Queen B’s Decree: Never Met a Duke Like You is a play on Clueless, or more accurately, Emma. Vesper and Aspen (which don’t feel like historical names, frankly) were childhood friends that had a big falling out but haven’t seen each other in years.
Aspen was hard for me to like. I can appreciate his vehemence towards his mother and his love of paleontology…but he was downright rude to Vesper for no reason. His explanation of his reasonings toward the end was a little too “boys will be boys” toxic mentality, so I am still holding a bit of a grudge.
Vesper was so very clearly Emma, matchmaking everyone to avoid her own romantic life. Why she was hung up on Aspen, I’ll never know. But I confess, Vesper and I share a weakness for a man in glasses, so I understand. Their steamy scenes together almost made me forget about Aspen’s rudeness, their chemistry was clear on the page.
Overall, I was just a little disappointed. I really loved the side characters and Vesper herself was a likable heroine, but her choice in romantic lead had much to be desired.
Book: Never Met a Duke Like You by Amalie Howard
Series: Taming of the Dukes #2
Genre: Historical
Hotness: mild salsa
Plot Devices/Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, childhood friends