is blessed with an instinctive emotional intelligence which enables him to discern that there is more to Isabella than the icy, always proper façade she presents to the world – and I will admit to raising a small, inward cheer each time he stood up to Isabella’s parents.
Put Up Your Duke hit the spot for me; it doesn’t depend on anything other than the central romance to drive the story forward, and that romance is well put-together as Nicholas and Isabella are allowed to get to know each other before getting frisky between the sheets. That’s not to say that there is a dearth of steaminess – not at all, but the romance is paramount and, well, you know what they say about delayed gratification! If I have a complaint it’s with the fact that Nicholas is so very, VERY sex-obsessed. I know he’s determined to wait for Isabella to want him and has thus condemned himself to an indeterminate period of celibacy, but almost every internal monologue and thought he expresses has a sexual overtone which, while often quite funny, does get a bit wearing after a while.
All in all, however, Put Up Your Duke is an enjoyable, light-hearted and often humorous read which features a well-drawn secondary cast and an engaging central couple. It’s definitely a good bet for whiling away a few hours on the beach this summer.
Read
October 15, 2015Review posted on Got Fiction?
I’ve been sitting on this review for months, because I really like the author. But I didn’t love this book.
This is a DNF for me. All the reviews say that the heroine finds herself in this book, and that’s great, but I’m not invested enough in her to care. I don’t like who she is now. The hero is…sort of a cliche rake who will reform.
Quick summary-Isabelle is engaged to the Duke of Gage. Her parents have brought her up to be a duchess. Her entire life is “this is a how a duchess behaves.” So she is a paragon of duchess-ness sorry about the made up word!). She is a blank canvas. She has no personality. But, she is far from a cardboard character. See, she realizes she doesn’t even know who she is. She is to be a duchess, but who is Isabelle? So when the Duke of Gage turns out to be illegitimate, the estate and title are passed on to Nicholas Smithfield. And Isabelle is passed on to him as well.
Supposedly, she comes into her own and finds herself. Supposedly, he reforms from his lowbrow and rakish ways. That actually sounds quite interesting, in fact, I don’t think I’ve read a plot like this before! Kudos to Ms. Frampton for such an engaging and intriguing idea!
But the biggest deterrent for me is that I think the author is still finding her voice. It reads as if she can’t decide she wants to have an Historical voice (a la Meredith Duran), or a humorous voice (a la Tessa Dare).
I think she has a stronger formal voice, and I enjoyed the less humorous parts to the book. If she can develop that formal Historical aspect to her storytelling, I think she’ll do so well! I like the originality of the plot, and I see most people are giving her 4s and 5s, so I’m hoping you guys can find more positive reviews to read both sides. I truly look forward to reading her again, but I think I’ll wait until maybe book 3 or 4.
***ARC courtesy of Avon Books
I’ve been sitting on this review for months, because I really like the author. But I didn’t love this book.
This is a DNF for me. All the reviews say that the heroine finds herself in this book, and that’s great, but I’m not invested enough in her to care. I don’t like who she is now. The hero is…sort of a cliche rake who will reform.
Quick summary-Isabelle is engaged to the Duke of Gage. Her parents have brought her up to be a duchess. Her entire life is “this is a how a duchess behaves.” So she is a paragon of duchess-ness sorry about the made up word!). She is a blank canvas. She has no personality. But, she is far from a cardboard character. See, she realizes she doesn’t even know who she is. She is to be a duchess, but who is Isabelle? So when the Duke of Gage turns out to be illegitimate, the estate and title are passed on to Nicholas Smithfield. And Isabelle is passed on to him as well.
Supposedly, she comes into her own and finds herself. Supposedly, he reforms from his lowbrow and rakish ways. That actually sounds quite interesting, in fact, I don’t think I’ve read a plot like this before! Kudos to Ms. Frampton for such an engaging and intriguing idea!
But the biggest deterrent for me is that I think the author is still finding her voice. It reads as if she can’t decide she wants to have an Historical voice (a la Meredith Duran), or a humorous voice (a la Tessa Dare).
I think she has a stronger formal voice, and I enjoyed the less humorous parts to the book. If she can develop that formal Historical aspect to her storytelling, I think she’ll do so well! I like the originality of the plot, and I see most people are giving her 4s and 5s, so I’m hoping you guys can find more positive reviews to read both sides. I truly look forward to reading her again, but I think I’ll wait until maybe book 3 or 4.
***ARC courtesy of Avon Books
July 16, 2015
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Nicholas, has just learned that he has become the new Duke of Gage, and as such he has an obligation to marry the beautiful Isabella Sawford. Nicholas has no clue how to be a Duke, he knows women and box ring fighting, but how to handle a seemingly perfect wife, and dealing with tenants and the house of Lords are so out of his comfort zone. He has no idea where he is going but he knows one thing, that his gracious wife is the key. He is drawn to her, and wants to know more about this mysterious woman who is more that who she appears to be. Isabella Sawford, has always known that she would marry the Duke of Gage, ever since she can remember she has been trained to be the perfect duchess. She has always said yes to her parents dictates. Once she marries her life has changed, and she starts learning new facets of herself, and is captivated by her husband and wants more from her life than throwing the perfect parties and soirees. Will Nicholas and Isabella find a way to balance each other and find happiness that they are searching for?
The Hero
Nicholas, has always been a passionate lover and fierce fighter. He hasn’t really known anything else. Nicholas is a man of pleasure but he soon is drawn into a world of duty and obligation that he wasn’t expecting to find. Nicholas is a man who on the surface appears to be all about pleasure but there is more depth to his character than meets the eye. Nicholas takes everything that comes at him in stride with patience, he is open and honest and loyal to a fault. I loved the way he was in this story, a rake of course, but a man who is human, makes mistakes, has dreams and is working to improve himself. What was most endearing about his character was how engaging he is in the little actions he does.
The Heroine
Isabella has only known duty, and how to make a party perfect and has been trained her whole life to be the perfect Duchess. Now she is a Duchess, and all she sees is someone she doesn’t want to be. She wants to be more than who she appears to be. She wants to do outrageous things, learn to box and have fun for the first time in her life. In this story we see her character change quite a bit, and she definitely grows right before your eyes. From a woman who is proper at all times, to a woman who wants and needs more and is willing to fight for it. Isabella I liked quite a bit, but at times her character became a bit annoying, because of how she treats Nicholas at times. In all honesty she gets angry at him, because of her personal reason that he has no clue about. But once she shares who she wants to be with Nicholas, then I started to enjoy her character more.
Plot and Story Line
Put Up The Duke is a story that caught my attention from the very beginning. What we see is a story of seeing two people grow and change together. Nicholas and Isabella don’t know each other at all before they get married. What was most fascinating was seeing them struggle and trying to learn each other. We have here a story of two people who are so different from each other, but at times they are perfect for each other in the little ways. Ever since I discovered Megan Frampton, I have been blown away, by her talent in drawing me into her stories from the beginning. I could barely put this one down, and I had the hardest time doing so with this title. I love the way the story line develops and the focus is the character development and a love story that is about those tiny aspects of life that keep you drawn to each other. It has a beautiful simplicity to it at times, the misunderstanding, telling stories and brushing your wife’s hair, or teaching her how to box (that was fun to see). An additional element to the plot was how devious Isabella’s parents are, and their plans add a bit of intrigue to the story. I am interested to see if we see more from the siblings of Isabella and Nicholas in future books.
The Cover
What a gorgeous cover….I just love it. I would read this book for the cover alone. I love the rich earthy colors, and the pose, and isn’t that male model just beautiful….*sigh* what more can I say.
Overall View
Put Up Your Duke is a sweet mixture of unforgettable characters, stunning detail, entertaining on every page and will capture you from the beginning….guaranteed to touch the readers hearts. BEWITCHING!!
The Duke's Guide To Correct Behavior (1) Marcus and Lily
When Good Earl's Go Bad (1.5) Matthew and Annabelle
Put Up Your Duke (2) Nicholas and Isabella
No Groom At The Inn (2.5)--Unknown
One Eyed Dukes Go Wild (3) Lasham and Margaret
Isabella felt herself shaking—in joy, or shock, she wasn’t sure. The possibility of freedom, of not having to marry the duke, dangled before her like a beautiful jewel she just had to reach out and take. And her freedom was more precious than anything, since it was so rare, rarer than the rarest diamond. She’d never even had it, not for a moment of her life, whereas diamonds, for a lady in her position, were relatively easy to see, if not own.
Her mother glared at her, as though it were her fault the duke was no longer the duke. Isabella wished she could tell her mother that if she had the kind of power to unduke someone, she would have used that power to entirely extricate herself from any kind of marital agreement. Or maybe make herself look less beautiful so people would stop bothering her.
“Stop dawdling, Isabella. You can see yourself out, Maria?” It was not a question, but at least her mother gave her aunt the courtesy of pretending it was.
“Of course.” Maria patted Isabella’s hand. “I am certain you will be fine, Isabella. You will marry well, no matter who you marry.”
Isabella merely nodded, even though she wished she could tell her aunt, tell somebody, how she felt about marrying well. About how marrying well meant a very different thing to her than it did to her family.
If she didn’t have to marry the duke after all she could find someone, perhaps, who would care for her. That would be a good marriage, not one where her husband’s title was more important than if he was a pleasant man. She didn’t require love, but she wanted companionship, and friendliness, and perhaps a measure of fondness.
The duke—at least, the only Duke of Gage she currently knew—had never shown her any of those things, or any possibility of them, instead treating her as her mother did, as someone to be corrected and scolded into perfection.
Perfection Isabella had achieved, even though she wasn’t proud of it. She had been molded into the perfect duchess, only now—only now it seemed as though there was no duke to fulfill her training. The thought made her want to laugh, if only because it so thoroughly ruined her mother’s plans.
Freedom. Isabella had only occasionally allowed herself to think of what might be possible if her future weren’t already determined; now that it was here, that it might well be her future, she was terrified.
What would she be if she wasn’t the Duchess of Gage?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Summary
Nicholas, has just learned that he has become the new Duke of Gage, and as such he has an obligation to marry the beautiful Isabella Sawford. Nicholas has no clue how to be a Duke, he knows women and box ring fighting, but how to handle a seemingly perfect wife, and dealing with tenants and the house of Lords are so out of his comfort zone. He has no idea where he is going but he knows one thing, that his gracious wife is the key. He is drawn to her, and wants to know more about this mysterious woman who is more that who she appears to be. Isabella Sawford, has always known that she would marry the Duke of Gage, ever since she can remember she has been trained to be the perfect duchess. She has always said yes to her parents dictates. Once she marries her life has changed, and she starts learning new facets of herself, and is captivated by her husband and wants more from her life than throwing the perfect parties and soirees. Will Nicholas and Isabella find a way to balance each other and find happiness that they are searching for?
The Hero
Nicholas, has always been a passionate lover and fierce fighter. He hasn’t really known anything else. Nicholas is a man of pleasure but he soon is drawn into a world of duty and obligation that he wasn’t expecting to find. Nicholas is a man who on the surface appears to be all about pleasure but there is more depth to his character than meets the eye. Nicholas takes everything that comes at him in stride with patience, he is open and honest and loyal to a fault. I loved the way he was in this story, a rake of course, but a man who is human, makes mistakes, has dreams and is working to improve himself. What was most endearing about his character was how engaging he is in the little actions he does.
The Heroine
Isabella has only known duty, and how to make a party perfect and has been trained her whole life to be the perfect Duchess. Now she is a Duchess, and all she sees is someone she doesn’t want to be. She wants to be more than who she appears to be. She wants to do outrageous things, learn to box and have fun for the first time in her life. In this story we see her character change quite a bit, and she definitely grows right before your eyes. From a woman who is proper at all times, to a woman who wants and needs more and is willing to fight for it. Isabella I liked quite a bit, but at times her character became a bit annoying, because of how she treats Nicholas at times. In all honesty she gets angry at him, because of her personal reason that he has no clue about. But once she shares who she wants to be with Nicholas, then I started to enjoy her character more.
Plot and Story Line
Put Up The Duke is a story that caught my attention from the very beginning. What we see is a story of seeing two people grow and change together. Nicholas and Isabella don’t know each other at all before they get married. What was most fascinating was seeing them struggle and trying to learn each other. We have here a story of two people who are so different from each other, but at times they are perfect for each other in the little ways. Ever since I discovered Megan Frampton, I have been blown away, by her talent in drawing me into her stories from the beginning. I could barely put this one down, and I had the hardest time doing so with this title. I love the way the story line develops and the focus is the character development and a love story that is about those tiny aspects of life that keep you drawn to each other. It has a beautiful simplicity to it at times, the misunderstanding, telling stories and brushing your wife’s hair, or teaching her how to box (that was fun to see). An additional element to the plot was how devious Isabella’s parents are, and their plans add a bit of intrigue to the story. I am interested to see if we see more from the siblings of Isabella and Nicholas in future books.
The Cover
What a gorgeous cover….I just love it. I would read this book for the cover alone. I love the rich earthy colors, and the pose, and isn’t that male model just beautiful….*sigh* what more can I say.
Overall View
Put Up Your Duke is a sweet mixture of unforgettable characters, stunning detail, entertaining on every page and will capture you from the beginning….guaranteed to touch the readers hearts. BEWITCHING!!
The Duke's Guide To Correct Behavior (1) Marcus and Lily
When Good Earl's Go Bad (1.5) Matthew and Annabelle
Put Up Your Duke (2) Nicholas and Isabella
No Groom At The Inn (2.5)--Unknown
One Eyed Dukes Go Wild (3) Lasham and Margaret
Isabella felt herself shaking—in joy, or shock, she wasn’t sure. The possibility of freedom, of not having to marry the duke, dangled before her like a beautiful jewel she just had to reach out and take. And her freedom was more precious than anything, since it was so rare, rarer than the rarest diamond. She’d never even had it, not for a moment of her life, whereas diamonds, for a lady in her position, were relatively easy to see, if not own.
Her mother glared at her, as though it were her fault the duke was no longer the duke. Isabella wished she could tell her mother that if she had the kind of power to unduke someone, she would have used that power to entirely extricate herself from any kind of marital agreement. Or maybe make herself look less beautiful so people would stop bothering her.
“Stop dawdling, Isabella. You can see yourself out, Maria?” It was not a question, but at least her mother gave her aunt the courtesy of pretending it was.
“Of course.” Maria patted Isabella’s hand. “I am certain you will be fine, Isabella. You will marry well, no matter who you marry.”
Isabella merely nodded, even though she wished she could tell her aunt, tell somebody, how she felt about marrying well. About how marrying well meant a very different thing to her than it did to her family.
If she didn’t have to marry the duke after all she could find someone, perhaps, who would care for her. That would be a good marriage, not one where her husband’s title was more important than if he was a pleasant man. She didn’t require love, but she wanted companionship, and friendliness, and perhaps a measure of fondness.
The duke—at least, the only Duke of Gage she currently knew—had never shown her any of those things, or any possibility of them, instead treating her as her mother did, as someone to be corrected and scolded into perfection.
Perfection Isabella had achieved, even though she wasn’t proud of it. She had been molded into the perfect duchess, only now—only now it seemed as though there was no duke to fulfill her training. The thought made her want to laugh, if only because it so thoroughly ruined her mother’s plans.
Freedom. Isabella had only occasionally allowed herself to think of what might be possible if her future weren’t already determined; now that it was here, that it might well be her future, she was terrified.
What would she be if she wasn’t the Duchess of Gage?
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June 29, 2015
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books
I liked the premise of this one (man inherits a title he didn't know he could get and a wife he wasn't sure he wanted). I liked how Isabella and Nicholas came together. But I wanted more heat between both the characters.
Nicholas and Isabella were forced into a marriage that neither of them really wanted. But you could tell from each interaction the two had, the potential for an excellent match was at hand...despite the circumstances that got them where they were. I adored how these two characters got to know one another, through games and twenty questions. It was Nicholas' way of easing Isabella into married life and ensuring that the woman who has intrigued him is comfortable with him. I applaud him for not pushing her, when he could have. But it felt like their was no chemistry between the two. Maybe it was because they spent so much time in their heads contemplating what they should say or do rather than living in the moment. It was almost like whatever scene they were in together stopped while they had their inner monologue. It took away from their courtship and the burgeoning relationship.
This being said, I still enjoyed PUT UP YOUR DUKE. The characters were charming and likable, despite incessantly talking to themselves. The mystery around the previous Duke, Isabelle's parents involvement with said Duke and how that played out was entertaining and kept me engaged.
Reviewer information can be found under the Tags section of the post on our site.
I liked the premise of this one (man inherits a title he didn't know he could get and a wife he wasn't sure he wanted). I liked how Isabella and Nicholas came together. But I wanted more heat between both the characters.
Nicholas and Isabella were forced into a marriage that neither of them really wanted. But you could tell from each interaction the two had, the potential for an excellent match was at hand...despite the circumstances that got them where they were. I adored how these two characters got to know one another, through games and twenty questions. It was Nicholas' way of easing Isabella into married life and ensuring that the woman who has intrigued him is comfortable with him. I applaud him for not pushing her, when he could have. But it felt like their was no chemistry between the two. Maybe it was because they spent so much time in their heads contemplating what they should say or do rather than living in the moment. It was almost like whatever scene they were in together stopped while they had their inner monologue. It took away from their courtship and the burgeoning relationship.
This being said, I still enjoyed PUT UP YOUR DUKE. The characters were charming and likable, despite incessantly talking to themselves. The mystery around the previous Duke, Isabelle's parents involvement with said Duke and how that played out was entertaining and kept me engaged.
Reviewer information can be found under the Tags section of the post on our site.
June 27, 2015
3.5 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 30, 2015
He was once happily bedding and boxing, but in the newest Duke's Behaving Badly novel, Nicholas Smithfield has inherited a title and a bride . . .
To keep his estate afloat, the new Duke of Gage must honor an agreement to marry Lady Isabella Sawford. Stunningly beautiful, utterly tempting, she's also a bag of wedding night nerves, so Nicholas decides to wait to do his duty—even if it means heading to the boxing saloon every day to punch away his frustration.
Groomed her whole life to become the perfect duchess, Isabella longs for independence, a dream that is gone forever. As her husband, Nicholas can do whatever he likes—but, to Isabella's surprise, the notorious rake instead begins a gentle seduction that is melting every inch of her reserve, night by night . . .
To his utter shock, Nicholas discovers that no previous exploits were half as pleasurable as wooing his own wife. But has the realm's most disreputable duke found the one woman who can bring him to his knees— and leave him there?
•••••••••••••
REVIEW: PUT UP YOUR DUKE is the third installment (there is a Valentine’s novella) in Megan Frampton’s adult Dukes Behaving Badly historical romance series. This is the new Duke of Gage-Nicholas Smithfield- and Lady Isabella Sawford’s storyline. PUT UP YOUR DUKE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.
Told from dual third person perspectives, the storyline follows Nicholas Smithfield as he is named the new Duke of Gage when research discovered the previous heir to be descended from illegitimate stock. Along with his new title, Nicholas also learned that he was to wed the Lady Isabella Sawford in accordance with a debt owed by his newfound estate. What ensues is a building romance between the local rake, and a woman groomed, by a manipulative mother and controlling father, for a life of pomp and ceremony. Isabella was a puppet to her parent’s future plans.
The relationship between our couple is very slow to build once Nicholas discovers his new bride is chaste and pure. Her lack of experience finds Isabella a lonely bride when her husband spends most of his time at the local boxing arena, or with his brother Griff, who has been named secretary to the new Duke of Gage. While Nicholas tries to keep his distance, Isabella becomes more angry and forlorn believing she is not worthy of Nicholas’s love. The $ex scenes are limited with a little bit of ‘fooling around’ before Nicholas and Isabella consummate their marriage.
We are introduced to Isabella’s younger sister Margaret whose own life has been less than glorious as their parents have focused all of their energy on preparing Isabella as a future wife. But Margaret is no ‘stick in the mud’ and she has a few secrets of her own. Nicholas’s brother Griff is a learned scholar who aids our hero in his new role as the Duke of Gage. I am hoping Griff’s story is next and Margaret would be the perfect foil for the inexperienced younger Smithfield.
Throughout the storyline each chapter is introduced using an excerpt from the ‘unedited version of A Lady of Mystery’s serial’ that parallels some of the events in Nicholas and Isabella’s relationship. A similar line of storytelling between Nicholas and Isabella is a running theme throughout their story, one that is meant to ease the anxiety between Nicholas and his virgin bride.
PUT UP YOUR DUKE is a sweet story of romance with very little conflict or angst. There was the potential for rivalry and contention when the previous Duke threatened retaliation for the loss of his title, but for all intents and purposes, the struggle went in another direction and lost some of the momentum it was trying to build. A good portion of the storyline found the reader inside the heads of our leading couple whose inner dialogues reflected on the past, the present and the future, along with the ‘what ifs’ and ‘whys’ of their current predicament.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Edelweiss.
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 30, 2015
He was once happily bedding and boxing, but in the newest Duke's Behaving Badly novel, Nicholas Smithfield has inherited a title and a bride . . .
To keep his estate afloat, the new Duke of Gage must honor an agreement to marry Lady Isabella Sawford. Stunningly beautiful, utterly tempting, she's also a bag of wedding night nerves, so Nicholas decides to wait to do his duty—even if it means heading to the boxing saloon every day to punch away his frustration.
Groomed her whole life to become the perfect duchess, Isabella longs for independence, a dream that is gone forever. As her husband, Nicholas can do whatever he likes—but, to Isabella's surprise, the notorious rake instead begins a gentle seduction that is melting every inch of her reserve, night by night . . .
To his utter shock, Nicholas discovers that no previous exploits were half as pleasurable as wooing his own wife. But has the realm's most disreputable duke found the one woman who can bring him to his knees— and leave him there?
•••••••••••••
REVIEW: PUT UP YOUR DUKE is the third installment (there is a Valentine’s novella) in Megan Frampton’s adult Dukes Behaving Badly historical romance series. This is the new Duke of Gage-Nicholas Smithfield- and Lady Isabella Sawford’s storyline. PUT UP YOUR DUKE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.
Told from dual third person perspectives, the storyline follows Nicholas Smithfield as he is named the new Duke of Gage when research discovered the previous heir to be descended from illegitimate stock. Along with his new title, Nicholas also learned that he was to wed the Lady Isabella Sawford in accordance with a debt owed by his newfound estate. What ensues is a building romance between the local rake, and a woman groomed, by a manipulative mother and controlling father, for a life of pomp and ceremony. Isabella was a puppet to her parent’s future plans.
The relationship between our couple is very slow to build once Nicholas discovers his new bride is chaste and pure. Her lack of experience finds Isabella a lonely bride when her husband spends most of his time at the local boxing arena, or with his brother Griff, who has been named secretary to the new Duke of Gage. While Nicholas tries to keep his distance, Isabella becomes more angry and forlorn believing she is not worthy of Nicholas’s love. The $ex scenes are limited with a little bit of ‘fooling around’ before Nicholas and Isabella consummate their marriage.
We are introduced to Isabella’s younger sister Margaret whose own life has been less than glorious as their parents have focused all of their energy on preparing Isabella as a future wife. But Margaret is no ‘stick in the mud’ and she has a few secrets of her own. Nicholas’s brother Griff is a learned scholar who aids our hero in his new role as the Duke of Gage. I am hoping Griff’s story is next and Margaret would be the perfect foil for the inexperienced younger Smithfield.
Throughout the storyline each chapter is introduced using an excerpt from the ‘unedited version of A Lady of Mystery’s serial’ that parallels some of the events in Nicholas and Isabella’s relationship. A similar line of storytelling between Nicholas and Isabella is a running theme throughout their story, one that is meant to ease the anxiety between Nicholas and his virgin bride.
PUT UP YOUR DUKE is a sweet story of romance with very little conflict or angst. There was the potential for rivalry and contention when the previous Duke threatened retaliation for the loss of his title, but for all intents and purposes, the struggle went in another direction and lost some of the momentum it was trying to build. A good portion of the storyline found the reader inside the heads of our leading couple whose inner dialogues reflected on the past, the present and the future, along with the ‘what ifs’ and ‘whys’ of their current predicament.
Copy supplied by the publisher through Edelweiss.
www.thereadingcafe.com
July 21, 2016
2.5 stars
I don't even know... it was okay. I felt like I didn't know the characters. All I knew was that I didn't like the heroine and the hero was too patient.
Our hero, Nicholas, at first the beginning was shakey. I'm all for Rakes. I love them. But when they start of the first page of the book in bed with not one but 3 women. I can't help but feel apprehension to his sudden okay-ness with being faithful. Honestly I started to warm up to him, but what I didn't understand was his liking other than of her looks, of the heroine. She was VERY bitchy and prim to him. I felt like he was doing all the giving and she didn't offer up anything in return.
Our heroine, Isabella. BITCH WE KNOW YOU'RE NOT PERFECT! WE CAN TELL! NO ONE CARES! She stated that fact A MILLION times within this book. You won't forget it. Like, she took the word "Literal" and made it her life. No one's perfect. Obviously.
I don't believe this book had a love plot. Honestly, I would have been okay if they never said they loved each other at the end. I didn't know them, they didn't know each other, and just saying that they liked each other and with a promise that they could grow to love each other would have been good enough, trust me. Nicholas, I can see why someone would grow to love him. He was gently, patient as hell, and tried to tell her to speak her mind. She was stuck in her ways, always scrutinizing EVERY situation, and bratty. I don't see how "wooing his wife" seemed all that fun. If anything it was agonizing, slow, and she was not fun to be around. Because in the end, she STILL had no personality. She kept saying this is the selfish Isabella. Bitch it seems like that's only person we've ever seen. Sure with this marriage you were catering to your parents' wants, but she NEVER thought about how it would effect anybody else.
Her sister's little end plot tried to give some action, but fell flat. I thought she was gonna run away with Griff, Nicholas' virginal(it seems) brother, but nah that didn't happen.
I felt this book was nothing but 260 pages of her being so STUCK ON HERSELF. We don't care about you that much sweetheart. Get a fucking grip.
Quotes:
"Don't freeze up on me now, princess." He said in a low tone.
"Do you wish to change into your nightclothes now, Your Grace?"
"Uh," Nicholas said nonsensically, trying to gauge the state of his erection without actually looking down. "Yes, only first could you rustle up a cup of tea?"
"And then what--oh!" she said as he climaxed, spilling all over his hand, his smallclothes, her hand, his stomach, and likely on the bed as well.
[...]
"Isabella," he began, when he could finally speak.
She hadn't left, but her posture wasn't exactly what a man wished to see after a woman had just brought him released; she was leaning away from him, her eyes darting from the mess on his stomach to the mess on the bed, all the while she was wiping her hand on her nightgown.
He'd made an actual mess of things.
"That was..." she began, her brow creased in thought.
[...]
"-Unexpected." (This sounds kinda bad, but it was funny she was giving him a hand job and being the naive virgin that she is, she didn't realize that, that's something that happens, and while he was coming down from his high he was trying to explain that it happens."
I don't even know... it was okay. I felt like I didn't know the characters. All I knew was that I didn't like the heroine and the hero was too patient.
Our hero, Nicholas, at first the beginning was shakey. I'm all for Rakes. I love them. But when they start of the first page of the book in bed with not one but 3 women. I can't help but feel apprehension to his sudden okay-ness with being faithful. Honestly I started to warm up to him, but what I didn't understand was his liking other than of her looks, of the heroine. She was VERY bitchy and prim to him. I felt like he was doing all the giving and she didn't offer up anything in return.
Our heroine, Isabella. BITCH WE KNOW YOU'RE NOT PERFECT! WE CAN TELL! NO ONE CARES! She stated that fact A MILLION times within this book. You won't forget it. Like, she took the word "Literal" and made it her life. No one's perfect. Obviously.
I don't believe this book had a love plot. Honestly, I would have been okay if they never said they loved each other at the end. I didn't know them, they didn't know each other, and just saying that they liked each other and with a promise that they could grow to love each other would have been good enough, trust me. Nicholas, I can see why someone would grow to love him. He was gently, patient as hell, and tried to tell her to speak her mind. She was stuck in her ways, always scrutinizing EVERY situation, and bratty. I don't see how "wooing his wife" seemed all that fun. If anything it was agonizing, slow, and she was not fun to be around. Because in the end, she STILL had no personality. She kept saying this is the selfish Isabella. Bitch it seems like that's only person we've ever seen. Sure with this marriage you were catering to your parents' wants, but she NEVER thought about how it would effect anybody else.
Her sister's little end plot tried to give some action, but fell flat. I thought she was gonna run away with Griff, Nicholas' virginal(it seems) brother, but nah that didn't happen.
I felt this book was nothing but 260 pages of her being so STUCK ON HERSELF. We don't care about you that much sweetheart. Get a fucking grip.
Quotes:
"Don't freeze up on me now, princess." He said in a low tone.
"Do you wish to change into your nightclothes now, Your Grace?"
"Uh," Nicholas said nonsensically, trying to gauge the state of his erection without actually looking down. "Yes, only first could you rustle up a cup of tea?"
"And then what--oh!" she said as he climaxed, spilling all over his hand, his smallclothes, her hand, his stomach, and likely on the bed as well.
[...]
"Isabella," he began, when he could finally speak.
She hadn't left, but her posture wasn't exactly what a man wished to see after a woman had just brought him released; she was leaning away from him, her eyes darting from the mess on his stomach to the mess on the bed, all the while she was wiping her hand on her nightgown.
He'd made an actual mess of things.
"That was..." she began, her brow creased in thought.
[...]
"-Unexpected." (This sounds kinda bad, but it was funny she was giving him a hand job and being the naive virgin that she is, she didn't realize that, that's something that happens, and while he was coming down from his high he was trying to explain that it happens."
December 29, 2021
2020 rating: 4 stars
2021 rating: 3 stars
It was frustrating watching the two of them just let their marriage crash and burn just because they refuse to communicate with each other about their insecurities and problems. Isabella spends so much time overthinking things, and she can be a real ice princess sometimes, with her attitude towards Nicholas, which made me dislike her. Nicholas also doesn’t confide in Isabella about his problems and hence, there is a huge lack of communication between them. That is a huge issue I had with this book.
Also I felt they spent too little time getting to know each other, their romance was unbelievable. I felt the author should have elaborated more on both of their pasts and making me talk about it more.
However I did like the occasional moments where they spent in bed, just talking about stories and laughing together.
Because I am a sucker of forced marriages and managed to finish this book, I’m giving this book the 3 stars.
2021 rating: 3 stars
It was frustrating watching the two of them just let their marriage crash and burn just because they refuse to communicate with each other about their insecurities and problems. Isabella spends so much time overthinking things, and she can be a real ice princess sometimes, with her attitude towards Nicholas, which made me dislike her. Nicholas also doesn’t confide in Isabella about his problems and hence, there is a huge lack of communication between them. That is a huge issue I had with this book.
Also I felt they spent too little time getting to know each other, their romance was unbelievable. I felt the author should have elaborated more on both of their pasts and making me talk about it more.
However I did like the occasional moments where they spent in bed, just talking about stories and laughing together.
Because I am a sucker of forced marriages and managed to finish this book, I’m giving this book the 3 stars.
December 2, 2015
oviousely I have not much luck with my books at the moment. Or my mood is so different from that of my fellow reviewers, whom I trust normally implicitly.
but this book was although quite nice and a good storyy, I had troubles with Isabella. I do understand where she comes from but for me her change is not really done as well as I would have hoped for.
she comes across as icy or childish and I really have a hard time to understand why Nicholas should fall in love with her ...
what I liked was Nicholas and his brother Griff ... I really hope we get his story as well ..
but this book was although quite nice and a good storyy, I had troubles with Isabella. I do understand where she comes from but for me her change is not really done as well as I would have hoped for.
she comes across as icy or childish and I really have a hard time to understand why Nicholas should fall in love with her ...
what I liked was Nicholas and his brother Griff ... I really hope we get his story as well ..
August 21, 2016
Outstanding fun! I can't believe that this was my first Megan Frampton - her style is witty and charming, the plot is focused all on the romance - there are hardly any distractions from it, which is unusual and highly appreciated. Also, this is very much on the steamy side of the genre. Loved it!
June 24, 2015
I give PUT UP YOUR DUKE 4 ½ stars.
PUT UP YOUR DUKE is a most delightful twist on a marriage of convenience. Lady Isabella Sawford’s parents groomed her at a very early age to become a duchess. Isabella is poised, beautiful and a dutiful daughter, so she is resigned to marry the Duke of Gage. However because of an ironic fluke – or more precisely because the Duke is a bastard! – she will be marrying another Duke of Gage. And she is quite pleased that the new Duke is quite easy on the eyes!
Nicholas Smithfield never thought he would find a woman in his social circle who would fulfill all his requirements, so he never really looked further than the arms of lightskirts. But when he receives the news that he has become the Duke of Gage, his life is turned upside-down. He has to marry, and he has to marry Lady Isabella Sawford, who was betrothed to the Duke of Gage, regardless of who the Duke happens to be; it’s part of the deal!
PUT UP YOUR DUKE is a very ingenious story, full of surprises; it’s a light and quick read. Ms. Frampton’s prose is airy and witty, and the characters are very engaging. Isabella is perfect and she hates it; she has never made a decision in her life, doesn’t even know what she likes, whereas Nicholas has always done what he wanted, until he became a Duke. He has no inkling what his new title entails, while it’s second nature to Isabella. I really enjoyed the interaction between Nicholas and Isabella; he’s a rake but very respectful of her innocence, and inexperienced she is, but she is neither clueless nor silly. In fact, I think Ms. Frampton nailed it perfectly as for Isabella’s lack of knowledge of everything carnal; Isabella’s apprehension of the wedding night frightens her, and unlike most authors, Ms. Frampton does not succumb to revisionism; I appreciated that very much. The relationship between Nicholas and Isabella progresses organically, which was also very nice. Everything is as it should be; PUT UP YOUR DUKE never feels like a contemporary romance in period clothing.
I also enjoyed the relationship between Isabella and her sister Margaret, which is the basis for a terrific plot twist. One other lovely feature of PUT UP YOUR DUKE is the inclusion of a fictional serialised novel, “The Princess and the Scoundrel”, which begins every chapter; Nicholas reads and I thought it was a very nice touch! PUT UP YOUR DUKE is a delightful, clever, witty and very romantic story that will leave you smiling!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
PUT UP YOUR DUKE is a most delightful twist on a marriage of convenience. Lady Isabella Sawford’s parents groomed her at a very early age to become a duchess. Isabella is poised, beautiful and a dutiful daughter, so she is resigned to marry the Duke of Gage. However because of an ironic fluke – or more precisely because the Duke is a bastard! – she will be marrying another Duke of Gage. And she is quite pleased that the new Duke is quite easy on the eyes!
Nicholas Smithfield never thought he would find a woman in his social circle who would fulfill all his requirements, so he never really looked further than the arms of lightskirts. But when he receives the news that he has become the Duke of Gage, his life is turned upside-down. He has to marry, and he has to marry Lady Isabella Sawford, who was betrothed to the Duke of Gage, regardless of who the Duke happens to be; it’s part of the deal!
PUT UP YOUR DUKE is a very ingenious story, full of surprises; it’s a light and quick read. Ms. Frampton’s prose is airy and witty, and the characters are very engaging. Isabella is perfect and she hates it; she has never made a decision in her life, doesn’t even know what she likes, whereas Nicholas has always done what he wanted, until he became a Duke. He has no inkling what his new title entails, while it’s second nature to Isabella. I really enjoyed the interaction between Nicholas and Isabella; he’s a rake but very respectful of her innocence, and inexperienced she is, but she is neither clueless nor silly. In fact, I think Ms. Frampton nailed it perfectly as for Isabella’s lack of knowledge of everything carnal; Isabella’s apprehension of the wedding night frightens her, and unlike most authors, Ms. Frampton does not succumb to revisionism; I appreciated that very much. The relationship between Nicholas and Isabella progresses organically, which was also very nice. Everything is as it should be; PUT UP YOUR DUKE never feels like a contemporary romance in period clothing.
I also enjoyed the relationship between Isabella and her sister Margaret, which is the basis for a terrific plot twist. One other lovely feature of PUT UP YOUR DUKE is the inclusion of a fictional serialised novel, “The Princess and the Scoundrel”, which begins every chapter; Nicholas reads and I thought it was a very nice touch! PUT UP YOUR DUKE is a delightful, clever, witty and very romantic story that will leave you smiling!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 17, 2020
Nicholas Smithfield unexpectedly inherits a Dukedom, and an intended bride to boot! To keep the estate afloat and gain support for his new title, Nicholas has to honor an existing betrothal agreement. Lady Isabella Sawford never had power or freedom. She was trained to be the perfect duchess and not question the match her parents have made for her. She's glad not to marry the "duke-that-was" and hopes the attractive new Duke of Gage will be a better spouse.
This is the second book in the Dukes Behaving Badly series, but it can stand completely alone. The first book's couple only gets a slight mention.
This book centers around an arranged marriage with a delayed wedding night. Isabella is gorgeous and Nicholas lusts after her but, seeing her trepidation on their wedding night, he decides to wait. He blows off steam in the boxing ring and comes to her room every night to talk and get closer. The payoff is pretty good when they start to get intimate, but you'll have to wait til the end to get a "full" scene. There's a bit of silliness with Isabella's pink ballgown as she wages a silent battle that makes no sense to anyone except her, but otherwise I enjoyed this story.
This is the second book in the Dukes Behaving Badly series, but it can stand completely alone. The first book's couple only gets a slight mention.
This book centers around an arranged marriage with a delayed wedding night. Isabella is gorgeous and Nicholas lusts after her but, seeing her trepidation on their wedding night, he decides to wait. He blows off steam in the boxing ring and comes to her room every night to talk and get closer. The payoff is pretty good when they start to get intimate, but you'll have to wait til the end to get a "full" scene. There's a bit of silliness with Isabella's pink ballgown as she wages a silent battle that makes no sense to anyone except her, but otherwise I enjoyed this story.
January 16, 2019
When I finish a book that is this good I always ask myself why I take so many long breaks from historical romance. This book was AMAZING. Why can’t more of these book be like this one where there is little stress about the love story and a guy who is just a nice guy ALL THE TIME. can’t wait to read the next one.
March 21, 2015
4.5 A charming romance with Nicolas coming into a Dukedom and inheriting Isabella as his fiance in the process. Fun, very romantic, and almost fairy tale-like, the pair have to figure each other out and join ranks to solidify their position. I'm hoping that Margaret is a next featured character, since I quite liked her spirit. Maybe with Griff? Ms Frampton is now solidly on my auto read list.
January 21, 2017
This is a story of a forced marriage. It is a charming story.
March 25, 2023
Hm. I really wanted to love this because the premise is right up my alley—I love a slow burn, I love the pining, I love the tension of not being able to do anything with someone right under your nose—but this fell SO flat for me.
Issue #1 is the writing style. Frampton really puts every passing thought these characters have on the page and let me tell you, not all of them are diamonds. Nick is criminally horny (as I expected) and Isabella is insecure and anxious (as expected), but there was just sooooo much thinking going on about both of those aspects and no communicating. And the thoughts they were having were flip flopping all over the place and I assume this is to drive home the story's main point that nobody's perfect and we're all a little stupid, but reading it just felt so juvenile. At one point Isabella was mad at Nick because of how she (incorrectly) perceived his response to a question she asked him, and later on she was mad and reflecting on how if he would only ask her what's wrong she would tell him....but SHE wasn't gonna tell him because...... And I'm like ???? Ma'am why are you blocking your blessings, I know you have some traumas to unlearn but this man is literally asking you to say what you want and has given no indication that he will deny you, so what's not clicking? And this was also the part of the plot where she was trying to be more self-assured so it really didn't make sense why she wasn't talking to him.
Also, Frampton is a very big fan of the em dashes and the "which is to say" and "well, actually" and the asides and it's like....we don't need to hear EVERYTHING that's going on, please leave the stream of consciousness alone. Also, the epigraphs are totally unnecessary.
Issue #2 is that I wasn't exactly vibing either half of the couple. Nick is a nice enough guy but he doesn't have much going on between the ears besides being horny and thinking about how beautiful and gorgeous and perfect Isabella is all the time. And Isabella, once she finally opened her damn mouth, is a bit grating and difficult and I didn't really like her. I couldn't name what they liked about each other besides the fact that they both thought the other was hot. At some point I realized I was reading for the resolution of the sexual tension itself, not because I specifically wanted THEM to have sex, y'know what I mean? The confession of love was so bland.
I think the only part I did like was the sibling dynamics between Isabella/Margaret and Nick/Griff, and I would be interested in seeing what's going on with the younger sibs BUT I think Frampton's writing style would ruin that for me too....
Issue #1 is the writing style. Frampton really puts every passing thought these characters have on the page and let me tell you, not all of them are diamonds. Nick is criminally horny (as I expected) and Isabella is insecure and anxious (as expected), but there was just sooooo much thinking going on about both of those aspects and no communicating. And the thoughts they were having were flip flopping all over the place and I assume this is to drive home the story's main point that nobody's perfect and we're all a little stupid, but reading it just felt so juvenile. At one point Isabella was mad at Nick because of how she (incorrectly) perceived his response to a question she asked him, and later on she was mad and reflecting on how if he would only ask her what's wrong she would tell him....but SHE wasn't gonna tell him because...... And I'm like ???? Ma'am why are you blocking your blessings, I know you have some traumas to unlearn but this man is literally asking you to say what you want and has given no indication that he will deny you, so what's not clicking? And this was also the part of the plot where she was trying to be more self-assured so it really didn't make sense why she wasn't talking to him.
Also, Frampton is a very big fan of the em dashes and the "which is to say" and "well, actually" and the asides and it's like....we don't need to hear EVERYTHING that's going on, please leave the stream of consciousness alone. Also, the epigraphs are totally unnecessary.
Issue #2 is that I wasn't exactly vibing either half of the couple. Nick is a nice enough guy but he doesn't have much going on between the ears besides being horny and thinking about how beautiful and gorgeous and perfect Isabella is all the time. And Isabella, once she finally opened her damn mouth, is a bit grating and difficult and I didn't really like her. I couldn't name what they liked about each other besides the fact that they both thought the other was hot. At some point I realized I was reading for the resolution of the sexual tension itself, not because I specifically wanted THEM to have sex, y'know what I mean? The confession of love was so bland.
I think the only part I did like was the sibling dynamics between Isabella/Margaret and Nick/Griff, and I would be interested in seeing what's going on with the younger sibs BUT I think Frampton's writing style would ruin that for me too....
November 4, 2020
You guys, I don't think I'm into this author. I'm switching to another series.
September 25, 2017
For complete review check out my blog at https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogs... as of September 26, 2017.
March 26, 2021
Isabella was promised to the Duke of Gage, however, it appears that it is no matter who that is. When the current Duke position is contested, it lands in the lap of Nicholas who has never dreamed of the position. He is content with his life of debauchery because he has promised himself that once he gets married he would not dishonour his wife by fornicating.
So when he inherits a new title and along with it comes a bride he doesn't want. Things are more than he expected and most importantly more different than he expected. Isabella appears ice cold and uptight but he is willing to slow his pace to get to know her and peel back her cold exterior.
I really liked this book and it was really cute.
So when he inherits a new title and along with it comes a bride he doesn't want. Things are more than he expected and most importantly more different than he expected. Isabella appears ice cold and uptight but he is willing to slow his pace to get to know her and peel back her cold exterior.
I really liked this book and it was really cute.
June 30, 2015
*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
I love a good marriage of convenience story. Something about a couple marrying, and THEN falling in love is just very appealing to me. Therefore, when I saw that in this book, the hero inherits not only a title but a bride, I was definitely sold on reading it. Luckily for me, I was not disappointed.
The two main characters, Nicholas and Isabella, were very likable. Nicholas started out as a typical rake, but what was interesting was that he was pretty bored of his life. All he did was box and seek out ladies. Still, there was more to him than that. He turned out to be quite kind and thoughtful, and I just loved watching him pursue Isabella.
Usually in England-set historical romance, the heroine is a spinster, a bookish girl who just wants love, or a plain woman with ambitious and intelligent aspirations. Therefore, it was pretty refreshing to read about someone who was trained to be the perfect duchess. She knew how to throw parties and balls, and she was very beautiful. However, the thing that made Isabella different was the fact that she was so “perfect”, that she didn’t know herself. She had no true opinions, and showed no emotions except for when she was around her sister Margaret. So, I felt very sorry for Isabella, but I also liked watching her come into her own person. Nicholas was very good for her, as he made Isabella say what she wanted and did not want. I just had so much fun watching him woo her, and her grow into her own person.
The side characters weren’t very numerous. Margaret, Isabella’s previously mentioned sister, was a funny, outgoing, and witty girl whom I immediately liked. Their parents treated Margaret horribly, just because she wasn’t beautiful like Isabella. That, and their treating Isabella like a thing rather than a person, caused me to hate them. They were some extremely horrible people, and I just wish we saw them get what they deserve. Then, there was Nicholas’s brother Griff. I liked Griff because he was intelligent and close to his brother, but I do think his character could have been developed a bit more. Finally, there was the former Duke of Gage, whom Nicholas replaced. He was a pretty flat villain, and didn’t add too much to the story, but I disliked him well enough.
Once I picked up this book, I never wanted to put it down. The story followed Nicholas as he inherited the title of Duke of Gage, when the former was found to not be a legitimate heir to the dukedom. As previously mentioned, Isabella was inherited right along with that title, as she had been betrothed to the former Duke of Gage. At first thinking they could both get out of it, they were proven wrong when Isabella’s parents threatened to ruin Nicholas and his family should he refuse Isabella. therefore, the two were married, and thus followed Nicholas’s discovery of just how constrained Isabella had been by her parents’ expectations of her. It was just so nice to see a man pursue his heroine with sensitivity, and companionship. I hated the villains, but I really liked the relationship between the two leads. Which just means that this novel did a lot right.
With all that said, of course I’m recommending you read this book. If you like historical romance and marriage of convenience stories, there should be no reason why you won’t enjoy it. The two main leads are likable, and watching the two of them fall in love was a good time. The writing was smooth, and I found myself immediately interested in the story. The book was a great way to continue my current love of all things historical romance, and hopefully it’ll do the same for you, or get you started reading it if you never have before.
I love a good marriage of convenience story. Something about a couple marrying, and THEN falling in love is just very appealing to me. Therefore, when I saw that in this book, the hero inherits not only a title but a bride, I was definitely sold on reading it. Luckily for me, I was not disappointed.
The two main characters, Nicholas and Isabella, were very likable. Nicholas started out as a typical rake, but what was interesting was that he was pretty bored of his life. All he did was box and seek out ladies. Still, there was more to him than that. He turned out to be quite kind and thoughtful, and I just loved watching him pursue Isabella.
Usually in England-set historical romance, the heroine is a spinster, a bookish girl who just wants love, or a plain woman with ambitious and intelligent aspirations. Therefore, it was pretty refreshing to read about someone who was trained to be the perfect duchess. She knew how to throw parties and balls, and she was very beautiful. However, the thing that made Isabella different was the fact that she was so “perfect”, that she didn’t know herself. She had no true opinions, and showed no emotions except for when she was around her sister Margaret. So, I felt very sorry for Isabella, but I also liked watching her come into her own person. Nicholas was very good for her, as he made Isabella say what she wanted and did not want. I just had so much fun watching him woo her, and her grow into her own person.
The side characters weren’t very numerous. Margaret, Isabella’s previously mentioned sister, was a funny, outgoing, and witty girl whom I immediately liked. Their parents treated Margaret horribly, just because she wasn’t beautiful like Isabella. That, and their treating Isabella like a thing rather than a person, caused me to hate them. They were some extremely horrible people, and I just wish we saw them get what they deserve. Then, there was Nicholas’s brother Griff. I liked Griff because he was intelligent and close to his brother, but I do think his character could have been developed a bit more. Finally, there was the former Duke of Gage, whom Nicholas replaced. He was a pretty flat villain, and didn’t add too much to the story, but I disliked him well enough.
Once I picked up this book, I never wanted to put it down. The story followed Nicholas as he inherited the title of Duke of Gage, when the former was found to not be a legitimate heir to the dukedom. As previously mentioned, Isabella was inherited right along with that title, as she had been betrothed to the former Duke of Gage. At first thinking they could both get out of it, they were proven wrong when Isabella’s parents threatened to ruin Nicholas and his family should he refuse Isabella. therefore, the two were married, and thus followed Nicholas’s discovery of just how constrained Isabella had been by her parents’ expectations of her. It was just so nice to see a man pursue his heroine with sensitivity, and companionship. I hated the villains, but I really liked the relationship between the two leads. Which just means that this novel did a lot right.
With all that said, of course I’m recommending you read this book. If you like historical romance and marriage of convenience stories, there should be no reason why you won’t enjoy it. The two main leads are likable, and watching the two of them fall in love was a good time. The writing was smooth, and I found myself immediately interested in the story. The book was a great way to continue my current love of all things historical romance, and hopefully it’ll do the same for you, or get you started reading it if you never have before.
October 29, 2015
An awesome historical romance that I savored. Nicholas Smithfield and Isabella Sawford seem to be so different and not at all a couple that you expect to be together. They find themselves in a weird position that’s anything but typical.
One of the things that I found that I really enjoyed about both Nicholas and Isabella is that they are both in a situation that is not of their making, but other people’s doing. He never expected for a dukedom to come his ways, but because of some not so great bloodline or legitimacy issues, a dukedom has come his way. Nicholas doesn’t want this dukedom, then hears that he must take it or the tenants and other people that depend on the dukedom will suffer. Also he has to honor the former Duke’s commitments. Especially after he learns that the duke made a marriage contract. So he has to now marry this young woman. Isabella is forced to marry this duke, even though she was promised to the last one, but because of the deal her parents made with the previous duke, he has to honor the agreement. So when Nicholas meets Isabella and her parents, lets say things get far more complicated because he thinks he can get out of the arranged marriage and can’t because of certain legalities and agreements made. This was a most interesting way to start a marriage.
Nicholas and Isabella do get married despite neither of them really wanting this marriage because they don’t really know each other. They each have different expectations of things. Plus Nicholas finds himself struggling on how to deal with his attraction for his wife. Isabella finds herself liking Nicholas as well. This is a very new situation for both of them. They find that they are going to have a very different way of beginning a marriage. I like that these two characters really start to know one another. This was one of the things that I found myself liking. Plus Isabella finds that she has more of a voice and finds herself being a lot more independent now that she’s free of her very constrictive parents.
The romance between Nicholas and Isabella was very well done. I like how they seem to be getting to know one another before they consummate their marriage. It seems like they agree on a lot of things. Nicholas and Isabella really don’t like her parents and then not to mention Isabella and Nicholas find that there are things that they have in common and don’t at times. The relationship they develop is one of respect and being equals. Nicholas and Isabella consummate their marriage and that scene was so juicy hot. I really loved reading that scene.
This book was just a wonderful romance that I really enjoyed and love. I want the next book in this wonderful series to come out.
Rating:
4.5 Hearts
One of the things that I found that I really enjoyed about both Nicholas and Isabella is that they are both in a situation that is not of their making, but other people’s doing. He never expected for a dukedom to come his ways, but because of some not so great bloodline or legitimacy issues, a dukedom has come his way. Nicholas doesn’t want this dukedom, then hears that he must take it or the tenants and other people that depend on the dukedom will suffer. Also he has to honor the former Duke’s commitments. Especially after he learns that the duke made a marriage contract. So he has to now marry this young woman. Isabella is forced to marry this duke, even though she was promised to the last one, but because of the deal her parents made with the previous duke, he has to honor the agreement. So when Nicholas meets Isabella and her parents, lets say things get far more complicated because he thinks he can get out of the arranged marriage and can’t because of certain legalities and agreements made. This was a most interesting way to start a marriage.
Nicholas and Isabella do get married despite neither of them really wanting this marriage because they don’t really know each other. They each have different expectations of things. Plus Nicholas finds himself struggling on how to deal with his attraction for his wife. Isabella finds herself liking Nicholas as well. This is a very new situation for both of them. They find that they are going to have a very different way of beginning a marriage. I like that these two characters really start to know one another. This was one of the things that I found myself liking. Plus Isabella finds that she has more of a voice and finds herself being a lot more independent now that she’s free of her very constrictive parents.
The romance between Nicholas and Isabella was very well done. I like how they seem to be getting to know one another before they consummate their marriage. It seems like they agree on a lot of things. Nicholas and Isabella really don’t like her parents and then not to mention Isabella and Nicholas find that there are things that they have in common and don’t at times. The relationship they develop is one of respect and being equals. Nicholas and Isabella consummate their marriage and that scene was so juicy hot. I really loved reading that scene.
This book was just a wonderful romance that I really enjoyed and love. I want the next book in this wonderful series to come out.
Rating:
4.5 Hearts
October 15, 2015
Review Originally Posted at Ramblings From This Chick
http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspo...
Reading Put Up Your Duke by Megan Frampton was like riding a roller coaster for me. The book would build and build and I would be more and more into it. Then the story would tumble back towards the ground with just a paragraph. I’m not one who enjoys reading the “F” word when describing sex. I know many other readers don’t mind it, but it takes away from the romance for me. So if you don’t mind it, this book would be more like four stars.
Isabella is betrothed to the Duke of Gage. However, the ton erupts with scandal when some documents are found proclaiming the Duke isn’t actually the duke. Nicholas then discovers that he in fact is the rightful Duke of Gage. Isabella’s parents insist he keep up the contract of their upcoming nuptials. Nicholas agrees that it would be best, and the two are quickly married.
The relationship between the Duke and Duchess of Gage is one of very stereotypical issues between men and women. Isabella expects Nicholas to know what she wants without her having to say a thing. Nicholas finds himself absolutely clueless when she gets angry with him. Nicholas handles arguments and issues very quickly, believing them solved, when in actuality Isabella was not finished and hadn’t believed him. They lacked communication.
I was extremely frustrated with Isabella. She was so hypocritical. She expected him to know everything about her, but she wouldn’t talk to him about anything. She was a believable character, but I just wanted to grab her shoulders and shake her. Nicholas’ character was not believable. His attitude and personality seemed to change quickly back and forth. He almost seemed like two different people. In the beginning quite the rake and then the second he learns about being a duke becomes responsible. From that point on, there would be random points where the rake would return. I did like the gentleman version of him, though. He was sweet, considerate, and trying his best for their marriage to work.
Most of this review seems negative, but the bad parts didn’t take over this book. All of the good romantic scenes were swoon worthy. I just didn’t like how my regard was lifted and lifted, then dropped down like a bowling ball. If those few instances hadn’t been in this book I would have loved it much more.
http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspo...
Reading Put Up Your Duke by Megan Frampton was like riding a roller coaster for me. The book would build and build and I would be more and more into it. Then the story would tumble back towards the ground with just a paragraph. I’m not one who enjoys reading the “F” word when describing sex. I know many other readers don’t mind it, but it takes away from the romance for me. So if you don’t mind it, this book would be more like four stars.
Isabella is betrothed to the Duke of Gage. However, the ton erupts with scandal when some documents are found proclaiming the Duke isn’t actually the duke. Nicholas then discovers that he in fact is the rightful Duke of Gage. Isabella’s parents insist he keep up the contract of their upcoming nuptials. Nicholas agrees that it would be best, and the two are quickly married.
The relationship between the Duke and Duchess of Gage is one of very stereotypical issues between men and women. Isabella expects Nicholas to know what she wants without her having to say a thing. Nicholas finds himself absolutely clueless when she gets angry with him. Nicholas handles arguments and issues very quickly, believing them solved, when in actuality Isabella was not finished and hadn’t believed him. They lacked communication.
I was extremely frustrated with Isabella. She was so hypocritical. She expected him to know everything about her, but she wouldn’t talk to him about anything. She was a believable character, but I just wanted to grab her shoulders and shake her. Nicholas’ character was not believable. His attitude and personality seemed to change quickly back and forth. He almost seemed like two different people. In the beginning quite the rake and then the second he learns about being a duke becomes responsible. From that point on, there would be random points where the rake would return. I did like the gentleman version of him, though. He was sweet, considerate, and trying his best for their marriage to work.
Most of this review seems negative, but the bad parts didn’t take over this book. All of the good romantic scenes were swoon worthy. I just didn’t like how my regard was lifted and lifted, then dropped down like a bowling ball. If those few instances hadn’t been in this book I would have loved it much more.
April 2, 2016
This delightful historical romance is the story of Nicholas and Isabella. When Nicholas inherits a dukedom through a fluke of incorrect ancestral paperwork, he also gains Isabella, betrothed to the previous gentleman who held the title, and now, his to marry. With her parents threatening to cause him problems if he reneges on the deal, he reluctantly agrees. But Isabella is more than just the perfect duchess and as he gets to know her, she also surprises herself with the realization that with Nicholas she can have the freedom to come to know what she wants, and not just what's always been expected of her. And suddenly their marriage brings more to the table than either ever thought possible.
This was my first time reading a book by this author and I have to say that I was thoroughly charmed by the story. Nicholas, though ostensibly a misbehaving Duke in the sense that he likes to box and prior to marriage spent time with many a lady of the night, treats his new wife with nothing but respect. I really liked how his concern for her inexperience in the bedroom made him go slowly with Isabella, getting to know her and earning her trust so that when they do consummate their marriage it is with much deeper feelings on both sides. Nicholas comes across as a caring, friendly, and humorous man. Their love scenes were tender yet sexy and I enjoyed seeing through Isabella's eyes as she learns that making love to her husband can be a wonderful experience (unlike the dastardly deed her mother told her it would be). Isabella really comes into her own over the course of the story, from a woman who has always done anything to please her parents and others around her to someone who is willing to speak her mind and express her opinions. They are both very attractive individuals but quickly learn that it's the beauty beneath the surface that counts. I enjoyed their witty conversations (once Isabella learned that she could speak her mind). I also quite liked Nicholas's interactions with his brother Griff and Isabella's care and concern for her sister Margaret. Overall, this was an enjoyable read, with no angst to speak of and very likeable characters who get their happy ever after. 4 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss for review.
This was my first time reading a book by this author and I have to say that I was thoroughly charmed by the story. Nicholas, though ostensibly a misbehaving Duke in the sense that he likes to box and prior to marriage spent time with many a lady of the night, treats his new wife with nothing but respect. I really liked how his concern for her inexperience in the bedroom made him go slowly with Isabella, getting to know her and earning her trust so that when they do consummate their marriage it is with much deeper feelings on both sides. Nicholas comes across as a caring, friendly, and humorous man. Their love scenes were tender yet sexy and I enjoyed seeing through Isabella's eyes as she learns that making love to her husband can be a wonderful experience (unlike the dastardly deed her mother told her it would be). Isabella really comes into her own over the course of the story, from a woman who has always done anything to please her parents and others around her to someone who is willing to speak her mind and express her opinions. They are both very attractive individuals but quickly learn that it's the beauty beneath the surface that counts. I enjoyed their witty conversations (once Isabella learned that she could speak her mind). I also quite liked Nicholas's interactions with his brother Griff and Isabella's care and concern for her sister Margaret. Overall, this was an enjoyable read, with no angst to speak of and very likeable characters who get their happy ever after. 4 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss for review.
March 5, 2017
Another lovely offering from Megan Frampton!
Perfectly groomed Isabella has accepted the fact that she is to marry the Duke of Gage. It will be a typical society wedding in which she will gain an impressive title while her husband to be will have his debts settled. Love isn't up for consideration since such a sentiment won't be playing a part in the negotiations. But then the unthinkable happens! It is discovered that the Duke of Gage isn't really the Duke of Gage at all but that the title belongs to someone else - a man so devastatingly handsome that Isabella can barely take her eyes off of him.
Nicholas is unprepared to be a duke. He's also unprepared to give up his bachelor ways and inherit another man's fiancée - which is what he must do if he's to save the dukedom he just inherited from ruin and protect the tenants who now rely on him. Plus, whatever would the queen say if she found out that he'd turned down his birthright? As he begins looking forward to his wedding night, however, Nicholas discovers that his bride to be is not at all eager to share his bed - in fact, she's terrified. Determined to make her want him, he chooses to pull back, rather than rush ahead, leading to a sensual seduction that leaves them both breathless with increasing frequency.
This was a wonderful story about a woman accustomed to a strict upbringing who finally breaks out of her shell and gains confidence through her husband's eagerness to discover who she really is beneath her perfect facade. It's a story of two people tossed together by circumstance and their growing appreciation and affection for each other as they face the ups and downs of high society. I found it to be extremely enjoyable and satisfying. A book that I would highly recommend!
Originally posted on: http://romanc-e-d.blogspot.com/
Perfectly groomed Isabella has accepted the fact that she is to marry the Duke of Gage. It will be a typical society wedding in which she will gain an impressive title while her husband to be will have his debts settled. Love isn't up for consideration since such a sentiment won't be playing a part in the negotiations. But then the unthinkable happens! It is discovered that the Duke of Gage isn't really the Duke of Gage at all but that the title belongs to someone else - a man so devastatingly handsome that Isabella can barely take her eyes off of him.
Nicholas is unprepared to be a duke. He's also unprepared to give up his bachelor ways and inherit another man's fiancée - which is what he must do if he's to save the dukedom he just inherited from ruin and protect the tenants who now rely on him. Plus, whatever would the queen say if she found out that he'd turned down his birthright? As he begins looking forward to his wedding night, however, Nicholas discovers that his bride to be is not at all eager to share his bed - in fact, she's terrified. Determined to make her want him, he chooses to pull back, rather than rush ahead, leading to a sensual seduction that leaves them both breathless with increasing frequency.
This was a wonderful story about a woman accustomed to a strict upbringing who finally breaks out of her shell and gains confidence through her husband's eagerness to discover who she really is beneath her perfect facade. It's a story of two people tossed together by circumstance and their growing appreciation and affection for each other as they face the ups and downs of high society. I found it to be extremely enjoyable and satisfying. A book that I would highly recommend!
Originally posted on: http://romanc-e-d.blogspot.com/
July 14, 2015
Nicolas Smithfield unexpectedly inherits a Dukedom and a Bride. He wasn't interested in marriage but sees no way out of the situation. He has to complete the betrothal of the former Duke because money was borrowed from the fiancée's family.
Isabella Sawford has been raised to be the perfect duchess. She never disobeyed her parents, always stayed on the straight and narrow, and never had a chance to be who she actually is. She didn't want to be engaged to the Duke of Gage-he was a bastard, but after the change of events, and a new Duke, things are a little different.
I love a marriage of convenience book! This had a fun, fresh feel. I also love historical romances and all the period clothing, parties, and politics are intriguing to me. Megan Frampton's writing style was spot on and I could see everything in my mind. I found her characters engaging and I was rooting for them. Neither wanted to be married, but since they were literally forced to, they were making the best of the situation. Nicholas is finding that Isabella is everything he would have looked for in a wife, and Isabella is finding that Nicholas makes her heart go pitter-pat! She is blooming being out from under her parents thumb and she's loving it. Nicholas starts to court his wife and he finds he is enjoying it!
I enjoyed this story as it was a just a nice romance to read. If you are a fan of the romances of yesteryear with a little flair, this is your book! I haven't read the rest of the Duke's Behaving Badly Series, but I think I will now give them look!
4 stars/3 flames
This book was provided to me by The Jeep Diva for the express purpose of an honest review. The opinions and rating in this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Isabella Sawford has been raised to be the perfect duchess. She never disobeyed her parents, always stayed on the straight and narrow, and never had a chance to be who she actually is. She didn't want to be engaged to the Duke of Gage-he was a bastard, but after the change of events, and a new Duke, things are a little different.
I love a marriage of convenience book! This had a fun, fresh feel. I also love historical romances and all the period clothing, parties, and politics are intriguing to me. Megan Frampton's writing style was spot on and I could see everything in my mind. I found her characters engaging and I was rooting for them. Neither wanted to be married, but since they were literally forced to, they were making the best of the situation. Nicholas is finding that Isabella is everything he would have looked for in a wife, and Isabella is finding that Nicholas makes her heart go pitter-pat! She is blooming being out from under her parents thumb and she's loving it. Nicholas starts to court his wife and he finds he is enjoying it!
I enjoyed this story as it was a just a nice romance to read. If you are a fan of the romances of yesteryear with a little flair, this is your book! I haven't read the rest of the Duke's Behaving Badly Series, but I think I will now give them look!
4 stars/3 flames
This book was provided to me by The Jeep Diva for the express purpose of an honest review. The opinions and rating in this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
July 2, 2015
*I received this title from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review.*
I have to say this story starts with a new "idea" a Duke who takes the place of "the duke who was" due to some legal issues, in other words the man who thinks he's a Duke learns he's not and a man who never dreamed to be a Duke learns he is. There could be much more that side of the story but PUT UP YOUR DUKE focuses more on the "romance" between Nicholas and Isabella. For me that works. I loved watching these two deal with the fact they have no choice but to marry or risk ruin of the Duke's estates. I loved that they put others before themselves but then figure out that maybe it's a good thing they are together. The story moves along quickly and easily. There are secondary characters who keep the story lively and add to the overall appeal of the romance between these two. I do hope we see those characters again. If you've been reading the series I'm sure you'll enjoy this one. If this is your first Megan Frampton you'll be pleasantly surprised to find that while it may be part of a series it stands on it's own. Fans of historical romances will find PUT UP YOUR DUKE a wonderful addition to their reading piles. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Frampton and more from this series of *Dukes Behaving Badly*. A wonderful addition to any Historical Romance shelf!
I have to say this story starts with a new "idea" a Duke who takes the place of "the duke who was" due to some legal issues, in other words the man who thinks he's a Duke learns he's not and a man who never dreamed to be a Duke learns he is. There could be much more that side of the story but PUT UP YOUR DUKE focuses more on the "romance" between Nicholas and Isabella. For me that works. I loved watching these two deal with the fact they have no choice but to marry or risk ruin of the Duke's estates. I loved that they put others before themselves but then figure out that maybe it's a good thing they are together. The story moves along quickly and easily. There are secondary characters who keep the story lively and add to the overall appeal of the romance between these two. I do hope we see those characters again. If you've been reading the series I'm sure you'll enjoy this one. If this is your first Megan Frampton you'll be pleasantly surprised to find that while it may be part of a series it stands on it's own. Fans of historical romances will find PUT UP YOUR DUKE a wonderful addition to their reading piles. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Frampton and more from this series of *Dukes Behaving Badly*. A wonderful addition to any Historical Romance shelf!
July 3, 2015
I received an ARC of this book from Tasty Book Tours in exchange for an honest review and as part of the book's blog tour promotions.
Every now and then, I always find pleasure in reading a historical romance. It's not my usual genre of choice, but if it's with a really good author, then I don't hesitate. Megan Frampton is one of those authors in this genre that many people already know. Her brand of historical romance is entertaining and substantial.
Put Up Your Duke features a hero and a heroine who is put into a marriage of convenience. I like the balance between the main characters. The hero knows next to nothing about being a duke and the responsibilities that come with it. The heroine, on the other hand, has lived all her life preparing to become a duchess. The hero is a citizen of the world and all its carnal pleasure. The heroine is not.
I enjoyed reading this book because of the internal struggles that both characters had. While there were instances when these internal struggles became a bit much for me, I still liked the book a lot. Also, while this book is part of the series, it is easily read as a standalone. I believe that Ms. Frampton has once again gifted us with a good, enjoyable story that her avid fans and even new readers will love.
Every now and then, I always find pleasure in reading a historical romance. It's not my usual genre of choice, but if it's with a really good author, then I don't hesitate. Megan Frampton is one of those authors in this genre that many people already know. Her brand of historical romance is entertaining and substantial.
Put Up Your Duke features a hero and a heroine who is put into a marriage of convenience. I like the balance between the main characters. The hero knows next to nothing about being a duke and the responsibilities that come with it. The heroine, on the other hand, has lived all her life preparing to become a duchess. The hero is a citizen of the world and all its carnal pleasure. The heroine is not.
I enjoyed reading this book because of the internal struggles that both characters had. While there were instances when these internal struggles became a bit much for me, I still liked the book a lot. Also, while this book is part of the series, it is easily read as a standalone. I believe that Ms. Frampton has once again gifted us with a good, enjoyable story that her avid fans and even new readers will love.
June 29, 2015
I’m so in love with Megan Frampton’s writing.
Our heroine, Isabella, always so proper with her “traditional courtship” and engagement for the time being. Her family is a big part of the story: she fears reprehension from her – strict – parents, and her sister and – only – friend is the only person she can confide in.
Nicholas on the other hand, has to deal with a new title, home and a wife! He uses all his sexual frustration to practicer some boxing, as the author puts as a “preventive measure”(lol).
Isabella has a huge growth, learning to show her true – self since her husband encourages her in that aspect. It’s amazing to see how she begins to have a taste of control and power – both of which she was never allowed to experience before. And I can’t wait to read Margaret’s story (her sister’s) and her clever dialogue.
Oh, and there’s a surprising revelation that I can’t give you any clues about…But I can’t say more than it ends the novel with a “bang”!
I was hanging on every word. She’s such talented author, I’ve must have highlighted like 10 quotes – cause I enjoyed it that much. A sweet page turner, one of the most delicious and envolving romances I’ve read this year.
Our heroine, Isabella, always so proper with her “traditional courtship” and engagement for the time being. Her family is a big part of the story: she fears reprehension from her – strict – parents, and her sister and – only – friend is the only person she can confide in.
Nicholas on the other hand, has to deal with a new title, home and a wife! He uses all his sexual frustration to practicer some boxing, as the author puts as a “preventive measure”(lol).
Isabella has a huge growth, learning to show her true – self since her husband encourages her in that aspect. It’s amazing to see how she begins to have a taste of control and power – both of which she was never allowed to experience before. And I can’t wait to read Margaret’s story (her sister’s) and her clever dialogue.
Oh, and there’s a surprising revelation that I can’t give you any clues about…But I can’t say more than it ends the novel with a “bang”!
I was hanging on every word. She’s such talented author, I’ve must have highlighted like 10 quotes – cause I enjoyed it that much. A sweet page turner, one of the most delicious and envolving romances I’ve read this year.
July 6, 2015
"Put Up Your Duke" by Megan Frampton is the story of Nicholas, the newly appointed Duke of Gage, and Isabella, his new bride. This starts as basically a marriage of convenience and, as these stories, go, grows to much more. I really enjoyed both characters. Nicholas is a rake - he's a boxer and a lover of women. Despite that, I really liked him. Although he believed himself to be only skilled in two areas - the boxing ring and the bedroom, he is such a terrific husband and lover. He treats Isabella with such kindness and patience - melted my heart a bit! Isabella is pure and innocent but has been raised to be the perfect Duchess. She's sweet and kind but frustrated having been told her whole life what to do. She is perfect for Nicholas! The two together were perfection. I enjoyed the buildup of their relationship. It wasn't forced or rushed and they grew together. I have read the previous books in this series and this one can easily be read as a stand alone. Once again, Ms. Frampton has written an enjoyable story that has likable characters and a storyline that keeps the reader involved. (received copy from Edelweiss for honest review).
August 7, 2015
I liked this book very much. I read and enjoyed the first book in this series but I think this one was better. I did not feel as if I'd read this same plot over and over. The heroine's mother has made her a very proper lady so that she can land a duke. When her fiancee, a duke, is discovered to have wrongly inherited, her parents "force" the new duke to uphold the contract. That he agrees turns out to be lucky for them both. His brother and her sister are interesting secondary characters. You'll have to read all the details yourself. I do not write plot spoilers.
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