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!

This is the second book of the series, Taming of the Dukes. It can easily be read as a standalone. I had such a great time reading the first one, I was excited to have a chance to read this, and I was not disappointed. Lady Vesper has sworn off love for herself, but she loves to spend time with friends and do a little matchmaking for others on the side. The Duke of Greydon, Aspen, has been away for a while and finds himself returning to London to save his estate and deal with his mother's mishandling of the expenses among other things. Vesper and Aspen were childhood friends, but are now estranged, until a mishap forces them together again and they have no choice but to come face to face with their feelings for each other.
The story of Vesper and Aspen finally acknowledging their love for one another, after quite a bit of bickering, and reconnecting was enjoyable. The banter was witty and entertaining with a good dose of humor, and the chemistry between Vesper and Aspen was undeniable. The one thing I didn't find as satisfying is the handling of the villainess at the end. I was hoping for more repercussions and for her to get her just do, but sadly that did not happen. But I did appreciate the mental illness representation, which was very well-portrayed. All in all, the story was enjoyable and engaging, and I'm glad to have had the opportunity to read it.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I NEED Howard to continue writing this series of 90s-inspired historical rom-coms. Though it’s inspired by Clueless, Never Met a Duke Like You stands perfectly well on its own merits. You don’t need to adore—or even have viewed—the movie in order to fall for Lady Vesper and the Duke of Greydon’s friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance. In the matchmaking Vesper, Howard manages to create a Cher-like character with more depth and empathy, and Vesper’s group of friends are a delight to root for.

I had a blast! It's funny how I had almost forgotten how much I adore this series. Now, I'm counting down the days until book 3 is released.

Never Met a Duke Like You is a loosley based historical Clueless retelling. With forxed proximity/ opposites to lovers, tropes I usually eat up, I still found it difficult to fully buy into the MCs love story. Their overall dynamic just didn't hit a ton for me. I loved the idea of a matchmaker finally finding a match unexpecetedly, but other things in the plot just didn't hit for me. If you don't mind miscommunications, or A TON of bickering then this could be a great read for you.

I loved this book! It had great banter with a believable shift from friends to enemies to lovers. Aspen and Viper have excellent chemistry and I loved their exchanges . It was funny and swoony with beautiful romantic moments and on page declaration of fidelity . I enjoyed it so much.

i remember being excited for this ARC because historical romance is one of my favorite cozy genres, but this is an easy DNF. the mmc is despicable. i hate him. his thoughts, words, and actions to the fmc are truly mean. and yet the memory of his lips makes her "core throb". no thanks.

I thought this was really well written and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I think it will find readers at our library, so we will definitely be purchasing for the collection.

You know sometimes there are authors that you don't even have to look at the synopsis to buy and read the book? Well, Howard is like that for me. Her historical romances are almost never disappointing. I am always looking forward to her next release even before finishing the current read.

I read the first book in this series and loved it and so when this second one came out I was so excited to read it. I loved the writing in this book and how it ended. I love being able to follow all the characters and their story lines in this series.

Never Met a Duke Like You is a fun childhood friends to enemies to lovers romance.

I enjoyed this one a lot, but it felt a little disjointed. The main characters sway back and forth between hate and attraction almost every chapter, and I would have preferred a more progressive build to attraction and then love. The narrative didn't seem as tight as in the authors' other books.

Telling me a book is a Clueless meets Bridgerton in a spicy opposites-attracts Regency romance is an automatic YESSSSS for me, but knowing it was the second book in the TAMING OF THE DUKES series by Amalie Howard would have made it an automatic yes anyway! NEVER MET A DUKE LIKE YOU follows another member of the Hellfire Kitties, Lady Vesper Lyndhurst, and the Duke of Greydon. It all starts when they are accidentally trapped in an attic together after years apart!

I laughed so hard at this book. It was a delight! The first book (ALWAYS BE MY DUCHESS) was as well. I always get nervous that only some books in a series will hold up with the romance and banter, but Howard did an excellent job of keeping the entertainment going in this book. I laughed out loud again. I swooned. The spice was fantastic. And I absolutely loved the Hellfire Kitties - they are a fantastic group of girlfriends!

The books are standalone but are more fun if you read them all and get to know the side characters. Definitely can’t wait for the next book!

Thanks, Forever and Netgalley, for my arc!

Always Be My Duchess was the first book by Amalie that I had read and I was so excited to get an advanced copy of Never Met a Duke Like You and continue with this series! I've said it before and I will keep saying it but I trust Amalie to write a fun, diverse, and well-researched romp every single time. From the delectable tension that Aspen and Vesper had to the always loved friendships I flew through this. Many authors will provide beginning of banter but the follow through just doesn't cut like it should, and when this two were trading barbs I felt like I was watching a tennis match, edge of my seat, who would get the last word.

I especially appreciated how much effort and care Amalie put into exposing the abhorrent treatment of the mentally ill as well as the different ways that these laws were wielded without oversight. I wish we had gotten a little more follow up with the Dowager Duchess as well as how things played out in parliament. But not enough historical romance will explore this side of history, especially if we look at the institutionalization rates amongst minorities and marginalized peoples of this time. I cannot read ignorant historical romance and Amalie will not disappoint in this regard.

I cannot wait for Briar and Lushing's book!

Thank you Netgalley and Forever for my eArc!

This book will be going down as one of my favourites.

Summary:

Vesper Lyndhurst, a charming and savvy duke's daughter, revels in luxury and matchmaking, despite her own disinterest in finding love. Meanwhile, the Duke of Greydon, burdened by a failing estate, reluctantly returns to England and the high society he despises, including the infuriating yet captivating heiress next door. A twist of fate locks these two opposites in an attic, igniting an undeniable attraction and challenging their resolve. Despite their differences and disjointed lives, fate might just have its own romantic designs for them.

Thoughts:

This is my first time reading a historical romance book. The banter between Lady Vesper and Aspen had me swooninggggg.

The way that Vesper and Aspen are introduced to each other after spending years apart was too good. The tension of being stuck in a small room with the boy you had feelings for while growing up and seeing the man he’s become - TENSION at its finest.

I loved reading about Vesper and how misunderstood she was. She was stubborn and fierce but felt the need to mask these qualities of herself. The author did an amazing job at showcasing the emotions of Vesper and the need for her to hide certain pieces of who she is.

I enjoyed reading about the mixed emotions of Aspen and him coming to terms that Lady Vesper was the one for him. The story line of mental illness with his father and in these times were interesting to read about. Reading about Aspen discovering the layers of Vesper and watching him fall harder and harder for her while she secretly did the same was beautiful. I was rooting for them and felt truly connected to the characters.


The Cat was a good one. Making sure to bring these two loves together!!

I will definitely be picking up a physical copy of this one!


Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for providing me with an E-ARC. All opinions in this review are my own.