I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley.

As a reader, I thoroughly enjoyed “Ne’er Duke Well.” The book’s endearing and charming characters immediately captured my heart. From the Duke’s young siblings to Selina’s inspiring friends, each person felt like a delightful companion.

The author’s witty writing style had me laughing out loud at the characters’ antics. Yet, amidst the humor, the relationships portrayed were equally heartwarming and endearing. I found myself rooting for Selina’s friends and I hope they all get their own book!

“Ne’er Duke Well” is a promising debut, and I eagerly await more from this talented author. This author will be an auto-buy for me!

Ok, I get that we are experiencing a shift in Historical Romance to modernize our heroes and give more autonomy to heroines, but sometimes it seems we are spending so much time conveying that the characters are fresh and new and modern, that we really lose out on the romance and relationship building. I’m not sure what the answer is, but this book feels like new adult contemporary romance, dressed up in theater costume.

In this case, the plot line of our fmc helping our mmc to find a wife is completely overshadowed by the mmc trying to adopt his siblings. We learn that our main characters, Peter and Selina, had met before, but we don’t get to see that interaction or really learn about it at all, other than that they got along well and are friendly enough to reconnect. It feels like a bummer to not see that. (I think knowing that Peter was immediately taken with her, for example, would have really helped lay some groundwork). Another miss for me was the lack of backstory for Peter. He’s from New Orleans for goodness sake! The culture of society during that timeframe alone would have really added some more dimension to his character. Is he part French? Is he Creole even? What led him to be so fiercely vocal about abolitionism?! (This plot fact could have been epic but was just stated to make us think he’s a good guy)
Last, the sharing library storyline added nothing but chaos. Again, it’s a plot device to modernize Selina’s character. The trouble she runs into with her lending library was maybe unnecessary and took away from the romance. It felt chaotic with multiple storylines that didn’t support their romance, at times disjointed.
Overall it’s fine. It has cute moments and decent banter. The chemistry is there, the execution could be better. 3 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the early opportunity to read and review this book.

Alexandra Vasti may be an auto-buy author from now on! I loved this book! From the humour, surprises, and enjoyable characters, the story felt fresh with all the classics of the best historical romances.

Peter knows Selina is brilliant, that she is clever and sweet, and Selina knows Peter is kind and sees her as an equal, that she matters and is not too much. As they work together to make Peter an excellent candidate to be guardian of his half-siblings, they fall hard.

As Peter and Selina have known each other for years, we go into the story already seeing signs of how they care for each other. Now that they have an excuse to work closely, they fall HARD.

The only issue, Selina is secretly the owner of a library with erotic and educational materials for women. If revealed, she believes Peter would not be granted custody of his siblings and she cares too much for them to prevent that. But as they'll learn, they really are best when partners.

The author did have an interesting style with time and side characters. She would reference other characters and things that happened that usually would tie into another book, but usually it didn't refer to her other books. My first instinct was feeling left out and confused, but once I accepted there was no book before this, and that she wrote only necessary scenes, I got past it. I do think the story would have flowed better with showing the full scene instead of the character reflecting back on what happened as time passes quickly. Some may enjoy it, but as I wasn't used to the style I did have to get used to it.

They definitely fall quickly, and even end up together quickly, so the drama is not what you think. The story moves so quickly that you feel like you get so much time with the characters as so much happens, which I enjoyed.

Overall, I really enjoyed Peter and Selina. They were perfect for each other and the respect, care, and love they show to each other was lovely. They fear disapointing the other or ruining their life, but grow as a couple. Despite marrying (woohoo compromised) early on, that fear keeps them from admitting their love. As I enjoy seeing how the couple works when forced together/married, I really enjoyed the story.

I can't wait for Lydia's book and will be eagerly awaiting it!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review!

Read for: friends to lovers, compromised into marriage, poor American to English Duke, businnesswoman FMC, slight "Emma" vibes, independent heroine

4.5 stars
2.5 spice

This book just made me feel so warm inside.

I don’t read historical fiction often, but lately, when I do, they are written by Alexandra Vasti. She just has a way of writing them that doesn’t feel trapped in the “well those were the times”. She respects the era with care and research, but brings a spin that feels modern.

I love the way Vasti writes her heroines and Selina is no exception. In a time where women can’t always do it, Selina fights in her own way for what she thinks is right. She is so strong and is always willing to lend that strength to others. She is also so incredibly caring and will do whatever it takes to help out her family or friends. She is willing to sacrifice it all, if it means protecting the ones she loves. She just… my heart.

Like the Vasti men I have come to know and love, Peter is an absolute delight. He is an amazing counter to Selina. He allows Selina to come in and rearrange his life, hopefully for the better, but he is also right there next to her, making sure she isn’t fighting alone. The way he loves and cares for his family is so heartwarming. I just love it.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the side characters. Peter and Selina’s families were incredible and hysterical. Peter’s siblings really give him a run for his money and the way that Selina’s family and friends always supports her is wonderful.

This was a wonderful book with characters I absolutely loved. It was swoony and powerful. I truly can’t wait to see what Vasti does next!

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun read full of heart and hijinks! I loved all the characters especially the found family aspect. I really enjoyed Selina’s character. Her modern views and ability to follow through are something I love reading about in my historical romances. Challenging the status quo! While I enjoyed following the emotional journey of the MC’s, I did find their constant self doubt a little tedious. The banter was splendid and the drama was entertaining.

Okay, okay, okay - if Anthony Bridgerton and Kate are your ride-or-die, I think you'd be here for this regency marriage of convenience! I could not get enough of Peter and Selina and just how hard they worked to stay away from each other. Even to the point of Selina trying to set him up with other women of the ton (including her best friend)!

rating: 4 STARS
genre: historical romance
steam: open door, multiple scenes
release date: July 23, 2024

The highlight of this book for me was the banter. Peter and Selina have some high quality back-and-forth, especially since they're both trying to flirt and not flirt at the same time. They're being supportive, but also aloof? Classic regency stuff. But I was absolutely here for it! It was so fun to see both of their POVs and how they were both immensely into the other and also trying to resist.

Plus, I am here for ANY book that has adorable, meddling children. And the Nash siblings certainly took on that role beautifully. I yelled at a friend who had already read this because she did NOT tell me that the main conflict centered around two children - because she knows that's my jam!

My only complaint would be that it felt that a lot of the conflicts resolved too easily. Not that I didn't want them to work out in the end, they just felt a little rushed. But I still enjoyed the ride!

Would recommend.

A fantastic debut from Alexandra Vasti. This feels like the next big thing in the historical romance realm. Her characters are strong and loveable, and the attention to detail is impeccable. I look forward to more from her in the future.

This was cute but didn’t grab me quite like her first few books. However, I will definitely be picking up anything she writes next!

Fun, enjoyable, spicy romp of a read! This book basically felt like Erin Langston's Forever Your Rogue, but wayyy better (ironic because I tried reading that book only a few months ago and couldn't bring myself to finish it). Loved the main characters and the kids, and the idea of the bookstore. Loved the MC's devotion to his siblings, though the roadblocks to his assuming guardianship over them felt a little forced (esp once they come to live with him). Are we really to believe that the crown was so attentive and strict and had so much free time that they would have done all that research into his life and denied two orphans a loving home in favor of (whom)? That didn't make that much sense to me, but I suspended disbelief and rejoiced along with everyone else when they got their HEA. I really like that this author writes characters who actually communicate with each other!! Communication is sexy, people (not a huge fan of the trope of misunderstandings that drive the plot when it could all have been resolved with a conversation). Can't wait to read this author's next book!
My thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC via netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a new author for me and I am very impressed. I loved the plot and the character's backstories, especially Selina's and her involvement with the Venus collection. Both main characters were likable and relatable and the spice level was just right. Even the children were a nice addition, and I'm not normally fond of children in my romance novels. I can't wait to read more from this author. Four stars and definitely recommend. Thank you to St Martin's and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book. Overall, I felt that this was a fun, light historical romance read but that the plot was a bit disjointed and like two different books in one with the first half being about Selina trying to find Peter a bride, and the second half about the custody battle and Belvoirs. As a result, I wasn't as engaged in the book and also wish there was a bit more space for character development.

Definitely still recommend for a quick read if you're in the mood for historical romance 3/5 stars

Peter Kent, the new Duke of Stanhope who hails from—gasp!—New Orleans, Louisiana, needs to rapidly improve his reputation. He wants custody of his half-siblings, Freddie and Lu, and let’s just say that between his American roots and his political stance, among other things, he is not the most approved of member of the ton. When he turns to Lady Selina Ravenscroft for help, she decides the fastest way to improve his standing is to secure him a proper wife.

Selina is beloved by the ton, but her reputation would be dashed if her cohorts discovered that she is behind the circulating library that has—ahem—made some more enlightening reads available to women.

Here’s the rub, though: despite her multiple attempts at matchmaking Peter to the ladies of the ton, none of those relationships seem to take. As unfortunate as it seems, Selina discovers that she, in fact, may be Peter’s perfect match. Oh bother.

He needs his status bolstered, but allying with her, and her potentially destructive secret, may cause an even greater downfall.

I adore Alexandra Vasti’s writing; I found myself wearing an irrepressible grin while reading this one; and I just love Peter’s half-siblings, Freddie and Lu.

Peter and Selina’s banter is delicious and their chemistry is fantastic. The stories surrounding the other ladies of the ton whom Selina attempts to matchmake with Peter only enhance the humor of the story.

There is a bit of a change in tone once Peter and Selina do get together. Things become more serious as the decision regarding Freddie and Lu’s guardianship grows closer.

It all works out in the end, though, and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

4.75⭐️

I received an advance copy of the book from St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.

After binge reading all 3 Halifax Hellion novellas, I knew I needed more of Alexandra Vasti in my life. I’m so grateful for Netgalley providing me with an ARC so I could fulfill that dream. Ne’er Duke Well has all the elements that you come looking for when reading Vasti: spice, strong women, and men down bad for their heroine. Vasti is one of my favorite historical romance authors and Ne’er Duke Well is an excellent debut.

I think a lot of people will enjoy this one - and it was fun - but it's not the kind of historical romance that I prefer. I prefer historical romance that is really rooted in the time period and setting. This felt too modern - the way they spoke and interacted with each other. It wasn't horrible by any means, but it kept bringing me out of the story.

Thank you Natgalley and st martins press for the earc. My opinions are my own and being left voluntarily. I am glad i got a chance to read her novellas befote diving into this book gave me a sense of hwr writing and the heat. I loved this book its the first time i got to see my mil name in a book and excited so show her that. Thank you to the author for providing a travelling arc to within Canada.

I read this charming book to prep myself for the return of Bridgerton season 3, and it was perfection!

I love when historical romance authors create women characters with modern ideals that challenge the status quo of the period, and Lady Selina is my dream heroine. She convinced her twin brother to purchase a library, she becomes its secret manager, including running the hush-hush erotic circulating collection. When her former childhood friend, Peter Kent, inherits a Dukedom and returns to London, Selina agrees to play matchmaker for him to shore up his fledging reputation. Her top three candidates lead to hilarious dates full of disasters, and rather than helping Peter make a match, Selina and Peter's chemistry keeps escalating. But Selina knows she cannot act on her feelings as her secrets could ruin Peter's chances at assuming guardianship of his half-siblings.

Childhood rivals to lovers, forbidden romance, secret identities, large meddling family, found family, witty banter, and SO much steamy tension make this romance a joy to read, and the perfect summer pick!

Another Regency romance with such a heartwarming vibe! I loved the shenanigans in this one and the main couple were wonderfully well-suited to each other – and even better, great at communication. It’s something of a novel of two halves, with the first half dealing with a matchmaking plot and the second more of a “how will we get through this scandal and save our families” plot, which could have felt uneven, but the romance elements throughout and the well-written characters kept this all feeling super engaging and compelling.

Alexandra Vasti is fast becoming one of my favorite historical romance authors. In "Ne'er Duke Well" she combines humor and steam with engaging characters for a really wonderful read.

FMC Selina is strong and independent and acts as something of a "fixer" behind the scenes of the ton. She is also the founder of a rather scandalous catalog at a local lending library, one she created with the goal of educating other young women about sex and men and all the other things proprietary insists young ladies should not know. MMC Peter is newly the Duke of Stanhope and *gasp* an American. He has had several misadventures that have brought scandal to his name and cast doubt on his ability to gain custody of his much younger half-siblings (the adorable Lu and Freddy). Selina, despite a not so meet cute, resolves to help Peter by marrying him - to someone else.

Of course, Selina ends up wanting Peter for herself and no surprise, he wants her, too. This is a rare story where the couple models good communication fairly early on - Selina is honest with Peter and he, in turn, supports her in every way and accepts her full-stop. The duo have palpable chemistry and the steam is excellently written. I love Selina's interactions with her family and bestie Lydia as well as how she realizes she has allowed her circle to become too small over the years. Iris and Georgianna are fantastic secondary characters, and I really one of them (or Lydia) becomes a new love for Will upon his return. Speaking of, I really do hope this book becomes a series as I do want to read the rest of these women's stories and am sure Vasti would do a good job in telling them.

4.5 stars, rounding up to 5. Thank you to NetGalley and SMP for a complimentary ARC of this book. These opinions are my own.

Its been a while since I've read a historical romance and this may not have been the best choice for reintroducing myself the the genre. There's nothing wrong with it, but its very light with not much to grab on to. But as a pallet cleanser, it worked just fine. Thanks for allowing me to read this prepublication.

This was a delightful romance read. The plot was fun with interesting characters, and I loved the chemistry between Peter and Lady Selina. I also loved the wit sprinkled throughout.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.