I absolutely adored the 3-novella series that @alexandravasti released last year, so as soon as I could I requested her new novel from my public library, you better believe I was #1 on that hold list!

It was so wonderful to get to read a full-length debut novel by this author, and to know we have #2 of the series not far behind!

This book had some serious Emma/Cher vibes, as the FMC Selina is determined to find the perfect wife for Peter Kent, who needs a wife quick, and of course has discredited herself as being the right match for reasons, that ultimately don’t hold up!

An enjoyable read with a fun cast of characters, a secret collection of spicy and informative books at a library, dog rescues, orphan rescues, and love, true love! 💕

This July release should definitely be added to your TBR!

A perfect historical romance. Ne'er Duke Well had everything I could have wanted: humor, spice, brilliant characters, great pacing, and tons of all-around fun. Selena and Peter were so delightfully smitten, and watching them come to accept that they really could be right for each other was a blast. The side characters were equally wonderful, and I'm greatly looking forward to books for Lydia and Georgiana. Vasti is a true talent, and I can't wait to see what she brings in the future.

I was so excited to get this ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, and it did NOT disappoint!

I loved Selina and Peter's story, and their romance was HOT! Even though the matchmaker trope is fairly common, this book put a new spin on it, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

I actually really liked the inclusion of Lu and Freddie; normally I'm not big on kids in my romance novels, but Peter's siblings were so sweet and ferociously loyal, and were so easly to love.

Selina was a strong heroine and I rooted for her from the start. Vasti did a remarkable job of making clear the societal expectations of a woman like Selina, and the character's determination to break that mold was so satisfying and authentic!

Peter, oh lord, what a man. He was funny and so clearly out of his element for most of the book, but the scenes with him and Selina just clicked. And the heat! The spice! My regency loving heart was so happy!

Overall, a really solid historical rom-com, and a quick read! Can't wait to see what else the author has written!

Another excellent regency romp - this used to be my absolute favorite/go-to for a quick read, but I fell off the wagon. Recently, however, it’s come back to me and this novel by Vasti very much helped that. The characters were so real and loveable. And the sizzle between Selina and Stanhope is palpable. However, it is the side characters who really got me - Lady Georgina, Stanhope’s siblings and so many others. What a delight!

This reminded me of a more modern bridgerton story ! I absolutely loved it and immediately told my friends they needed to read it

Fast and adorable historical read.
Great characters and great romance with main characters who had the right amount of awkwardness, spice and badassery.

I was so excited for this book after reading the Halifax Helions novellas and it absolutely delivered. Vasti excels at writing courageous heroines and men who are absolutely down bad and the characters are so charming.

Ne'er Duke Well is honestly one of the BEST historical romances I've read in the last 3+ years. Whip smart banter, sparkling chemistry and Vasti's keen voice for sex positivity easily slots itself in a shelf among the giants of the genre, grab it today you will not be disappointed.

I love Alexandra's particular brand of comedy and swoon, I love how endearing her men are and how badass her heroines. This was no exception and the chemistry between Selina and the duke was delicious. He was endearing and lovable, I also enjoyed the side characters and could read more about them. This debut novel cements Vasti as a powerhouse of historical rom-coms 💖

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange of my honest opinion

Perfect for fans of Bridgerton, Vasti sets us in Regency England with a charming American-raised duke and a woman determined to educate the women of the ton in all matters intimate. Vasti is a delightful storyteller, capturing the rollicking emotions of falling in love.

I am still participating in the marketing boycott of St Martins Press so I will not be providing a review of this book. Their recent responses (and bizarre publicity practices) are questionable.

Such a fun book. Loved the characters and how Selina was bold but Peter loved her for her. The spice level did take me by surprise in this one

I love historical romance but I'm missing historical rom-comedies!!! Ne'er Duke Well harks back to my old favourites in Julie Ann Long (What I Did For The Duke) and Olivia Parker (At The Bride Hunt Ball) but with modern sensibilities - and steaminess! While it took a little bit to get into, when the book finds its rhythm, it is pure loveliness and you really fall in love with Peter and Selina. Can't wait for more books in the series!

Another lovely read by Alexandra Vasti! Her books always have charming characters and immersive storytelling! Ne’er Duke Well hits all the right notes and adds on the heartwarming trope of a found family.

4.5⭐️
3🔥

Quick Breakdown

Historical Romance
Matchmaking
Single Guardian-ish
Idiots to Lovers
He Falls First
No 3rd Act Breakup
Dual POV
Open Door - Moderate Detail

Thank you to @smpromance for the eARC & @librofm for the ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Peter Kent, the current Duke of Stanhope is in a pickle. He wants to take custody of his father’s illegitimate children / his half siblings after their mother died, but there’s hoops to jump through. Despite being half English, he was raised in America & has been very vocal politically. He seeks out the help of his friend / acquaintance Lady Selina, who is know for problem solving, to help him convince Lord Eldon, the man in charge of his case, to see him in a good light.

Selina recommends he marry in good standing to appeal to Lord Eldon’s romantic side. Even though she is attracted to Stanhope, she can’t suggest herself. No one knows she runs a library with a secret catalog just for women. One that attempts to further women’s sexual education. If anyone found out, in her mind she could be a risk to Stanhope’s guardianship case. She seeks to match him with three other respectable Ladies.

I really quite adored this. The premise of Lady Selina matchmaking Stanhope to other women while coming to terms with her attraction to him had me addicted. Add in the smart & fantastically ridiculous humor, a hero looking to protect & care for his illegitimate siblings & an entrepreneurial heroine & I couldn’t put this down.

It’s paced a little different than your typical romance, which I appreciated. The coupling of our MC wrapped up earlier than usual, allowing the third act crisis to be something outside of their relationship that Selina & Stanhope could work through together, letting them wrap up their character arcs & giving us more time with them together in their HEA.

I fell head over heels for this cast of characters, and I can’t wait to see where Alexandra takes us next.

This was my very first historical romance. An avid romance reader but I had never felt inclined to check out a historical until this one… and I picked such a good one for my first! I loved the characters in this story, both main characters (and their adorable and sweet love story) but also the cast of side characters too. Most notably Peter’s 12-year-old sister Lu was a delight and definitely stole any scenes she appeared in. I loved the way the love story developed alongside additional plot lines I was invested in. I will definitely read more from Alexandra Vasti.

4.5 stars!

I don't read much Regency romance, but if they are all as good as Alexandra Vasti's "Ne'er Duke Well," consider me a fan! I loved every second of this book. I had such an amazing time reading it! It has been a long time since I laughed as hard as I did while reading something. This story has some of the best banter I have read all year. I absolutely adored the main characters, Peter and Selina, both separately and together. They are wholly endearing individuals, and their dynamic made me want more, more, more of them! Selina is such a strong, amazing female character. I admired her resilience, her strength, and her spunkiness. I loved her from the second she was introduced on the page. I appreciated her covert job and why she does what she does (in an effort to educate women at a time when they were not allowed to be enlightened!). Peter is a pure soul who loves his siblings more than anything and is willing to go to the ends of the earth for them. His charm and adoration are palpable, and I found myself smitten with him just like Selina was. And he's a dirty talker! Alexandra Vasti has such a terrific, seamless, swoony writing style. This book sparked so much joy. I cannot wait to read her next novel!! I also totally loved Mhairi Morrison's absolutely stunning, perfect narration for both characters. She helped me enjoy this book even more than I already did.

Thank you to NetGalley, Alexandra Vasti, St. Martin's Press, and St. Martin's Griffin for the complimentary ALC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

LOVED THIS ONE! Ne'er Duke Well is a hilarious and spicy romantic comedy about Lady Selina who is determined to find the Duke of Stanhope the perfect match so he'll have the best chances of adopting his half-siblings and becoming their guardian. Of course Lady Selina doesn't believe she's the best match for Peter when she's secretly running a library and curating her own collection of erotic books with the purpose of educating women. But plans don't go as planned when there's so much chemistry and sexual tension between these two that they're accidentally found losing their shoes and balance in the library! Definitely recommend for anyone who is looking for an enjoyable time with characters full of humor, moments filled with electrical tension, and a lot of heartwarming moments.

I absolutely loved this historical romance by Alexandra Vasti! This was such a fun novel and I loved Peter and Selina so much!

Peter has just inherited the title of Duke after living in America for a majority of his life. With that comes two younger siblings that he didn't know existed. The only problem is he is having a hard time getting guardianship of them. Enter Selina, who has become quite the matchmaker of the Tons most eligible people. She is determined to find Peter a wife in order to help keep his siblings with him. She just didn't think she would end up being that wife!

This book was filled with humor and banter that had me laughing out loud. I also loved that Selina owned the women's library that helped women understand how their bodies work (and men) in order to become more educated in that area. You could tell that this was something she was passionate about and that was something that really should have been discussed more during that time. I love that Vasti made this such a big part of her character. AND that Peter supported her in this endeavor wholeheartedly. I will definitely be recommending this one to everyone! Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy if this book in exchange for an honest review!

Loved this!!! So charming and sweet! Wonderful characters, lots of romance and fun. I enjoyed the found family aspect and all the banter between Peter and Selina. You will love watching these two fall in love.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!💫