Much like the rest of romancelandia, I was super excited to read Alexandra Vasti’s first full length novel after reading her Halifax Hellions novellas (spoiler—they’re mentioned in her newest!). Ne’er Duke Well is within the same universe as Matilda and Margo and takes place just before either of them have settled down. We have a bit of an Emma story with Lady Selina Ravenscroft attempting to be a matchmaker for Peter Kent, the 9th Duke of Stanhope. Peter is a different sort of Duke hailing from Louisiana and only recently inheriting the Dukedom, making the mistake in the ton of accepting his father’s illegitimate offspring as his own siblings. Selina hopes to help secure a match for Peter that will elevate his capabilities of taking care of his siblings as their rightful brother. Oh course this matchmaker is bested when she assumes she knows whom Peter desires most, never expecting it to be herself!

This was a tricky read for me. I think overall it was because of the pacing. Perhaps I was expecting the speed of Vasti’s past novellas, and this one felt slow to start. The matchmaking attempts by Selina were fun and the book picked up when Peter reveals it’s Selina who’s been occupying his thoughts instead of his other possible paramours. However the couple gets together and we aren’t yet to the halfway point. The second half of the book read as more of a custody battle for the children than as a love story. Although this didn’t bother me and I don’t mind children in romance, I think I wanted more romantic tension and pull between Peter and Selina prior to the second plot. There are also LOTS of things that happen in this book, some of which I wish were more front and center. Selina runs an erotic library and although the consequences of this are explored, the fun bits of what this means weren’t really touched upon. Perhaps I was hoping to be scandalized? I did like what Vasti did with one of Peter’s love interests (even if I anticipated this storyline early on). I have to say though that this novel wasn’t as memorable as Vasti’s earlier works and somewhat forgettable. I know there was steam, but unfortunately can’t remember enough of it to feel excited for. I am sure Vasti will continue to hone her writing with time as she truly has a knack for historical romance, and even though this wasn’t my favorite from her, I look forward to reading more in the future. I received an advanced copy from St. Martin’s. All opinions are my own.

3.5 🌟 rounded up to 4

This was a pretty good read by a new author I found. The story held my attention from the first chapter and never let go. The characters were fully developed with thoughts and feelings of their own. I really enjoyed the story with lots of funny quips and tender moments.
Peter Kent, the new Duke of Stanhope is an American from New Orleans who is a radical with views that other don't like. He wants to adopt his siblings who were not acknowledge from their father or in his will. He will have to portray a steady demeanor and not upset Lord Eldon who is the justice of the High Court. Peter will have to be in the good graces of the Lord who will handle the case.
When Peter literally bumps into a woman who is a matchmaker by the name of Selina Ravenscroft.
She is a lady with good insights in getting people together in marriage. Selina decides to help Peter in his search for respectability and a wife. But things don't go as planned when she finds herself falling in love with him. Peter falls in love with her too. Lots of kissing and sexy happenings to make this a wonderful romance.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

I had high hopes for this one and it was a bit of a let down. It started interestingly enough but then rushed through the romance plot and left much to be desired.

A steamy regency romance in the vein of Bridgerton. Highly enjoyable. The characters were delightful. Peter Kent inherited the dukedom of Stanford from his late father. He comes from New Orleans and he's trying to do the right thing by his half-siblings. Lady Selina is the sister of a duke who wants to help Peter secure guardianship of his siblings. She feels a wife would help him accomplish this and convince the House of Lords that he is responsible and capable. She comes up with a list of fine English ladies who would all suit. Only Selina wishes she herself were on the list. And this wouldn't be a problem, as she is a fine upstanding Lady. However, she is also running a secretive library business of erotic novels for the ton. Hijinks and romance ensue.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for this e-arc.*

In this regency era steam fest of a book, we meet 2 characters who are complete opposites at first and turn into so much more sooner than just at the end of the book.

I really enjoyed the banter between Selina and Peter, who have the typical enemies to lovers set up. Add a marriage of convenience, he falls first and hard, and you’ve got the perfect match. I ultimately wish I could live within the pages of this book. The setting, the modernized thoughts that are trickled within are just wonderful.

I can not wait for more.

If you're looking for a Regency romance with humor, heat, and heart, check out NE'ER DUKE WELL, which has all three in abundance.

Both leads are good people who are trying their best, which makes it easy to like and sympathize with them, even if they sometimes make hilarious mistakes. Better still, the tension in the book primarily comes from outside influences rather than from misunderstandings, miscommunications, or bad decisions on the part of the leads. There's conflict, of course, but not a ton of unnecessary angst, and I appreciated that. Drama and angst can be very rewarding, but sometimes I enjoy the comfort of reading a story about two good people realizing how great they could be together. NE'ER DUKE WELL really delivers that!

The book also feels surprisingly timely. Because we live in an era of book bans and legal challenges to women's reproductive rights, Selina's desire to help the women of her society learn more about their bodies and desires comes across as particularly important. This novel underscores the importance of having information, even if (or precisely because) it's the kind of information that gatekeepers don't want young women to know.

A delightfully hot and funny debut historical romance. A perfect follow-up to season 3 of Bridgerton with extraordinarily steamy romance and a hard won and heartfelt HEA.

Ne'er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti is a feel good, fun read full of heart! This is my first book by Vasti and I was s completely engaged from the beginning chapter. Peter Kent, an American who has inherited the Stanford Dukedom is an endearing character with his easy smile, caring manner. and good looks. He has a depth of character with his emotional scars and insecurities. As the female main character, Lady Selina Ravenscroft, is intelligent, driven to solve others problems and can work the ton like no other. These two join forces in a plan that will determine Peter's future and give him his heart's desire. The story if filled with wit, humor, angst and secret longings. There were twist and turns, unexpected surprises and an ending that will touch your heart! Her supporting characters are as well developed as her main characters and are woven seamlessly into the whole. The trope of found family is very evident in the relationships between the characters!
Ne'er Duke Well is Alexandra Vasti's debut novel and I loved it! I am hoping that she will write stories for the supporting characters that I met withing the pages of her novel!
I received an Advanced Readers Copy and am leaving a voluntary review based solely on my personal reading experience.

A solid debut novel from Alexandra Vasti. I enjoyed the central romance between Peter and Selina and loved even more the broader storylines introduced, including the subplot mystery/drama with Georgiana, Selina’s work around Belvoir’s and the clear lines to future romances for supporting characters. I loved seeing the way Peter and Selina both showed their love for their families — and the way they’re going about building a new one together. There were a few areas I wish were fleshed out better and were more show than tell, such as the past first meeting between Selina and Peter; it’s mentioned a few times and briefly outlined, but I think a flashback scene with some more detail or something would have been better there. Overall an enjoyable romp with meaningful layers to it. I would definitely be willing to explore her other books, and I’m interested in her previous novella collection.

I've been intending to read more historical romance, so I was eager to read this one. The title and cover caught my attention and the story did not disappoint! I flew through this book! I loved Selina and Peter's chemistry, and I found myself laughing out loud through much of the story. The story was very refreshing. The romance was center stage, but largely without conflict. Selina and Peter were supportive of each other, communicated well, and there was no third act breakup. Instead, they had to manage largely external conflict: Peter working to get custody of his two siblings and Selina trying to prevent scandal due to her secret business. Speaking of, I really loved that Selina was a savvy business owner who curated accessible erotic and informative content for women, as well as her motivations for why she started it. I love a strong FMC, and Selina was top tier.

I am excited to read more from Alexandra Vasti! I believe Selina's friend Lydia is next, so I am thrilled we get to continue reading about this world and cast of characters.

This was an enjoyable and lighthearted read.

With an American born duke that wasn’t raised on aristocratic conventions and has a different perception than most of society of what matters the most of all. And a heroine that in the eyes of the ton is the epitome of respectability for a sister of a duke. Which has allowed her to secretly run a scandalous library for two years.

This story is filled with supportive side characters that are endearing and provide understanding and unconditional love. Along with some hijinks and comedic relief that always kept the story light and hopeful even when all seemed lost.

There are four encounters that are detailed and steamy.

This was a delightful, delicious romp. NPR called this a "historical romance with the energy of a Parks & Recreation episode." I couldn't agree more. I loved the plot of this book, I felt so invested (60+ highlights) and it's a credit to Vasti's writing. This book was enjoyable, funny, and heartwarming. The story had emotional and historical depth. The characters supported and healthily communicated with each other. The book is perfect for fans of Sophie Irwin, Liana De la Rosa, and Tessa Dare.

This was an extremely wonderful, unique, and original love story. It included so much drama, humor, intrigue, mystery, wit, so much excitement, emotional issues, and unpredictable outcomes, some in which I'd want to cry and other times laugh out loud. I really enjoyed the characters and their beautiful romance with such passion and heat. I was very happy with how everything worked out for all in the end. I highly recommend reading!

4.5⭐️

On the surface is a fun romance.
I loved all the characters. I love how brave and caring Selina is. I love how accepting and caring Peter is.
I really appreciate books where the drama occurs due to external circumstances rather than internal (like miscommunication)

And underneath it all is the simple fact of how far women’s rights have come. The books in the Venus catalog are happily read and written in the open now. It’s a small thing, but it’s also not.

This was the first book I read by Alexandra Vasti. I enjoyed this open door romance about an unexpected romance. It was told through dual prospectives. It was pleasant to have female main character that was knowledge for a story during this time period (early 1800s England).

I've been following Alexandra Vasti on Instagram for a while so I was so excited to see that she was being traditionally published. The premise sounded promising too so I couldn't wait to read it.

Ne'er Duke Well delivers on its promise. It's fun, steamy and has loveable characters. Peter and Selina are a delightful pairing. He's always in a scandal and she's his Olivia Pope. They were a lot of fun to read about and I enjoyed their dynamic. I also thought their romance was well developed. It's romantic and incredibly sexy. I truly loved this couple.

The plot was fun and interesting. The children here are but and never overshadowed the romance which I appreciated.

I was expecting this to be steamy based on the author's self-published novellas and this book did not disappoint! Peter and Selina were hot!

Overall, would recommend!!

Ne’er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti tells the story of Lady Selina Ravenscroft and Peter Kent, the ninth Duke of Stanhope.

Selina, the sister of a Duke herself, is well liked and respected. She’s popular, kind, and devoted to her friends and family. Selina, in true Vasti fashion, is much more than her reputation. Years ago she discovered a suitor’s less than honorable intentions and later helped a friend in a compromising situation. Inspired by her experiences, she founded and manages (secretly) a circulating library, with a section devoted to educating women about sex.

Peter is a bit of a rogue and (gasp) American, from New Orleans specifically. He’s wealthy, handsome, and fun. He, like Selina, is more than meets the eye. Peter has been through traumatic familial losses and is determined to become the guardian of his much younger brother and sister, his father’s unacknowledged natural born children. Both children are an absolute delight, but young Lucinda, Lu, really steals the show, repeatedly. 🤺Peter is also an outspoken abolitionist.

When Selina learns of Peter’s upcoming guardianship hearing she applies herself to finding him the perfect aristocratic wife. (Selina has major eldest daughter vibes, must protect everyone at all costs, sometimes a little too much. Your honor, I LOVE HER!)

As Selina “helps” Peter find a wife she finds herself imagining it was she and not one of the three women* she selected, but is terrified her secret would destroy his chances in the guardianship hearing. The attraction is mutual and things get physical. They are caught and Peter immediately does the right thing, what he’s always wanted to do really.

*All three candidates are five star characters and I am very much looking forward to seeing what Vasti does with their stories.

Before they are wed, Selina goes to Peter and tells him everything. He is surprised, supportive, kind, and enthusiastic. Eventually the secret becomes a significant burden and decisions must be made. As Peter and Selina navigate their new life together, the rumors, the children, villains, family, and the courts, they fall for each other. It’s angsty and sexy (there’s a scene in Selina’s office that whew, 😮‍💨), funny and romantic, and adventurous.

What I loved best about this story is Peter’s obvious respect for Selina’s life choices. From motherhood to career, he makes sure he knows what she wants and how to help her get it. Women’s choices being respected and nurtured by the men in their lives is evergreenly poignant but feels especially appropriate at the moment.

Ne'er Duke Well is a delightful Regency romance centered on Peter Kent, who recently became the Duke of Stanhope after living most of his life in New Orleans, and his friend, Lady Selina Ravenscroft. Kent is desperate to gain legal guardianship over his two siblings but attracts scandal like a magnet so Selina sets out to help him by trying to find him a respectful wife. This wife most definitely cannot be her because she secretly runs an erotic circulation library for women.

I adored this so much! I loved Selina’s motivations for running the library to educate women and how proud Peter was of her at every turn. The chemistry between the pair was so well done. Both MCs cared so deeply for their families and for each other. This is such an incredibly funny but also deeply heartfelt read.

I am so looking forward to reading about Selina’s best friend, Lydia in Earl Crush and am hoping we will get many more set in this world with glimpses of these characters.

Thank you to SMP & NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

DNF -- I found the rhythm of the writing difficult to wade through. It felt like there was an introductory chapter missing because so many things were mentioned that I didn't understand yet. There were lots of extra details that bogged things down after the first two chapters, and frankly there was entirely too much swearing.

Loved this book and all of its characters!! Except you, Lord Alverthorpe, you can rot.
The little sister, Lu, is a gremlin and I love her. Peter is a mischievous golden retriever and I love him. Selina just wants to fight the patriarchy and let women read smut and I love her. Lots of love.

Our MMC, Peter, is from New Orleans but inherits a dukedom in England so he moves there. Finds out he has two half siblings (they’re little) and he wants to take care of them but needs to apply for guardianship. The person who grants that doesn’t like him because he thinks he has too many scandals. So the FMC Selina says he should marry to give a more family front. So she lists for him eligible women in the ton, but something happens and she ends up being the one he marries. She never put herself as an option because, SURPRISE, she runs a secret erotic library and it would ruin his reputation if he was associated, and he might lose his guardianship case. Peter really doesn’t care about that though.

I really loved the courtship phase of the book. Our first interaction with Georgiana had me rolling on the floor laughing and I ended up adoring her and her character arc. Lydia was like I’m going to be as anti-social as possible, and Iris was just like… if I must— but please don’t.

This book was found family, marriage of convenience, feminism, and just so much good. I loved it. This author is local to me and part of the community at my local indie and she is just the sweetest human and deserves all of the high praise this book has and will receive.

Thank you St. Martin’s for the e-galley arc, though I picked up a physical ASAP at Blue Cypress because I needed my hands on it.