The Duke's Guide to Correct Behavior
Series: Dukes Behaving Badly #1
Author: Megan Frampton
Published November 25th 2014 by Avon

Goodreads Synopsis
All of London knows the Duke of Rutherford has position and wealth. They also whisper that he’s dissolute, devilish, and determinedly unwed. So why, everyone is asking, has he hired a governess?

When Miss Lily Russell crosses the threshold of the Duke of Rutherford’s stylish townhouse, she knows she has come face to face with sensual danger. For this is no doting papa. Rather, his behavior is scandalous, and his reputation rightly earned. And his pursuit of her is nearly irresistible—but resist she must for the sake of her pupil.

As for the duke himself, it was bad enough when his unknown child landed on his doorstep. Now Lily, with her unassuming beauty, has aroused his most wicked fantasies—and, shockingly, his desire to change his wanton ways. He’s determined to become worthy of her, and so he asks for her help in correcting his behavior.

But Lily has a secret, one that, if it becomes known, could change everything…
Goodreads

Review
After inheriting his title of Duke of Rutherford, Marcus has lived a life of devilry and wickedness, caring nothing about his new role, but rather his own enjoyment. That all comes to a head when Rose, his illegitimate, 4 year old, daughter, arrives on his doorstep, alone and having recently lost her mother, he knows he needs to change his ways. First things first is hiring a governess, and that's where Miss Lily Russell makes her appearance. She's not actually a trained governess, but as the daughter of an impoverished vicar, she can get through it all, and knows that all Rose really needs is some care and attention for the time being. Both her and Marcus know that they shouldn't be together, not with Lily being in Marcus' employ, but both fall for each other, too hard, and too fast, for it to be anything but inevitable.

This was a book I noticed on my library's ebook service during lockdown, and though I hadn't heard of the author before, the synopsis appealed to me, and it was an enjoyable read one summer morning. I liked, for the most part, the historical aspects of the book, though there were some inaccuracies that annoyed me at first - but then I got used to. The main issue was Lily introducing herself as Miss Lily, rather than Miss Russell, and everyone else going along with it. That being said, I enjoyed Lily as a character, how she didn't back down from her goals and wishes, and was willing to sacrifice herself for those she cared about when the inevitable angst appeared. Marcus was a character who had to grow on me, but the way he changed his wicked ways so quickly when faced with his daughter, and knowing he was the only person she had in the world, was so admirable, and made me understand why Lily fell so hard, so quickly! The ending was perfect, and I love the whole idea of the 'garden' - definitely a worthwhile book!

Dates Read:
August 6, 2020

Rating
4 Stars