Picture a storyteller who spun tales of rakish dukes and daring heroines, captivating readers with wit and romance—meet Megan Frampton! A Brooklyn-based author, Frampton writes historical romance under her own name and contemporary women’s fiction as Megan Caldwell, blending humor, passion, and unforgettable characters. Her journey from a music industry professional to a beloved novelist is as enchanting as her stories.
With her celebrated Dukes Behaving Badly series, Frampton has carved a niche in historical romance, earning praise for her sparkling dialogue and sensual love scenes. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this literary gem, whose love for books began in a small New Hampshire town.
The Making of Megan Frampton
Born with a passion for stories, Megan Frampton’s love affair with books ignited in a remote New Hampshire town where the family’s lone TV broke, leaving her to devour her parents’ library. Authors like Georgette Heyer and C.S. Lewis shaped her imagination. After majoring in English literature at Barnard College, she spent 15 years in the music industry, writing reviews and editing for a trade magazine. A job loss after 9/11 prompted her to stay home with her young son, sparking her desire to write romance novels inspired by her childhood favorites.
Frampton’s first novel, A Singular Lady, took three years to craft, introducing her signature style: heroines with agency and heroes with charm. Living in Brooklyn with her husband (a former intern) and son, she balances her writing with a day job at a major publisher, proving her dedication to the literary world.
Megan Frampton’s Unforgettable Stories
Frampton’s bibliography shines with historical romance, particularly the Dukes Behaving Badly series, which debuted with The Duke’s Guide to Correct Behavior in 2014. This novel follows the scandalous Duke of Rutherford, who hires governess Lily Russell, only to find himself smitten. Readers adore its humor, chemistry, and Frampton’s knack for subverting Regency tropes.
Other gems include Put Up Your Duke, where the rakish Nicholas woos his reluctant bride Isabella, and My Fair Duchess, a Pygmalion-inspired tale of a woman inheriting a dukedom. Her Hazards of Dukes series, starting with Never Kiss a Duke, explores unconventional heroes like Sebastian, a disinherited duke turned gambler. Frampton’s style—witty, sensual, and emotionally rich—blends Victorian and Regency settings with modern sensibilities, earning comparisons to Tessa Dare and Sarah MacLean.
As Megan Caldwell, she ventures into contemporary women’s fiction, showcasing her versatility. Her novels often feature strong heroines navigating love and independence, wrapped in dialogue that sparkles like her favorite gin.
Why Megan Frampton Matters
Megan Frampton’s impact lies in her ability to craft romances that resonate with modern readers while honoring historical settings. Her heroines, from duchesses to governesses, defy societal norms, inspiring fans to embrace their own strength. Her humor and heart have earned starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist, cementing her as a must-read in romance.
Beyond her books, Frampton’s journey from a book-loving child to a prolific author encourages aspiring writers to chase their dreams. Her active presence on social media, sharing quips about gin and dark-haired British men, fosters a warm connection with fans, making her a beloved figure in the romance community.
- Key Works: The Duke’s Guide to Correct Behavior, Put Up Your Duke, My Fair Duchess, Never Kiss a Duke
- Genres: Historical Romance, Contemporary Women’s Fiction
- Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
- Fun Fact: Loves huge earrings and the color black
Snag The Duke’s Guide to Correct Behavior and dive into Megan Frampton’s witty, romantic world!