This is a deliciously painful marriage of convenience with aching mutual pining that hurts so good. That alone makes this a worthwhile read, especially when combined with the fact that Lavinia and Thaddeus are also an interesting dynamic..

The interstitials between each chapter early on are by themselves interesting tidbits, but so out of context it's a little confusing. While it does clear up fairly quickly, it's an odd choice that, when used so pervasively throughout, is distracting. The writing subplot in general is a bit odd, since it didn't do a ton to shape Lavinia's character or direct the plot.

Another issue for me is that some side characters (Jane and Percy) really don't get the attention they deserve. They're in a strange middle ground where their subplots get some attention, but after seeming more essential to begin with, they sort of die off toward the end, even though I'd become invested already.

Small quibbles, really, for an enjoyable story with so much pining. Oftentimes, pining romance can be so unbearably sad or bittersweet that even an HEA at the end can't really fix it. But in this case, we get that delicious pining without the true sadness, which I appreciate a lot.

I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a classic Frampton historical Romance sure to please fans of her writing. Employing the classic “marriage of necessity following an accidental compromising position” this enjoyable read takes us from first meeting to happily ever after. The main characters, while tropey, have all the needed ingredients for steamy romance: strong opinions, their own well-set plans and instant chemistry. The cast of supporting characters add humor, wit and perspective, even when the reader might not like them very much! One of my favorite aspects of Frampton’s books is that the conflict is realistic. No elaborate plot twists or unbelievable double-crosses, just actual issues that people might genuinely have if placed in these positions. All in all a great genre novel, a lovely spring treat for romance readers!

A Wicked Bargain for the Duke was a fabulous historical romance. The plot captured my attention from the start and didn't let go until the HEA. I really liked the characters.

I’ve enjoyed Ms. Frampton’s other books and this one did not disappoint. Lavinia and Thaddeus, Duke of Hasford, must marry because of a seemingly compromising incident. He makes a pronouncement that she will have the custody of any girl children but that he should have the raising of any male child, the heir. However there was to be no expectations of love and they could go their separate ways once the heir was produced. Of course that love is just what happens and, after much angst, and humor, they realize that love. And the portrayal of the angst, the falling in love is what Ms. Frampton does best. The characters were multidimensional, likable and engaging. It was easy to fall in love with them yourself.
Although this is part of a series it could easily be read as a standalone.

A Wicked Bargain for the Duke is a fairly light historical romance with a stoic duke hero and a likely lady who interferes with his plans to marry her more obedient sister, whose heart is already set on another man. There are no surprises in this workman-like novel, and the writing is serviceable. But when it came down to the review, mostly I remembered that after the couple were forced into a marriage of convenience that Thaddeus's actions made no sense with the stipulations he laid down. Nor did it make any sense that the couple didn't *talk* to each other when their feelings obviously changed. Three stars.

An ARC was generously provided by NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.

A Wicked Bargain for the Duke is the third book in the Hazards of Dukes Series. It can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend you read the first two.

This story centers around Lavinia and Thaddeus. They couldn't be more opposite and yet they are somehow attracted to each other. One night at a ball, they are caught in a compromising position, which leads them to the altar. What starts off as a marriage convenience, slowly turns into love. Their romance was a slow burn and not at all what I was expecting, but if you stick with the story, the payoff is great.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lady Lavinia would do anything for her beloved sister— even marry a most Odious and Rigid duke so that Jane doesn’t have to. But what was initially a marriage to save reputations turns into something with Deep and Passionate Feelings. But can these headstrong protagonists find the courage to actually tell one another how they feel?

This mid-19th century romance is cheeky in a way we don’t often see in Regency romances. As a secretive author hiding behind a pseudonym, Lavinia often narrates her life as if she writing— or commenting on how it isn’t going according to how she would write it, which is a fun and saucy breaking of the fourth wall. Additionally, the feminist aspects of a marriage being between equal partners is a delight that I will always enjoy reading in romances.

On the chaste to steamy scale, this is an 8.

Vinnie and Thaddeus. I don't feel like I even need to write anything else. The story was well written. The mini story within the story was awesome. Jane as a sister was very nice and I hope she gets her own book to tell her side. Loved this book! Sad when it ended.

I enjoyed this story of opposites. Lavinia is an outgoing woman and Thaddeus is rather dour. He was interested in marrying Lavina's sister Jane because she wasn't as vivacious as Lavina and he thought he wanted a quieter life. and so begins their story. They are compromised accidently and must marry which neither of them want to do partly because their strong physical attraction to each other is disconcerting to them both.

They marry and what I really appreciated was the sex wasn't spectacular for Lavina at first and she had enough self confidence to let him after a little bit that it wasn't as good for her as he was imaging it was. This is out of the ordinary and I appreciated that he had to learn in the bedroom just as she did.

There was a secret revealed at the end which and a rather quick resolution and then happily ever after. I enjoyed the chemistry between the two leads. Jane who played enough of a role in this wasn't my favorite character as she seemed spineless.

This was my first Megan Frampton title and I was initially thrown off by the interstitial sections, I really enjoyed this one. Lonely Thaddeus and vivacious Lavinia make a great pairing and their journey to understanding each other is lovely. Definitely going back to read the rest of the series!

This book was given to me as a arc from netgalley in return for a honest review. These are my thoughts and mine alone.

3.5 stars

This is installment #3 in the Hazards of Duke Series but can also read as a standalone.

A Wicked Bargain For The Duke is about Thaddeus and Lavinia. Thaddeus is the new Duke of Hasford and is in need for a wife to secure a heir as duty calls. Lady Lavinia is the older sister to Lady Jane. Jane is who he wanted as his wife and his first choice. But Jane is already in love with someone else and hardly ever speaks up for herself. She is shy, quiet, timid and to me basically lacks a backbone. She depends on her older sister to speak and care for her in alot ways. Lavinia being who she is, is stronger, strongly opinionated, rebellious, and being the older she is is super protective of Jane.

Thaddeus makes his pursuit but Lavinia is always there at every turn. One night at a ball she takes him to the side to tell him to back off. She tells him he cannot marry Jane. In the process of doing so, she accidentally trips and they're caught in a compromising position.

He is a man of honor and marries Lavinia out of duty. Lavinia accepts and figures why not? If she does, Jane would be free to marry whom she wanted.

I felt sorry for Lavinia, and from that moment on I disliked Jane. I know this book is about Thaddeus and Lavinia but there was enough of Jane's character in it to make me dislike her. I know I'm being harsh but how can you let your sister who is also your protector take the fall and marry someone who you don't want to just to be off the hook? Don't get me wrong, Jane is a sweet & kind person but with all that happened my lasting impression of her was that she's completely selfish and a weakling.

They are finally married and come up with a contract. A plan really. Once she's pregnant and if she gave birth to a son, they would live separately lives. The son will remain with him & she somewhere else. But if she gave birth to a daughter she would be free to keep & raise her as she liked. They also agree that there is to be no love. But honestly these are his terms, and she's being a docile wife by agreeing with him. While this is happening you could literally feel her pain. His too because he didn't wanted Jane instead.

Well as they spend more time together they start to like one another. Eventually they fall in love. It's funny how they both are too stubborn to admit it. While all this is going on you see first hand the love they have for eachother grow, and how happy they really are. If you like a spicy read this book is for you. There is tons of sexual tension. Although there is sex, the sex at first is dull-slow, no satisfying details and unsatisfying. Coincidentally that's exactly how Jane felt too because She demands more patience, exploration, pleasure and fun when they're doing the deed. After that the sex becomes great.

Anyways things get out of control. Jane was now is engaged to the person who she really really wanted at the beginning of the book. But she breaks her engagement, and Lavinia has secrets. Secret Thaddeus finds out about them and he is furious. With everything going on she takes Jane to the country.

While they're separated they both realize how much they love eachother. They also admit how stupid they were to deny eachother due to that stupid contract. They both decide to go back to eachother, and explain their true feelings. Without knowing they both meet on the road on the way back to eachother. They make up and become inseparable.

I recommend this book to everyone. If you're the mood for some cute banter, angst, and sexual tension than this book is for you.

I think I was in the exact perfect mood for this book. I started reading it as soon as I got my hands on it and could not put it down. I found it a humorous all around delight. This is the third in a series. I read the first book in the series earlier this year but the second one only came out this week and I’ve not had the opportunity to read it. This book absolutely works as a standalone but a few plot points from first two will be spoiled if read out of order.

I loved both Lavinia and Thaddeus. They gave me Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth vibes with their whole I’m strangely attracted to this person I’m not really supposed to like thing. Both characters were well written and humorous in their own way. I loved that while the pair had opposite personalities, they had similarities, like their list making, that made it clear to me as a reader that these were two compatible people.

In addition to the main couple, I really liked the side characters. Each person we were introduced to was fully developed. It was clear that as she was writing Megan knew exactly who each person was from the servants to the family members to the servants’ family members. I really really really want a queer romance novella for Lavinia’s brother Percy.

My only complaint is that the book kept me up way too late on a work night. But that is a minor thing compared to the overall amusement and joy I had while reading.

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.