I am always a sucker for a cute historical romance cover and this one really got me! This story follows Lady Selina who is determined to help the Duke of Stanhope get a wife so that he might take custody of his siblings. However, things do go they way they should and the attraction between the two is seen by everyone! I loved the writing in this one plus the banter and relationships was so good. Also Lady Selina has a secret that I just absolutely loved!!! Thank you St Martins Press for my gifted copy for review!

Despite being so, SO well written, this book and I did not mess well. There is so much going on that I had a hard time staying focused or even interested in the book. This was a huge bummer as I love Vasti's novellas! The big downfall for me here is that the romance was over in a flash and the whole custody battle aspect swallowed up the romance plot.

3.5

Thank you to the publisher for the eArc.

This book had some cute moments, however it just ultimately didn’t connect with me in a way that would’ve made it amazing. The beginning plot where our FMC was trying to set up our MMC for marriage felt a bit unnecessary to me as I feel the story would have had more impact without it. Had they just been engaged from the start and we had seen more interactions with the children, I think the entire guardianship plot would have been much more impactful.

Overall, not a bad book in the slightest, just didn’t connect with me as I had hoped it would.

This is Alexandra Vasti’s first traditionally published book. I have enjoyed the author's past novellas so I was very excited to read this one. I thought the beginning was strong, but sadly it fell flat. I loved the tension and wondered how they were going to get together, But unfortunately it wrapped up way too quickly and I ended up skimming the rest of the book.

Thank you Netgally and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Ne’er Duke Well follows an American-born duke, Peter, who just arrived in England two years ago. Upon learning of his two younger half-siblings, both orphaned, he intends to gain official custody of them. Too bad his reputation isn’t the greatest; he’s radical and tends to draw a lot of attention to himself! His small family is at risk of being permanently split apart, unless he can somehow convince the judges that he’ll be a caring and stable guardian. For help he turns to his friend Selina, and she comes up with a plan to have him court and marry a woman with a spotless reputation. Not her, though: She has some secrets lurking behind closed doors! And yet Peter wants only her. Can they have it all? Or would being together be too great a risk to Peter’s young siblings?

This book jumps into the main action pretty quickly; maybe it was built up in the author’s previous novellas? (I haven’t read them yet, but those characters are referenced in Ne’er Duke Well.) I found myself trying to get up to speed in the first couple of chapters, but once I did, I fell in love with these characters and their story.

Selina and Peter are both likable. Peter is easy-going and accidentally causes scandal wherever he goes, affable and charming, yet with radical political stances (at least for the time). He’s an outsider, having been born and raised in New Orleans with no likelihood of ever becoming a duke, and yet here he is. Selina is clever and endlessly helpful to anyone who needs it. She secretly runs a library offering erotic literature, something that would surely destroy her reputation and that of her brother, himself a duke. The secondary characters, too, are fun to read. From Peter’s younger half-siblings to the women he’s instructed to court, they all spring from the pages.

There are a few tropes in here—matchmaking, marriage of convenience—that feel reinvigorated and original. I was pleasantly surprised at how swiftly certain things moved along, opening up the story for more twists and fun along the way.

Ne’er Duke Well is generally a ton of fun, but it also delves into some more serious topics. There’s a health scare later in the book, bringing back Peter’s trauma over the loss of his brother back in New Orleans. There’s also discussion of women’s undeserved ignorance around sex and Selina’s determination to give women more knowledge and power in that regard. Bravo to both Selina and Peter for the positive ways they’re each trying to improve their world!

From start to finish, Ne’er Duke Well is a delightful and engaging romance. It’s a joyous read with substance, and I am exited to continue the series. The next book in the Belvoir’s Library trilogy, Earl Crush, comes out on January 21, 2025. It stars Selina’s friend Lydia and a Scottish Earl, and I can’t wait to read it!

This was such a fun and fresh historical romance. Having an unconventional man inherit a title, even a dukedom, is hardly a new trope, but Vasti takes the concept and breathes new life into it. Peter is shaking up the aristocracy with his abolitionist views AND he’s trying to gain guardianship of his half-siblings.

I also love the trope where the first person offers to help find a suitable partner for the other, only to fall in love with them. So, I really enjoyed the parts of the book that feature Peter taking prospective brides around town. But of course, Selina is the only match for Peter.

Their chemistry is off the charts– 120% sizzling! It’s def a bit spicier than some of the recent histroms I’ve read. It’s probably going to get 1 star reviews for “too much sex”, but that’s totally a badge of honor nowadays!

Speaking of which, I loved that Selina was the secret owner of a private library with a secret section of erotica and educational books that can only be accessed by women. Selina wanted to ensure that young women didn’t enter into marriage without knowing what to expect. Given that “ignorant brides” has been a trope from the beginning of the genre, it’s nice to see books presenting an alternative to “lie back and think of England.”

I would absolutely recommend Ne’er Duke Well. Vasti is my new favorite author and I can’t wait to read more of her books.







I received a digital ARC of this book from St. Martin’s/NetGalley.

Ne’er Duke Well, Alexandra Vasti’s debut novel is a delightful and engaging read. The story follows Selina Ravenscroft, a seasoned debutante with a knack for matchmaking who also happens to secretly run a library that includes scandalous erotic books only available to the female members. Peter Kent, a newly minted duke who inherits his title unexpectedly after being born and raised in Louisiana, is trying to gain custody of his half-siblings, Lu and Freddie. Because of his radical politics and his American upbringing, the custody suit is in peril. Selina sets out to find him a respectable match, but of course, they end up falling for each other.

This book is touted as a rom-com, and while there are the mad-cap rompish moments we’ve come to expect from Vasti’s Halifax Hellions novella trilogy, I’d say this book is more of a standard historical romance with some excellent comedic moments. I prefer the way Vasti had serious issues and moments in this story rather than more rom-com elements. Peter has suffered great tragedy in his life, and Selina has been witness to both her twin’s suffering and to the injustice faced by her own generation of women. I really enjoyed these elements of the story which led to all kinds of wonderful developments. The one I liked the best was that instead of miscommunication forming an obstacle to the romance, it was the characters’ own insecurities. They weren’t exaggerated and their realism made the story more compelling. The emotional connection between the characters was both endearing and helped to cement the reader’s investment in the main couple. Likewise, the Ravenscroft family added a wonderful layer of love and support to the story, and Peter’s yearning to be a part of that made his character more poignant.

There were some great comedic moments, excellent banter, and self-deprecating humour. The children made a welcome addition to the story and were used effectively to show the growing affection between Selina and Peter and added both comedy and drama to the main story. The steamy scenes were very well-done and helped to develop the relationship between the mains. Vasti’s deft writing is beautiful although leans a bit towards over-explaining (i.e. the significance of character’s actions and words) to the reader. I wish she trusted her readers a bit more to see these things for themselves. The other thing that took me out of the story a bit was a later scene that happened during the court hearing. No spoilers, but I found the intrusion on the hearing unrealistic, silly, and unnecessary. However, the rest of the book is truly wonderful!

Highly recommend to readers who enjoy a great story, lovable characters, excellent writing, well-executed comedy and drama, and a compelling read. The historical details were top-notch and enhanced the novel and my overall enjoyment. Can’t wait to read the next one! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

I loved this book SO very much. It really surprised me and I will be buying a copy to keep in my personal library!

It started a bit slow as all regencies tend to for me — lots of scene setting and characters and adjusting to the period language. But then we were OFF and my goodness I loved every minute of the ride.

The chemistry is outstanding, the spice is so so good, the dialogue is sharp and smart. It is such a fun, swoony romance with female empowerment and the most delightful leading couple,

Summary; I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

DNFed on 07/27/2024 || Ne'er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti || #NeerDukeWell #NetGalley #HistoricalRomance #Romance

DNF - Unsure Rating 3 stars to be fair

For full transparency: college has been consuming me a lot but I did try my hardest to both eARC read this, and listen to the audiobook. Also I'm not really reviewing books from this publisher. I believe I accidently picked it up after SMPBoycott started, or had picked it up right as it was occurring. Either way, that is entirely on me and my full review will be edited and posted once I can.

Alexandra Vasti is really where people who don't like historical romance should start so that they fall in love with historical romance. What is there not to like with a woman run library, delicious banter and a strong female main character. The answer is you have to like, nay love everything.

The plot of Ne'er Duke Well is pleasantly predictable, but that only makes this novel more enjoyable. Peter Kent, the ninth Duke of Stanhope, is an unlikely Duke as he is American. He recently inherited his title and moved to England. Along with h is title he inherited a 10 year old half-brother and a 12 year old half sister. Currently the children live with a great aunt, but Peter wants custody. His friend, Lady Selina Ravenscroft, suggests that Peter will have a better chance of gaining custody of his siblings if he is married. Selina plays matchmaker, but it is Selina that Peter falls for. Selina has a secret that might destroy any future she has with Peter before it begins. Vasti's combination of passionate scenes along with entertaining characters are what make this novel a must read for all romance fans.

I’ve read a good bit of historical romance novels but I haven’t read one quite like this. Such an interesting story about an American Duke and an English Lady who has her own business lending out sexy books to other unmarried ladies in the Regency era! It is so cute and fun and just makes you feel all the fuzzy good feelings!

"In this steamy Regency romp, Lady Selina is determined to find the Duke of Stanhope the perfect wife—the only problem is she's starting to think that might be her. The main characters: Peter Kent—newly inherited Duke of Stanhope and recently of New Orleans, Louisiana and Selina society’s most proper debutante, save one tiny secret: she runs an erotic circulating library for women."

A rare 5 stars. I don't give them out very often, but this story was well written and had me from start to finish. Peter and Selina are well-rounded characters, they have depth. The secondary characters are well done but the standouts are Peters half siblings, Lu & Freddie. The kids are adorable. Even the devilish kitten is entertaining.

Peter is a walking disaster, if something can happen it will; he draws it like a magnet and is always surprised that it's such a big deal. Anything outside society's stodgy rules is going to wind up in the gossip pages and Peter is a regular. Selina is a perfect ton lady with a big secret. Her lending library for ladies is full of what would be considered smut. It's really more educational tomes for innocent ignorant young ladies but there are some racy novels too. One woman checked out a book so many times, and kept it overdue, that Selina wrote it off and bought another!

A big part of the story involves illegitimate or natural born children, a father who didn't care about them or his own heir. Peter spends a lot of time and energy trying to make things right as we would see it today but shocking in historic England. Why it's not shocking to everyone in the book is a mystery, it's taken in stride that a duke wants custody of his father's by-blows. A sad story about one of them will break your heart. My opinion is that you'll enjoy the easy fun read as much as I did.

Publisher‏: ‎ St. Martin's Griffin (July 23, 2024)
Publication date‏: ‎ July 23, 2024
Print length: ‎ 345 pages

#Ne'erDukeWell #AlexandraVasti #St.Matrin'sGriffin #historicalromance #romance #historicalEnglishromance #NetGalley

So beautiful, fun and sexy! I love Alexandra Vasti and she knocks it out of the park. The characters are well written, the FMC is a total boss, and the romance is swoon worthy.

We meet Peter Kent the new Duke of Stanhope as he is contemplating his error in judgement. It started with a kitten rejected by his sister Lu, in favor of a rapier. Which led him to dressing her as a boy to accomplish the task, much to the amusement of his brother Freddie. It's also how he manages to run into Lady Selina Ravenscroft while holding aloft a small rapier.

It's important to know that Lady Selina has some interesting secrets as well.

As they converse, she finds the children are Peter's half siblings and he's trying to get guardianship over them.

Her solution is for him to marry, and she puts forth candidates for the position of Dutchess. Her own name is conspicuously missing from that list.

Every time these two are together the attraction is palpable. However, she can't see past her secret to accept that they are the perfect match.

This book is so much fun, the antics of the children and their kitten, and watching Peter navigate courting is very amusing. I couldn't figure out how these two would get together, but I knew they absolutely had to.

Too fast of a burn for my personal preferences. I do enjoy a comedy of errors, but this one was just a little too far on the silly side. I've liked Vasti's writing in the past, but I think her style is more suited to novellas and the lack of real conflict or tension between the characters made that evident.

In this delightfully sexy romance, Selina discovers that you cannot learn everything from books, some things are meant to be experienced.

I think I enjoyed the first half a lot more, when Selina was looking in all the wrong places for a wife for Peter, but with good intentions, obviously. It was tremendous fun watching Peter “court” these three women while pining for Selina. The second half adopted a slightly more serious tone and while I loved seeing Peter and Selina happy, I missed some of their earlier sarcastic banter. The inner dialogue of these two characters was hilarious. They had chemistry in spades right from the start.

This story had schemes upon schemes upon schemes, some more farfetched than others, to be sure. Peter’s siblings and Selina’s friends added levity and rich dimension to the story, while trying to find a solution to a very serious problem. Georgiana was the absolute best and I sincerely hope we will see more of her, as well as Lydia and Selina’s twin brother.

I can highly recommend this if you like a light-hearted, yet steamy, historical romance.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

DNF @ 42%

Unfortunately, I found this extremely slow and uninteresting. Which is supremely disappointing, given that the Halifax Hellions is one of my FAVOURITE historical novella series. Vasti does so well in this shorter novellas, I had such high expectations for this. Unfortunately, it wasn't hitting the right notes.

Such a fun read!! This was actually my first historical but maybe it won’t be my last?? Loved Vasti’s voice and characters, and of course the spectacular love story.

I don't read a ton of historical romance. I've mostly stuck to contemporary, but every so often I dip my toe in (and I've also recently started watching Bridgerton).

Last week, I finished reading NE'ER DUKE WELL by Alexandria Vasti. I had seen a lot of RAVE reviews before I started, and so I was super excited to read it. And let me tell you, they weren't wrong. This book is FANTASTIC. If if historical isn't generally your thing, this is one you need to make sure to read.

Peter Kent, of New Orleans, has recently inherited the title of the Duke of Stanhope. All Peter wants is to be able to have guardianship over his younger half siblings, but because of he doesn't have the best reputation, he's having issues. So he asks Selina Ravenscroft for help.

Selina is smart and knows the ton well (which is the high society and not a place like I thought while watching the first season Bridgerton lol). While Selina is a well respected lady, she also has a secret - she runs a private library full of erotic books for women.

Selina's plan is for Peter to marry a respectable lady who will help his reputation. But that doesn't go as planned when none of the matches are quite right, and instead he and Selina find themselves unable to resist each other. But Selina is worried her secret will come out if she allows herself to fall for Peter and will ruin his chances of adopting his siblings. But the two also can't stay apart.

This book is SO MUCH FUN!!! It's funny, it's sweet, it's sexy. It's everything you want in a romance! Selina and Peter are an amazing couple with fantastic chemistry! I absolutely adore Peter's siblings. The secret library is so great.

Highly, highly recommend this one and I can't wait to read Alex's Halifax novellas.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my ARC.