Why Do Dukes Fall in Love? by Megan Frampton

Jul 14, 2016 Christine Wallflower & Dark Romance Junkie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: talk-dirty-to-me, historical, adorable-heroes, broody-heroes, bossy-guys, adult-humpalot-chains-whips

Why Do Dukes Fall in Love?
92. Love is the grandest of emotions, and dukes are the grandest of men. It just makes logical sense.

So I really, really enjoyed this one. Once again I've read a book in the middle of a series and found that I would like to read the rest of the books in the series. I don't know what it is about me with these forward thinking and feminist Victorian heroines lately... but I'm not complaining because I'm having way too much fun. This was read like a historical "office ...more

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Jul 17, 2016 Julie is on vacation- Happy Easter! rated it really liked it

Shelves: avon-publishing, e-book, edelweiss-review, historical-romance

Why Do Dukes Fall in Love? By Megan Frampton is a 2016 Avon publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This cute Victorian era romance centers around Eliza Cheltham, her young daughter, Gertrude, and Michael, the Duke of Hadlow. The lives of these three very unique individuals converge when the duke finds himself in need of a secretary and Eliza discovers her deceased husband has left her destitute, meaning she will need to fin ...more

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May 20, 2016 Caz rated it really liked it

Shelves: 4-stars, romance-1800-1850, arc, aar

I've given this a B at AAR.

Why Do Dukes Fall in Love? asks the overly cutsey title of this, the fourth book in Megan Frampton’s Dukes Behaving Badly series. Before I answer that, I’m going to ask a question of my own. Is there anyone out there who isn’t fed up with the current vogue for horribly contrived romance novel titles based on song/movie appellations?

Fortunately, the first answer to the first question (there are a number given throughout the story) – Because it’s better than fallin ...more

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Jan 14, 2016 Sissy's Romance Book Review rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-star, heroine-married-or-w-someone-else, series, arc-edelweiss, heroine-slow-to-come-around

'Why Do Dukes Fall in Love?' is book four in the "Dukes Behaving Badly" series. This is the story of Michael, the Duke of Hadlow and Edwina Cheltam. I have been jumping in and out of this series, so for me this easily was a standalone book.
Hadlow is a loner with only a dog and his servants. Hadlow finds people boring / dull and gets tired easily of talking to others. But he is in need of a secretary and hasn't found one yet that he thinks he can put up with.
Edwina is now a widow and mother of ...more

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Jun 02, 2017 Becca rated it liked it

I read this story as a buddy read with Midniteillusion. Why Do Dukes Fall in Love? had some nice elements, but there were a few inconsistencies in the characterization that kept me from falling in love with the novel.

Megan Frampton has risen in the ranks of authors since her appearance on the scene a few years ago. She has a quirky writing style with heroes who are often different and unexpectedly endearing. I have found that I have enjoyed her books starting with book three (One Eyed Dukes are I read this story as a buddy read with Midniteillusion. Why Do Dukes Fall in Love? had some nice elements, but there were a few inconsistencies in the characterization that kept me from falling in love with the novel.

Megan Frampton has risen in the ranks of authors since her appearance on the scene a few years ago. She has a quirky writing style with heroes who are often different and unexpectedly endearing. I have found that I have enjoyed her books starting with book three (One Eyed Dukes are Wild). This novel had an interesting plot and a hero who often had difficulty connecting with humanity. The developing romance between the characters felt organic and unexpected and I liked how he gave her confidence and made her feel beautiful, while she taught him how to embrace emotions and care about people other than himself. This was really well done and my favorite part of the novel.

The lower rating came from two flaws. First, the middle of the story dragged. I felt like the beginning and the end were well-paced, but when the couple started sleeping together, the middle started dragging on as the couple's tortured themselves with internal dialogue and why it is never meant to be. The second reason is that I really didn't think the sex scenes fit with the characters. They talked "dirty" to each other (several f words were used) and it just didn't fit with what I expected from the two of them. I really didn't like it at all and it more felt like the author was trying to be edgy rather than fitting with how the characters would actually be together. It really diminished my enjoyment. I've found that I can still love a story if the sex scenes are corny or there are no scenes at all, but if the scenes are too graphic or don't feel appropriate for the characters, it really lowers my connection to the story. Take this assessment with a grain of salt. If this doesn't bother you, the story is well done and you will most likely enjoy it.

Overall, this wasn't my favorites of Frampton's works thus far, but I really think she has found a nice balance with her storytelling. The fifth book in this series didn't appeal to me, but I plan to try her new series. If the sex scenes are toned down a bit, I will definitely keep reading her. If the scenes are as graphic as they were in this book, I will probably stop with her novels for a while just because I prefer less graphic sex scenes in my books not because she isn't a good author.

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May 21, 2017 Vintage rated it liked it

Shelves: anachronistic, banter, hunky-heroes, sweetness, humor, ay-caramba, rotten-relatives, spine-of-steel, widow, charming

Entertaining story of the widowed h who must find work due to her idjit of a dead husband and even bigger idjit of a boring BIL wasting money. Hint: they should have listened to the little woman.

She's pretty and smart, and brings along her pretty and smart and sassy little girl to live with the ever efficient Duke who may or may not have Aspergers.

Bring your fan and some ice water as the sex scenes are sultry to say the least. The story touches lightly on the inappropriateness of a woman workin ...more

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Jan 12, 2016 Bambi Unbridled rated it it was amazing

Shelves: million-page-challenge, arc, romance-historical, read-2016

I have had so much fun with the Dukes Behaving Badly series. Each story has been unique with engaging characters and compelling plots. This latest installment is no different, but I think it may feature my favorite hero of the series thus far.

Michael, the Duke of Hadlow, is a man without a friend except for his dog, Chester. But don't feel bad for Michael - he does not lament his lack of friends. In fact, people annoy him. They do things that, to him, make no sense. Very irksome, other people.

Why did people find the need to just . . . talk about things nobody cared about? Incessantly?

I totally get him. This anti-social hero and I could hang out with no problem, as long as it wasn't too, you know, peopley. I won't say that Michael had a form of Aspberger's Syndrome because he understood social cues, he just felt all those social niceties were illogical. Michael is very intelligent and doesn't quite understand that other people don't think like he does, so he only wishes people were practical. He kind of reminded me of Sheldon on Big Bang Theory. When he does the logical thing of hiring a female secretary because she was qualified and capable, Michael finds himself with new feelings and curiosities that he hasn't really dealt with before. It was so fun watching this eccentric and cranky duke interact with others, but particularly our heroine and her daughter. I loved the unexpected dirty side that came out in our duke when things started heating up between our couple.

Edwina Cheltham has gotten used to people only wanting her for her beauty and nothing more. She was married off to a husband who wanted a trophy... but he had the temerity to die without providing for her or their daughter, Gertrude. Nearly destitute, Edwina visits her friend Carolyn at the Quality Employment Agency and lands the position of secretary to our dashing duke. Carolyn is astounded that she is now being appreciated for her mind and capability, rather than her beauty. She did an awesome job managing the duke, his expectations and irascible moods. They really made the perfect couple. She understood him and his brilliance, and didn't let his barking scare her away.

The romance between these two was endearing and, at times, steamy. It wasn't perfect... but love isn't logical and it took our duke a while to figure that out. I know I had a smile on my face the entire time I was reading as I really enjoyed watching Michael and Edwina figure things out. Gertrude was also a nice addition, bringing some youth and innocence into the story. Megan Frampton really brings her characters to life with unique personalities and captivating dialogue. I can't wait for the next installment, My Fair Duchess.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Avon via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Full review posted at Bambi Unbridled.

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Jul 18, 2017 WhiskeyintheJar rated it liked it

Shelves: historical, regency, series

2.5 stars

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Aug 09, 2016 Izy rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc, edelweiss, 2016, historical

ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this one! *dreamy sigh*

Duke of Hadlow, Michael has no time for stupid people. All he wants is an efficient sectary to help him as he handles his ever growing business and wealth. He is very intelligent, analytical and would really like it if people were to follow logic as he does. He is in today's terms socially awkward and ofcourse his abruptness doesn't help him make any friends.

Edwina Cheltam , now a w ...more

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Aug 07, 2016 Rose Blue rated it it was amazing

As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: http://wp.me/p3QRh4-q3

Edwina Cheltam, now a widow, has to find some means of supporting herself and her young daughter, Gertrude. Her deceased husband did not make provision for her, and, in fact, turned her successful management of their property over to his incompetent brother. Her brother-in-law reluctantly agrees to provide a home for Gertrude, but doesn't offer any help to Edwina. Since Edwina will not be parted from her daughter, this is not an acceptable sol As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: http://wp.me/p3QRh4-q3

Edwina Cheltam, now a widow, has to find some means of supporting herself and her young daughter, Gertrude. Her deceased husband did not make provision for her, and, in fact, turned her successful management of their property over to his incompetent brother. Her brother-in-law reluctantly agrees to provide a home for Gertrude, but doesn't offer any help to Edwina. Since Edwina will not be parted from her daughter, this is not an acceptable solution, and she knows that she must seek employment.

Michael, the Duke of Hadlow, has interviewed one incompetent candidate after another for the position of his secretary. When his butler announces there is one more candidate, a female, Michael is willing to interview and hire her if she is competent. Edwina knows that the chance of being hired as the Duke's secretary is pretty slim, but she impresses him with her intelligence and composure. To her surprise, he does offer her the position, but stipulates that she has to live-in due to the demands of the job. A crestfallen Edwina has to decline because she won't live apart from her daughter. When she tells Michael her circumstances, he unexpectedly offers to allow Gertrude to live there as well.

I really like Edwina. She's in a desperate situation, yet, she sticks to her conviction that she won't be parted from her daughter. While her convenient marriage lacked fulfillment and passion, and has left her somewhat disenchanted with the whole institution, she still has the self confidence to stand toe to toe with the Duke. Her intelligence and genuine interest in his business dealings impresses Michael, and soon she becomes invaluable to him. Michael noted her beauty right from the start, and while he desired her, he had no desire to jeopardize their satisfactory working relationship.

Michael is somewhat odd, and it is his character that makes this novel so wonderful and special. There is only one person in life that Michael loved - his older brother, who died when Michael was only four. Since then, he has determined not to love. He has no friends, he's miserable in society, he's well aware of his own stature, and he's not afraid to flaunt his dukeliness to get what he wants. He's also very intelligent and very determined to keep his dukedom successful. Despite all his best intentions, his desire for Edwina is flaring, and they eventually begin a passionate affair. (Thank you, Megan Frampton, for addressing birth control.)

As you can guess, Edwina begins to fall in love. And Michael begins to become self reflective and confused. Watching this distant, self contained duke evolve into just a man in love who wants no other woman is pure joy. Megan Frampton has outdone herself with her brilliant characterizations and this entertaining, touching, sexy, and very romantic story. I adore every aspect of WHY DO DUKES FALL IN LOVE, and I'm happy to give it my highest recommendation.
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Jul 14, 2016 Debbie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: series-companion, romance, on-my-tbr, historical-regency-romance, avon

This Duke of the 18th century puts the bad boys of today to shame with his naughty, dirty bedroom talk. Michael, the Duke of Hadlow, is one gorgeous, sexy man. He's also arrogant, opinionated, bluntly honest, and condescending. But his rude manners are understandable, since the Duke is above most men in his station when it comes to intelligence and logic. His brilliant mind causes the Duke to be an emotionless man when it comes to expressing or showing his feelings. But that’s all about to chang

This Duke of the 18th century puts the bad boys of today to shame with his naughty, dirty bedroom talk. Michael, the Duke of Hadlow, is one gorgeous, sexy man. He's also arrogant, opinionated, bluntly honest, and condescending. But his rude manners are understandable, since the Duke is above most men in his station when it comes to intelligence and logic. His brilliant mind causes the Duke to be an emotionless man when it comes to expressing or showing his feelings. But that’s all about to change when the widow Edwina seeks the Duke's employment for a secretary position. And since the Duke is not like most men and looks at everything logically instead of the proper way things are done in society (that only men are qualified for this position), he hires Edwina for the job. The Duke soon learns, however, that when it comes to Edwina, this beautiful, sensual woman, she is and will destroy Michael's brilliant intellect. His logic takes a backseat to this sudden emergence of emotions—emotions he has never felt before. Passion so strong that it has to be love, and love is not a feeling Michael feels familiar with or understands, and he definitely doesn't know how to deal with these heart desire feelings. All he knows is they have no place in his logical life.

Edwina is just recently widowed, but she's not sad about the death of her late husband, since it was a loveless marriage to a man twice her age, arranged by her father. But Edwina is angry that her late husband left her penniless. There's only one thing that Edwina is grateful to George for and that is giving her their daughter, Gertrude. But now being left penniless, Edwina needs to find a job to support herself and her six-year-old daughter.

Edwina finds the Duke of Hadlow, Michael, the most intimidating man she's ever met, but he’s also the most handsome and intriguing. Edwina loves how this man is strong and commanding; he takes her to the edge of desire. How is Edwina going to hide her feelings when she will be working very closely to this beautiful, controlling man? Michael sends her heart into a whirlwind of love and lust. But Michael is a Duke, and Edwina is beneath his title in the society and that means they can never have a future together.

Why Do Dukes Fall in Love? has to be one of the hottest Historical Romances I have ever read, and I loved every page of this story of the handsome, commanding, naughty Duke, with the most sinful dirty talk and the feisty widow Edwina—the woman who shows the Duke that love can overcome logic. A definite must, must read.
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Aug 13, 2017 Aly rated it liked it

When Edwina's husband died, he left her almost destitute. Not the sort to wallow in self-pity, she ask her friend, who owns the Quality Employment Agency, to help her find work.

The Duke of Hadlow take his duties seriously, but he's a difficult man to please, so he have a hard time finding a secretary. He doesn't care that employing a woman for the position is an unconventional thing. Of all the people he interviewed, she's the only one who seem competent. But what is it about his new employee t ...more

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Dec 25, 2021 Fae rated it really liked it

Shelves: lovelovelove

I liked this book because i felt Michael, the hero, was the most real and relatable character & human being I’ve seen in a long time in reading historical romance books. At least he is, to me.

I relate to him because like him, i also hate people and their lies. I prefer honesty and am very straightforward in my actions and words. I like that the duke is like that, so i can see that he is true in what he says and do, also because he does not like wasting time and believes a straightforward approac I liked this book because i felt Michael, the hero, was the most real and relatable character & human being I’ve seen in a long time in reading historical romance books. At least he is, to me.

I relate to him because like him, i also hate people and their lies. I prefer honesty and am very straightforward in my actions and words. I like that the duke is like that, so i can see that he is true in what he says and do, also because he does not like wasting time and believes a straightforward approach is the most efficient way of doing things. Due to his straightforward ways, i feel his actions are not deceptive and it makes him truthful.

He has his flaws due to his dislike of people and straightforward ways, which may come off as rude to other people, but that is what i liked about him. It is his flaws that make him a human, just a man and not a highly esteemed duke. He does not give a damn what other people thinks of him.

As he hates people, he does not possess good communication and people skills. Hence, he ends up being awkward/embarrassed around Edwina and her daughter for being actually kind to them, and that endears me to him. It’s adorable to see a guy who only shows his soft side to a select number of people. It was nice to see him change, under Edwina’s influence.

Edwina is…she is a strong woman, and a good mother. To prevent being separated from her child, despite being widow of a aristocrat/noblemen, she was willing to take up employment. I like that she is not scared of the duke, and faces him head on. She has humour sometimes, and brings out the humour in the duke as well. Alas, suffice to say, i liked the duke more than Edwina.

The chemistry between Edwina and Michael was alright. They shared a few teasing/jokes with one another, and was great in bed.

As much as i enjoyed the book, there were some issues i had with it.

1. The first is how the story focused more on Edwina than Michael. We know more about Edwina than we did of Michael because we never got the detailed back story of Michael and his parents. I would have liked to see him talk about his past and family with Edwina.

2. The thing with Edwina’s brother in law felt unresolved. I wondered what happened after he took the duke’s 1000 pounds. Did his business succeed or fail? Did he come after Edwina again after she married the duke? I was left with questions. ...more

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May 29, 2017 Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017-releases, avon, historical-romance, romance, arc, kindle, read-in-2017, rt-2017

This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
Why Do Dukes Fall in Love was an absolute delight. It was impossible to not fall head-first in love with Mrs. Chelsam and His Grace! They were awesome, I loved their tongue-in-cheek humor, their loyalty, their intelligence and their steamy romance!

Review - (un)Conventional Bookviews

Story:
A duke who hires a female secretary is unconventional to say the least, and I love unconventional historical romances. Why Do Dukes Fall in Love was a fun story, with some intri ...more

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Jul 22, 2016 Tori rated it liked it

Shelves: edelweiss, e-book, arc, historical-fiction, review-for-smexybooks, romance-historical, read-in-2016

Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2016/08/review-...

Grade: C+

Mrs. Edwina Chelton was dismayed to learn her late husband left her and their young child with nothing upon his death. Having spent her marriage keeping the books for her husband’s company, it’s only when the company begins to show a healthy profit does he decide to hand everything over to his debt harassed brother who ends up running the company into the ground. Luckily for her, a dear friend is able to help her se Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2016/08/review-...

Grade: C+

Mrs. Edwina Chelton was dismayed to learn her late husband left her and their young child with nothing upon his death. Having spent her marriage keeping the books for her husband’s company, it’s only when the company begins to show a healthy profit does he decide to hand everything over to his debt harassed brother who ends up running the company into the ground. Luckily for her, a dear friend is able to help her secure an interview to be a secretary for a Duke.

Michael Hadlow needs a secretary yesterday. Having spent his valuable time turning away fourteen applicants, he is at his wits end. Your typical aristocrat; he is high-handed, boorish, quick to cut, and suffers fools lightly. Honest to a fault, he expects the same from those around him and does not play the games polite society insists upon. When he meets Edwina, he sees a beautiful woman. When he talks to her, he sees an intelligent woman who intrigues him and hires her on the spot.

The fourth installment of Frampton’s smart and humorous standalone series-Dukes Behaving Badly- introduces us to Michael, the Duke of Hadlow, and Mrs. Edwina Chelton. Two very intelligent and somewhat unconventional people whose personalities and social class differences make for a light-hearted and whimsical boss/secretary romance. Frampton uses “reasons” for why Dukes fall in love as chapter titles that only adds to the light atmosphere of the story.

Edwina and Michael complement each other well. Edwina is not some virginal miss intent on finding herself a husband. Nor is she looking to gain herself another. As a widow, she has already sampled the marriage mart and quickly learned she can only depend on one person-herself. Intelligent and forthright, she uses her brains and skills to obtain a position not offered to women in this day and age in order to not only secure herself a future but one for her daughter. She is not afraid to say what is on her mind and holds her own against Michael’s more intense personality.

Michael is very linear in both his thinking and attitude. Born into a ducal family and always knowing his place in the world affords him a luxury and sense of superiority. He doesn’t seem to realize that not everyone thinks the same way he does so he views them as inferiors for not understanding what he wants. But Edwina understands him. She also gently nudges him towards thinking beyond himself and his needs.

The romance is comfortable, cute, and sexy as we watch Michael and Edwina’s affair smoothly unfolds. Sensual erotic scenes and some rather intriguing dirty talk keeps you firmly engaged. What I enjoyed most was the contrast between their dialogue and their internal thoughts. You watch them fall in love but it takes much longer for them to verbalize it. Especially Michael.

Various secondary characters flow in and out of this couple’s lives, used to further flesh out our protagonists, two important ones being Gertrude, Edwina’s daughter and Chester, Michael’s dog. Both are lively beings who are frankly used as plot devices but amusing enough for you easily forgive the author for using them in such a manner. I am very curious to know Edwina’s friend Carolyn’s story. Her warnings to Edwina against men in general leaves you to wonder who hurt her so badly. I do wish the conflict regarding Edwina’s brother in law had been drawn out more. It all felt rather rushed in its resolution.

Why Do Dukes Fall In Love is lightweight romance that doesn’t divulge too deeply beyond the basic parameters of the trope used. Michael and Edwina aren’t particularly profound or demanding emotionally and their romance isn’t a love story for the ages. It’s a simple and fun feel good story; perfect for a few hours of relaxing escapism.

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Jul 31, 2016 Jaci rated it it was amazing

While I was reading this book I was a little afraid that my review would not do it justice. I love when a writer takes a character to another level.

Michael, the Duke of Hadlow is a very unusually memorable Hero for me. I only one I can think of to compare him to is Mr. Spock from the original Star Trek series. Micheal is a very logical Duke. He never shows emotion, he doesn't waste his time going out into Society, he has no use to idle chatter or gossip. All he does is try to make his Dukedom b ...more

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Jul 07, 2016 Monique rated it it was amazing

Let Megan Frampton sweep you off your feet with a most beautiful and heartfelt romance!

Michael enjoys being the duke of Hadlow, to a point. His title and his wealth enable him to make the world a more progressive place, and in 1844 London, a lot of interesting things are indeed happening. However those are not found at the Ton’s soirées and balls. He is a logical, honest and demanding man, and unfortunately for those reasons, not very well liked, so keeping a good secretary has been a challenge Let Megan Frampton sweep you off your feet with a most beautiful and heartfelt romance!

Michael enjoys being the duke of Hadlow, to a point. His title and his wealth enable him to make the world a more progressive place, and in 1844 London, a lot of interesting things are indeed happening. However those are not found at the Ton’s soirées and balls. He is a logical, honest and demanding man, and unfortunately for those reasons, not very well liked, so keeping a good secretary has been a challenge. And so he finds himself again in search of a secretary who corresponds to his exacting standards, and he finds that pearl in the person of the exceedingly competent, albeit much too beautiful, Mrs. Edwina Cheltam. Recently widowed, Edwina was left without a penny by her late husband, who never appreciated her fine mind, and she is desperate to find employment so that she and her six year-old daughter Gertrude don’t starve to death. Edwina knows her worth, but she anticipated the duke to be reluctant to employ a female secretary, but he doesn’t care as long as the job gets done well. However she must reside in the duke’s residence, but she can bring her daughter along. If only the gruff duke weren’t so young and handsome…

Sheer bliss! Even before I had read the first chapter, I was loving WHY DO DUKES FALL IN LOVE, and I had already chuckled, because before every chapter, there is one reason as to why dukes fall in love, and every one is just wonderful and fun. But all is not giggles, while humour permeates the whole story, Ms. Frampton has woven exceedingly complex and very appealing characters into a rather simple story, but those wonderful characters make WHY DO DUKES FALL IN LOVE positively enthralling. Both Edwina and Michael are so exceptionally fleshed out, that I felt like they were real people to me, and I adored the dynamics between them as well.

Megan Frampton’s writing skills have reached the point where I never felt I was reading sentences, paragraphs, chapters; it rather seemed like I were a part of the story, that I was in the middle of what was happening, and I became oblivious to my surroundings. WHY DO DUKES FALL IN LOVE left me bursting with joy and hope, and it will have a special place in my heart for years to come. Megan Frampton has a rare talent, which grows with every book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Jul 10, 2016 Jen Davis rated it really liked it

I love an awkward hero. And Michael, the Duke of Hadlow, is most definitely that. The man has no social skills at all. He doesn’t know how to interact with people. He’s blunt; he’s rude; and he’s terribly alone… until he hires Edwina to be his new secretary.

The widowed mother is in dire financial straights, but she is smart. She is also forthright and insightful, a combination which makes her one of the few people he can stand to be around. Not only does he realize she’s the perfect secretary, h I love an awkward hero. And Michael, the Duke of Hadlow, is most definitely that. The man has no social skills at all. He doesn’t know how to interact with people. He’s blunt; he’s rude; and he’s terribly alone… until he hires Edwina to be his new secretary.

The widowed mother is in dire financial straights, but she is smart. She is also forthright and insightful, a combination which makes her one of the few people he can stand to be around. Not only does he realize she’s the perfect secretary, he comes to consider her his very first friend, and ultimately, she becomes much more.

I don’t know if Michael has a bit of Aspergers or something, but his mind just works differently than other people’s. I liked the time spent in his POV, seeing how he processed things, how his time with Edwina and her daughter began changing his perceptions and his priorities.

Then, there is our heroine, who is pretty, but appreciates being valued for her mind. I respected her devotion to her daughter and I liked her progressiveness (though occasionally, it strained credibility how much so, considering the time and possible consequences.) The romance doesn’t progress too quickly, which I appreciated and there is some good sexual tension there. The love scenes have sexy, good dirty talk (but nothing that was so crass it turned me off.) And I believed that these two were a good match.

The book is a bit predictable at times, especially the storyline involving Edwina’s daughter. You can see that one coming a mile away. But Michael made up for it with his strangely attractive mix of arrogance and vulnerability. He believes so totally in his own superiority, until falling in love makes him realize his own shortcomings. I loved his journey of self actualization, and his growth, while managing to stay true to himself at his core.

I enjoyed this one overall, and though it’s the 4th book in the Dukes Behaving Badly series, it holds up just fine as a standalone.

Rating: B

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Jan 14, 2016 Kat rated it really liked it · review of another edition

It took me a while to get into this one. It had way too much internal dialogue and lots of talking with no action. Its saving grace was Megan's typical humor. And Michael. Michael absolutely enchanted me! Besides snickering, this book made me tear up. Always a sign of a good book IMHO. ...more

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May 19, 2016 Molly rated it really liked it

Shelves: 16-000-in-2016-book-count-challenge

Excellent read, best in the series so far. Review to come!

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Mar 07, 2020 Mephala rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, victorian-era, 19th-century, erotic-historical-romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I don’t usually like to immediately read another book (if available) in a longer series, to not to get tired with particular author’s style to quickly. But with how pleasantly surprised I was while reading One-Eyed Dukes Are Wild , I decided to gamble a little and jump right into the next story.

It’s, again, really good one. I’m happy to say the rise in series’s quality is still present. Not only the writing style, language used, and structure of the story are well crafted; the characters fles ...more

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Jul 24, 2016 JG rated it liked it

Shelves: romance, arc, historical

In Why Do Dukes Fall In Love, we have a hero that's almost anti social and a young widow whose brains are underappreciated because of her gender. Meet Michael, Duke of Hadlow. He's been looking for a secretary that is minimally efficient and can get his stuff organized, the way he wants it done. And when he does find one, it doesn't matter if she's the wrong gender as long as she gets the job done. If only he can remain as unaffected by her looks as he's always been able to do. Edwina Cheltam is In Why Do Dukes Fall In Love, we have a hero that's almost anti social and a young widow whose brains are underappreciated because of her gender. Meet Michael, Duke of Hadlow. He's been looking for a secretary that is minimally efficient and can get his stuff organized, the way he wants it done. And when he does find one, it doesn't matter if she's the wrong gender as long as she gets the job done. If only he can remain as unaffected by her looks as he's always been able to do. Edwina Cheltam is basically broke. After being married at the young age of 17, to a man twice her age and after keeping his business affairs flourishing, she and her daughter find themselves with no home and no business. Apparently her husband thought his idiotic brother could do a better job hence no money left to them at all. But like a miracle, she finds the job perfect for her in every way. Well, except for the very distracting Duke whose abrupt manners, absolutely zero social life and demanding work habits appears to be quite attractive as well. So when Cheltam and Hadlow are finished with business, Edwina and Michael decided to play. Little did they know that it would carry consequences they aren't prepared for.

This book had all the feels and that wonderful journey of two people with different personalities falling in love. There is the obvious class divide and it is used here as a plot device however its mostly Michael's inability to discover that he can develop feelings for Edwina and that it needed to be said for him to win her over. There is more introspective prose that each of the main character is prone to engage in, making the book sometimes move in a slower paced that befits most romance novels. This is definitely a book with great secondary characters but it still concentrated on the two protagonists. There is humor and surprisingly erotic sexual encounters between Michael and Edwina but its mostly the emotional discovery for both that carries this book.

*ARC provided by the publisher * ...more

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Jan 12, 2020 AlwaysV rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Exactly my kind of story! I've so fallen for this Amazing HEA couple! Michael, Duke of Hadlow was so unique/quirky at taking his lofty rank for granted. He never needed to cultivate personal relationship beyond ensuring that he would get enough vote to move his agenda in the House of Lords. So he practically had no friends, nor did he enjoy social engagements.

When his new secretary, Edwina and her six year old daughter, Gertrude, moved in, they practically challenged his belief and invited him ...more

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Aug 08, 2016 Melanie rated it really liked it

Here comes another great story from Megan Frampton. As the ones before it, I liked the main characters and I had so much fun following their journey to their happily ever after.

Edwina is capable, strong and fun heroine that’s in dire straits after her husband dies. She needs a job in order to support herself and her child. Her hero is a handsome, lonesome and equally smart Duke who hires her as his secretary.

Their personalities are what makes this story fun and entertaining. I highly recommend i ...more

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Aug 02, 2016 Diane Peterson rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle-doc, historical-romance

4.5 stars. Once again, I am drawn in by Megan Frampton's quirkiness. I enjoy her stream-of-consciousness type of internal dialogue for the quirky characters. This was a very nice story with fascinating characters. I especially enjoyed the hero coming out of his shell. The heroine's daughter added a very sweet touch. Good book. ...more

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Dec 22, 2016 BJ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: good

3.5 stars - because while I enjoyed it, the steamy scenes didn't fit with the times or their characters. The H appears to have Asperger syndrome so he lives quietly, isolated from society. The h is a great character, with a sweet little girl - they felt very believable. But some parts of the plot just didn't fit her character or the times. It was good but fell short of great. ...more

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Jun 22, 2016 Michelle rated it liked it

Shelves: romance-historical

Pub date: July 2016
Edwina gives as good as she gets from the brusque Duke, when she becomes his secretary. I was a wee disappointed in the end, but overall it was a good, solid romance, if not as wonderful as her last one in the series.

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May 23, 2016 Molly rated it liked it

Shelves: romance-historical

Cute. It's nice to read about a widow instead of a really young girl with no experience in a historical novel. ...more

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Jul 14, 2016 Cameron rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-in-2016

Originally posted on the blog What the Cat Read

This was my first foray into Frampton’s writing, and given how much I enjoyed this book, I can say with confidence that it won’t be my last, murr! If you are looking for a steamy romance that will make your heart swoon then this is the perfect book for you.

First thing first, Hadlow was the type of character I wasn’t sure I was going to like when I started reading. He’s arrogant, rude, inconsiderate of other people’s emotions, and basically made me w Originally posted on the blog What the Cat Read

This was my first foray into Frampton’s writing, and given how much I enjoyed this book, I can say with confidence that it won’t be my last, murr! If you are looking for a steamy romance that will make your heart swoon then this is the perfect book for you.

First thing first, Hadlow was the type of character I wasn’t sure I was going to like when I started reading. He’s arrogant, rude, inconsiderate of other people’s emotions, and basically made me want to hiss in exasperation. However, as the story progressed, I found myself warming up to him and his eccentric personality, and by the end I found that I admired him greatly. Edwina, meanwhile, was a sweet character whom I instantly took a liking to. She’s intelligent, unafraid to speak her mind, devoted to her young daughter, and the perfect influence for the boorish Hadlow. Together theirs is a relationship that is sizzling as it is fun and humorous. Who knew that a discussion about train parts could be so filled with innuendo? I won’t be able to hear the words “eccentric crank” without smirking ever again, I fear.

Edwin’s daughter Gertrude stole my heart, as I’m sure was Frampton’s intent. She’s very precocious, but also vulnerable in that she’s yet to see the harsher side of life though she’s intelligent to know that things aren’t always perfect. I loved the scenes that involved her and Hadlow together because I felt like she was the initial influence in changing my feelings toward him. I think had she not been in the book I’d have been less inclined to want to like him in the end, despite what one learns of his life as the story progresses. So while she is not one of the main characters in this book, she’s certainly vital to the shaping of Hadlow’s character, and as such more than worth mentioning in the context of this review.

While this is the fourth book in the series, it works perfectly as a stand-alone novel. From what I gather the common element that ties all the books together, besides dukes who behave badly obviously, is The Quality Employment Agency, an agency designed to place women who otherwise wouldn’t be able to find work easily in quality positions throughout London and the surrounding countryside. Now I’m sure someone who has read the other books in the series can correct me if I’m wrong on this, and if I am please do, but I do get the sense that it isn’t vital for a reader to have read all the books leading up to this one unlike in other series which noticeably build upon previous books. This isn’t to say that I don’t encourage readers to read the other books in this series! As I said I definitely have plans on reading the previous books because I greatly enjoyed Frampton’s writing, and I would suggest that other readers do likewise as I suspect that they are enjoyable reads as well.

The pacing of the book was smooth with very few moments where I felt things were dragging. I think the only reason I felt that there was any lag was because I was anxious for Hadlow to realize he had messed up and go after Edwina to set things right. Yeah, I knew that they would eventually end up happily-ever-after, that’s a given, but the last quarter of the book was agonizing at times because of Hadlow’s obtuseness. Actually, I stand corrected, the journey that Hadlow and Edwina take to look at various train companies grew a bit tedious for me, but that’s more because I wasn’t all that interested in learning about the running of a train company, though as I mentioned earlier in this review discussion of train parts makes for some fun innuendo moments. “Eccentric crank.” =^.^=

Let me just sum this review up by saying that this was a fun book. It had enjoyable characters, humorous and steamy moments, touching scenes, especially the last chapter, a touch of drama, and it keeps the reader turning the pages in order to discover what happens next. It’s a wonderful introductory read for those who are new to Frampton’s titles like I was, and what I’m sure is a welcoming addition for those readers who are long time fans. So if you love historical romance, I definitely recommend that you add this title to your reading list. Now if you will excuse me, I’m going to go curl up with the first book of this series, murr! ...more

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Aug 17, 2016 Annette rated it really liked it

Edwina Cheltam is a young widow with a daughter. She has discovered that her husband squandered all their money. Edwina is in immediate need of a job. Her friend who owns an employment agency and has a solution. Edwina will apply to become the secretary for the Duke of Hadlow. Of course that is not a fit job for a woman. But, Hadlow is in need of someone who is capable. After many interviews, he has not found a man who is capable. Now he has found someone who meets his criteria. The fact that so Edwina Cheltam is a young widow with a daughter. She has discovered that her husband squandered all their money. Edwina is in immediate need of a job. Her friend who owns an employment agency and has a solution. Edwina will apply to become the secretary for the Duke of Hadlow. Of course that is not a fit job for a woman. But, Hadlow is in need of someone who is capable. After many interviews, he has not found a man who is capable. Now he has found someone who meets his criteria. The fact that someone happens to be a woman is of no importance.

Michael is an abrupt and brilliant man who has varied interests. He is presently looking into the possibility of investing in railroads. Cheltam is helping him research the companies who have applied for his investments. She is able to research and provide valuable information. She is also good with numbers. Her mind is capable and quick. In short, she has become a very good secretary for him.

Michael has begun to fantasize about his new secretary. The fantasies are not about her ability with numbers.

Edwina also has an asset that Michael did not expect. Edwina has a daughter named Gertrude. Gertrude is a bright child who asks questions. Michael likes to ask questions himself, and he and Gertrude become friends. They also share a love of Chester, Michael's dog.

Slowly, but surely the attraction between Edwina and Michael grows and grows. There is an admiration between the two. There is also lust.

Edwina is a strong heroine. She is devoted to Gertrude. She has humor and wit and she is beautiful. Michael admires her beauty but he also admires her mind. They share a great deal of the same attitudes. Neither one wants to suffer fools gladly. And both enjoy sparring with one another.

Michael is a perfect hero. He has a terrific sense of humor, a quick mind and he is familiar with the concept of always getting his way. His life as a duke has prevented him from hearing the word “No”. He also generally does not have people who disagree with him. Cheltam disagrees and voices her opinion. Those are qualities which make Michael very attracted to her.

This book is well written, and the character development is terrific. Everyone in the book from the butler to the Duke are wonderful characters. Gertrude is especially wonderful. She behaves exactly like a bright little girl would behave. The story has humor and drama and wonderful romance.

Ms Frampton is a talented author who produces stories which draw the reader into the lives of her characters. This is the first book I have read of hers, but it will not be the last.
...more

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