And we're all misfits in our own ways. What matters is whether we find a way to accept who we are, flaws and all.
~
Amalie Howard has done it again. I was so thrilled to be able to grab this early in an ebook, and I will tell you guys right now that you need Vesper and Aspen in your life. And CAT! YOU WILL LOVE CAT! Amalie is my go-to when I want a good historical romance, and this rendition full of nods to Clueless did not disappoint. Vesper drew my attention so much in book one of this standalone series and I am ecstatic that we finally get to see her story. And what a story it was. I feel as though Amalie painted Vesper in a way that so many of us can relate to, the feeling of ourselves not being quite enough or not what society wants and having to put on a mask. And seeing her walls finally come done was a beautiful journey. I implore you guys to pick this one up!
~
One day, Vesper darling, you'll learn that love is the sweetest and most sinister of lies.
~
In this life, things are never certain. If we are given a chance at finding love, we should go after it with everything inside of us because life without love is no life at all.

Never Met a Duke Like You is a Clueless update set in Victorian London. If you are a fan of historical romance and a friends to antagonists to lovers story, with strong found family thrown in, Amalie Howard has written the book for you.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Vesper and Aspen, Duke of Greydon were childhood buddies until they were teens, when their friendship deteriorated. Vesper hasn’t seen the Duke in years, since he’s been traipsing around the world looking for fossils. She’s been spending her time matchmaking for her friends and living life as part of the ton, while secretly supporting charitable works. As soon as she finds Aspen again, though, the pair end up trapped in an attic at his estate. But a few hours of forced proximity shows that their animosity and electric chemistry haven’t disappeared. As they are pushed together again and again, will they be able to ignore their feelings? Or will many, many misunderstandings get in their way?

I have a love hate relationship with Emma/Clueless retellings, and for a while I couldn’t decide which category this book falls into. There is a find line between bickering and just being mean. But I eventually came around to why Vesper and Aspen behave the way they do. It’s understandable that Vesper hides her true interests from everyone but those closest to her; the price for not being seen as a proper lady is high. I also found the experience with asylums interesting, and how Aspen’s father’s experience shaped his life.

The pace picks up once Vesper starts going after what she wants. And Aspen’s attempts to woo her after making some mistakes are a lot of fun. My favorite part, though, are Vesper and Aspen’s friends and their role as a supportive found family, who can also share hard truths when their friends need a reality check.

Never Met a Duke Like You is an interesting take on Clueless, and definitely one worth reading. Amalie Howard creates intriguing characters, and I can’t wait to see whose story is up next.

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

** 2.5 Stars Rounded Up **

So, it isn’t often that a book gets me this worked up and aggravated – especially when I had such high hopes for it. I seriously considered giving it one star, but I did like Vesper (Lady Viper) and Aspen (Lord Ass). I’ve looked through the reviews and mine is in the minority, so I assume what bothered me didn’t bother others. To each his own. This book contained one of the vilest, most heinous, hateful, wretched, miserable, unrepentant villains I’ve read – believe me when I tell you it is really vile – and they are basically given a free pass. What they did would have seen anyone else hanged – yet – this villain will still live in the lap of luxury, and be revered and respected by society – basically, not much punishment at all – especially given what they did and what they tried to do. Another thing that put me off was that it was so highly improbable.

Vesper and Aspen had grown up together and were fast friends – until she grew up and he saw her at her come-out ball. His tongue hung from his mouth and he was totally speechless. Losing his total thoughts caused him to just turn his back and walk away from her – which, of course, meant he gave her the cut-direct. Since he was a young, very marriageable Duke at the time, that ruined her season – and her feelings for him. Shortly afterward, he left England. However, he’s finally returned to England to assure the world he is very much alive and well.

Aspen never plans to marry – he’s seen his parents’ marriage and he wants no part of anything like it. While his libido functions perfectly, he doesn’t want any woman anywhere close to him regularly – they all seem to be like his viperous mother and he can’t stand her. Yet, when he comes face-to-face with Vesper again – the draw is still there.

I enjoyed the banter between Vesper and Aspen as well as the fact that they had been childhood friends. I thought they made a good couple and I enjoyed them getting together and him discovering more about who she really is. However, this just isn’t the book I thought it would be from the blurb. I thought it would be an errant duke finally deciding to come home, set his estates right, and settle down to his duty with the right woman by his side. His estates didn’t appear to be in serious financial difficulties and he made more than enough to increase his coffers by a simple off-hand investment. What I thought the author handled well was the delicate topic of mental health in the Victorian period. Being committed by force was a very common thing in that period and I thought the author did a good job of researching the topic and I liked the author’s notes. It just wasn’t the story I was looking forward to and I would not read it a second time. From other reviews, I’m sure it will appeal to other historical romance readers, it just didn’t appeal to this one.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lady Vesper Lyndhurst is pretty, popular and secretly nursing a broken heart. Once upon a time, she fell in love with her best friend and neighbor, Aspen Drake but a falling out when they were children and his shabby treatment of her during her debut, followed by his departure from England, effectively quashed any hope she might have still held for a happily ever after with him. But instead of turning her back on romance, she has embraced her love of love and plays matchmaker for her friends. She is happy with her lot in life, content to be a spinster, and dedicate herself to charitable works and match-making. But when Aspen returns and asks her help in finding a match for his ward, how can she say no, even if he is still an arrogant ass.

Aspen Drake, the Duke of Greydon has reluctantly returned to England after spending years in America leading archaeological digs. He knows he has neglected his duties for too long, but the loss of his father and his mother’s betrayal cut him deeply and kept him away. But upon learning the duchess planned to have him declared dead, he was finally forced to return and now he is on a mission, to find the proof of his mother’s evilness and to change the Lunacy Acts that made it too easy for her to carry out her dastardly plan. He has a plan, he has goals and he won’t be distracted, but when he finds himself trapped in an attic with her he realizes several things, she is even more beautiful than she had been the last time he saw her, she is even more annoying and he is in trouble.

Sigh, I had high hopes for this book, since Emma is my favorite Jane Austen book and I love a good retelling. Sadly, this book fell short for me. Personally, I felt that there was too much modern verbiage, too many contemporary ideals, and miscommunications to make this an enjoyable historical read. And don’t even get me started on the fact that the villainess wasn’t punished anywhere close to enough. But those things aside, I will give the author credit for taking on difficult issues and I found that part of the book to be well-researched and handled appropriately. I also enjoyed the snarky banter between Vesper and Aspen, the steamyish love scenes as well as the author's notes. Overall, it wasn’t the story I hoped for and not a book I would read again, but I didn’t hate it and I’m sure it would appeal to many HR readers. This is the second book in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone title.

2.5 stars, rounded up.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

Never Met a Duke Like You was ok. It has some good points, such as the women supporting each other, the mental health history and neurodiversity. The banter was good at times too, but I had a hard time connecting to the story. A good deal of the conflict could have been solved by a discussion or two. The MMC’s tendency for riling up the FMC for his enjoyment left a bad taste in my mouth. It’s not a horrible book, but it’s not one that left me enthused either.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

What a fun Emma retelling! While this is the second in the Taming of the Dukes series, it's a standalone that had me invested in the characters from the start!
Vesper was independent and strong and had such great ideas and it was a shame that she had to hide so much of herself to be accepted by the ton. Aspen was a little broody and determined to make changes to ensure what happened to his family would never happen again, he didn't come home to fall in love with his childhood best friend!I loved Vesper and Aspen's dynamic - their's was clearly a relationship where EVERYONE ELSE could tell they were in love with each other while they hovered in denial and instead just saw how many of the other's buttons they could push. While the villain didn't get their due in my opinion, it explained a lot about the way Aspen treats Vesper until they finally break down all those walls and stop having all the miscommunication. Overall, this was a great regency romance with great characters and I can't wait to see how the rest of the Dukes series goes! 
Thank you, NetGalley and Forever, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was fun! Even though it was a bit dark at times, I did laugh quite a few times and the banter/chemistry between Aspen and Vesper was on fire from basically their first meeting!!

I loved how they bickered and their bickering was actually flirting and everyone around them was like “why don’t you stop, but also get a room!”

I think I would have loved it even more if we got any glimpses of them from the past since it was clear they fell in love when they were younger and then drifted apart because of reasons.

This is a very mixed emotions story of two adults who were childhood friends until a bad breakup. Interestingly, each keeps his/her actions and emotions under tight control for different reasons. Vesper follows the strict rules of society to keep herself from ruinous spontaneity in speech and actions. Aspen controls his emotions and demeanor very carefully to protect himself from his mother. This is actually a very lively story despite all the care taken as Lady Vesper and Lord Aspen live to antagonize each other. Or Lady Viper and Lord Ass, as they refer to each other.

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. 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. They are meant for each other but they don't know it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no means affects my opinion of this book..

If you're a fan of Bridgerton or Clueless then Never Met a Duke Like You is for you.

This novel is an Emma retelling of sorts with a matchmaker for the ton who is hired by her ex, who is also her great enemy, to help his cousin find a suitor. Their bickering reminds me a lot of Anthony and Kate from Bridgerton, more the show than the book. I absolutely loved this book and the fierceness of Lady Vesper Lyndhurst and how the Duke of Greydon loves that quality about her.

I haven't read Amalie Howard's previous book in this series, Always Be My Duchess, but I will be remedying that in the future. Obviously these books can easily be read out of order and enjoyed.

Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for review consideration.

I can always count on Amalie Howard to deliver a heartfelt romance that will make you swoon while also shining a light on different topics that are often avoided in historical romance. As soon as I started reading Aspen and Vesper's story, I quickly became obsessed with their witty repertoire and hate-to-love-you antics that slowly evolved into heated kisses and undeniable sexual tension. Both Aspen and Vesper struggled to hide their emotions as they feared that any outbursts or vulnerabilities could be used against them. However, it was their pride and stubborn resolve that caused them the most strife as they each fought against the inevitability of their attraction for both selfish and noble reasons.

I cannot even describe how much I enjoyed following along as Aspen and Vesper slowly and finally admitted their true feelings towards one another! As many of their close friends pointed out, it seemed as though everyone but Aspen and Vesper could recognize the longing and admiration behind each of their heated exchanges, and I loved seeing their explosive interactions when they finally succumbed to their desires. Aspen was adorable even through his oafish behavior while I enjoyed Vesper's tenacity despite her cavalier attitude. I honestly loved these two so much, and I cannot wait for the rest of the Hellfire Kitties' stories🖤

Tropes: frenemies-to-lovers, secondchance romance, scholarly hero, misunderstood heroine, hate-to-love-you, "it's always been you" vibes, witty banter, matchmaker heroine, scorned hero, found family, slow burn, STEAMY🔥

Loved the premise but was disappointed by the execution.
Always Be My Duchess was one of my favorite romances when it came out so I was super excited to get to read this book. Unfortunately it just didn’t captivate me. The beginning was very slow paced and seemed drawn out. I also couldn’t get on board with the romance. I liked the trope but couldn’t understand what happened in the past to make them dislike each other in the present. I think we needed more context. The banter they had was good and I liked their nicknames for each other. However those things weren’t enough to make me swoon. I was also not a fan of their names.
I thought the villain needed more punishment. It felt like justice wasn’t done and she got to live happily ever after which left a sour taste in my mouth.
Overall, had high hopes but was disappointed. Perhaps the next one will be better.

I really enjoyed the first of this series but this one was not my favorite. May be a case of right book wrong time. I didn’t love either character and didn’t find myself desperate to pick this back up. This won’t deter me fr picking up another Amalie Howard book however

Wow did I love this book, historical romances can be a hit or miss for me. However, this one was phenomenal for me, and I loved reading this book. Vesper and Aspen are childhood friends turned enemies after Aspen rejected Vesper and their friendship never recovered. Aspen is back in town and they find themselves always together for their friends or own events, and the chemistry that flows between them cannot be ignored.

The spice is so good and placed so well for a historical book, the banter is some of the best I’ve read this year, and the characters are so easy to root for! I can’t wait to see what comes next!

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.

Review copy kindly provided through NetGalley but the honest review below is all mine.

I'm a huge stan of Amalie Howard's books but this one just didn't hit for me. This is a childhood friend's, to antagonists, to lovers story based on Emma/Clueless. I am just not super fond of the matchmaking scenarios and the MC's really weren't working for me. This is definitely not the books fault but certainly a me thing.

I did like their needling of each other back and forth but the rest I just found myself not interested in. still gonna read every book Amalie puts out because she's a fantastic writer. this one truly just wasn't for me.

A new historical take on Emma featuring a matchmaker who had a crush on her ex best friend who rejected her but is back years later to ask for her help in finding a partner for his sister... yet the more time they spend together the more their own complicated feelings begin to grow. Lady Vesper Lyndhurst is beautiful, smart, and popular. She's found a passion in matchmaking but has sworn off love for herself. Her main reason for swearing off love? Her first love who so coldly rejected her and broke her heart, who just also happens to be her next door neighbor and ex best friend, Aspen, the Duke of Greydon. Aspen is reeling from the passing of his father who he knows was wrongfully put into an insane asylum by his mother and short of being declared dead himself, he has come back to look after the dukedom and find a marriage partner for his ward, but that also means coming back and facing the one woman he's been avoiding, the one woman who gets under his skin, Vesper. Aspen and Vesper had a falling out when he came back from school and found her to be popular and social and couldn't talk to her so he avoided her, making her think he hated her and so she in turn avoided him. They both think the other dislikes them and they can't help but want to argue every single time they meet. Aspen knows he shouldn't want Vesper but he can't help but want to get under her skin and keep pushing her. Vesper knows she shouldn't let herself be rejected by Aspen again but the heart wants what the heart wants. This one sounded like something I would like, I love the classic story of Emma and always adore retellings of it, yet for this one the one thing that didn't really work for me was Aspen. I never grew to like him at all, I really found him to be kind of a judgmental insufferable guy and yeah I get that he's based on Knightley but come on, at least Knightley was likable while it was hard to like Aspen. Vesper was really sweet though and I liked how much she tried to make everyone happy and was really trying her best out here. Overall it's a fun take on the classic story and I would recommend it for fans of the classic because it's always fun to read a new take on it.

*Thanks Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), Forever for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Had a great time reading. The characters had wonderful chemistry. I felt all the feels. Highly recommend.

Never Met a Duke Like You is the new release from Amalie Howard whose historical romance blends spice with my favorite trope of childhood friends to enemies to lovers.

Aspen, Duke of Greydon, is back in London after touring the US on archeological digs. Lady Vesper is firmly on the shelf and enjoying her time helping those less fortunate and matchmaking her friends. When these two are locked in a attic their banter and angst is reignited.

There were some parts of this book I really liked. The steam- there is a billiards room scene that will live rent free in my head. The research that Amalie Howard did into the Lunacy Act and how those with mental issues were treated in that time period were well done. I thought Aspen was a great romance hero- forearms and glasses, academic but a dirty talker.

This wasn’t a bad book, I just was kinda bored. I found my mind drifting during large chunks of it and the end was predictable. Vesper’s lack of self awareness grated on me, while doing things for the less fortunate is valiant her trying to set up people as a reason for money was petty.

Thank you to the publisher (Forever) and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. Never Met a Duke Like You has a publish date of November 14, 2023.

Thanks #NetGalley for the advanced copy of #NeverMetaDukeLikeYou in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun Clueless (or more correct, Austen's Emma) retelling. I really enjoyed both Vesper and Aspen as characters and as a couple. Their friendship turned animosity was believable in a way that not all authors capture. It was easy to see how these two went from being childhood friends, into enemies, back into lovers during the span of the book. I also really liked the use of Cat to help progress the story - sometimes authors miss the mark with pets or small children but Ms. Howard did a great job here. I was disappointed by the 1st book in this series but this one made me excited for the rest of the series!