REVIEW: One-Eyed Dukes Are Wild by Megan Frampton

In One-Eyed Dukes Are Wild (Dukes Behaving Badly #3) by Megan Frampton, Lady Margaret Sawford has become accustomed to being an outsider in society’s eyes thanks to her outspoken ways and her scandalous job as a writer of serial drama. Even though she likes living on her own by earning her own money, even Margaret will admit she is a bit lonely. Then she meets the Duke of Lasham and she suddenly finds in him a kindred, if not repressed, spirit. Maybe she’s just what the duke needs to find some laughter in his life and in turn his solid presence may bring comfort to her as well.

“You do the right thing all the time?” Margaret repeated, stressing the “all.”
He was apparently so absolutely proper he didn’t even hesitate, or blush when he answered. “Yes. I do, my lady.”
“Pity,” Margaret murmured…

Lasham learned at an early age that he must always behave properly and think first of his duties as a duke. It has become his way of life even though he wishes he had a bit more freedom to be himself. But at this point, he wouldn’t know what to use his freedom for. Lasham is smitten immediately upon meeting the refreshing Lady Margaret who is not scared in the least by his eye patch or daunting stature. When her adventurous spirit entices him to partake as well, who knew such a torrent of emotions would soon be unlocked?

“We talked earlier about happiness, and what it is.” He swallowed, keeping his gaze locked on her face. Watching the shifting of her emotions as she listened to him. “I think I was just surviving before. I think,” and here he paused, because it felt too much, “I think with you I might live a little.”

What fun! One-Eyed Dukes Are Wild was every bit as entertaining as the title suggests. The pairing of a repressed duke and a scandalous lady was a great setup for this comical but extremely heartfelt historical romance.

‘She thought he was rather adorable, if one would be adorable being over six feet in height with an eye patch and an occasionally intimidating manner.’

First of all, this story can be easily read as a standalone, so no worries if you’re new to the Dukes Behaving Badly series. Secondly, I loved the mix of serious, thoughtful moments that were blended in with the more lighthearted ones. I think this is an area in which author Megan Frampton truly excels. For me, this was a quick book to read but I got a lot out of it emotionally. Both characters had areas in their lives that they felt needed to be addressed but they had little in the way of ideas of how to start. The fact that together they were the perfect balance and could help each other was so satisfying to watch happen as a reader.

I kind of adored both Margaret and Lasham in their own ways. (Although they did have being ‘do-gooders’ in common which I loved.) Margaret was bold, having a strong mind of her own and she was not afraid to speak up. She had never done anything harmful, but because she was outspoken it caused her to be viewed as scandalous. And Lasham, who was a beta hero who physically looked like an alpha, was groomed from childhood to always act as a duke should. To the point that he didn’t have any idea how to have fun. How sad is that? Coupled with a few tragedies in his younger years, poor Lasham needed a smart, adventurous woman like Margaret to bring some joy into his life.

The other part that I really enjoyed was the story of Georgiana and the Dragon being interlaced between the chapters. It was the newest serial that Margaret wrote as A Lady of Mystery for local newspapers. It loosely followed the theme of Margaret and Lasham working their way through their emotions and figuring out what it was they truly needed most in their lives: love and acceptance. Plus, who doesn’t love a well-written retelling of a fairy tale?

Megan Frampton definitely delivered an endearing historical romance worthy of more than just a cursory glance. With well-developed genuine characters, a solid plot, and lots of love and fun to behold, I hope everyone enjoys One-Eyed Dukes Are Wild as much as I did.

Book Info:

Publication: December 29th 2015 | Avon | Dukes Behaving Badly #3

When does proper behavior deserve a deliciously improper reward?

The scandalously unmarried Lady Margaret Sawford is looking for adventure—and is always up for a challenge. Her curiosity is aroused by a dangerous-looking stranger with an eye patch, an ideal companion for the life she longs for, no matter what Society might say. So when the piratical gentleman turns out to be a duke—and just as boringly proper as any other nobleman—she can’t help but incite him to walk on the wild side.

Well-heeled, well-mannered, and well beyond any interest in society’s expectations, the Duke of Lasham is tired of being perfect. Margaret’s lush beauty and gently laughing eyes are an irresistible temptation to embrace the imperfect—and her. But if a little misbehavior is appealing, unleashing his wild side is completely seductive—as long as the lovely Margaret is the object of his passion . . .