It took me WAY too long to read this one! I loved Howard's first book in her "Taming of the Dukes" series, and "Never Met a Duke Like You" was just as fun. Vesper is whip-smart and strong, and Greydon made me feel all melty inside. They have so much history and misunderstandings to work through, as well as current issues. Plus, there is a kitten! All of the friends from the first book are back, and I'm excited to read the next book!

Bit late to the party on this review! But I had been busy and waited till it came out on audiobook.
Thoroughly enjoyed the characters in this book. They had great chemistry and didn't sacrifice themselves at any time in the story.
I liked that their 'near break up' wasn't dramatic and that it was caused by 'you know who'.

I got into historical fiction a few years ago and really enjoy Amalie's books. This one was no exception. This retelling of Clueless (Emma by Jane Austen) and I think she did a great job. I loved that Vesper was neurodivergent, especially in this time period. I also loved that Aspen is a paleontologist, when he's forced to return home to take his role as Duke. These childhood friends who haven't seen each other in years are forced together after a mishap.

I loved the grumpy/sunshine and the everyone knows they're in love but them tropes in the book. The story has great pace, character development, and secondary characters. The chemistry between Aspen and Vesper is what really makes the book for me. They have great banter and their history really adds to the story.

3.5 rounded up.

My honest initial thought is...I read this at the beginning of the month, said I liked it..and now I can't remember a single thing about it.

Pause as I go read a summary...okay...my thoughts: right away I remembered I am MAD that the villain of the story completely gets away with what she did and I hate that. I also don't love that Vesper kept talking to/ working with the villain even after she was told about what she'd done. I also feel like this was pitched as enemies to lovers and it just was not giving that...too much pining for them to be enemies 😂

I love Amalie Howard and love historical romance so I can't say this was a bad book...but it wasn't a favorite. Especially for how much I personally adored Always Be My Duchess.

You’ve got friends turned enemies in a historical romance, and then they find themselves trapped in a situation in which they have to help each other. This book is charming and fun, and the banter is fantastic. As always, I feel soothed and comforted when I read a historical romance.

3.5 stars

Reading alongside watching Bridgerton, a good combo. Childhood friends, enemies to lovers, a bit of matchmaking thrown in and helping each other out.

A little too much back and worth, will they won’t they. Just never stops.

I don’t know why it’s so shocking to him that she puts on a facade to the ton but isn’t that way at her core.

I wonder if these names are historically accurate.

Her dad is the absolute best.

Too much had to happen in the final 10-15%. His family, their relationship, the parliament things. Didn’t love that. And even then doesn’t really come together obviously or even at all.

Favorite lines
“Nothing worth keeping isn’t without hardship, otherwise every fool would have it, wouldn’t they?” - a very good point

I really liked this one from Howard! I have been loving the 90's romcom vibes and this is perfect for fans of Clueless! Amalie writes such fun stories that sparkle with banter and make you kick your feet with joy!

Never Met a Duke Like You is the second book in Amalie Howard's Taming of the Duke's series. It would be perfectly fine to read as a stand alone. I read the first in the series over a year ago (and honestly can't really remember a thing about it) and didn't have any trouble following along. The previously couple does make some appearances. I really enjoyed this book! Amalie Howard is an author that I've enjoyed the majority of her novels and always look forward to what she'll write next.

Vesper and Aspen have known each other since children but had a falling out when she was making her society debut. These friends to rivals to friends to lovers can't fight their attraction after being trapped in an attic together. I loved the back and forth banter between the two. I will say that the asylum/bad mom plot was not my favorite. I felt like it was part of the plot but didn't take over from the chemistry between the couple. The mom did not get her just desserts in the end which was disappointing.

Tropes: Hero returning to the dukedom, never getting married, no one but you, friends/rivals/lovers, abusive family, Clueless retelling, glasses wearing hero, heroine begrudgingly gets a pet, paleontologist hero, forced proximity, secret crush, nicknames

Thank you to NetGalley, Amalie Howard, and Forever (Grand Central) Publishing for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own. #netgalley #amaliehoward #foreverpublishing #NeverMetADukeLikeYou

This was such a fun and fast read for me! I think I read it all in one sitting, I really didn't want to put it down.

I love Clueless, but this definitely felt more Emma vibes than Clueless (Which I know Clueless is also based off Emma, I stand by what I said). LOVED THEIR BANTER

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 didn't completely dislike the book, it just didn't scratch the itch I was looking for.

But I am always down for historical shenanigans and Austen-retells!!!

4⭐
R🌶️

If you are looking for a book that gives that Kate/Anthony or Jane/Guildford vibe of "I hate you but I am so attracted to you" with lots of banter, you need this book. It was so much fun and just exactly what I wanted to read right now!! The ending was a bit convoluted but everything else was perfect. I love this series and its cast of strong women so much. A must read for every Evie Dunmore fan!!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Forever the gifted e-book ❤️ #gifted. My review is comprised of my honest thoughts.

Read this if you like: Dual POV, mental health representation, enemies to lovers

Sooooo I apparently read this, forgot to log it, forgot to review it, and then began to read it again. It was a good read. Not super memorable, but still good. It gives Clueless movie vibes. Check it out.

I really enjoyed this book!! I loved the first one, but I think I liked this one even better 💕💕💕

The characters were a joy to get to know! And the back and forth between both Aspen & Vesper was spot on! They were so evenly matched it, & I was laughing out loud at moments! This couldn't have been any better 💕 and I cannot wait to get back into this word with the next one!!!

Thank you @readforeverpub & @netgalley for the copy!!

While Lady Vesper Lyndhurst has no aspirations for romantic pursuits of her own she does fancy herself to be an excellent matchmaker for those around her.

Never Met a Duke Like You is the second book in the Taming of the Dukes series but it can be read as a stand-alone. This spicy historical romance is loosely based on the movie Clueless. (Clueless is a contemporary adaption of Jane Austen’s Emma.)

I will never not read a Jane Austen retelling and a historical adaption of Clueless is close enough for me. The author is so clever with the way that she reworks major plot points and scenes from contemporary to historical. Vesper and Aspen have a delightful will they/won’t they (push pull) relationship. The chemistry and the banter is just so good!

I’m rather picky with historical romance but there is just something about Amalie Howard’s books that just keeps me coming back every time. I look forward to seeing where she takes this series next.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Quick Summary: A friends to enemies to lovers Regency romance

My Review: Never Met a Duke Like You by Amalie Howard is book #2 in the Taming of the Dukes series.

About the Book: Scorned in love once upon a time, Lady Vesper Lyndhurst now finds herself set up as an accomplished matchmaker, a child welfare advocate, and a friend to many. When the object of her young affections returns, she realizes that her attraction to him still exists. Though she initially fights it, she soon wears down and decides to take something for herself. When the Duke of Greydon's meddling mama threatens Lady Vesper, unbeknownst to the duke, a great sacrifice is called for. Will the secret affair of hearts be over before it ever really begins?

My Final Say: This was a lovely story. It had everything I have come to enjoy in a Regency romance. It was very bold, it was hauntingly romantic, and it was entirely sweet. The duke and the lady were perfectly suited.

The star of the show was Cat.

Other: Readers who enjoy period pieces with an enemies to lovers theme will like this novel.

Rating: 4.25/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 💛
Series: Yes

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever), and to NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to review this title in exchange for an honest review.

For everyone in their Bridgerton era, this book has serious Bridgerton vibes. I loved the hot and cold chemistry between the main characters. This one is “enemies”-to-lovers with childhood best friends. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a cute read! I really felt like I related to Vesper with the way that she got overstimulated with things. I don't normally read historical fiction type books, but this was honestly so cute and I was happy to read it.

Thank you to Forever for my gifted eARC. All thoughts are my own.

Vesper is not just a beautiful daughter of a duke and social darling. She also helps disadvantaged children and has hobby of matchmaking. Swearing off love years before when her childhood friend, Aspen, rebuffed her in public, Vesper is not amused when he shows up at various events and makes tongues in the ton wag.

Aspen, the Duke of Greydon, loves riling up Vesper and verbally sparing with her. He is also eager to pass legislation that would protect those who are deemed mentally ill and revive his family's fortunes. When the two get accidentally locked in an attic together, they banter and fuss but cant deny their attraction.

This series is really fun although I'm not sure it's a realistic historical fiction, which is fine! I loved the barbs Vesper and Aspen throw at each other and I love that they aren't afraid to be themselves. Looking forward to the next one!

This book answers the question: what if Clueless was reimagined as a delightful historical romance? Amalie Howard continues to tackle romcom retellings with aplomb: this was the perfect mix of familiar/true to the original and fresh/full of twists.

Thank you Forever and NetGalley for the eARC of Never Met a Duke Like You! All opinions in this review are my own.

I loved the opening forced proximity to reintroduce Vesper and Aspen after some time apart! The banter and how much they deny liking each other made them getting together at the end all the sweeter! I can't wait to read more from this author!