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Taming of the Dukes #2
Never Met a Duke Like You
Clueless meets Bridgerton in this spicy opposites-attract Regency romance.
Lady Vesper Lyndhurst is beautiful, clever, and popular. Afforded every luxury as a duke’s daughter, she fills her days with friends, intrigues, and a self-professed knack for matchmaking. She may have sworn off love for herself, but she is rather excellent at arranging it.
Faced with an insolvent estate, the Duke of Greydon has no choice but to return to England in a final attempt to revive his family’s fortunes. He’s been gone for years, happy to have escaped his mother and the petty circles of the ton. To his dismay, not much has changed, including the beautiful and vexing heiress next door.
But when an accident of fate traps the friends-turned-enemies in an attic together, the explosive attraction between them becomes impossible to ignore and even harder to resist. They are total opposites and their lives don’t align in the slightest, but fate, the ultimate matchmaker, appears to have other plans . . .
Lady Vesper Lyndhurst is beautiful, clever, and popular. Afforded every luxury as a duke’s daughter, she fills her days with friends, intrigues, and a self-professed knack for matchmaking. She may have sworn off love for herself, but she is rather excellent at arranging it.
Faced with an insolvent estate, the Duke of Greydon has no choice but to return to England in a final attempt to revive his family’s fortunes. He’s been gone for years, happy to have escaped his mother and the petty circles of the ton. To his dismay, not much has changed, including the beautiful and vexing heiress next door.
But when an accident of fate traps the friends-turned-enemies in an attic together, the explosive attraction between them becomes impossible to ignore and even harder to resist. They are total opposites and their lives don’t align in the slightest, but fate, the ultimate matchmaker, appears to have other plans . . .
Audiobook
First published November 14, 2023
186 people are currently reading
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About the author
Amalie Howard
46 books3,267 followersAMALIE HOWARD is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author, most notably of The Beast of Beswick, “a smart, sexy, deliciously feminist romance,” and one of O-The Oprah Magazine’s Top 24 Best Historicals to Read. She is the co-author of the #1 bestsellers in regency romance and Scottish historical romance, My Rogue, My Ruin and What A Scot Wants, and has also penned several young adult novels, critically acclaimed by Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, VOYA, School Library Journal, and Booklist, including Waterfell, The Almost Girl, and Alpha Goddess, a Kid’s INDIE NEXT selection. Of Indo-Caribbean descent, she has written articles on multicultural fiction for The Portland Book Review and Ravishly magazine. She currently resides in Colorado with her husband and three children. Visit her at amaliehoward.com.
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November 15, 2023
Never Met a Duke Like Me by Amalie Howard
Taming of the Dukes series #2. Historical romance. Mental health partial topic.
Lady Vesper Lyndhurst is a member of the ton. She fills her days with friends and matchmaking. She’s sworn off love herself. She won’t admit it’s because no one can compare to her former friend Aspen.
The Duke of Greydon returns to London hoping to revive his family’s estate and stop his mother’s spending and underhanded manipulation. Getting locked into seldom used rooms with his former friend turn enemy, Aspen and Vesper are forced to acknowledge their attraction is stronger than ever.
An epic romance that twists through the ton, matchmaking, friends, politics, and a cat that mixes things up. There are also underlying manipulations and pressure from the matriarch of the family that everyone will to slap down.
Vesper and Aspen are hot and steamy together. Their feelings haven’t gone away and clearing up a misunderstanding makes them closer but they still have society and their own issues to deal with.
Oh, when Aspen declares himself! So heartbreaking because ….well, I don’t want to spoil the story.
I loved Aspen and loved their resolution against his evil mother.
The authors note is worth reading and a reading guide is included at the end.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I also purchased copies to keep and share.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CzpeROYLk...
Taming of the Dukes series #2. Historical romance. Mental health partial topic.
Lady Vesper Lyndhurst is a member of the ton. She fills her days with friends and matchmaking. She’s sworn off love herself. She won’t admit it’s because no one can compare to her former friend Aspen.
The Duke of Greydon returns to London hoping to revive his family’s estate and stop his mother’s spending and underhanded manipulation. Getting locked into seldom used rooms with his former friend turn enemy, Aspen and Vesper are forced to acknowledge their attraction is stronger than ever.
An epic romance that twists through the ton, matchmaking, friends, politics, and a cat that mixes things up. There are also underlying manipulations and pressure from the matriarch of the family that everyone will to slap down.
Vesper and Aspen are hot and steamy together. Their feelings haven’t gone away and clearing up a misunderstanding makes them closer but they still have society and their own issues to deal with.
Oh, when Aspen declares himself! So heartbreaking because ….well, I don’t want to spoil the story.
I loved Aspen and loved their resolution against his evil mother.
The authors note is worth reading and a reading guide is included at the end.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I also purchased copies to keep and share.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CzpeROYLk...
July 23, 2023
✨Ugh, as if…✨
**Vague Spoilers Below**
Tbh there weren’t asylums and blackmail in Clueless for a REASON. I was super excited for this one, and I liked a lot about it (!!!), but terrible parent is one of my least favorite tropes, especially how it was handled (or not handled????) here. The book had a very dark undercurrent and I just don’t understand why…especially because the villain did NOT get properly punished.
I was literally like, well, if the villain gets it then I can round up to four stars but NOPE. She got to save face and not go to jail when her crimes were HEINOUS, so really, what’s the point of everything Aspen did throughout the book to prove her guilt??? I just think if she’d been a man, she’d have been swinging from those gallows…and rightfully so!!! If you want to commit to a terrible villain who committed terrible crimes, please god commit to ruthless punishment. It’s all I ask.
In my opinion, Never Met a Duke Like You is more like Emma than Clueless. It’s not a perfect match for either, but Clueless has such specific vibes and I just don’t think it met them. I love Clueless so much, so comparing the two was probably a detriment to the book, as it was so dark with not many of the romcom vibes. I will say, the enemies to lovers was amplified in the book as well as the steam (obviously), and there were other change-ups from the Emma/Clueless plot that I definitely liked.
Overall, I’m quite devestated that this one didn’t work for me. If you say Clueless, I am THERE, but the blackmail and other crimes committed were just so bad that they overshadowed the rest of my enjoyment. I do feel like Howard wrote about everything with care, and the book is clearly well-researched. I also still love her writing and am incredibly excited for the next books she teased in this one. I still loved her father so much. And I do like the thought of Clueless with banging lol.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Also this is just me…but names like Aspen and Vesper??? I guess I could vibe with Vesper, but I have great animosity towards Aspen lol I’m so sorry if that offends anyone he just did NOT seem like an Aspen 😭
**Less Vague Spoilers below**
To backtrack, I’ve gotta be honest that as soon as I read the content warning about asylums, I nearly tapped out before even reading the first page 😭 I just do not like reading about them for personal reasons, but I already had the eARC. I could’ve handled it if the villain had gotten properly handled! I just really don’t think it’s that hard to throw her ass in jail or in the Thames let’s be real. I also just didn’t like how Vesper didn’t believe him and involved his mother with her ball. Like girl,,,,,,these are pretty serious accusations???
To be quite clear, Aspen’s mother, the dowager duchess, literally committed the late duke into an asylum because she thought he was hampering her societal goals (he liked books and fossils and didn’t like society). She paid off doctors and drugged him and made him suffer even more at their hands by demanding they perform archaic torture until he died. They basically waterboarded that man every morning until he died. Under her direct order. Aspen then at the end has all his proof of this to send her to jail, and he DOESN’T. She gets to go the country and have a peaceful life!!!! What was the POINT then????
(I just don’t think you can attach Clueless to a book that has this DARK of a fucking plot.)
Aspen literally said she could still save face by going to the country, so to me that’s not a victory. I don’t care if she thrived off being in London, because she already had been banned by him before the book even started! So yeah, by the end he was able to prove she literally as good as murdered his father by falsely committing him to an asylum (WHICH HE ALREADY KNEW JUST DIDN’T HAVE PROOF OF) but her punishment was the same as what she’d already experienced before the book started! What’s the point of including all of that plot if she didn’t go to jail or change anything from before???
I support women’s rights and wrongs when it’s being a little too overzealous in matchmaking! not when it’s falsely committing people to asylums!!! So fucking disturbing 😖
I actually thought I was handling it all very well…until the blackmail entered the chat and derailed the third act…yeah I wept. Because guess what, self sacrifice and her telling him he needed to marry Judith was just taking the suffering (mine) TOO FAR.
Thanks to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
**Vague Spoilers Below**
Tbh there weren’t asylums and blackmail in Clueless for a REASON. I was super excited for this one, and I liked a lot about it (!!!), but terrible parent is one of my least favorite tropes, especially how it was handled (or not handled????) here. The book had a very dark undercurrent and I just don’t understand why…especially because the villain did NOT get properly punished.
I was literally like, well, if the villain gets it then I can round up to four stars but NOPE. She got to save face and not go to jail when her crimes were HEINOUS, so really, what’s the point of everything Aspen did throughout the book to prove her guilt??? I just think if she’d been a man, she’d have been swinging from those gallows…and rightfully so!!! If you want to commit to a terrible villain who committed terrible crimes, please god commit to ruthless punishment. It’s all I ask.
In my opinion, Never Met a Duke Like You is more like Emma than Clueless. It’s not a perfect match for either, but Clueless has such specific vibes and I just don’t think it met them. I love Clueless so much, so comparing the two was probably a detriment to the book, as it was so dark with not many of the romcom vibes. I will say, the enemies to lovers was amplified in the book as well as the steam (obviously), and there were other change-ups from the Emma/Clueless plot that I definitely liked.
Overall, I’m quite devestated that this one didn’t work for me. If you say Clueless, I am THERE, but the blackmail and other crimes committed were just so bad that they overshadowed the rest of my enjoyment. I do feel like Howard wrote about everything with care, and the book is clearly well-researched. I also still love her writing and am incredibly excited for the next books she teased in this one. I still loved her father so much. And I do like the thought of Clueless with banging lol.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Also this is just me…but names like Aspen and Vesper??? I guess I could vibe with Vesper, but I have great animosity towards Aspen lol I’m so sorry if that offends anyone he just did NOT seem like an Aspen 😭
**Less Vague Spoilers below**
To backtrack, I’ve gotta be honest that as soon as I read the content warning about asylums, I nearly tapped out before even reading the first page 😭 I just do not like reading about them for personal reasons, but I already had the eARC. I could’ve handled it if the villain had gotten properly handled! I just really don’t think it’s that hard to throw her ass in jail or in the Thames let’s be real. I also just didn’t like how Vesper didn’t believe him and involved his mother with her ball. Like girl,,,,,,these are pretty serious accusations???
To be quite clear, Aspen’s mother, the dowager duchess, literally committed the late duke into an asylum because she thought he was hampering her societal goals (he liked books and fossils and didn’t like society). She paid off doctors and drugged him and made him suffer even more at their hands by demanding they perform archaic torture until he died. They basically waterboarded that man every morning until he died. Under her direct order. Aspen then at the end has all his proof of this to send her to jail, and he DOESN’T. She gets to go the country and have a peaceful life!!!! What was the POINT then????
(I just don’t think you can attach Clueless to a book that has this DARK of a fucking plot.)
Aspen literally said she could still save face by going to the country, so to me that’s not a victory. I don’t care if she thrived off being in London, because she already had been banned by him before the book even started! So yeah, by the end he was able to prove she literally as good as murdered his father by falsely committing him to an asylum (WHICH HE ALREADY KNEW JUST DIDN’T HAVE PROOF OF) but her punishment was the same as what she’d already experienced before the book started! What’s the point of including all of that plot if she didn’t go to jail or change anything from before???
I support women’s rights and wrongs when it’s being a little too overzealous in matchmaking! not when it’s falsely committing people to asylums!!! So fucking disturbing 😖
I actually thought I was handling it all very well…until the blackmail entered the chat and derailed the third act…yeah I wept. Because guess what, self sacrifice and her telling him he needed to marry Judith was just taking the suffering (mine) TOO FAR.
Thanks to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
November 18, 2023
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖 (The first half especially I struggled. It was just too much bickering and enemies vibe for me)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (plus a partial and a short epilogue scene I didn’t count)
Humor: Yes – especially if you like sarcastic banter
Perspective: Third person from the hero and heroine
When mains are first on page together: Pretty soon in (about 5%)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends on a happily ever after.
Epilogue: Yes, a few months later
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy through NetGalley
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
It’s not necessary but there is some cross over of characters.
Basic plot:
Vesper hasn’t seen Greydon in years, but when they are locked inside an attic together, they kind of pick up right where they left off – trying to take each other down a notch.
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian (I didn’t see a year, but it’s after Darwin was publishing work and I have book 1 in the series marked as 1865)
- London setting
- Clueless retelling
- childhood friends
- billiards lessons
- enemies to lovers
- neurodiverse heroine – Vesper has ADHD
- prodigal hero returns
- lots of social action – garden parties, balls, masquerades...
- bespectacled hero
- pets – the heroine gets a cat
- very light touch of hero nurses heroine back to health
- paleontologist hero
- low to mid steam – I have 2 full scenes, a very hot partial, and a short epilogue scene
Ages:
- Heroine is 23, hero is around 25
First line:
Lady Vesper Lyndhurst marched through the garden, wrenching the petals from a daisy though she had yet to end up with an answer other than he loves me not.
My thoughts:
I am really sad I struggled with this one! I think part of it may be I really love the movie Clueless and just rewatched it before starting this book. So I probably had some of my favorite scenes/ideas and when it didn’t go that way I was a bit disappointed.
I think another part of what I didn’t love is the non stop bickering and fighting Vesper and Aspen do in this story. Maybe if my children haven’t been fighting non stop it wouldn’t have been so noticeable. But this is why I struggle so hard with enemies to lovers. And I know our relationship dynamic with Cher in the movie was like this but I felt like theirs was a bit more playful and fun. They still did stuff together and seemed to enjoy each other's company - In the beginning this one really feels like hatred.
We’re told that Vesper behaves perfect socially – she controls herself and her emotions rigidly due to her ADHD and she’s worried she will make a misstep. I felt like I never really saw this side of Vesper though – and part of it is that Greyson throws her off but she seemed to always be acting a bit angry and filled with outbursts with him in social situations and it seems like that was the opposite of what I was told about her. Losing her temper with him, basically making scenes, I couldn’t reconcile what I was getting on page with what I was supposed to think of her character as and it did bother me a bit.
I LOVED the matchmaking aspect. I adore when we have a matchmaker in the story, so I really appreciated this aspect of Vesper’s personality. I also really, really loved the steam in this one. I think it really worked to connect the characters and propel their relationship forward. Most of the scenes were decently long and detailed too and I really loved that. I think the latter half of the book I connected with way more than the first half.
I was glad the villain activity didn’t take over the book like I was worried it would when I saw blackmail mentioned. I don’t like the ending result of the whole villain thing – I am pretty blood thirsty when it comes to punishment and was definitely disappointed in this. I feel like this is one of those things that is a problem waiting to come back and affect them in later years and it just niggles at me and I don’t feel as strong of a HEA for the couple…
I can't say I loved their names and while I smirked the first time I heard "Lord Ass" instead of Aspen, I didn't love him calling her "Lady Viper" - and it was a lot throughout the book even during sexy scenes and I was just like blehhhhhh.
But, overall this book had some things I really loved and I appreciated the Clueless nods throughout the story.
Endearments
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:Any mistakes/typos are my own. There’s also additional quotes under the steam section for some steamy scenes
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖 (The first half especially I struggled. It was just too much bickering and enemies vibe for me)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥 (plus a partial and a short epilogue scene I didn’t count)
Humor: Yes – especially if you like sarcastic banter
Perspective: Third person from the hero and heroine
When mains are first on page together: Pretty soon in (about 5%)
Cliffhanger: No, this ends on a happily ever after.
Epilogue: Yes, a few months later
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy through NetGalley
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
It’s not necessary but there is some cross over of characters.
Basic plot:
Vesper hasn’t seen Greydon in years, but when they are locked inside an attic together, they kind of pick up right where they left off – trying to take each other down a notch.
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian (I didn’t see a year, but it’s after Darwin was publishing work and I have book 1 in the series marked as 1865)
- London setting
- Clueless retelling
- childhood friends
- billiards lessons
- enemies to lovers
- neurodiverse heroine – Vesper has ADHD
- prodigal hero returns
- lots of social action – garden parties, balls, masquerades...
- bespectacled hero
- pets – the heroine gets a cat
- very light touch of hero nurses heroine back to health
- paleontologist hero
- low to mid steam – I have 2 full scenes, a very hot partial, and a short epilogue scene
Ages:
- Heroine is 23, hero is around 25
First line:
Lady Vesper Lyndhurst marched through the garden, wrenching the petals from a daisy though she had yet to end up with an answer other than he loves me not.
My thoughts:
I am really sad I struggled with this one! I think part of it may be I really love the movie Clueless and just rewatched it before starting this book. So I probably had some of my favorite scenes/ideas and when it didn’t go that way I was a bit disappointed.
I think another part of what I didn’t love is the non stop bickering and fighting Vesper and Aspen do in this story. Maybe if my children haven’t been fighting non stop it wouldn’t have been so noticeable. But this is why I struggle so hard with enemies to lovers. And I know our relationship dynamic with Cher in the movie was like this but I felt like theirs was a bit more playful and fun. They still did stuff together and seemed to enjoy each other's company - In the beginning this one really feels like hatred.
We’re told that Vesper behaves perfect socially – she controls herself and her emotions rigidly due to her ADHD and she’s worried she will make a misstep. I felt like I never really saw this side of Vesper though – and part of it is that Greyson throws her off but she seemed to always be acting a bit angry and filled with outbursts with him in social situations and it seems like that was the opposite of what I was told about her. Losing her temper with him, basically making scenes, I couldn’t reconcile what I was getting on page with what I was supposed to think of her character as and it did bother me a bit.
I LOVED the matchmaking aspect. I adore when we have a matchmaker in the story, so I really appreciated this aspect of Vesper’s personality. I also really, really loved the steam in this one. I think it really worked to connect the characters and propel their relationship forward. Most of the scenes were decently long and detailed too and I really loved that. I think the latter half of the book I connected with way more than the first half.
I was glad the villain activity didn’t take over the book like I was worried it would when I saw blackmail mentioned. I don’t like the ending result of the whole villain thing – I am pretty blood thirsty when it comes to punishment and was definitely disappointed in this. I feel like this is one of those things that is a problem waiting to come back and affect them in later years and it just niggles at me and I don’t feel as strong of a HEA for the couple…
I can't say I loved their names and while I smirked the first time I heard "Lord Ass" instead of Aspen, I didn't love him calling her "Lady Viper" - and it was a lot throughout the book even during sexy scenes and I was just like blehhhhhh.
But, overall this book had some things I really loved and I appreciated the Clueless nods throughout the story.
Endearments
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:Any mistakes/typos are my own. There’s also additional quotes under the steam section for some steamy scenes
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
November 14, 2023
*Happy publication day*
3.7 stars
One Liner: Quite good
Lady Vesper Lyndhurst considers herself an excellent matchmaker. After all, didn’t her nudges lead three (or is it four) couples to the altar? As a duke’s daughter, Vesper has everything she wants and fills her days with activities. She’s too busy arranging things to have time for her own marriage or love.
Aspen Drake, the Duke of Greydon, had to return to England to save his estate and deal with his mother. The last thing he wants is to spend time with the ton but has no choice even if nothing has changed, and people are as petty as ever.
It doesn’t take long for Vesper and Aspen to meet again. The childhood friends-turned-enemies cannot help but snap at each other. But there’s more to their bickering than either would like to admit. Nevertheless, the two can find a way forward only if they sort through the past.
The story comes in the third-person POV of Vesper and Aspen.
My Thoughts:
This is a Regency friends-to-enemies-to-lovers (frenemies to lovers) book with some enjoyable moments and some not-so-good ones. It has a quite lot of tropes, which again give mixed results. It’s the second book in the series, but works as a standalone.
The book begins with a quick note, explaining that the content can be darkish and talk of asylums, torture, medical mistreatment, etc. It’s all told and not shown.
Since Vesper and Aspen are childhood friends (estranged for a few years), we can see they know each other enough to deliberately rile up the other for fun. A few barbs were too sharp, but there's a reason behind them (both were hurt and had some preconceived notions). However, this is balanced out by genuine concern and growing attraction.
The pacing is decent, and I like the slow-burning steamy romance (2.5ish) between the lead couple. Aspen has ADHD, which is shown through her restlessness and the need to always do something.
Misunderstandings and miscommunication are galore in this one. Some of it is annoying. The constant humor (with a good dose of sexual innuendos that are somehow well done) made it bearable.
The side characters are sweet and entertaining. Judith shines in her limited space. There’s a strong hint about the next book, and knowing what little I saw of that character, I am excited to see how it goes.
There’s a kitten, too, not-so-lovingly named Cat by Vesper (she is allergic to animal hair). You can see this little fluff ball on the book cover.
There’s a third-act breakup, too, but Aspen saves the day. Though, I do blame both of them for not sharing complete information with the other. At least, it’s sorted in a rather …. way, so we move on to the last scene.
What I totally dislike about the book is the resolution (or the lack of it) about the villain. People ought to face the consequences of their actions, at least in books. And what that character did is evil. Maybe in book #3?
There’s a detailed epilogue, making me happy enough to round up the rating to 4 stars (I brought it down to 3 after the confrontation scene). There’s an author’s note at the end without more information and inspiration about real-life people who worked for the said causes (better lunatic asylum rights and schools for poor kids).
To summarize, Never Met a Duke Like You is a fun and entertaining book that touches upon some dark themes without getting graphic or depressing. The only graphic part is the steam, so go with the right expectations. ;)
Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
***
P.S.: The book is compared to the movie Clueless, but since I haven't watched it, I can't say how true this is.
3.7 stars
One Liner: Quite good
Lady Vesper Lyndhurst considers herself an excellent matchmaker. After all, didn’t her nudges lead three (or is it four) couples to the altar? As a duke’s daughter, Vesper has everything she wants and fills her days with activities. She’s too busy arranging things to have time for her own marriage or love.
Aspen Drake, the Duke of Greydon, had to return to England to save his estate and deal with his mother. The last thing he wants is to spend time with the ton but has no choice even if nothing has changed, and people are as petty as ever.
It doesn’t take long for Vesper and Aspen to meet again. The childhood friends-turned-enemies cannot help but snap at each other. But there’s more to their bickering than either would like to admit. Nevertheless, the two can find a way forward only if they sort through the past.
The story comes in the third-person POV of Vesper and Aspen.
My Thoughts:
This is a Regency friends-to-enemies-to-lovers (frenemies to lovers) book with some enjoyable moments and some not-so-good ones. It has a quite lot of tropes, which again give mixed results. It’s the second book in the series, but works as a standalone.
The book begins with a quick note, explaining that the content can be darkish and talk of asylums, torture, medical mistreatment, etc. It’s all told and not shown.
Since Vesper and Aspen are childhood friends (estranged for a few years), we can see they know each other enough to deliberately rile up the other for fun. A few barbs were too sharp, but there's a reason behind them (both were hurt and had some preconceived notions). However, this is balanced out by genuine concern and growing attraction.
The pacing is decent, and I like the slow-burning steamy romance (2.5ish) between the lead couple. Aspen has ADHD, which is shown through her restlessness and the need to always do something.
Misunderstandings and miscommunication are galore in this one. Some of it is annoying. The constant humor (with a good dose of sexual innuendos that are somehow well done) made it bearable.
The side characters are sweet and entertaining. Judith shines in her limited space. There’s a strong hint about the next book, and knowing what little I saw of that character, I am excited to see how it goes.
There’s a kitten, too, not-so-lovingly named Cat by Vesper (she is allergic to animal hair). You can see this little fluff ball on the book cover.
There’s a third-act breakup, too, but Aspen saves the day. Though, I do blame both of them for not sharing complete information with the other. At least, it’s sorted in a rather …. way, so we move on to the last scene.
What I totally dislike about the book is the resolution (or the lack of it) about the villain. People ought to face the consequences of their actions, at least in books. And what that character did is evil. Maybe in book #3?
There’s a detailed epilogue, making me happy enough to round up the rating to 4 stars (I brought it down to 3 after the confrontation scene). There’s an author’s note at the end without more information and inspiration about real-life people who worked for the said causes (better lunatic asylum rights and schools for poor kids).
To summarize, Never Met a Duke Like You is a fun and entertaining book that touches upon some dark themes without getting graphic or depressing. The only graphic part is the steam, so go with the right expectations. ;)
Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
***
P.S.: The book is compared to the movie Clueless, but since I haven't watched it, I can't say how true this is.
December 20, 2023
This is a well-written, entertaining, steamy, historical romance novel. It has a likeable and intelligent female protagonist, a kind and caring male protagonist, engaging banter, wit, a touch of humor, an adorable kitten, sizzling chemistry, and a heartwarming romance. This is the second entry in Ms. Howard's Taming of the Dukes series, and it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. I listened to the audio book, and the narrator, Ms. Mary Jane Wells, is truly talented, and has a lovely voice.
November 21, 2023
Never Met a Duke Like You is low angst, medium heat, and lots of fun. Vesper (Lady) and Aspen (Duke) were childhood friends until he went to school and got embarrassed that a girl could kick his ass... and then, a few years later, gave her the cut direct at her first ball. Then, he disappeared from London to become a paleontologist. But now he's back to save the dukedom from his evil mother's machinations. Vesper is the perfect Society lady on the outside and a chaotic softie on the inside. She might seem like she's got it all together, but it's an act. She's determined never to marry and to devote all of her energy to charity work. Too bad she's decided to partner with Aspen's mother for the biggest charity ball of all time.
It's unusual these days to have such an obvious - and truly evil - villainess in a historical romance, but Howard goes all in. Perhaps because it's not in every book, but we had a great time hating Aspen's mother. At the same time, we were a little frustrated with Vesper for falling for the duchess's schemes so easily. Once Aspen and Vesper finally come to an understanding, we had a great time. Also, there is some nice heat to the book, including a semi-public hookup in the natural history exhibit at the Crystal Palace. Honestly that might make the whole novel worth reading right there!
Although this is the second in a series, we think it's fine to read on its own. We had a fun time, although the book doesn't break any new ground.
14-Word Summaries:
Laine: These two characters are so inconsistent, but at least there's years of sexy pining?
Meg: Vesper fulfilled my dreams of boning (😉) at the Museum of Natural History dinosaur exhibit.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
It's unusual these days to have such an obvious - and truly evil - villainess in a historical romance, but Howard goes all in. Perhaps because it's not in every book, but we had a great time hating Aspen's mother. At the same time, we were a little frustrated with Vesper for falling for the duchess's schemes so easily. Once Aspen and Vesper finally come to an understanding, we had a great time. Also, there is some nice heat to the book, including a semi-public hookup in the natural history exhibit at the Crystal Palace. Honestly that might make the whole novel worth reading right there!
Although this is the second in a series, we think it's fine to read on its own. We had a fun time, although the book doesn't break any new ground.
14-Word Summaries:
Laine: These two characters are so inconsistent, but at least there's years of sexy pining?
Meg: Vesper fulfilled my dreams of boning (😉) at the Museum of Natural History dinosaur exhibit.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
January 24, 2024
It was all right. The H/h were hot and cold, especially the hero. That got boring. I enjoy an enemies to lovers romance, but for some reason, I found their bickering kind of childish. There was a scene reminiscent of a scene in Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington’s book. The H/h spend a lot of time together (forced proximity) so that was a plus.
I didn’t think the cat and her attempt at matchmaking two of her servants (housekeeper and dad’s solicitor???) served anything and could have been omitted to shorten the story. Some of the dialogues and behaviors were modern and they took me out the story a few times.
Fortunately, there was no
Morgan was right. The steam was a little lacking. 2 out 5. But I will give the author credit for choosing locations for those steamy scenes:
I am a little curious who the heroine’s friends and brother would end up with, assuming they get their own HEA, so I may continue the series or maybe I’ll just read the blurbs to see who gets set up with whom.
I didn’t think the cat and her attempt at matchmaking two of her servants (housekeeper and dad’s solicitor???) served anything and could have been omitted to shorten the story. Some of the dialogues and behaviors were modern and they took me out the story a few times.
Fortunately, there was no
Morgan was right. The steam was a little lacking. 2 out 5. But I will give the author credit for choosing locations for those steamy scenes:
I am a little curious who the heroine’s friends and brother would end up with, assuming they get their own HEA, so I may continue the series or maybe I’ll just read the blurbs to see who gets set up with whom.
July 5, 2023
This was cute and VERY comical! I always enjoy Amalie Howard's writing! I am usually not into historical fiction but this author truly has a way with words. This is actually a retelling of "Clueless" movie (which was a retelling of "Emma"). I didn't even put two and two together until I got to the end of the book.
I also like the fact that the author includes book group questions at the end, that will help peak discussions during your book group meet up! Loved this. Aspen was dreamy! Vesper was brilliant, I loved that she had adhd and got overstimulated as I can relate to that. I loved her strong will and stubbornness. Her sarcasm and remarks with Aspen, the banter between the two, had me laughing so hard. Enjoyable for sure!
I received this ARC from NetGalley to read and review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I also like the fact that the author includes book group questions at the end, that will help peak discussions during your book group meet up! Loved this. Aspen was dreamy! Vesper was brilliant, I loved that she had adhd and got overstimulated as I can relate to that. I loved her strong will and stubbornness. Her sarcasm and remarks with Aspen, the banter between the two, had me laughing so hard. Enjoyable for sure!
I received this ARC from NetGalley to read and review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
Read
January 7, 2024DNF at 54%. Nothing new I haven’t read before. No twists, no delightful banter. Actually, no plot. This story was relying on the movie Clueless? I liked Clueless. I didn’t fall asleep on Clueless.
October 16, 2023
Lady Vesper Lyndhurst may have sworn off love for herself, but she enjoys matchmaking for others...so she'll help her duke-next-door, Aspen, Duke of Greydon, launch his mother's ward. But Vesper and Aspen have always had an attraction for each other. Can they put their preconceived notions aside and follow their hearts?
This is the second book in the Taming of the Dukes series, based on movie reimaginings. This story takes inspiration from the film Clueless. The heroine likes to play matchmaker and has a combative but flirty relationship with her childhood neighbor, who is mentored by her father.
The book gets off to a strong start, with the characters accidently getting trapped together. I liked that this forced proximity jumped into the action and gave the reader a little backstory of their previous relationship. The author lets the reader know that Vesper has ADHD and focuses her energy into how she presents herself to society. Aspen, however, has family trauma and is turned off of tonnish behavior. As much as he wants Vesper, he's afraid she's just as artificial as his mother.
** Trigger warning for mental health abuses ** - In the story, Aspen's father was wrongfully committed to an asylum. I was really interested in this aspect of the story and I wish it had been an even bigger focus. While forced (and often improper) commitment was common at this time, I found it unlikely that a powerful duke could find himself in that situation. Aspen feels the same way, and sets out to find proof.
I think the story would have been much stronger if the focus was on Aspen's journey to right the wrongs done to his father and his waffling about his feelings for Vesper since she personified so many of the characteristics he was suspicious of (rather than wasting some time trying to make movie connections fit the theme). But overall, there was more to like than not in this book. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.
Tropes: Childhood Friends, Frenemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Matchmaking, Secret Crush
Steam: 3.5 (three full, one interrupted)
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
This is the second book in the Taming of the Dukes series, based on movie reimaginings. This story takes inspiration from the film Clueless. The heroine likes to play matchmaker and has a combative but flirty relationship with her childhood neighbor, who is mentored by her father.
The book gets off to a strong start, with the characters accidently getting trapped together. I liked that this forced proximity jumped into the action and gave the reader a little backstory of their previous relationship. The author lets the reader know that Vesper has ADHD and focuses her energy into how she presents herself to society. Aspen, however, has family trauma and is turned off of tonnish behavior. As much as he wants Vesper, he's afraid she's just as artificial as his mother.
** Trigger warning for mental health abuses ** - In the story, Aspen's father was wrongfully committed to an asylum. I was really interested in this aspect of the story and I wish it had been an even bigger focus. While forced (and often improper) commitment was common at this time, I found it unlikely that a powerful duke could find himself in that situation. Aspen feels the same way, and sets out to find proof.
I think the story would have been much stronger if the focus was on Aspen's journey to right the wrongs done to his father and his waffling about his feelings for Vesper since she personified so many of the characteristics he was suspicious of (rather than wasting some time trying to make movie connections fit the theme). But overall, there was more to like than not in this book. 3.5 stars rounded to 4.
Tropes: Childhood Friends, Frenemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Matchmaking, Secret Crush
Steam: 3.5 (three full, one interrupted)
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
November 5, 2023
Described as Clueless meets Bridgerton, Never Met a Duke Like You is the second book in Amalie Howard’s Taming of the Dukes historical romance series. It follows Vesper, a neurodivergent matchmaker, and Aspen, a paleontologist forced to return to England and take his rightful place as Duke. Friends when they were children, they are now estranged until a mishap forces the pair together.
There’s a lot to love in this new addition to the series. The writing style and pacing are great, and the characters are layered and interesting. Vesper is such a fabulous protagonist, and Aspen is the grump to her sunshine. I also liked many of the secondary characters, especially Vesper’s brother and father and some of Vesper’s friends. And I can’t forget Cat, the lovable feline who wins everyone’s heart by the end of the book. So cute!
I was a little disappointed about a couple of things. First, the antagonist’s punishment felt anti-climactic. I was definitely hoping for more repercussions than what the person received. Second, her friends didn’t seem as supportive of Vesper as she’s been for them, though it was understandable under the circumstances.
Vesper and Aspen are the kind of couple that is totally in love, and everyone but them knows it. That aspect of the love story is comical. I also generally enjoyed their banter. They have so much chemistry, and their teasing and antagonizing, which is filled with sexual innuendos, is great. However, I didn’t like how Vesper and Aspen spoke to each other at times. They seemed to enjoy riling each other up, which was great, but I felt they sometimes took it to the extreme and became personally insulting. They have strong enemies-to-lovers vibes, but there were instances when both went too far in their hurtful barbs. Childhood friends turned enemies, the reasons for their estrangement hurt both of them, and pride and fear of rejection definitely get in the way, but I like how they slowly find their way back to each other.
At times, Aspen frustrated me when he unfairly judged Vesper, especially knowing how much his rejection years ago scarred her. However, I think his past, most especially the vile actions of his mother, skewed his feelings toward love, vulnerability, and influential women. This made some of his hurtful comments and actions more forgivable, as did his more tender and loving moments. This is not a closed-door romance, and all of that back and forth leads to some emotionally charged and spicy scenes!
There are also some strong messages about neurodiversity, the awful treatment of institutionalized people, and the ease with which one could institutionalize another during this time. Be sure to check out the author’s note to learn more about the research that went into writing about these topics.
Overall, this was a decent read, though I have to admit, I preferred the first book in the series. That being said, I will continue the series, as I’m eager to see which characters will find romance next. Special thanks to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
There’s a lot to love in this new addition to the series. The writing style and pacing are great, and the characters are layered and interesting. Vesper is such a fabulous protagonist, and Aspen is the grump to her sunshine. I also liked many of the secondary characters, especially Vesper’s brother and father and some of Vesper’s friends. And I can’t forget Cat, the lovable feline who wins everyone’s heart by the end of the book. So cute!
I was a little disappointed about a couple of things. First, the antagonist’s punishment felt anti-climactic. I was definitely hoping for more repercussions than what the person received. Second, her friends didn’t seem as supportive of Vesper as she’s been for them, though it was understandable under the circumstances.
Vesper and Aspen are the kind of couple that is totally in love, and everyone but them knows it. That aspect of the love story is comical. I also generally enjoyed their banter. They have so much chemistry, and their teasing and antagonizing, which is filled with sexual innuendos, is great. However, I didn’t like how Vesper and Aspen spoke to each other at times. They seemed to enjoy riling each other up, which was great, but I felt they sometimes took it to the extreme and became personally insulting. They have strong enemies-to-lovers vibes, but there were instances when both went too far in their hurtful barbs. Childhood friends turned enemies, the reasons for their estrangement hurt both of them, and pride and fear of rejection definitely get in the way, but I like how they slowly find their way back to each other.
At times, Aspen frustrated me when he unfairly judged Vesper, especially knowing how much his rejection years ago scarred her. However, I think his past, most especially the vile actions of his mother, skewed his feelings toward love, vulnerability, and influential women. This made some of his hurtful comments and actions more forgivable, as did his more tender and loving moments. This is not a closed-door romance, and all of that back and forth leads to some emotionally charged and spicy scenes!
There are also some strong messages about neurodiversity, the awful treatment of institutionalized people, and the ease with which one could institutionalize another during this time. Be sure to check out the author’s note to learn more about the research that went into writing about these topics.
Overall, this was a decent read, though I have to admit, I preferred the first book in the series. That being said, I will continue the series, as I’m eager to see which characters will find romance next. Special thanks to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
July 19, 2023
I liked the premise, but I found it to be unnecessarily long-winded and with some of the modern language didn’t belong in the story in my opinion and kind of pulled me from the scenes. People will enjoy this book, however, it just wasn't for me.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2024
I should probably give this two stars, but I don’t care enough about the book to reflect on it any further. It was just…blah. Fine. Medium. That’s it. The end.
September 21, 2024
there’s something about how animalistic regency men get when they’re jealous that always gets me going 🙏🏼
November 8, 2023
Vesper and Aspen were fire! It was a little slow for me at first, but as soon as Aspen got super irritated with the feelings he had for her (which had been going on for so, so many years) I really got into this story. Aspen knew there was more to this girl than met the eye, and she was so selfless. Vesper was a matchmaker to all of her friends but never wanted love for herself. It was clear that no man would ever live up to the void that Aspen left when they were kids. They were the only one's for each other and it was clear that no one else measured up. Their chemistry was scorching and their banter was on point. Aspen annoyed me a bit at first fighting feelings he clearly had, but as soon as he gave in, I was all in on them.
Thank you to Forever, Amalie Howard and Netgalley for an early copy.
Thank you to Forever, Amalie Howard and Netgalley for an early copy.
November 29, 2023
Perfection! This book is exactly what I love about romance and so much more. It was super fun and utterly charming! I loved everything about it.
Vesper and Aspen are childhood friends turned enemies turned lovers, and the spice was very satisfying. I adored Vesper and her friend group. Aspen was wonderful, too, and their passionate chemistry was amazing. But my absolute favorite character was Cat. She was feline perfection.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Vesper and Aspen are childhood friends turned enemies turned lovers, and the spice was very satisfying. I adored Vesper and her friend group. Aspen was wonderful, too, and their passionate chemistry was amazing. But my absolute favorite character was Cat. She was feline perfection.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
2023
October 22, 2025Caribbean American Heritage Month TBR
Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Forever
Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Forever
December 26, 2023
I absolutely ADORE this series.
I will say, this book does deal with some heavy mental health topics and an abusive parent, so proceed with care and check CW’s if you need too. This didn’t feel nearly as lighthearted as Clueless, so I think the comparison is a tad misleading. It definitely had more similarities with the novel Emma. But truthfully? It stands on its own. I feel like the comparisons aren’t necessary 🤷♀️
I personally love historical romances that tackle heavier issues of the time while weaving in romance and spice. It’s a great combo. All that being said, I did still find a lot of this book downright hilarious and entertaining as hell. I LOVED the personal history with Vesper & Greydon, and the years long pining he did, I was SWOONING. Plus, their chemistry? Utterly SCORCHING. All of this pining and chemistry leads to some pretty hot smut 🥵
There were so many elements of this story that just *worked*, I loved every single minute honestly.
P. S. Read the author’s note, Amalie goes into more detail about the actual historical events that are discussed in this novel.
P. P. S. The audiobook is phenomenal!
I will say, this book does deal with some heavy mental health topics and an abusive parent, so proceed with care and check CW’s if you need too. This didn’t feel nearly as lighthearted as Clueless, so I think the comparison is a tad misleading. It definitely had more similarities with the novel Emma. But truthfully? It stands on its own. I feel like the comparisons aren’t necessary 🤷♀️
I personally love historical romances that tackle heavier issues of the time while weaving in romance and spice. It’s a great combo. All that being said, I did still find a lot of this book downright hilarious and entertaining as hell. I LOVED the personal history with Vesper & Greydon, and the years long pining he did, I was SWOONING. Plus, their chemistry? Utterly SCORCHING. All of this pining and chemistry leads to some pretty hot smut 🥵
There were so many elements of this story that just *worked*, I loved every single minute honestly.
P. S. Read the author’s note, Amalie goes into more detail about the actual historical events that are discussed in this novel.
P. P. S. The audiobook is phenomenal!
November 30, 2023
You know how in baseball it’s three strikes and you’re out? This is my third Amalie Howard book and I’m done. 😅
I keep getting enchanted by the premise on netgalley and then absolutely hating the execution. This could have been an interesting friends to enemies to lovers, but instead of cute banter I got a love interest who could not stop berating Vesper and comparing her (unfavorably) to his mother.
Similar to Always Be My Duchess, this book forgot it had an actual plot until about halfway through and then half heartedly tried to give the characters believable motives.
I want to be a historical romance girly, but these men are miles and miles below Mr Darcy. Where Darcy gives Elizabeth proclaimations of love and space when she needs it, these domineering men that are so prevalent in historical romances make me uncomfortable.
I keep getting enchanted by the premise on netgalley and then absolutely hating the execution. This could have been an interesting friends to enemies to lovers, but instead of cute banter I got a love interest who could not stop berating Vesper and comparing her (unfavorably) to his mother.
Similar to Always Be My Duchess, this book forgot it had an actual plot until about halfway through and then half heartedly tried to give the characters believable motives.
I want to be a historical romance girly, but these men are miles and miles below Mr Darcy. Where Darcy gives Elizabeth proclaimations of love and space when she needs it, these domineering men that are so prevalent in historical romances make me uncomfortable.
October 22, 2023
Well, this wasn't my favorite by Amalie Howard. I love her writing style and her books are usually a lot of fun for me to read. This one, I just didn't connect with as much. I thought the spicy was a little cringy, but maybe it was just the characters? I'm not really sure what happened there. As with all historical romance, I'm not one for accuracy because I didn't live in the time period, so I don't really know what is accurate. I've heard this one isn't the most accurate, but that didn't bother me. It was a very quick read. I loved Cat. Probably my favorite part of the entire book. Overall, it wasn't bad, just not amazing as I had hoped.
November 12, 2023
Friends, enemies and lovers!
Two childhood friends (well Lady Vesper Lyndhurst was challenging and never wanted to be lady anyway) meet some time later at her come out ball where Aspen Drake, the Duke of Greydon, gave her the cut direct! She’s mortified and resolved to always remain cool, dispassionate and unmarried.
Aspen disappears to America hunt dinosaur bones.
Years later Aspen returns to London to upend his mother’s plans to have him declared dead, to see to having his mother’s ward Judith settled, and to uncover the truth of his father being confined to a mental asylum. (Of course there’s a wicked mother figure!)
His reappearance spirals into a standoff between himself and Vesper (whom he calls Viper), a concern for his mother’s ward, and a confrontation with his despicable mother, the Dowager Duchess of Lyndhurst.
The sparks fly and the tension ratchets the two main protagonists, Vesper and Aspen, with some rather steamy moments. Vesper has a reputation as a successful match maker and Aspen persuades her, well challenges her really, to take on presenting Judith to society.
Underneath this romantic historical romp real issues are raised, including mental illness and treatments, women’s suffrage and marriage, women’s sexuality, accessible education for children and charity schools.
A Forever (Grand Central Pub) ARC invitation via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
Two childhood friends (well Lady Vesper Lyndhurst was challenging and never wanted to be lady anyway) meet some time later at her come out ball where Aspen Drake, the Duke of Greydon, gave her the cut direct! She’s mortified and resolved to always remain cool, dispassionate and unmarried.
Aspen disappears to America hunt dinosaur bones.
Years later Aspen returns to London to upend his mother’s plans to have him declared dead, to see to having his mother’s ward Judith settled, and to uncover the truth of his father being confined to a mental asylum. (Of course there’s a wicked mother figure!)
His reappearance spirals into a standoff between himself and Vesper (whom he calls Viper), a concern for his mother’s ward, and a confrontation with his despicable mother, the Dowager Duchess of Lyndhurst.
The sparks fly and the tension ratchets the two main protagonists, Vesper and Aspen, with some rather steamy moments. Vesper has a reputation as a successful match maker and Aspen persuades her, well challenges her really, to take on presenting Judith to society.
Underneath this romantic historical romp real issues are raised, including mental illness and treatments, women’s suffrage and marriage, women’s sexuality, accessible education for children and charity schools.
A Forever (Grand Central Pub) ARC invitation via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
September 3, 2023
Never Met a Duke Like You is a historical retelling of Clueless that follows two childhood friends turned enemies. Lady Vesper Lyndhurst is an image of beauty, grace, and intelligence in the ton with unparalleled matchmaking skills. She has success pairing others together but has yet to find a suitable match for herself. While the Duke of Greydon, Aspen Drake, doesn’t quite share the same interests as Vesper and the ton. But after being accidentally locked in an attic together, it’s hard for them to ignore the sparks that fly.
Even though this was a interesting read with great characters, I wasn’t really captivated by this book. I found myself struggling to get through the first couple of chapters. Although, it did get more entertaining as the book progressed. Vesper and Aspen had PALPABLE chemistry and great banter. I loved it when Aspen called Vesper “Viper”. I ate it up every time honestly.
Mental health is also a huge aspect of this book for both our main characters. And it's great that the author included this, highlighting undiagnosed mental health disorders during this era and how society also weaponized mental illness.
If you like Bridgerton, Clueless, and Emma, this book might be for you! 3 ⭐️
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for this eARC.
Even though this was a interesting read with great characters, I wasn’t really captivated by this book. I found myself struggling to get through the first couple of chapters. Although, it did get more entertaining as the book progressed. Vesper and Aspen had PALPABLE chemistry and great banter. I loved it when Aspen called Vesper “Viper”. I ate it up every time honestly.
Mental health is also a huge aspect of this book for both our main characters. And it's great that the author included this, highlighting undiagnosed mental health disorders during this era and how society also weaponized mental illness.
If you like Bridgerton, Clueless, and Emma, this book might be for you! 3 ⭐️
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for this eARC.
December 23, 2023
I just couldn't get into the story. :( DNF at 30%
November 19, 2023
***3.5/4 Stars***
Never Met a Duke Like You was a historical romance meets Clueless. With a little bit of enemies to lovers mixed with friends to lovers, this book was an easy read. My absolute favorite thing were the ties to the movie Clueless, and looking for those moments here and there within the pages.
As childhood friends and neighbors, Aspen had ruined Vesper's idea of them being together at her coming out. He had been her first love and best friend. So when he scorned her, Vesper never forgave him. Getting to see pieces of their past throughout the story, I saw that Vesper missed her friend. As he grew up, and since he was two years older than her, he became cold. And their friendship stopped. Yet after not seeing one another for seven years, they found themselves stuck in the attic together. Alone.
Getting to hear both of their thoughts, I was shocked listening to Aspen. He thought Vesper was cold and vain, like his mother. Yet he had no problems toying with her, and he could be absolutely hilarious. So their banter and jabs were so much fun and impossible not to smile when they were going back and forth. And his history is definitely one that will pull on hearts. There was a reason he had walls, and they were so hard to break down. Yet he could also be mean to Vesper at times, like belittling her for being so prim and proper. Plus he assumed wrong time and again when it came to Vesper. Just like Aspen, Vesper felt so alone. Even though she had a wonderful group of friends. But I loved how prim and proper Vesper was. And with her having a heart of gold, it led this story in a heartwarming way.
The connections to Clueless?! They were what pulled me along and left me hunting for little moments here and there! Now I need to preface that with this book doesn't give the same types of vibes that Clueless does. There is a darker element to this story, and the friendships didn't vibe the same. Yet I loved that we got some scenes that were similar to the movie. And when characters in this book acted similar to the characters in the movie too. Here are some I caught.....
*Aspen could be so serious like Josh!
*Vesper was obsessed with match making like Cher. One of the stories reminded me of her trying to have her two teachers fall in love.
*Vesper was wrong about a lot of things, just like Cher.
*When Aspen accuses Vesper of just being concerned about being pretty and going to parties, it reminded me of more moments like when Josh accused Cher with just being concerned about directions to the mall.
*It felt like Judith was most definitely Tai.
*I struggled figuring out Deonne though, maybe it was Effie or her brother? Idk.
*There was something similar to when Cher was highlighting for her dad.
*Vesper's dad gave me vibes of Cher's dad.
The ending gave us a wonderful happily ever after, and things were set in motion for future books with side characters. There was definitely steam within the pages, but some things like tickling weren't for me. And an outcome with a character, oh how I wanted there to be harsher consequences. But that's just me and my difficult heart haha. Yet Vesper and Aspen were given fabulous ending that will warm your hearts!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
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Never Met a Duke Like You was a historical romance meets Clueless. With a little bit of enemies to lovers mixed with friends to lovers, this book was an easy read. My absolute favorite thing were the ties to the movie Clueless, and looking for those moments here and there within the pages.
“Every damsel dreams of being rescued from a tower by a handsome knight, only in my case, said knight is in the same snare as the damsel.”
He glanced at her, breath faltering on an unexpected hitch. “You think I’m handsome?”
As childhood friends and neighbors, Aspen had ruined Vesper's idea of them being together at her coming out. He had been her first love and best friend. So when he scorned her, Vesper never forgave him. Getting to see pieces of their past throughout the story, I saw that Vesper missed her friend. As he grew up, and since he was two years older than her, he became cold. And their friendship stopped. Yet after not seeing one another for seven years, they found themselves stuck in the attic together. Alone.
Had he been so very wrong about her all along?
Getting to hear both of their thoughts, I was shocked listening to Aspen. He thought Vesper was cold and vain, like his mother. Yet he had no problems toying with her, and he could be absolutely hilarious. So their banter and jabs were so much fun and impossible not to smile when they were going back and forth. And his history is definitely one that will pull on hearts. There was a reason he had walls, and they were so hard to break down. Yet he could also be mean to Vesper at times, like belittling her for being so prim and proper. Plus he assumed wrong time and again when it came to Vesper. Just like Aspen, Vesper felt so alone. Even though she had a wonderful group of friends. But I loved how prim and proper Vesper was. And with her having a heart of gold, it led this story in a heartwarming way.
He canted his head. “Do you always do what’s required of you?”
“Usually,” she said, stiffening at the slight tone of mockery.
He stared at her for such a prolonged moment that Vesper felt the back of neck start to sweat. “I see you, Viper,” he said softly. “The real you underneath all those rules and regulations.”
The connections to Clueless?! They were what pulled me along and left me hunting for little moments here and there! Now I need to preface that with this book doesn't give the same types of vibes that Clueless does. There is a darker element to this story, and the friendships didn't vibe the same. Yet I loved that we got some scenes that were similar to the movie. And when characters in this book acted similar to the characters in the movie too. Here are some I caught.....
*Aspen could be so serious like Josh!
*Vesper was obsessed with match making like Cher. One of the stories reminded me of her trying to have her two teachers fall in love.
*Vesper was wrong about a lot of things, just like Cher.
*When Aspen accuses Vesper of just being concerned about being pretty and going to parties, it reminded me of more moments like when Josh accused Cher with just being concerned about directions to the mall.
*It felt like Judith was most definitely Tai.
*I struggled figuring out Deonne though, maybe it was Effie or her brother? Idk.
*There was something similar to when Cher was highlighting for her dad.
*Vesper's dad gave me vibes of Cher's dad.
Your Grace,” she said, lifting her wineglass and sipping. “You have to stop this, Greydon. This possessive, prevailing male performance when you have no right to be this way. I am not yours to command.”
“You should be.”
He had no idea where the growled words had come from—somewhere deep and raw and primal. Fuck.
The ending gave us a wonderful happily ever after, and things were set in motion for future books with side characters. There was definitely steam within the pages, but some things like tickling weren't for me. And an outcome with a character, oh how I wanted there to be harsher consequences. But that's just me and my difficult heart haha. Yet Vesper and Aspen were given fabulous ending that will warm your hearts!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
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April 7, 2024
I loved the book, over all there are parts it could have done much better but the banter, I love how the banter is written it. I made me laugh not chuckle but laugh. It was such a good read over all, enemies to lovers and childhood friends, chefs kiss! 😍
November 7, 2024
“Where is [insert Lushing and Briar for Jake Adams]?!?” Thought this book would be about those two but I got a stealthy do-gooder and a palaeontologist instead! Living in hope for the next one, maybe?? 🤞🏼
February 27, 2025
This book traveled thousands of miles with me just waiting to be read. And this book had me traveling back in time! Care was taken to incorporate multiple historical accuracies from the era… with the exception of the statement “Fuck, you’re wet.”
One of those accuracies was referring to each character by multiple names based on status/title… a fun and infuriating challenge to track.
Shout out to Sir Richard Owen!!! “He’ll be remembered for evermore because he named the dinosaur.”
One of those accuracies was referring to each character by multiple names based on status/title… a fun and infuriating challenge to track.
Shout out to Sir Richard Owen!!! “He’ll be remembered for evermore because he named the dinosaur.”
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