A totally pleasant, if not ground-breaking, historical romance. I think this can be read as a standalone but I also think I would've understood more about the character if I'd read the previous entry in the series (which I will be doing!). There was a lot going on in this story and the pacing didn't quite work for me; there also weren't as many interactions between the main characters as I would have liked. What I did like though was Nash's character and how he was able to finally use his words to explain himself and his feelings to Ana Maria - that's growth and we love to see it!

This was my first time reading a book in Frampton’s series on dukes. I didn’t really understand why the heroine, Ana Maria, had been so maltreated by her stepmother. She was the daughter of a duke but apparently, her stepmother gave Cinderella’s stepmother a run for the money. She has a step-brother who loved her, but he didn’t seem to protect her. So she had this awful time until she was 28 when her cousin inherits the dukedom and brought her out of the servants’ quarters.

She was an appealing heroine as she determines to build a new life answering only to herself. And what she really wants...is to be some sort of interior decorator with bright, vivid colors. OK. And she also wants her brother and cousin’s good friend, the Duke of Malvern.

The only problem is that the Duke, Nash, had a brutal father who abused him and his mother until his mother escaped and left him to his father’s cruelties. Now his grandmother has shown up after having neglected him all his life to tell him that he needs to find a wife. However, Nash is afraid that he will become just like his father and is afraid to marry Ana Maria because he likes her too much to risk ever hurting her.

I didn’t understand why the grandmother and mother stayed away from him so long. At some point when he was an adult, wouldn’t they have wanted to check in with him and find out if this person they abandoned to a father who beat him regularly had turned out okay?

The book never answered my questions, so I found it hard to really enjoy it.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

I really enjoyed this book! While I felt the first book was kinda slow, this one had a good pace. I also loved watching the romance develop between Nash and Anna Maria. At first Nash seems like the stereotypical mysterious male character, in how her communicates more often with grunts and fists instead of words. As the reader (and Anna Maria) get to know him better, it becomes clear that these are just defense mechanisms, and not only that, he wants to work on them. Anna Maria is practically a Cinderella story. Her stepmother forced her to act as a servant, and it's only once the stepmother dies that she can live the life she's wanted. I thought both characters were also just really *good* people, which was nice. And I'm not positive, but I think Anna Maria was a little older than Nash, which was a nice change of pace from the majority of historical romances, where they male character sometimes has a decade on the female lead. I encourage you to check out the book when it comes out!

Nash, the Duke of Malvern, doesn't talk much. He grunts his way through most conversations, gets drunk and uses his fists against any he deems need a good pounding. Lady Ana Maria has gone from maid to lady and becomes even more aware of Nash, her cousin's best friend.

One doesn't desire a best friend's sister. At least this is what Nash tells himself throughout the book along with the fear that he'll be like his abusive father and so he shuns all relationships including one with Ana Maria. Unfortunately, I found this book's plot quite ridiculous sometimes. Why was Ana Maria treated as a servant by her step-mother? She's a gently-born lady so where was her father or her brother and heir when she was growing up and why would they allow the duchess to treat Ana Maria that way. That makes no sense.

The constant internal dialogue got old very quickly and I found myself skipping paragraphs. My biggest complaint is the ending is so abrupt. There's no epilogue or even a few paragraphs to wrap things up. I also would have liked to know more about Nash's mother who makes an appearance at the end of the book for a few scenes. I probably won't be reading any more books in this series.

I really enjoyed reading Tall, Duke and Dangerous. From the first paragraph I had an idea that I would especially like Nash,,
"if Nash, Duke of Malvern, had envisioned at all the scenario in which his life was to be irrevocably changed-which he had not by the way-he would have most certainly have thought he would have been wearing trousers. He was not"
Nash is a gruff guy who likes a good fight, but also has heart of gold.. who doesn't want to ever get married because hes afraid that hes going to be just like his dad and be physically abusive to any wife or children. But.. when is grandmother shows up in his bedroom demanding he do his duty he reluctantly agrees. Only if he can find a woman he can never love or feel any strong emotion for.
Anna Marie a strong independant woman who has decided that after how she was treated in the past by her step mother she is going to do what she wants..and she wants Nash. She isnt going to let her brother, cousin or society decide what she should be allowed to do.
I loved the chemistry between Anna Marie and Nash. They just seem to be able to understand each other when no one else does.
Nash is determined to protect her, and she is determined that she doesn't need to be protected..

Tall, Duke, and Dangerous by Megan Frampton took some getting used to for me. There was a lot of indecisiveness when it came to the Duke that I wasn't a fan of. The storyline was decent, but the dialogue threw it off a little bit. I wished there was more of a spark between the hero and heroine. What I did enjoy about the book is the heroine was feisty, headstrong and she went for what she wanted without being scared off. I appreciate that type of person.

A very enjoyable story of childhood friends who both wanted more but were unwilling to go for it. Thank goodness Lady Ana Maria Dutton came into some boldness to begin to entice the enigmatic Nash, Duke of Malvern,

The only pet-peeve for me was the limited backstory on Nash's mother. It seemed she got off easy for leaving her son behind when his father had a history of inflicting physical abuse on them. Both the mother and grandmother stayed away from Nash, worried that he would become abusive after being raised by an evil man, yet they left a young boy with said evil monster? Okay, maybe it was more than a pet-peeve.

My only other observation is that the last two books threw out a lot of explicit bodily references and replaced the word "sex" with "f#%k" at every opportunity yet, for such language, the love scenes were pretty tame and took place somewhat behind the pages. I just think one should stick with either keeping it on the raunchy side or making it a slow burn but combining the two made both appear lacking or disingenuous to some degree.

The characters were beyond lovely so it made up for any minor complaints. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and I vote for more on the "raunchy side" if I am guessing correctly on who is featured next.

If you, like me, felt that the first installment in the Hazards of Dukes series was a knockoff version of Kleypas's DEVIL IN WINTER, you're going to feel more of that "recycled trope" vibe in the second book-in-series, TALL, DUKE, AND DANGEROUS. While Ana Maria and Nash, our main couple, were introduced in book 1, the characterizations here seemed to come out of nowhere; our heroine is a literal Cinderella -- a girl of noble birth, forced to act as a maid by her now-blessedly-dead stepmother, and newly restored to her proper place in society -- while our hero was the victim of parental abuse at the hands of his father, which has left him isolated from his emotions and hopelessly taciturn. Ana Maria is fluent in Grunting Duke, so she can decipher Nash's true feelings even when he can't. And lucky for both of them, he wants her to be a Regency-era MPDG, and she's totally fine with it: "I want you to help me find the good parts of being who I am, of using who I am to do better for everyone. Joyfully." In other words, "I'd like you to make me the best version of myself, because that should definitely be your responsibility, o ye of the lesser sex."

I've given Megan Frampton a very fair shake -- in fact, I've read three of her books in the past seven days. Each has felt like a faint echo of better HRs I've read before. While the writing is serviceable enough, the storytelling is weak. Here particularly, the ending comes fast; there's no denouement, not even the Epilogue one expects in this genre. I'd wager my last crown that book three sees Thaddeus and Olivia making an unlikely pairing. All in all, I have to let go of my hopes for Frampton's work, which seems derivative and predictable at best, and dangerously familiar at worst.

Nash, the Duke of Malvern, wants nothing to do with Society. Unfortunately, his grandmother has other plans. Nash has no choice but to take what she wants into consideration because the alternative is far worse. It seems Nash must marry and produce an heir or risk his title being passed on his cousin who is rumored to be as brutish as Nash's late father.

Ana Maria is finally free to live the life she wants and make her own choices. When one of those choices gets her into trouble, family friend, Nash, persuade her to take fighting lessons from him. If Ana Maria won't allow him to defend her then she must learn to defend herself. Only problem is that Ana Maria has always had a thing for Nash, and it's starting to look like he may feel something for her too.

Author Megan Frampton's HAZARDS OF DUKES series is pure genius. Book one, NEVER KISS A DUKE, is enthralling so it comes as no surprise that book two, TALL, DUKE, AND DANGEROUS is just as satisfying. In fact, both books are going on to my keeper shelf. TALL, DUKE, AND DANGEROUS is Sebastian's little sister, Ana Maria's, story. Ana Maria has admired Nash for many years. When she hears he's looking for a bride, she cannot help thinking of herself. It's clear he doesn't want to consider her, but Ana Maria is determined to at least experience passion with him while she can. There's just so much going on in this story, especially for Nash. Nash finally coming to the realization that he is and will never be his father, is amazing.

I Love Megan Frampton and really enjoyed the first book in this series. I didn’t enjoy this one anywhere near as much. I didn’t feel invested in these characters or feel like I got to know them—everything just seemed surface level.

When I first read the first book in Megan Frampton's Hazards of Dukes series, Never Kiss a Duke, I thought that this book had already been published, and was devastated to learn it wasn't and I'd have to wait to read it. Now that I have, I can say that the wait was definitely worth it!

Tall, Duke and Dangerous is a story about two people who have both survived traumatic pasts trying to figure out how to move forward and what kind of people they are and can choose to become. It's also a beautiful friends - to - lovers romance story.

Nash, the Duke of Malvern, is a man of very few words, preferring to let his fists do the talking. His best friend's sister, Ana Maria, is newly out in Society after a lifetime of drudgery, and he offers to give her self-defense lessons. Ana Maria is caught between two worlds, neither of which she feels she belongs in, and enlists Nash to help her figure out what it is she really wants.

Tall, Duke and Dangerous is really a wonderful book, and Megan Frampton handles so many sensitive topics deftly and with care. It would have been easy to focus on the past traumas these characters have faced, but instead Frampton focuses on growth and possibility, while acknowledging what they have been through. It's a beautiful book and I can't wait to read Frampton's next work.

I received an ARC of this book from HarperCollins and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

NOTE: This review will be posted to social media the week of publication, and to retail sites upon publication.

It has been a while since I read a historical romance so when I decided to try one, I had a few ARCs I could choose from. When I read this one's blurb, I knew it was the one. Reading about a grumpy/dangerous duke who prefers to communicate with grunts rather than words? Yes, please ^^. And I'm glad I did because I felt the chemistry coming off the pages between our main characters. It was what kept me hooked and entertained. I was a little surprised to see a few one star reviews already when I had so much fun reading it.

Now, I wasn't very interested in all the talks about fabrics and decorations and I felt like our hero was a bit too repetitive when it came to the reason why he didn't want to be with someone he cared about. His father was violent and abusive and since he has a bit of a temper, Nash is scared to become like his father someday. So when he has to marry and get an heir of his own in order to keep someone with his father's tendencies away, the obvious choice would be our heroine. Especially since they get along so well and seem to understand each other when others don't. Ana Maria used to be treated like a servant by her father & step-mother but after their death, she becomes a Lady. She's not afraid to protect herself but Nash feels like it's his duty to teach her self-defense. Turns out... he's going to teach her more than that.

Overall, I really liked it and I'm curious to read more from this author.

(Thank you for letting me read and review an ARC via Netgalley)

This was fun! A light, easy romance. I enjoyed the heroine and her love of dresses and fabrics. Not super memorable as a whole, but I'd definitely read the author again.

The two main characters came from abused backgrounds. Nash now a Duke was mentally and physically abused by his late father, and Ana Maria was treated as the lowliest of servant by her stepmother. In my opinion Ana Maria was failed as a daughter, sister, and cousin. She had her father who was a duke, her half brother, and cousin yet no one protected her from her stepmother.

Nash is now The Duke, and he wants nothing to be like his father. While Ana Maria is now a lady since her parents passing.

Nash must marry and Ana is not someone who he cares to marry because he truly cares for her. He wants someone he doesn't have feelings for because he is afraid to love. Love to him means abuse, it meant hurting. On the other hand Ana has always had eyes for Nash. He has always been friends with her brother sebastian and her cousin Thadd. So she's always had a crush on him.

He must overcome his fear of becoming and acting like his father to be with Ana Maria. He has to realize he is him. He is his own person, and he is nothing compared to the late Duke.

This book was a fun read. I truly enjoyed the characters and loved the character development. The plot had similarities to the Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast stories. I also enjoyed the heat, and the passion. The lovemaking scenes were fire. For a book with a heavy plot I expected angst and tears but the book was really lite which made it really easy to read. This was my first book by MF, and I'll definitely try out her other books.

Tall, Duke and Dangerous, by Megan Frampton, is the second story in the Hazards of Dukes series. The following review contains spoilers! You have been warned!
Let me start with saying this is the first book of Ms. Frampton’s that I have had the pleasure of reading, and it will not be the last! This is the story of Nash and Ana Maria. Nash, a Duke who would rather be a nobody, is a caring man (he has hired several of his father’s bastards to work in his household and financially supports others who do not work for him) who is terrified of becoming his father. His father was known for extreme violence, with his wife fleeing without her only son to save her own life. Nash is convinced he will become his father and chooses to avoid feeling any emotion to not provoke himself to violence. He also does not speak much (a lot of the book is dedicated to describing his various grunts, which Ana Maria understands, somehow). His grandmother enters early in the story, showing up in his bedchamber demanding he marry and sire an heir, as his cousin (his current heir) is proving to be just like his father and no one wants him to take over the Duchy. Nash reluctantly agrees and tries to enter Society to find a bride, but not someone he could come to care for so he can keep his emotions in check.
Ana Maria is a Cinderella of sorts. Her mother died while she was young and until six month ago (when the late Duchess, her stepmother died) was a maid in her own household, even though she is the daughter of a Duke. Now she is a lady and trying to find a way to fit into Society, which is no small task since she has been a maid most of her life.
Nash is best friends with Ana Maria’s stepbrother and cousin and knows Ana Maria from when they were children. Both have feelings for each other but feel they cannot act on them for several reasons. Long story short, their feelings win out and they are ”friends who do things friends do not do”. Eventually, Ana Maria’s stepbrother and cousin are aware of what is going on and call Nash to do the right thing, but he is terrified he could hurt Ana Maria because he knows he loves her and strong emotions were what led his father to violence.
Later in the story, Nash’s mother is introduced, to far less fanfare than she should have been, in my opinion. She is a big key to him coming to understand he can choose to not be like his father, so I am disappointed more time was not dedicated to their reunion and subsequent conversations. I also would have liked to know more about what she has been doing all the time she was away, or about her new husband and what happened there.
Eventually, Nash begins talking with people more, including Ana Maria. He understands he has to tell her about his past and what happened, and his fears, if he can have a future with her. Shortly after this conversation and subsequent lovemaking, the story abruptly ends.
I received an ARV of this book from the published for free in return for my honest review, and it was made clear to me this was not a final version of the book. There was no epilogue which I found disappointing as I adore getting to visit a couple a year or two, or twenty, into their happily ever after. As mentioned previously, I would have liked to see more pages dedicated to Nash’s mother’s return and the rebuilding of their relationship. Also, the end of the book felt abrupt; I think there should have been another scene or two to tie things up better. I still greatly enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more of Ms. Frampton’s novels. I rate this book 4.5 stars. Great steam!

This novel brings together two people who need to overcome their pasts. Ana Maria is like Cinderella, going from rags to riches, but without marrying her prince. She becomes more confident and assertive with her choices, knowing what she wants. Nash believes he is like his father, to use his anger and fists to hurt others. Nash fights but to protect others and those who deserve a good punch or two. Nash has a good and kind side, one he rarely shows but to a few. Ana Maria and Nash have known each other for years and feel more than friendship for each other, neither trying to pursue the next level. Nash teaches Ana Maria to defend herself, but more physical contact is needed to satisfy their attraction. Nash needs to overcome his own pasts and fears if he wants Ana Maria to be his duchess.

hmmmm Not one of her best that is for sure. While I have liked some of her previous work, this one really didn't work for me. These two had a difficult life before now, at least we def knew about Ana at times I felt like this is a Cinderella moment.. Anywho I would waste my time on this when I know there is so many other books deserving of our time..

This is the story of Ana Maria and Nash. They both were abused by a parent in their past. Nash looks past his fears of losing control and learns to trust Ana Maria. I am really enjoying this Hazards of Dukes series! I received an ARC from NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for my honest review.

Nash, The Duke of Malvern was raised by a violent father who beat both Nash and his mother. As an adult he is afraid he will physically hurt anyone he cares about so he decides to remain aloof from others. "Involvement meant emotion, and emotion meant passion, which resulted in violence." He is very large, grunts a lot, and is very intimidating. For some reason drinking heavily and beating everyone he believes deserves it is O.K. Oh, he also has hired as many of his fathers bastards as he could find as his servants. I think this his way of taking care of them?

Lady Ana Maria worked as a scullery maid and all-around drudge for over twenty years for her step-mother and father, the Duke. Since she is twenty-years-old I guess this was since she was an infant. Luckily, they died six months ago in a carriage accident and she moved from her small attic bedroom into the main house. She now had a life of luxury due to her cousin, the new Duke. The servants who were her friends and co-workers now wait on her which makes her uncomfortable. No mention of why her father allowed this or why the Ton would have found this acceptable. She has known Nash since childhood (he is her brother's friend) and has always understood him and his grunts when others don't.

The Dowager Duchess of Malvern (Nash's grandmother) arrives to announce he must marry and sire an heir so his violent cousin doesn't inherit. There is no mention of what the Dowager thinks about having 14 of her unspoken of grandchildren in the house as her servants.

Nash and Ana Maria decide on a trade. He will teach her self-defense and she will teach him how to act at balls. Not much happens with this agreement except it turns into he'll teach her how to "fight and fuck."

I just found the plot inane and ludicrous.

Tall, Duke and Dangerous is the second in the series of Hazards of Dukes. I was disappointed in this book, I just couldn't get into the story or the characters and it seemed to drag on and on to me and just a bit of overload on the Cinderella theme to the whole thing.