Put Up Your Duke

Starred review from May 25, 2015
Frampton’s second Dukes Behaving Badly romance (after The Duke’s Guide to Correct Behavior) is pure delight. In 1842 London, Nicholas Smithfield, a rakish young buck, is more than a bit chagrined to discover he’s become the Duke of Gage—and completely flummoxed to find that with his new title comes engagement to the icily proper Lady Isabella Sawford. Isabella’s no more pleased than her intended; she chafes against the socially advantageous match her self-serving parents have forced her to accept, the latest in a lifelong series of edicts that have squelched her true spirit. Yet she and Nicholas can’t deny the increasing excitement they feel in each other’s presence. Will that be enough for them to embrace their union? Frampton pays equal service to character development and sensual tension—the latter both steamy and sweet—and sprinkles moments of humor throughout, including a delightful subplot about a pseudonymous novel writer. Historical romance fans will relish this realistic and emotionally charged story. Agent: Louise Fury, Bent Agency.

June 15, 2015

As if learning he has suddenly inherited a dukedom isn't enough, that he inherited a bride as well is almost more than Nicholas Smithfield, the new Duke of Gage, can take. He also has a lot to learn, and who better to help him than a lady who'd been groomed from the cradle to play the part--Isabella, his outwardly flawless new duchess. Yet when it comes to relating to her husband, Isabella and her rigid training are seriously off the mark, creating a communication dilemma that must be resolved--if only they can figure out how. VERDICT An innocent heroine locked in the shell of icy perfection her parents had demanded and a hero who helps her discover the key agree to be honest and imperfect together. This romp boasts deliciously sensual, sometimes hilarious, love scenes and a sparkling, outspoken younger sister who has hidden talents and definitely needs her own book. Brooklyn-based Frampton (The Duke's Guide to Correct Behavior) writes romantic women's fiction as Megan Caldwell.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from July 1, 2015
Nicholas Smithfield didn't just inherit a title; he inherited a wife as well. As the newly minted Duke of Gage, Nicholas discovers he is expected to marry Isabella Sawford, the daughter of the Earl of Grosston. The earl made a deal with the previous (and now illegitimate) Duke of Gage in which a considerable chunk of change was transferred into the duke's accounts in exchange for his marrying the earl's daughter. The earl doesn't care who currently holds the title of Duke of Gage; whoever that person may be, he had better plan on proposing to his daughter. While Nicholas didn't plan on marrying until he found the perfect match, he can't deny that there is something about Isabella that he finds simply irresistible. So maybe marrying her won't be so bad after all? Rich in subtle characterization, deftly seasoned with plenty of piquant wit, and spiced with just the right amount of sexy passion, the second tale in the Dukes Behaving Badly series (following The Duke's Guide to Correct Behavior, 2014) is a romantic tour de force. With this splendidly satisfying love story, Frampton proves that she is one of the rising new stars in the historical romance genre.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)