Dukes Behaving Badly Book 2
Megan Frampton
Avon
ISBN# 978-0-06-235222-4
July 2015
Historical Romance
Nicholas Smithfield has just been newly minted as the Duke of Gage, after the previous Duke was ousted due to an illegitimate issue some generations back. He not only inherits the Dukedom and all that it entails, but also a fiance that he must marry in order to help keep his estate solvent. Lady Isabella Sawford has been molded, preened, educated and bartered by her parents since she was born. Her parents gave the previous Duke money in exchange for marrying her, and now that duty falls to Nicholas. Neither one is happy about it, but they proceed since they really have no other choice. What ensues is a relationship that is slowly built through trust and companionship. The only thing missing is love, but can it be far behind?
When I first picked up the book, I had high hopes that this would be a romance filled with tension, angst and sizzle. Not the case, sadly enough. The plot is slow, the parents horrendous in their constant manipulation and overbearing ways towards both their daughters, and the romance is nearly non-existent. This story is about as interesting as a piece of dried bread and lukewarm water. Obviously something could have been made about the previous Duke, as he's trying to cause a conflict with regards to his ousting, but that's really all done behind the scenes as if he's just off stage and we are being told about it. Nicholas is a scoundrel (or so we are lead to believe), but as soon as he's married, he turns into this wonderful, understanding, husband who slowly woos his wife but it takes him a very long time. A scoundrel should have a few weapons in his arsenal to win over his wife, I would think. The ending is somewhat of another blah moment. By the time these two finally get around to, you know, I really just didn't care. I'm giving this a little higher mark than I should because Isabella's sister is entertaining at least.
Reviewed by Jennifer Jones
Rating: 3
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