Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Devil's Charm is the first book in Megan Frampton's new Heirs & Spares series. Practical, reserved Diantha and tall, dark playboy Lucian find themselves caught in an instant attraction. But there's a catch – their families have been feuding for decades due to a business fallout. Despite Diantha’s best efforts to keep her distance from Lucian, things take a turn when both their parents ask them to solve a tricky business problem: What to do with an old factory they co-own, despite the ongoing feud?
As Diantha and Lucian team up to find a solution, their chemistry grows harder to ignore, leading to a few (ahem) secret spicy rendezvous at the art museum. While Diantha steps out of her comfort zone and embraces new experiences, Lucian is on a mission to prove to his father that he’s more than just a pretty face—he's got worth (and his father is the worst, so we are definitely rooting for Lucian here).
At the start, Diantha is the quiet, responsible one, while Lucian is the wild playboy. But as they spend more time together, they meet somewhere in the middle, bringing out the best in each other as they each discover new sides of themselves.
Without giving too much away, let’s just say Diantha and Lucian end up saving the factory by investing in a lifejacket production business. The backstory behind the lifejacket was fascinating, and honestly, I wish Frampton had dived deeper into its history – the design, production, and the world of seafaring work was a goldmine for a history nerd like me!
Frampton doesn't shy away from the sizzle (check out my jalapeno score for this book below!), so if you like a breezy read with some pretty substantive canoodling on the page, this is the book for you.
That said, the scene in the sarcophagus (yes, really) was a bit of a tough sell for me—coffins aren’t exactly my idea of a romantic setting. But hey, to each their own!
I also really enjoyed how Diantha was an outspoken woman who became unafraid to speak up for what she wanted. Lucian is a real stud in that regard, too -- he worships Diantha and encourages her to vocalize and take what she wants (both in and out of the sarcophagus).
Frampton’s writing is easy to digest and engaging, with plenty of witty dialogue, which, in my opinion, is essential for a great romance.
You'll Love This Book If:
You enjoy light romance with low stakes
You're feeling anxious about the state of the world and want to escape for a few hours
You love a reformed cinnamon roll rake (think: Anthony Bridgerton)
Overall Rating
⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Comments