Alexandra Vasti has a magical way of making everything feel light and airy, so you don’t even notice the way that deep emotions and weighty issues are sneaking up on you until you’re crying happy tears for her characters. And the spice is as on point as you'd expect from her Halifax novellas. A charming and polished debut that announces the entrance of a singular new voice into Historical Romance! Can’t wait to read the next one in the series.

“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮, 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘧 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘴 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Right off the bat, the book cover and the title caught my attention. For a debut historical romance novel, this was a delightful read! I’ve read one of Vasti’s novellas before that are very steamy so I was expecting the same for this book, which the spicy scenes definitely did not disappoint. I also loved the plot lines of Belvoir’s and Peter’s siblings. Just watching Selina and Peter’s romance blossom from working together to take care of his siblings was heartwarming. Though, I do wish there were more interactions with the children and the MCs.

Though the MCs do face difficulties dealing with their personal lives, I enjoyed how open their communication was with each other. They were able to fix the biggest conflicts in the book together instead of breaking apart during it. This deepened my love for Selina and Peter together, furthering their chemistry and cementing how healthy and happy they are with each other. This was a fast-paced and charming read that lifted my spirits. Overall, this book contained an excellent romance, lovable and fun characters, and exciting story lines. This charming book comes out soon on July 23rd!

Ne’er Duke Well is the story of Peter, a man desperate to gain custody of his siblings, and Selina, a lady with a secret. A plan is hatched that Peter may be able to gain custody if he gets married. Is this possible with his unintentionally scandalous reputation? Selina will have to work overtime to help Peter succeed while keeping her own secrets close.

Ne’er Duke Well is a fun and fast-paced regency romance. The banter between Selina and Peter was excellent. There are lots of hilariously failed encounters as Selina tries to find a match for Peter. Selina also has an important secret that takes her out of the running, at least in her mind (I loved her library!). When Peter and Selina finally give in to the attraction between them, the chemistry is fantastic. I absolutely loved the scene with the dog in the river! Georgiana was a particularly hilarious side character and I hope that we get to see her story as well.

This is my first book from Alexandra Vasti but definitely not my last! Ne’er Duke Well is perfect for readers who enjoy witty banter, hilarious shenanigans, and regency romance.

Thank you to Alexandra Vasti, St. Martin’s Griffin, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, and Barnes & Noble etc.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press, Dreamscape Media, and Libro FM for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

I’m not sure I have enough words to adequately describe how much I loved this book. I was hooked from the very beginning and didn’t want to put it down. Peter, the new Duke of Stanhope and Lady Selina become more than mere acquaintances when she steps in with a plan to help him gain custody of his step siblings. She develops a plan for him to wed and choose a respectable bride which should help his chances in the upcoming hearing. Peter is from Louisiana and has only recently moved to England to assume his title of Duke.

Oh this book! Selina tried so hard not to fall for Peter. She didn’t want her erotic library to hurt his respectability and guardianship, but she just couldn’t help falling for him. Peter had me swooning. He was so gone for Selina and so determined to support her no matter what. I loved how they built a family together. There were moments that had me crying and others where I was laughing out loud. This is without a doubt, my favorite historical romance in quite some time.

I adored the narration by Mhairi Morrison, especially her voice for Peter. I loved this enough that I immediately preordered Ne’er Duke Well and Earl Crush. I absolutely cannot wait for more books from Alexandra Vasti!

Sweet, swoony sexiness, I have a new favorite Duke and his name is Peter Kent.

”You bring the morning with you. You’re the light, sweetheart.”

*Sigh* I enjoyed this charming romp through Regency England so very much and I am honestly sad that it’s over. Did the ending go big before it went home? Yes. Did I eat it up regardless? Also yes.

The characters were likable from the jump and the story sheer fun with a dash of emotion—a woman wanting to make her own way, a brother who fears failing his siblings, various secondary characters with still waters running deep. I smiled and even shed a quiet tear or two for Peter, Selina, Lu, and Freddie (and their friends) as they fumbled their way to happily ever after, and really, all I can say is that I hope to see much more from this unique universe of Alexandra Vasti’s creation.

Highly recommend…though maybe not for those who prefer complete historical accuracy to a more modern-moral spin.

I was really looking forward to this one because I had read so many great reviews but sadly I dnf'ed this one at 80%. It wasn't a book that pulled me to continue reading. While there were parts that were enjoyable, I really dislikes the main of the characters but enjoyed the secondary characters!

This short, romance novel is a perfect book for those looking for historical era, women/feminism books, and happy endings. While I did feel like the book was a little too short -- there could have been more elaboration on characters -- I did enjoy the plot. I did however feel that the conflict was not true conflict. It felt resolved too easily. I enjoy when the conflict stretches a bit longer to make the audience question the happy ending. In this book, I had no doubt it would end happily.

Ne'er Duke Well is an amusing enough tale of an eldest brother trying to gain custody of his two younger siblings and find love at the same time. Set at the beginning of the 19th century, the references to circulating libraries, abolition, and the Napoleonic Wars provide an authentic feel for the period. Some of the rebellious females, however, feel much more like 21st century creations as they brazenly stand up to the patriarchy.

To say that I had a smile on my face the entirety of this story would not be a stretch. Ne'er Duke Well was a very refreshing Regency read. Yes, it is steamy, but it is delightfully laugh out loud worthy! It has been an age since I enjoyed a novel so much.

Peter Stanhope recently inherited a dukedom and realized he has two younger half siblings that have no official guardian. He is determined to take care of them, but in order to win their guardianship, it appears he needs a wife. Enter Selina Ravenscroft, the younger sister of a duke, who has determined to never marry lest her secret be revealed and ruin them. She cannot deny the attraction she has to Peter, but she is determined to help him find the perfect wife to save the children.

The supporting characters make this story so much more enjoyable. They are loyal, they are absurd, and they can be sure to reveal little secrets of their won. I look forward to many more escapades that Alexandra Vasti will unveil.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this regency romance as, while it utilized a number of romance tropes, it did it in a unique and unpredictable way. This feels new while still being an excellent addition to a beloved genre. Selina, the female main character, runs a secret library, with a secret collection of books that only women are allowed to take out to either amuse or educate themselves - which even as the sister of a Duke, is a risky move for a woman of that time. When the newly inherited Duke of Stanhope, Peter Kent, goes to her family for help with his own familial issues, Selina dives head first into problem-solving (aka finding him a wife to make him "respectable enough" to put a case forward to get guardianship of his half-siblings) while clearly harbouring feelings for him. It was a nice mix of tropes with two-thirds focusing on the love story, and one-third focusing on the guardianship and the impacts it has on Selina and Peter's relationship. The only gripe I had about the love story is that there appeared to be some history between the main characters that the readers are just dropped in the middle of, rather than seeing it progress from the first day they meet.

Overall, though, I'd definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a historical fictional romance with amazing chemistry between main characters.

Alexander Vasti has nailed her debut novel. She has done so with an interesting and engaging plot. In Peter and Selina along with the rest of the characters she created a team that gives readers lots of opportunities for laughter and delight. The dialogue is simple and easy to understand. You will enjoy picking up some new jargon as you become familiar with Selina’s secret. It is romantic and lovely how these two unlikely people defy the odds and become a family.

"Ne'er Duke Well" by Alexandra Vasti is a refreshing take on modern historical romance. Vasti's debut novel shines with her unique voice, effortlessly blending whimsy, humour, and deep romantic emotions with richly nuanced characters.

The characters in this novel are vibrant and full of life. My favourite is Lu, Peter's 12-year-old half-sister, who knows what she wants and will stop at nothing to get it. Her spunk and personality leap off the page, making her utterly captivating. All of Vasti's characters are bursting with energy, making it impossible not to be drawn to them. Selina, the female protagonist, embodies a modern take on historical romance heroines in the best possible way. She exudes confidence, always fixes others' problems, and runs the highly successful Belvoir library, which features a specially curated collection of saucy and scandalous books for women in the Venus collection. Despite her confidence, Selina has a poignant sense of sadness and loneliness, as she often puts others' needs above her own and keeps Belvoir a secret from everyone in her life. Peter, on the other hand, is not your typical Duke. Raised in New Orleans, he is a bit of a walking scandal and a fierce abolitionist, which ruffles feathers within the Ton. Peter's character is brimming with heart. His devotion to his half-siblings, Lu and Freddie, drives him to do whatever it takes to secure their guardianship, even participating in a matchmaking marriage scheme arranged by Selina. His determination in the custody battle is captivating, even though, being a romance, we know it will end well. Peter's unwavering support and unexpected reactions to Selina add depth to his character, making him endearing and memorable.

The chemistry between Peter and Selina is electric. The matchmaker setup creates all the right feelings as they gradually realize that the person they want to be with is the one they're trying to marry off to someone else. Their history of antagonism adds a perfect touch. Watching their relationship progress throughout the book is a rollercoaster of humour, romance, emotion, and heartwarming moments—with a generous dash of sensuality.

"Ne'er Duke Well" is an exceptional and charming debut historical romance from Alexandra Vasti. With its refreshingly modern take on Regency England, a swoon-worthy romance, vivid characters, and an engaging story centred around family and love, this book is a must-read. I’m eagerly counting down the days until her second novel, "Earl Crush," hits shelves in January 2025!

This was so cute and quirky and feminist and sincere and I loved it. I can't believe it's a debut. One of my favorite things about it is it had the potential to be really annoying with a lot of the tropes it was putting into this book. Instead, it put a twist on all of them and it was actually really great and a huge relief—the love interests were consistently open and honest with each other throughout when they had the potential to withhold things for ages and drive me crazy. There was also no third-act breakup but still plenty of tension that made my heart hurt. It was all done so well. I can't wait to read more from this author!

A thoroughly engaging book from start to end! A formidable woman who is on a quest to have as many women educated as possible, who wants to take care of everyone and is very creative when it comes to solutions. A man who wants to be guardian and protector of his siblings and fighting for the right to do so. Together, they are unstoppable! I enjoyed this book so much but console myself, there are three more incredible women who will get their own stories to look forward to.

I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

A fun romance story with a minimum amount of drama. Really a feel-good story that is perfect to relax and enjoy. Set in the regency era this would be perfect for fans of Bridgerton and the reader can see some definite similarities between the two.

4.5 stars! Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and St. Martin's Griffith for this advanced copy. You can pick up Ne'er Duke Well on July 23, 2024.

What an adorable Regency romance! Alexandra Vasti's writing really swept me away and immersed me in this world. I enjoyed the tension, the banter, and the romance between Lady Selina and Duke of Stanhope, Peter Kent. It was interesting to read a friends-to-lovers Regency story, but I think Vasti executed it well. I was slightly confused at times, since we seemed to get a lot of references to events that may or may not have happened in other books (I think this is an interconnected universe of standalones?). It only would have enriched the story more to see those scenes play out in this book.

But I feel like the stakes were perfectly high enough with Selina's involvement in the Belvoir library and Peter's fight for custody of his siblings. This created great tension and drama outside of the romance, though I love how all the storylines eventually intertwined. I'll definitely be looking into Vasti's books more!

This cute cover welcomes the reader to a good debut novel. Peter Kent grew up in New Orleans but now has inherited his father’s dukedom. He has two younger half siblings (boy and girl) that his father never provided for or acknowledged. Peter desperately wants to become their legal guardian and have them live with him. But his politics and some actions without thinking have turned the person making the decision against him. Lady Selina Ravenscroft suggests if he marries well it will help his cause and chooses some potential debutants. Half the book is his stumbling through possible partners and the second half focuses more on the kid storyline.

Selina is delicious. She secretly owns a successful circulating library. A small side of her business is only for women that includes everything from helpful information to steamy novels and erotica. Peter and Selina have great chemistry together with a few very well written passionate scenes. But Peter is the weaker link in the story. It may have worked better if he were lower rank (Earl or Baron) but who would believe someone would challenge a Duke about wanting to provide for and educate family members. Especially when he has other Duke’s on his side. It wasn’t a stressing plot point to me. And Peter seems to always turn to Selina to solve the problems, although he does come up with an idea in the end. I mean how is this guy running a dukedom? The main thing I know is that is handsome with naturally curly hair.

Even with a weaker hero I still found this story very fun to read and will gladly read more from the author.

This book was at times heartwarming and sweet, empowering and hot. It had a fun cast of characters that I want to know more about and would happily visit again and again. I even found the kids funny and engaging. I look forward to more from this author.

Shortly after Peter Kent’s arrival from New Orleans he learns he has two young half siblings and makes it his mission to become their legal guardian. He asks for help from Selina, a well connected debutant, who comes up with the idea that he should marry and become respectable. Selina makes introductions but he is only interested in her. She would be happy to marry him, but she is secretly running an erotic circulating library and knows if her secret gets out his reputation will be tarnished along with hers. However, when they are trapped alone due to a faulty lock forcing them to marry, they must figure out how to receive custody with their reputations intact.

This is the debut novel of Alexandra Vasti but her novellas have been available for a year or two via her newsletter. I have all three of Alexandra’s novellas and I think I have read one. Apparently Peter and Selina first met in one of the novellas I have not read. I wish there would have been some sort of explanation of that moment in this book, because it felt a piece of their relationship was missing without it. I loved Selina. She was so fun, smart, and practical, but unfortunately Peter fell a bit flat for me. I wish he would have had a title lower than a Duke as I think the sibling story line would have worked better, because let’s be real who is actually going to keep two kids from their duke brother who wants to raise and financially support them. I did really like Selina and Peter together and their intimate scenes were wonderfully steamy. I enjoyed all of Selina’s friends and hope that there will be future books involving them.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

This was so fun! So many things happened in this book that I continuously wanted to know what would happen next. How would they fix it, what new thing would they do, how would they support each other, what new thing would they learn about each other. It was beautifully written! I could feel the characters emotions right along side them easily as if I was in the room with them.
The MCs perfectly complimented each other! Both strong and supportive in their own way, and both vulnerable and needing support also. The circulating library was also GENIUS. Selina is so incredibly smart and this was the perfect solution. 4.5 stars