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A Duke Most Vexing
It began as a battle of wits and ended as a surrender of hearts.Catherine Alaway has few regrets in life, save one. Though her neighbors consider her well past the age for courtship, she still harbors a quiet hope that love might find her. When the Duke of Elverton comes to visit, however, marriage is the furthest thing from her mind. She wants only to avoid him—and the sting of his rejection she previously endured.
Joshua Banfield, Duke of Elverton, seeks nothing more than a peaceful stay in the country, far from the endless duties of his title. What he does not expect is to find himself drawn into a battle of wits and schemes with his friend’s clever younger sister. But the more mischief they trade, the more he finds his heart entangled in the game.
Between spilled tea, frogs in boots, and one very muddy sheep, Catherine and Joshua discover that love often arrives in the most vexing, and delightful, of disguises.
Joshua Banfield, Duke of Elverton, seeks nothing more than a peaceful stay in the country, far from the endless duties of his title. What he does not expect is to find himself drawn into a battle of wits and schemes with his friend’s clever younger sister. But the more mischief they trade, the more he finds his heart entangled in the game.
Between spilled tea, frogs in boots, and one very muddy sheep, Catherine and Joshua discover that love often arrives in the most vexing, and delightful, of disguises.
- GenresRomance
199 pages, Paperback
Published November 3, 2025
4 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 24, 2025
A Duke Most Vexing
by: Miranda Nelson
@authormirandadnelson
••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I should warn you, I am not easily frightened, Your Grace.” I said his title with as much disdain as I could muster.
-My goodness, what a fun day with this lovely cover reveal and releasing day for, A Duke Most Vexing, such a delightful novella with such heart! I thoroughly loved this charming story that had me laughing, smiling, and shaking my head all along the way. You see, in between spilled tea, frogs in boots, and one very muddy sheep, dear Catherine and Joshua both come to discover that love often arrives in the most vexing, and delightful, of disguises. This dear novella may be a quick read but, it is delightful! It is worth the fun read!🙌🏻📚🩷✨
“That smile touched something deep inside her heart and made her feel that, perhaps, love could be enough after all.”
•Content: no language, no peril or violence. Kisses only. Clean-closed door.
“There is no doubt in my mind what I feel for you.”
#adukemostvexing
“Somehow, you make the battles nearly as enjoyable as the peace. You are everything I never knew I wanted.”
#authormirandanelson
“All I see is you. All I love is you.”
#cleancloseddoorromance
“Does this mean our battle is over because it is safe to say that I came out the winner. Because, somehow, I won your heart. And that is the greatest victory of all.”
#worththeread
“Through the difficulties and the blissful days, and everything in between, they had each other.
In each other, they had everything they needed.”
#allaboutthebestreads
by: Miranda Nelson
@authormirandadnelson
••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I should warn you, I am not easily frightened, Your Grace.” I said his title with as much disdain as I could muster.
-My goodness, what a fun day with this lovely cover reveal and releasing day for, A Duke Most Vexing, such a delightful novella with such heart! I thoroughly loved this charming story that had me laughing, smiling, and shaking my head all along the way. You see, in between spilled tea, frogs in boots, and one very muddy sheep, dear Catherine and Joshua both come to discover that love often arrives in the most vexing, and delightful, of disguises. This dear novella may be a quick read but, it is delightful! It is worth the fun read!🙌🏻📚🩷✨
“That smile touched something deep inside her heart and made her feel that, perhaps, love could be enough after all.”
•Content: no language, no peril or violence. Kisses only. Clean-closed door.
“There is no doubt in my mind what I feel for you.”
#adukemostvexing
“Somehow, you make the battles nearly as enjoyable as the peace. You are everything I never knew I wanted.”
#authormirandanelson
“All I see is you. All I love is you.”
#cleancloseddoorromance
“Does this mean our battle is over because it is safe to say that I came out the winner. Because, somehow, I won your heart. And that is the greatest victory of all.”
#worththeread
“Through the difficulties and the blissful days, and everything in between, they had each other.
In each other, they had everything they needed.”
#allaboutthebestreads
Want to read
November 12, 2025A Regency tale, written entirely in modern language, about a young woman who is childishly rude to a duke because he "broke her heart" when she was 12. Not my thing. DNF
October 25, 2025
“Somehow, you make the battles nearly as enjoyable as the peace. You are everything I never knew I wanted.”
This is a fantastic rivals to lovers novella with best friend’s sister, witty banter, and a prank war.
Catherine is witty, caring, spirited, and battles feeling out of place. She is holding a grudge but quickly moves past it. I loved how she didn’t let Joshua being a Duke bother her and treated him the same as she had years before. Joshua is kind, understanding, protective, and witty. I loved that even though he is now a Duke he still longs to be accepted as just Joshua. I enjoyed the little glimpses of his friendship with Thomas (past & present). Joshua fell hard for Catherine! I enjoyed Catherine and Joshua’s pranks and “bickering”. But what I enjoyed even more was when they were honest with each other and the teasing became real flirting. I loved that they each saw, accepted, and appreciated the other for who they were.
One more quote:
“Joshua Banfield, what have you done?” Joshua groaned. “I do not know, but blast everything hurts.” “A duke should not swear.” Joshua chuckled. “A duke can swear whenever he likes. Who is going to tell him otherwise?” “God,” she responded flatly. “And you?” he asked with a raised brow.
This is a fantastic rivals to lovers novella with best friend’s sister, witty banter, and a prank war.
Catherine is witty, caring, spirited, and battles feeling out of place. She is holding a grudge but quickly moves past it. I loved how she didn’t let Joshua being a Duke bother her and treated him the same as she had years before. Joshua is kind, understanding, protective, and witty. I loved that even though he is now a Duke he still longs to be accepted as just Joshua. I enjoyed the little glimpses of his friendship with Thomas (past & present). Joshua fell hard for Catherine! I enjoyed Catherine and Joshua’s pranks and “bickering”. But what I enjoyed even more was when they were honest with each other and the teasing became real flirting. I loved that they each saw, accepted, and appreciated the other for who they were.
One more quote:
“Joshua Banfield, what have you done?” Joshua groaned. “I do not know, but blast everything hurts.” “A duke should not swear.” Joshua chuckled. “A duke can swear whenever he likes. Who is going to tell him otherwise?” “God,” she responded flatly. “And you?” he asked with a raised brow.
October 26, 2025
Did I read this in a single sitting? Yes. Yes, I did.
Did I have a cheesy grin plastered on my face most of the time? Again, yes. Yes, I did!
I adored this sweet regency romance novella! I'm so glad Miranda decided to turn her Flash Fiction Friday prompt into this full story, because it is just so fun and swoony!
When Joshua last visited Catherine's family years ago, he and her older brother either brushed her off or played pranks on her. Now, even though he has inherited the title of Duke, Catherine is less than thrilled to see Joshua again. What starts as retribution and silly retaliatory pranks gradually turns into genuine fun, fondness, and maybe something more that is probably best ignored...right?
I love both of the main characters. They seem like genuinely fun and kind people who truly bring out the best in each other and love each other more because of their quirks, rather than in spite of them. The "I see you" micro-trope is strong with this one!
Read if you love...
🐑 Childhood Crush
🐸 Prank War
🐑 Rivals to More
🐸 Brother's Best Friend
🐑 He Defends Her
🐸 Cozy Fall Romance
🐑 Love of Animals
Content:
💕: Kisses
⚠️: Some bullying
Did I have a cheesy grin plastered on my face most of the time? Again, yes. Yes, I did!
I adored this sweet regency romance novella! I'm so glad Miranda decided to turn her Flash Fiction Friday prompt into this full story, because it is just so fun and swoony!
When Joshua last visited Catherine's family years ago, he and her older brother either brushed her off or played pranks on her. Now, even though he has inherited the title of Duke, Catherine is less than thrilled to see Joshua again. What starts as retribution and silly retaliatory pranks gradually turns into genuine fun, fondness, and maybe something more that is probably best ignored...right?
I love both of the main characters. They seem like genuinely fun and kind people who truly bring out the best in each other and love each other more because of their quirks, rather than in spite of them. The "I see you" micro-trope is strong with this one!
Read if you love...
🐑 Childhood Crush
🐸 Prank War
🐑 Rivals to More
🐸 Brother's Best Friend
🐑 He Defends Her
🐸 Cozy Fall Romance
🐑 Love of Animals
Content:
💕: Kisses
⚠️: Some bullying
October 30, 2025
Oh my goodness, I loved this novella so much! The banter is just fantastic and I love the little battle of pranks between Catherine and Joshua. I loved watching them go from pranks and banter to in love…and banter haha. So many moments made me laugh and there were very swoony and sweet moments as well. I also liked Catherine’s brother. Overall a great story and if you are looking for a great regency romance set in Autumn, this is it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 28, 2025
I am officially hooked! What started as a Flash Fiction prompt blossomed into one of the most delightful novellas I've read. Miranda, I am waiting for more!
A Duke Most Vexing is jam-packed with witty remarks, laugh-out-loud pranks, and enough tenderness to make you swoon. Despite its length, this story felt complete like a full novel, where absolutely nothing was rushed or missing. Miranda has delivered one of the most hilarious, swoony reads of the year!
Far from the ballrooms of London, Catherine lives a life of rugged simplicity, spending her days outdoors with her flock. Her spirit is free, but her heart is not; it was shattered by a man long forgotten—or so she thought. Everything changes when her brother brings home a guest, her childhood rival: Joshua Banfield, a Duke, no less.
Joshua, thrust unexpectedly into a title he never wanted, seeks refuge from society's demands. His friend Thomas's home offers the perfect sanctuary... until he crosses paths with Catherine.
Catherine and Joshua pick up where they left off from their youth, their dynamic defined by the playful, escalating prank war. Yet, the teasing rivalry is merely the surface, quickly giving way to a battle of wills. The electric tension between the Duke and Catherine is pure and undeniable.
I don’t want to spoil too much of the pranks between the two of them, but one in particular had me laughing so hard I had tears! What I truly loved, alongside the humor of the pranks, was the characters' genuine dynamic. Specifically, Catherine's refusal to be swayed by status is a huge part of her appeal. She sees the person, not the title, and this authenticity is irresistible to Joshua.
This novella is still on sale for $0.99 and available on KU. Do yourself a favor and grab this book! It is absolutely worth the read!
A Duke Most Vexing is jam-packed with witty remarks, laugh-out-loud pranks, and enough tenderness to make you swoon. Despite its length, this story felt complete like a full novel, where absolutely nothing was rushed or missing. Miranda has delivered one of the most hilarious, swoony reads of the year!
Far from the ballrooms of London, Catherine lives a life of rugged simplicity, spending her days outdoors with her flock. Her spirit is free, but her heart is not; it was shattered by a man long forgotten—or so she thought. Everything changes when her brother brings home a guest, her childhood rival: Joshua Banfield, a Duke, no less.
Joshua, thrust unexpectedly into a title he never wanted, seeks refuge from society's demands. His friend Thomas's home offers the perfect sanctuary... until he crosses paths with Catherine.
Catherine and Joshua pick up where they left off from their youth, their dynamic defined by the playful, escalating prank war. Yet, the teasing rivalry is merely the surface, quickly giving way to a battle of wills. The electric tension between the Duke and Catherine is pure and undeniable.
I don’t want to spoil too much of the pranks between the two of them, but one in particular had me laughing so hard I had tears! What I truly loved, alongside the humor of the pranks, was the characters' genuine dynamic. Specifically, Catherine's refusal to be swayed by status is a huge part of her appeal. She sees the person, not the title, and this authenticity is irresistible to Joshua.
This novella is still on sale for $0.99 and available on KU. Do yourself a favor and grab this book! It is absolutely worth the read!
November 20, 2025
Oh my swoony goodness, this novella stole my heart and I couldn’t help but fall in love with Catherine and Joshua. Their story is so sweet!
This book is so fun. I love the prank wars between them, the unrequited love, the tension and sweet and tender ‘love you as you are’ romance that unfolds. The banter had me hooked!
This story had me laughing and smiling so much! There are so many memorable scenes that I can’t stop thinking about! This book also melted my heart and had me sighing out loud!
The setting is beautiful. I love the fall feel, and the author’s beautiful writing pulled me into the story and I didn’t want to leave.
I found myself reading at every free moment I had, and this story definitely had me swooning.
This is a Regency romance that you do not want to miss! It is so soo entertaining, touching, enjoyable, and it’ll leave your heart so very happy!
Favorites:
🐑Beautifully paced slow burn
🐑Rivals to more feel
🐑The pranks and shenanigans
🐑The ‘love you as you are’ trope done so beautifully!
🐑Tea🫖
🐑Brother’s best friend
🐑The tension and banter!
🐑Dreamy and vexing in the best way Duke
🐑Determined and unique heroine
🐑The sheep
🐑Sigh worthy happy ending
.
.
.
Content: some bullying, kisses only
This book is so fun. I love the prank wars between them, the unrequited love, the tension and sweet and tender ‘love you as you are’ romance that unfolds. The banter had me hooked!
This story had me laughing and smiling so much! There are so many memorable scenes that I can’t stop thinking about! This book also melted my heart and had me sighing out loud!
The setting is beautiful. I love the fall feel, and the author’s beautiful writing pulled me into the story and I didn’t want to leave.
I found myself reading at every free moment I had, and this story definitely had me swooning.
This is a Regency romance that you do not want to miss! It is so soo entertaining, touching, enjoyable, and it’ll leave your heart so very happy!
Favorites:
🐑Beautifully paced slow burn
🐑Rivals to more feel
🐑The pranks and shenanigans
🐑The ‘love you as you are’ trope done so beautifully!
🐑Tea🫖
🐑Brother’s best friend
🐑The tension and banter!
🐑Dreamy and vexing in the best way Duke
🐑Determined and unique heroine
🐑The sheep
🐑Sigh worthy happy ending
.
.
.
Content: some bullying, kisses only
October 28, 2025
Oh this was such a delightful story!
I cannot believe this was written from a short prompt on social media and now I want more!!!
Catherine Alaway is more comfortable in a sheep pasture than in a ballroom.
Joshua Banfield is more comfortable helping people after taking over his father’s barrister business than being called Your Grace.
From spilled tea to frogs in boots, these two society “misfits” realize a connection that runs deeper than their silly pranks.
This was filled with such hilarious shenanigans and teasing, sweet characters, and a tender love story that was a joy to watch unfold.
I cannot believe this was written from a short prompt on social media and now I want more!!!
Catherine Alaway is more comfortable in a sheep pasture than in a ballroom.
Joshua Banfield is more comfortable helping people after taking over his father’s barrister business than being called Your Grace.
From spilled tea to frogs in boots, these two society “misfits” realize a connection that runs deeper than their silly pranks.
This was filled with such hilarious shenanigans and teasing, sweet characters, and a tender love story that was a joy to watch unfold.
November 8, 2025
What a fun and quick read! Catherine and Joshua have always had a strained relationship, and it's put to the test when he returns for a visit, now as the new duke. Joshua, who isn't fond of his new title nor the way it makes people treat him, has always enjoyed teasing Catherine, and little has changed...or has it? A series of pranks brings them closer together, and such closeness has a way of changing the heart. These two were such fun, and I loved watching Joshua fall for her. It's beautiful the way he defends her and adores her for the person she is. A fabulous quick read
December 14, 2025
I truly loved the book! The plot was good, it was well paced, the main characters were well-rounded with growth and maturity, despite playing pranks on each other. The ending was cute and their kiss Swoony!
There was only 1 thing that keeps this off my Favorites list. I felt like there was more to the reason people made fun of her and didn't like her than simply she was awkward and liked animals. She wasn't titled, wasn't from an overly wealthy family. They had land, I believe. But, it just felt odd that the entire book kept harping on her love of animals. And then the reason FMC shut herself up in her room for a week to avoid MMC when she was 12? I understand 12 years old, it could be big enough. I guess what I'm really saying is this: There was opportunity to get emotionally deep into both characters, but those opportunities were sorely missed.
There was only 1 thing that keeps this off my Favorites list. I felt like there was more to the reason people made fun of her and didn't like her than simply she was awkward and liked animals. She wasn't titled, wasn't from an overly wealthy family. They had land, I believe. But, it just felt odd that the entire book kept harping on her love of animals. And then the reason FMC shut herself up in her room for a week to avoid MMC when she was 12? I understand 12 years old, it could be big enough. I guess what I'm really saying is this: There was opportunity to get emotionally deep into both characters, but those opportunities were sorely missed.
October 29, 2025
A beautiful chance to experience falling in love again…
I love how as readers we get to experience falling in love again and again in such a variety of ways and this book was perfectly sweet. I enjoy my romances, but I did not realize how much I needed one without great tragedy and trauma until I read this book! A lovely quick read, I highly recommend to anyone ready to snuggle up in their favorite reading spot and feel the warm fuzzies :)
I love how as readers we get to experience falling in love again and again in such a variety of ways and this book was perfectly sweet. I enjoy my romances, but I did not realize how much I needed one without great tragedy and trauma until I read this book! A lovely quick read, I highly recommend to anyone ready to snuggle up in their favorite reading spot and feel the warm fuzzies :)
November 25, 2025
What started out as a small "Flash Fiction Friday" turned into an amazing novella!!
I remember reading this flash Friday and instantly wanted to read more!!! I am so glad she gave us an entire story to go with it!!
This story takes us through a story woven of old feelings and new, mixed with a battle of schemes, and enemies to lovers.
I just love this story!! It does not disappoint:)
I remember reading this flash Friday and instantly wanted to read more!!! I am so glad she gave us an entire story to go with it!!
This story takes us through a story woven of old feelings and new, mixed with a battle of schemes, and enemies to lovers.
I just love this story!! It does not disappoint:)
October 25, 2025
Oh my word this book was so great! I loved their pranks and laughed a lot. I loved the enemies to lovers spinoff along with the brother’s best friend trope. I read it all in one sitting. Such a great book!
November 5, 2025
If you are looking for a fun banter, look no further! I am not particularly fond of people hurting each other's feelings so much they fall in love (sounds even more ridiculous as I type it out), yet somehow, it works here.
October 25, 2025
Absolutely wonderful!
Everything about this book was a delight, from the witty banter, to the pranks, to the heartfelt emotional scenes. I loved it all.
Everything about this book was a delight, from the witty banter, to the pranks, to the heartfelt emotional scenes. I loved it all.
October 30, 2025
Delightful Country Setting
This book's pranks were everything! I'm a sucker for enemies to lovers and brother's best friend tropes. I flew through it in a day. So many laughs! And, bonus points for being the perfect novella length.
This book's pranks were everything! I'm a sucker for enemies to lovers and brother's best friend tropes. I flew through it in a day. So many laughs! And, bonus points for being the perfect novella length.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews