Lady Margaret Sawford is living on the fringe of society.  She refused to obey her parents, who wanted her to marry an odious Lord, and is a published writer, so she is considered somewhat scandalous.  She also is an excellent card player, and actually lives off her winnings.  Few people know that her gambling winnings also support women in need.  When Margaret first spies the handsome Duke of Lasham at a ball, she doesn’t know who he is, but she wants to make his acquaintance.  Much to her disappointment, rather than being an adventurous pirate, (he wears a patch over one eye) Lasham appears staid and boring.

Lasham has spent his life being dutiful.  He inherited his dukedom at the age of fifteen, and spends tedious hours every day on paperwork and the like.  He is so tired of being stared at – by people who are repelled by his eyepatch, and by women who are interested in snaring a duke.  When Lasham sees Margaret looking at him with interest, he is intrigued.  Of course, he is awkward around her, and doesn’t really know what to say to the lady who appears to sparkle.

Oddly enough, Lasham and Margaret meet again, and discover a shared love of art.  This leads to their making plans to spend time together and to share adventures.  Margaret is vivacious and lively and fun.  She brings the first real happiness that Lasham has known.  Poor Lasham is so socially awkward, and always says the wrong thing, or nothing at all.  Yet, he is very adept at kissing, and soon this couple is indulging quite a bit.

I adore both of these characters, who are so different from each other, yet seem to complete each other.  They have a definite attraction from the beginning, yet their romance builds slowly from a genuine liking and friendship.  I like each book by Megan Frampton more than the previous one.  She writes a story that manages to be heartfelt and romantic, yet witty and engaging without being silly.  I love that!  One-Eyed Dukes Are Wild is a joyful read that I’m happy to recommend.