3.5 stars rounded up!


Peter finds himself newly a duke and seeking the custody of his half sister and brother. Thought of unfavorably by the local courts, Peter worries he will be denied guardianship and goes to his friends for ideas to help his reputation. Lady Selina decides a respectable marriage is the key to getting the guardianship. She then sets out to introduce Peter to her short list of eligible candidates.


This was a low stakes, high fun read and just really sweet. With matchmaking shenanigans and a duke with a competency kink who goes full simp for the intelligent, independent, strong willed Lady Selina. Lady Selina was a great FMC to discover. Peter is so sweet and I love how much he enjoys Selina telling him what to do. He’s just so gone on her.
I appreciated that the formula of this book was not what you typically see these days in romance novels. There’s a lot more depth to these two finding their HEA. And while ultimately it dragged a bit long for me in the second half, I did enjoy how quickly these two realized their true feelings and then worked on building a family together. It was just supremely cozy and of course Alexandra Vasti weaves another clever story.
I desperately want Lydia, Iris and Will’s story now as well as Gerogiana. There are so many stories to tell in this world!

Oh, A. V. Another slam dunk! These characters, this story, this book😍. This book revealed love in so many different forms. The Duke’s love for his brother and sister. His vulnerability in feeling helpless to get custody of them was heartbreaking but also heartwarming. He has such a tough childhood, as did they. And bless, Selina. 😊 What a doll! (She is one of my favorite FMCs.) Her love for her friends, family and her passion for her bookstore. (Also an extremely interesting topic.) It’s darling how Selina took it upon herself to make sure Peter found a suitable bride to help his custody hearing. But Peter, for the life of him, could not stay out of “scandals” way. It was quite hilarious. Selina willing to rob her own self of love and happiness for the children. Selina’s friends loving her and having her back when she needed it most. While playful at times, this book had a more serious undertone and I enjoyed seeing the different political aspects in the ton. Selina’s passion for the women and children whose lives had been wrecked and carelessly tossed aside and how she jumped in to do what she felt she must, shone so bright. Peter did humor Selina’s attempts at matchmaking but was hopeless without Selina, and not afraid to admit it. 😌 Selina’s own family was so much fun to read about. They were so loving and accepting. And finally, there is “found family” kind of love- the hea. Alexandra with the slowwww burn in this one!!

This book was so delightful! I knew it was a winner about a quarter in, when I realized I was going to be ignoring my plans for the night because I didn’t want to put it down!
Selina and Peter were great characters, well rounded and fully realized. I was worried that the matchmaking portion of the book would drag on, but I felt the pace at which Peter and Selina realized their undeniable attraction to each other was perfect. Even the children were enjoyable to read about (and I’m normally not a huge fan of kids in books—I have them in real life, and that’s enough!). Lu was an especially strong character, and the way her relationships developed with several people was lovely.
This made me want to read more historical romance, and I’ll certainly be hunting down the author’s other works!

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

this was so much fun! i really liked both leads and the way that their relationship unfolded. all of the supporting characters were well developed but georgiana was a fave. definitely interested in reading more from alexandra vasti now.

If you love a book with a lot of plot, heart, and spice, this one's for you! You've got secret scandalous libraries, political intrigue, duplicitous wallflowers, women finding their voice and learning to accept support, tenacious children, and a truly hilarious river puppy rescue. Vasti packed a lot into this one!! I can't wait for the next books in the series (because there better be at least like three more)

It's a fantastic story with heart, humor, and heaps of chemistry. An absolute must-read from a writer who deserves to be on every romance reader's shelves.

Historical Romances are a hit and miss for me. But this one was super cute. I fell in love with the kids and the way they eventually became a little family. I hope this becomes a series.

i will not be rating or reviewing outside of netgalley as long as st. martin's press is still under boycott.

This is Alexandra Vasti's first traditionally published book and I'm happy to report, it's as delightful as her novellas. Peter is an American who recently inherited a dukedom and is trying desperately to win custody of his illegitimate half-siblings. Enter Lady Selina, a duke's sister who has a history with Peter but is determined to help him. Her plan is to have Peter make a respectable marriage and show the judge that he will be a good guardian to the children. As Peter and Selina spend more time together, the attraction between them grows. However, Selina has a scandalous secret that could threaten everything if they take things farther. This book features funny scenes and excellent side characters, including Peter's saber wielding younger sister. The passion between Selina and Peter is definitely there and sparks to life. This is a solid story that quickly pulls the reader in and leaves them rooting for the HEA that the characters deserve!

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

His voice was steady, his eyes on hers. "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."

Oh man, I loved this book. There were small issues here and there, but this was so enjoyable and funny and heartwarming.

Peter was an amazing MMC. He was adorable, a little awkward, funny, and surprisingly spicy 🌶️
And Selina was a great FMC as well, with great support from other side characters.

I hope there is the possibility of more books with these characters. Would love to see Lidia bloom 🥰

My friend Lucy told me about Alexandra Vasti in no uncertain terms- she is great. Download her novellas. What a great new voice in romance. When Lucy tells me to read something, in about 7-10 business years I of course have to read it. But this time I saw the ARC for her first full-length novel pop up on NetGalley and I immediately requested it. And even read it right away! I am so glad I did- Vasti is super fun! I haven't read and loved a historical in ages, but this is witty and fun and charming and full of heart and really made me fall back in love with Regency romance. I can't recommend this highly enough! Five stars for real problems, real characters with real challenges and interesting thoughts, a heroine full of wit and a hero that's a huge golden retriever of a love. Sign me up for all of her work to come, auto-buy author (and now I'm finally going to read the novellas, too!)

I normally eat up historical romance and this was no exception. This book was cute, funny, and very enjoyable.

I love an FMC that defies social norms and does her best to educate herself and other women to topics that have been deemed too much for their delicate dispositions. Also, the FMC and the MMC communicate effectively. No miscommunication and no third act breakup. I could kiss the author for this. It was amazing.

Hopefully there will be more to come about the side characters and their stories!

I received an E-Arc from Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review! Thank you!!

The beginning of the story immediately held my attention! I had to know what was going to happen with Peter and his younger half siblings. Would he get them? Would he find the lady he needs? Will he realize he fancies Selina? What will happen?

It's a must read for historical rom com romance. It had sweet moments such as saving a puppy and more (I can't give it all away, you need to get this book)... some spicy moments... and a bit ...*Gasp*....of a drama regarding to your reputation and the ton! The story revolved around caring for family. That seemed to be the major theme along with all the other bits that I have mentioned up above. I loved this story.

I will say I love the communication and sparks between Peter and Selina. In my opinion it is so good.  

I hope you will go pick up this sweet, fun, cute book when it comes out in July 2023!!

this book was such a delight. I fell in love with selina and her scheme to find a wife to cure all of the dukes problems but ultimately found herself in love with him! Funny, Sweet, Sexy, this book is everything ive ever wanted. I cant wait for more from vasti

I’ve absolutely loved everything Alexandra Vasti has written, and this was no exception! You can imagine my excitement when, after reading her three debut novellas about the Halifax Hellions, this full-length novel was announced!
Selina, the FMC, and Peter, the MMC, were both such lovable and believable characters. Peter was the perfect hero and such a cinnamon roll; I’ll be the first to admit, I’m a sucker for a hero like that. Selina was very likable, and her insecurities were so real.
I found myself tearing up at parts due to pure sweetness! There was a point near the end where I was afraid there would be a “third act breakup,” which I personally am not a fan of, but the way she handled that particular scene and flipped it around was very nicely done.
I really hope there will be more books written about some of the side characters, like Georgiana and Lydia, and maybe even Selina’s twin brother, Will, perhaps? (Second chance romance? Given his situation, it could be possible, but I trust Alexandra Vasti to handle it superbly!) We can only hope!
I’ve already preordered this book. Alexandra Vasti is on my “instant buy” list forevermore!

(I was provided a free copy of this arc book by Netgalley and all thoughts are my own)

This was a nice easy read. The main characters were likable, the trope I was expecting ended up being subverted, and, best of all, communication ended up saving the day! It was building towards a big "and then they didn't communicate and everything went to shit" moment but instead they talked! And worked together! It was so refreshing to see in a romance. Thank you for the ARC NetGalley!

Alexandra Vasti has quickly become an auto-buy author for me. She is such a talented writer with a charming and clever voice that’s perfect for historical romance. She takes all the classic histroms that have come before her and whips them into a modern take giving us all what we want–lots of romance, humor, complex characters, hijinks and steam set in a regency world. With a few curse words thrown in for good measure. After reading her Halifax Hellions novellas, I was so excited to receive an ARC for her first full novel.

I absolutely adored this book. The story is set in 1815 London and is dual POV between Lady Selina Ravenscroft and Peter Kent, the ninth Duke of Stanhope. Peter asks Selina for her help in getting guardianship for his newly discovered half brother and sister, Lucinda (12) and Frederick (10), and she decides to engage in matchmaking so he will marry before his court hearing. Of course Peter is a Ne’er Do Well, which is someone who’se a bit irresponsible and finds himself embroiled in scandals he never meant to cause. This set-up provides some hilarious moments and since it is friends-to-lovers they catch feelings for eachother and it becomes quite steamy.

But my favorite part of this book is the romantic conflict because it’s so unique. Selina owns a members-only library called Belvoir’s and she publishes books with emerald green covers to cover what’s actually inside. They are part of the Venus Catalog which only women are allowed to check out consisting of titillating novels, radical philosophy and erotic memoirs. Since women during that time have no clue about sex or how it works, she has taken it upon herself to help educate women of the ton with an erotic library! It’s so fun!! I love this idea so so much.

If you are a fan of historic romance novels and particularly regency romance full of charm, this is the book for you.

Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for the ARC

Since Bridgerton I’ve become a huge historical romance fan and this book definitely fulfills this. Peter the reluctant American Duke and Selina the society guru who can fix any society disaster. Their romance was especially spicy when there are two lovable, adventurous main characters. I dare you to not fall in love with Lu and her spunk. This is a well suited couple who have to overcome societal norms and the opinions of the ton and how all of this can negatively impact their future together and individually. When I started this book I had just read a book I really disliked, this book was the prefect palate cleanser.

I requested an early copy of this book (many thanks to Net Galley!) when I heard that Alexandra Vasti would be publishing a full length book. As a fan of her Halifax sisters novellas, my only complaint being that I didn't get to spend enough time with the wonderful characters due to the length, I was so glad to get an opportunity to read it early. That said, Vasti does it again in Ne'er Duke Well by creating characters you want to root for even when they aren't always making the most solid choices or communicating. Without spoiling, I will say the second half of the book when Selina and Peter are working as a team was my favorite.
I am a big fan of this author and I would gladly recommend and read any and all of her books. Thanks again to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity.

Alexandra Vasti is quickly becoming my favorite writer of historical romances. Her writing is impeccable, with fully developed characters and fresh takes on traditional tropes. It's light but serious, fast-paced, and at times quite funny.

The main characters of <i>Ne'er Duke Well</i>, Peter and Selina, are both intelligent and kind, with highly developed social consciouses. He's a wonderful cinnamon-roll hero and she is clever and extremely competent. Together they become quite a force. Their chemistry sizzles, their communication is excellent, and they form a charming and sexy couple.

Vasti also handles the secondary characters well, especially the kids (Peter's half-siblings). I loved the found family. There's a sense of this being the first in a series, with some of the current secondary characters coming forward for stories of their own. I particularly liked Georgiana. She was laugh-out-loud funny and definitely deserves her own HEA.

At one point Vasti begins a possible miscommunication plot line, but as fitting with her excellent writing, she fixes it before it becomes annoying. And there's no 3rd acts break-up!

This book made me very, very happy. It was loving, funny, sweet, serious, and sexy.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of the ebook. My opinions are my own.