I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really fun book that was also funny! I enjoyed it a lot!

4/5. Releases 7/23/24.

Vibes: human disaster of a man, girls who read Erotic a (TM), local romance hero is absolutely stepped on by his heroine

Peter Kent is a new duke, and something of a mess. Some don't trust him because of his legitimately good opinions (he's an avid opponent of slavery, for example). Some don't trust him because he does things like "fucks up a royal wedding with a flock of sheep" and "has naturally beautiful curly hair". His current issue is that he wants to take guardianship of his younger half-siblings... But in order to do that, he needs to win over a lord who does in fact hate him. Half the battle is finding a respectable wife--and he turns to the proper, clever Selina for help. Despite her perfect facade, Selina knows she can't marry Peter. She runs a secret erotic library, after all. But the harder Selina tries to find Peter a wife, the more she fears he could be the only one for her...

I fell in love with Alexandra Vasti's funny, fresh voice when I read her Halifax Hellions novellas. She keeps that tone up perfectly with her full-length debut, which is ultimately a frothy, hot romp about two people who are ultimately good and decent... just prone to some truly wacky shenanigans. It's light but not quite sugary, aware of the world in which it is set and its realities without taking itself too seriously. In short: it's smart. And yes, it does involve hooking up in the erotic library. OBVIOUSLY.

Quick Takes:

--One of Alexandra's greatest strength is just how strong her voice is. She writes in a very witty, very distinct way. Not every line is a zinger-but the way she presents them, her precise turns of phrase, are sometimes so wryly funny that they just paint this vivid image of the hapless characters involved. It reminds me of Tessa Dare, and it makes her stories that much more entertaining.

--Among the novel's most hapless characters, of course, is her hero. Peter is a good guy; but he's not a boring guy, in part because he actually FUCKS HARD but in part because the dude just doesn't know what the fuck he's doing. By no means is he stupid or silly--he's politically active and a strident abolitionist, after all. But like. The dude just can't catch a break. Picture a man who can't help but trip, all the while trying to wrangle two rather rambunctious kids (I am always hit or miss re: kids in romance, but these two were cute and realistically human; they didn't read like mini adults). God love him. I liked Peter so much.

Selina is a great contrast, because though she's kind of wilding out while running this library, she has really practical reasons for doing so, and is overall a super sensible individual. For all that Peter doesn't know what the fuck he's doing, Selina does (except for with sex; Peter for sure knows a lot more about those practicalities, for all that Selina has studied theory). It was honestly kind of a nice change of pace to see this more... not kooky, but definitely messy hero, and a heroine who wanted to put her foot down but just couldn't resist. In a lot of ways, I think this dynamic is often more confined to a femdom interplay. Which is all good and I love it, but it's not what's happening here. Peter's not an alpha, but he's not really a beta either. He's not really a golden retriever, either, but he's not dark. These two felt like they were very much on equal footing, but their dynamic wasn't toothless.

In some ways, I felt like when writing Selina, Alexandra was trying to have something of a departure from the more harebrained, batty heroines she depicted in her Halifax Hellions stories. And I do think she executed that in an interesting way. I mean, I love a batty heroine, but Selina is more of a "still waters run deep" type whose mind is telling her no but her body's telling her yes.

--There's a casual diversity to this novel, which is much appreciated. Our leads are both white, but I do hope we see more of Selina's friend Faiza... perhaps in a future book? And Selina's aunt has a life partner/wife, essentially. The world of this novel is very aware of its issues, and I really appreciate Vasti injecting these issues into what is ultimately a very fun, very light book. You can do both! You just have to try!

--The erotic library... Yes. This is the second historical I've seen recently engage with the idea of romance novels, erotic content for women, and censorship--the other being Lorraine Heath's 2023 release The Notorious Lord Knightly. And honestly? I'm loving it. There's a lot of discussion to be mined from sexual content during the Regency, and frankly, a lot of parallels to be drawn between the forced faux prudishness of the nineteenth century and the censorship of today. Which--terrifying! But nonetheless, this book goes about it in a really clever way.

Because the thing is--Selina isn't just distributing erotica. She's also helping women learn about their bodies and their pleasure. Sexual content is more than titillation (and titillation is great too, don't get me wrong). This isn't a massively political novel, but where it does use politics, it uses them well.

--I really just liked Selina sort of melting into love despite her best efforts. Like, she knows she might be screwing Peter over if they're together. She knows her secret could affect his ability to have his siblings under his care. And this is a big deal! But the heart wants what it wants, and it's making a mess of her.

The Sex:

It's hot! Alexandra Vasti writes really good sex scenes, and while these are more on the vanilla side, they're detailed and sexy and create a vivid connection between Peter and Selina. Like, these two are horny for each other. They literally can't resist.

Also--let's be clear. "Vanilla" is not "boring". These two are fucking against a wall, they're getting off in front of each other, he's punching a hole through a portrait because oh my god he's finally inside this woman. It's good shit.

I did however... feel that we could've had a bit more variety based on the erotic library. There are references to tittyfucking, but like... no tittyfucking. Let's get this show on the road!

This is a really strong, sparkly debut, and I think it's exactly what we need from a historical romcom. You can have a light book about light people while maintaining tension and action! You just have to know what you're doing. Alexandra absolutely does.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, author Alexandra Vasti, and Netgalley for providing me the eARC in exchange for my honest review. This title will be released on July 23, 2024.

4.5 STARS

~~~ “He made her laugh. He made her burn.”

Ne’er Duke Well gives us historical romance with a modern flavor. It’s a very digestible, simplistic writing style with barely-there world-building. Also, the way the steam is written and the language used feels modern. If you like a hero who’s upfront about his feelings, then this one’s for you.

I loved both main characters. They’re both good people trying to make society better but also toward each other. I love how beautifully Alexandra Vasti writes their mutual attraction; Peter and Selina notice the small details about each other. As their relationship deepens, they share each other’s burdens. Peter acts gently and lovingly toward Selina and then later supports her in her endeavors. Selina is a liberated, strong heroine who has her own aspirations and work but is concerned about how it might affect Peter, wanting only the best for him.

I appreciated that the problems and angst come from outside the couple’s relationship. There’s no miscommunication trope! Peter trying to get guardianship of his niece and nephew is central to the plot, but the children do not hog the story. Peter and Selina aren’t just in love but building a family together!

I have LOVED Alexandra Vasti's Halifax Hellions novellas, and I LOVED Ne'er Duke Well, her first full-length novel!

Wow. I found myself laughing out loud, but there's also so much depth to these characters and this storyline. I don't want to give away too much, but wow, wow, wow. So good. The romance is heart-pounding, and the mystery is fun too.

Must read for those who enjoy steamy historical romantic comedy!

P.S. I adored the Halifax Hellions Easter eggs!

I received a complimentary advance digital copy from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

What an absolutely amazing romp, I could not put it down!! Selina and Peter are so dang wonderful and absolutely hilarious! Plus the thought and care that goes into every single scheme...truly a work of art! I hope Georgiana and Lydia get their own books, because I loved them too!!! Also, the family aspect of this book warmed my heart.

This was a cute, fun, regency read! A nice little palate cleanser between romantasy and contemporary books.

The feminism bent of this book (loved it!) felt unrealistic but I tried to let myself be immersed in the world.

If you like Evie Dunmore’s book you’ll like this one!

🌶️.5/5. 🥰🥰🥰🥰/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5


Really cute and comforting read. Low spice. I really like how Vasti gave us well rounded and thought out characters. Even though they first appear one way, as you read they continue to develop.

A fantastic historical romance! A plot for marriage to get custody of his siblings and a secret library for women to educate themselves. It touched on social issues of the times, something overlooked in the genre more often than not.

I loved Selina’s personality, she was smart and strong willed and had created a life for herself outside the confines set for women. Peter was adorable and cared so much for his siblings, who were so fun. We see them both fighting for their family and people they care about, even when it puts them in funny situations. I loved seeing the kids warm up and feel loved, as well as her family welcoming them all into the brood.

I really enjoy when the drama of a romance isn’t between the couple and when they work together against an obstacle.

I loved reading this book, and I’m excited for more from this author! Hopefully we can see more about the other girls of the ton and her family. I would love a prequel about her brother!

I love the found family trope and this cover is so cute!
I love Peter and his sweet devious little rebel vibes and I love Selina’s fierce personality and the way she stands up for what she believes in and for those she loves. I wish Will finally came home! I was a little sad nothing happened with that storyline… the court scene with Lu and Freddie was so cute! Overall, I enjoyed this one but just wish that it was less of a slow burn and more compelling. 3.5/5 stars for me! Thank you Alexandra, publisher and netgalley for the arc!

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

This is my first time reading this author, and I was looking forward to trying something from someone new to me.

In this story, Peter Kent is the relatively newly titled Duke of Stanhope, after some very unfortunate events in the family that brought the American from New Orleans to take up the title in England. He never expected to inherit, and is conscious of being a fish out of water, but eager to use his newly inherited power and influence to make radical changes that could better the world. He has also discovered that, thanks to his neglectful rogue of a father, he has two living half siblings, a young girl and boy, who are alone in the world. Because his father never acknowledged them or arranged for their care, when their mother died, they were shunted from place to place. Peter himself has had a fractured family life, being abandoned by his father, and traumatized in his youth by the death of his beloved friend and brother. So he is determined to bring the children into his home, and give them stability and love. However, this is not as easy as it sounds because Peter does not have the best reputation, between his radical politics, and his various societal missteps. On top of that, because of their own poor experiences, his young half siblings are lacking in faith and trust in him as well, especially his sister who has armed herself with some very thick prickly armour, and eyes him with hostile distrust.

Despite some issues in their previous encounters, Peter turns to a woman he sees as being intelligent, organized, socially and politically adept woman who likes to help others, to help him best approach the issue of convincing the Lord Chancellor overseeing his case, Baron Eldon, to look on his petition for guardianship with favour, especially when Eldon apparently looks upon Peter with disfavour already. Lady Selina Ravenscroft is the woman he admires so much, and she is also highly regarded in society as well as a sister of a well regarded Duke as well. Lady Selina does not appear to like Peter very much initially, but she believes in family and when she meets his siblings is touched by them and his efforts to give them a home and family so comes up with a plan, and rallies her resources to help him. She decides he must wed, as this would show him to be a stable and reliable family man.

However, she pushes forward candidates other than herself, as she does not want to wed. Lady Selina has a secret endeavour that not even her best friends are aware of. She is determined to ensure that the literate ladies of the Ton have knowledge that Society in general does not allow them to have openly. Having knowledge of intimate, sexual, and erotic in nature, she feels would allow women to be more aware, and look out for their own interests and protection, such as preventing being ruined and ending up unwed and pregnant, or being taken advantage of by a rake. To this end, she works secretly with a publisher to run a circulating library with a secret collection just for woman. However, if she is outed as the manager of this collection, she is aware it could ruin herself, and also her family.

Peter follows Selina's instructions and meets with and attempts to court the candidates she suggests, with her supervision and help. But really, he ultimately comes to the conclusion that Selina is the best choice for him, and the one he wants. Despite her refusal of his suggestion that they court, they end up in a compromising situation, caught out by the very people that Peter must impress, and they end up wed in haste. As they work together to make their hasty marriage work, and gain guardianship of the children, Selina and Peter develop a love and respect for each other. Peter, on finding out about Selina's secret work, is admiring of what she has accomplished, and how her subversive work aligns with his beliefs and politics, and is nothing but supportive. Selina appreciates how loving, thoughtful, and caring Peter is. But things start to unravel as Selina's secret comes out and threatens their endeavours for the children, and also threaten to taint and harm Selina's own family.

I don't know what, maybe I am getting more sentimental in my old age, but I rather loved the family oriented storyline and how family relationships and bonds were so strong in both the main characters. It made the story warm and sweet for me. Peter sounds like he was abandoned and had some emotional trauma from his childhood, and wants to work to provide a stable, loving home for his found family, to the point where he is willing to do anything for them. Lucinda and Freddie, his young half sibs, are crusty, but cute characters, especially with Lucinda being so protective of her brother, but distrusting of Peter. I loved how hard Peter worked to gain their trust and regard - despite being full of self doubt. Selina and her family have a very loving and supportive family and willing to open and share with Peter and his siblings, as well as set an example for how family should be. I loved the secondary characters, such as Selina's friend, the other ladies she lists for Peter to court (OMG, Georgina is so great and so full of story potential!!!), and her aunts.

This is very much a feel good story with a cinnamon roll, warm, sweet hero, and a strong, managing heroine that he admires, with some steam, and great supporting characters. However, I felt that there was some more detail needed for some background on Peter and why Selina did not like him initially. It felt like it alluded to that, and some of how he was not regarded very well without any sufficient detail. But otherwise I quite enjoyed the story.

4 stars out of 5

thank you for the review copy!!!

as my first alexandra vasti novel, i can safely say that Ne'er Duke Well will not be my last. Not only am i absolutely smitten with Peter and his charming face but also his brother and sister! Lu is the protective older sister out for blood and freddie is the sweetest lil man ever!!! I could have read an entire book about their family dynamic. Throw in Selina and Peters love for her and you have all the makings for my new favorite book!! A refreshingly sweet yet spicy novel thats sure to put a smile on anyones face.

Trying to figure out why it took me so long to find pick up a regency/ historical romance?? This was a freakin blast I need more

This is a very entertaining read. The author has made.the characters come alive. Peter is a Duke and a bit wild. However he knows he is going to have to change and become respectable in order to get custody of his half siblings. So he ask for assistance from Selena who is very respectable in the ton but she has a secret and scandal is just right around the corner. Selena suggest he marry and suggest three of her friends to chose from, but Peter only feelings for the one Lady she did not list. But when they are.caught in a comprising situation they marry and will need to trust each other to fight a unknown foe to insure Peter is awarded custody of his half siblings.

Fun read you.

This book was just plain fun to read. The two main characters were multidimensional and beautifully written. Their chemistry was perfect. And the quirky characters in both their families added a lot to the story. I loved how strong the FMC was and how much the MMC respected her. I think my favorite thing about this book (And this could be a minor spoiler, so you've been warned.) was that the author managed to tell a story with secrets at its heart without using the miscommunication trope! That made me so happy. The connection between the two main characters was strong enough that they didn't keep secrets from each other and worked together to solve their problems. Relationship Goals!
Overall this was a well written and memorable romance.

First off - I really enjoy Alexandra Vasti's writing. Her Halifax novellas were cute and cheeky, just like this full-length novel!

Pros - I hate an 'I need to sacrifice my happiness for my love' trope, and for a while, this book was heading in that direction before it was promptly nipped in the bud. Thank goodness! Instead, the main characters could tackle their challenges as partners - a refreshing change of pace for a Historical. I didn't mind the child characters and actually wished there was more of a focus on the newfound family aspect of the story.

Cons - There were a lot of mentions of other people and characters who we weren't introduced to in this book, but that had something to do with the main character's backstories. At times this was a bit confusing and had me looking at Goodreads to confirm there weren't previous books in the series.

3.5 stars

A new Duke looking for a wife, his wacky matchmaker might find the right person was her all along.

We have a familiar setting and story but this story is not traditional. It’s a little quirky. If you like that, you’ll like this. The chemistry is there as well as the love to root for.

I think the story was well written and a good addition to any bookshelf.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

What a breath of fresh air! Historical romance readers often find comfort in tried-and-true tropes and a somewhat formulaic format. While Ne'er Duke Well uses a familiar setting, it skips the expected format. This feels new while still being an excellent addition to a beloved genre.

Our couple formally gets together somewhat quickly. They support each other and communicate well (though there's just a smidge of miscommunication, it is handled beautifully). There is no third-act break up. The stakes in the conflict are high and there is a villain to deal with. The tension is broken during sweet (and funny) scenes between the main characters and the male main character's younger siblings.

There is so much material here for a series that I can't help but assume one is in the works. I could even be a multi-generational series.

This was a promising debut from an author I've been excited about ever since reading her novellas. The concept of a secret erotic circulating library for women is great, the cast is filled with likable and diverse characters, it brought the emotion, and the sex and banter were really hot where they needed to be! I did think the plot could use some work; specifically, the main obstacles to the romance could've easily been overcome with just a little more common sense and insight on the part of the heroine, or were things it was made so clear to the reader weren't really obstacles, that when the hero reacted exactly the way you'd expect him to react and/or he or the heroine's friends and family pointed out the obvious, it was a flaw that detracted from all the other ways the book was very strong. Despite that, it frequently called to mind other authors I love, such as Evie Dunmore, Julia Quinn, Mary Balogh, and Loretta Chase, and if it felt a bit like a pastiche or first sketch of one of those authors at their best, that's already still so much better than the vast majority of historical romance out there that I can't wait to see future Alexandra Vasti titles.

This book was AMAZING! Peter and Selena are such vivid, realized characters, and I think they compliment each other so well. Conflict is handled nicely (no third act breakup!), and there is a lovely found family element.

Charming and well-done romance novel. The conflict was a little slight, but I liked the resolution. Writing was clear and engrossing, and the characters were well done. I was intrigued by the side characters and would like to read more stories in this world!