Book No. 38 of 2025
I was in one of those funks where I didn’t want to read any of the serious/heavy reads I had checked out or started, and then I learned from Bluesky that Courtney Milan had turned The Duke Who Didn’t into a trilogy and I went, “Okay, I can read that.”
There is something very soothing about the mini-world Milan has created where you get aesthetic historical-period vibes in an inclusive little British village, backed up by way more historical accuracy than Bridgerton could ever manage. As with Duke, I found the author’s notes, which explain with charming pedantry the historical aspects used in the story, incredibly delightful and nerdy and satisfying.
The romance itself was fine—I enjoyed the bits of banter between the two protagonists, but didn’t feel like the bantering or sexual tension was quite as glee-inducing as in Duke (or other books, like India Holton’s The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels). The character development/backstory/etc. was pretty good, but the male lead’s stubborn commitment to being miserable had me constantly going, “Geez Louise, happiness is not that difficult!” a lá Lily in HIMYM.
Similar Reads
Very similar vibes to the first book in the series, The Duke Who Didn’t.
Also humorous, riddled with sexual tension, and featuring healthy relationship dynamics: India Holton’s The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels.