I was excited to read this after reading the Halifax stories, and it did not disappoint. I laughed out loud, cried, enjoyed the spicy bits, and generally rooted for for Peter every step of the way. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Selina too, but for me Peter was the heart of the book. And Lu.

Peter is an American who inherits a Dukedom and has a very hard time adjusting to the new expectations. I’m not quite sure he ever really gets it “right” but by the end of the book, I was definitely hoping he never would. He was perfect as he was.

Selina is the sister of a Duke and also struggles with expectations, as is more typical of a Regency romance. She is fiercely independent and tries to manage her friends’ lives into happiness. Peter is somewhat of a bigger task than expected.

Peter wants guardianship of his illegitimate half brother and sister. He’s afraid he won’t get them, and Selina tries to help him manage his reputation so he can win his court case. Even the children are wonderful characters, and I am looking forward to Lu getting her own book in (several) years. To hold us over until then, please bring Will home, and maybe have him meet Lady Georgiana?

I am hoping for more very soon from Alexandra Vasti.

🌊 In this fish-out-of-water tale, our dashing Duke (who is freshly arrived in England from Louisiana), Peter, finds himself in uncharted waters as the smart and sassy heroine, Selina, sets out to find him the perfect bride. But wait, the plot thickens when she realizes the perfect bride might just be herself! 😱💘

💑 And oh, did I mention the scorching hot chemistry between our dynamic duo? 🔥🔥 Brace yourself for steamy scenes that will leave you reaching for a fan and wishing your local library had a "Romance" section as intense as the Venus section in Selina's lending library! 😍🔥

🌟 I give "Ne'er Duke Well" a solid four stars for its witty plot, clever heroine, and those oh-so-sizzling romance scenes. 🌟

What can the reader do with a main character described as having “all the moral rectitude of a ham sandwich” ? Maybe take a bite of her story?

My thanks to NetGallery for providing an ARC copy; what follows are my honest opinions.

Ne’er Duke Well invites readers into a world that is comic chaos and realistic poignancy, an uncommon combination to be sure. Depending on the chapter, the main characters’ actions are as likely to incite the reader to giggles as they are to cause them to weep...with a few swooning sighs thrown in between. Alexandra Vasti opens the pages to the American-born Duke Peter Kent and English Lady Selina Ravenscroft’s romance, and from their first interaction, they capture the readers in their lives and problems, but the real power of Vasti’s writing is illustrated by the number of times I “snuck” peeks at the last pages to be sure the story ended the right way -- with a Peter & Selina HEA.

The hero is Peter Kent, a reluctant American transplant with little surviving family and a heart bruised by a nasty father and the pain of loss. He shares misfortune with Selina, whose family is warm and supportive and welcoming but has also experienced loss. Selina has rough edges, kept hidden by sheer will. Every action for her is in service to others. While she silently bemoans the absence of her twin, she vocally stomps through life in aid especially to the innocent. That she has chosen to operate on the periphery of ton standards is known to few. Selina is who we might imagine most women wanted to be: in control of their own lives. She works to share the kind of information that women want before they agree to marriage. Economics and a loving brother make this possible for her and she becomes a crusader for others without the money, opportunity, or strength. In contrast, Peter is frequently a “hot mess” — or in one — as fists and arrows fly. His family life is fragmented. He’s been separated from everyone who would support him including the siblings who need him the most until he stumbles into Selina’s territory and their rough edges fit together smoothly like puzzle pieces.

The strongest writers seem to consistently offer something we value as readers. Vasti writes a character-driven story in which who Peter and Selina are as characters is more important than the plot of how they get to the end of the story. Selina wants a relationship; she wants someone to whom love is important — not simply duty, security, or social position. She also wants to help other women to achieve the same even when doing so is an obvious risk to her own reputation. In contrast, Peter is who everyone wants and no one has. He describes Selina by what she is to him, a light that makes finding his way in an unwelcoming society possible. She is his mythological Selene, goddess of the moon. That is not to suggest the plot is simplistic; it delivers, too, with its own share of unexpected twists. For instance the sex scene a quarter of the way in is more dream than reality but is satisfying nonetheless.

But Vasti implements techniques less common in other writers. For instance, she likes literary devices. The first chapters are ripe with sensory words which evoke their actions: pop, ouch, mew, murmur, whomp to name a few. She references the empresses of Regency romance when she alludes to two Austen heroines, and in another section she incorporates a Classical allusion, historically apropos for that period. Vasti likes imagery and she writes it well. Her early descriptions are so gorgeously detailed that the setting becomes 3D; the reader doesn’t need to imagine the words, they’re streaming right in front of her face. Clearly I’m an Alexandra Vasti fan. I have been since the Halifax twins barreled into my library. Vasti cruelly references them here a couple of times but never lets them into the story, understandable really given the level of chaos they bring with. Ne’er Duke Well is a delight of a book! I’m hoping down the road for Lydia, Georgianna, and Will’s stories, too.

I’m fairly new to reading historical fiction/romance, but was so interested in this book’s description and cover. I’m so glad I read this story. It was so sweet. The characters were immensely likable and the plot was exciting and unique. I loved that it was a romance with other elements explored. It was also extremely spicy and overall one of the best books I’ve read in a while. If you like historical romances, I think you’ll love this. And if you haven’t read much historical romance, but want to read a romance book you can’t put down, I think you’ll love this, too!

This is the only Author's newsletter I follow, so when she suggested signing up for NetGalley to get an advanced copy of her book I jumped at the chance.

First off this is quite a modern Regency romance. The upstart American, Peter - the little golden retriever puppy that he is - shrinks convention at every turn. He's a very likable unconventional character. Selina is conventional. She plays the games the Ton demands and manipulates events to her liking. Both are likeable characters who work well together. So why 2 stars?

Mainly, the romance. The characters were in love with each other before the book started. They've known each other for 2 years. They've had multiple little meet-cutes that we're told about but never get to experience. There is no watching two people fall in love because they're already there. There's nothing to anticipate or care about really. The point of a romance book is done before it even begins.

Sure, sure there's the whole we need to make this stodgy old man fall for Peter so that he can get guardianship of his half-siblings. If we'd left it at, Peter messed up and stole all the man's cognac great, but he goes on to complain about Peter being unfit to care for his siblings because he's going to ship them off to be cared for at boarding school and by nursemaids. Is that not exactly what happened at that time though? Rich boys go to Eton, a boarding school, girls get taught at home by a governess. There are a lot of modern opinions in this that I just don't think fit the time period.

Either way, I like this author's Halifax Hellion series and I won't hesitate to pick up anything else by her. This was just a miss for me, unfortunately.

I recommend this book highly to romance readers. It is lively, fresh, and fun. At first, I expected a fake-relationship trope but Vasti turns that on its head when the heroine, Selina, denies her feelings and tries to the get Peter, the duke, to marry someone else. The plot twists and I was happily along for the entire ride.

Gosh you guys, this book is SO GREAT!!! I've been an avid reader of Alex Vasti's works since her newsletter novellas and there is something so special about what she is writing. Her writing is so engaging, sweet, and sexy! If this is the future of historical romance, I truly cannot wait to see what she and others do with the genre because I really think this has SUCH broad appeal.

Selina runs a secret erotic library aimed at educating women and Peter is a fairly new Duke who is attempting to gain custody of his previously unknown half-siblings. Peter is fairly progressive politically and worried that the older judge his case has been assigned to won't accept his petition. Selina finds out about this and suggested that Peter marry an acceptable aristocrat and offers to assist him. As they continue to spend more time together, Selina realizes that this matchmaking role may not be for her...

This book has everything I've come to expect from the author - it's really funny, super sweet, and incredibly sexy! I was rooting for Selina and Peter the whole time and was really curious how they were going to get their HEA. I loved all of the found family vibes. Children in romance novels are incredibly hit or miss for me but Alex really brought these kids to life and they felt really authentic - and were really funny! (The fact that they named their kitten Peter still makes me laugh)

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Very fun book! Short, sweet, everything you want in a historical romance. Minimal conflict (am I recalling no third act breakup ? IDK, potentially !!

I originally signed up for Alexandra Vasti's author newsletter because someone on Instagram posted about how amazing the first novella that she was offering for free was. Then she offered two more and all three lived up to the hype for me. So, I was really excited when she announced her first full-length novel because the premise sounded right up my alley. Selina, the FMC, secretly runs a circulating library with some more salacious offerings. Peter, the MMC, has recently found out that he is a duke and has moved from New Orleans to London to take up his role. He also found out that he has two half-siblings that he is trying to gain guardianship of. Selina believes that she can help him become "respectable" but you can guess how that all turns out. :)

I loved the focus on family relationships and how they shape us. I also appreciated the humor and joy that were evident in the story. While its early, I do think this will probably be one of my favorites of the year!

It was a little slow paced at the beginning, but was necessary to introduce all the characters. I really enjoyed the family dynamics and different personalities through the book. A few LOL moments from reserved characters, too. I can imagine how big of a scandal this could have been in those times, and I enjoyed the spice the author brought to the story.

I knew 2024 was off to a great start when I was able to read Alexndra’s newest title. After reading this, I became an auto-buyer for anything Alexandra puts out. #takemymoney

This story is described as a “steamy Regency romp” and it really is - in the best way. Peter and Selina witty banter was so good, I looked forward to every scene they had together. Honestly, I didn’t want the book the end?! 😩

I hope we get to see more of Selina’s friends in their own stories!

Definitely put this on your radar this year - you’ll be glad you did. 🤩🤩🤩🤩

Rating: 4.5/5
Spice:🌶️🌶️


Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for allow the ARC to be available for readers!

I really enjoyed this book! I’ve been trying to get more into historically themed romances and this book did not disappoint! The comedy in this story was very spot on and the dynamic between the characters even especially with the love interests made this such a fun read!

I will definitely be looking more into this author because I really enjoy the pacing and dialogue throughout the story.

Highly recommended if you enjoy your historic romance starting light and almost frothy in tone (though not silly, thank you)—and I do, though it has to win me over like this one did. A fan of Alexandra Vasti's Regency romances since i ran across her trio of steamy, amusing novellas about the Halifax sisters, I also enjoyed Ne'er Duke Well, appreciating that it deepened in tone as the story got steamier and even a little angsty. Still, even then, amusing events and observations, delightful characters, and the characters' clever solutions to their problems and their deepening connections outweighed the angst, keeping this fun as the story balanced its humor and substance.

Peter Kent, newly and unexpectedly the Duke of Stanhope, desperately wants custody of his recently discovered half-siblings, but needs to overcome his less-than-aristocratic origins and scandalous reputation. Selina, sister of a duke herself, decides to help him by finding him an appropriate wife. She knows, because of secrets she holds, that she cannot be that wife. Of course they have already fallen for each other. This story follows their complicated journey forward.

One of the deeper spots is key: when his young half-brother runs a long fever Peter panics because it reminds him too much of watching the half-brother he grew up dying of consumption while their father ignores his pleas for help. Selina is a helper, and of course she does, strengthening their growing relationship just when outside forces are at their most dangerous and both of them are risking everything.

What a fun, romantic, and emotional story! I first learned of this author via IG and read her free story stories via her newsletter. Those were truly fabulous, so the wait to read this full length novel was frustrating. How exciting to be able to read it early here! Selina is a strong, empathetic main character always trying to help others before herself to the point that she seems to doubt her own worth. Peter is light hearted and impulsive, but with a true heart of gold and his own personal demons. What a pair these two make. Selina, in her quest for feminine education runs a secret library for the ton with no one the wiser, but many, many patrons. Peter is on a fight to claim full guardianship of his half brother and sister with an empty house and a history of rialing up the house of lords. These two worlds collide when Selina decides Peter needs to be wed to gain the courts approval. Of course, a little bit of chaos and a whole lot of steamy situations result. Lovely HEA to end the story with a large cast of characters that could certainly hold a future book. Really enjoyed this book and this authors writing style overall. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this one! Selina and Peter’s story was delightful (though somewhat predictable), the storyline about Belvoirs was fascinating, and I enjoyed all of the side characters too. Spicy scenes were great. I’ll look forward to more from this author, perhaps spin-offs featuring Lydia, Iris, and Georgiana’s love stories?

The very beginning of the novel was a tad bit slow, but the pace quickly picked up after the second or third chapter. I was surprised that the romance was established so early in the novel, as I figured it wouldn’t happen until the third act, or even until the very end. In doing so, I believe some of the spark was lost (at least on my part) and I didn’t feel as compelled to keep reading, since the obstacle of the guardianship of Freddie and Lu seemed very stereotypical and it was obvious that Peter would win his case in the end.

However, the characters played well against each other and were sufficiently fleshed out as well, which made it easier to finish the novel in spite of the lack of narrative drive.

A lusty and joyful love story between a newly appointed duke who's desperate to win custody of his young half-brother and sister, and a savvy society lady who runs a secret library full of bawdy texts aimed at reducing ignorance about sex among young women, and the pitfalls that can come with that ignorance. The prose is brisk and the scenes are full of light situational humour and sharp, wry banter as the heroine initially tries to set the duke up with one of her three friends, and later becomes focused on hiding her connection to the library, lest the scandal ruin the duke's custody case. The two are already well acquainted at the start of the story, so their bond develops quickly, and soon what everyone else can see becomes too hard for the duo to resist. Vasti blends popular romance tropes with the emotional weight of the legal struggle that propels the plot, along with lots of sweat-inducing steamy scenes and a refreshing inclusion of some of the darker politics of the time. The story never gets bleak though, as both leads are full of determination to achieve their goals, and not so full of determination to resist each other in the bedroom. The children also add humour and extra heart, while a bevy of fun side characters helps establish a broader world that's bound to expand into several sequels to come. Buoyant. Sexy. And tons of fun.

I've been trying to get more into historical romance and this one delivered. It had a nice flow and light humor which made it not have the seriousness some historical novels have. Selina is a more modern thinking woman of society trying to maintain her independence and willing to help those she really care about by any means. She saw the need and lack of sexual education among other women and decided to do something about it, risking discovery and scrutiny from society. Peter was also a more like minded and forward thinking character, standing up for others and seeing that there was more to some of the other characters like Georgina and Iris. He supported Selina's decisions and was also willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the well being of his siblings, really appreciate that about his character. There were very good spice scenes that showed the chemistry between Selina and Peter. Overall great romance and story.

Thank You to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press and Alexandra Vasti for the opportunity to read this ARC and leave and honest review.

Loved it! The wider cast of characters were lovable and fun. I prefer romance books where the main storyline isn't only the romance between the two leads, and Ne'er Duke Well hits the nail on the head. The author also skips the third act break up trope that I usually dread.

As a fan of Alexandra Vasti’s Halifax Hellion novellas, I was excited to read her full length historical romance debut. The characters and premise of Ne’er Duke Well were satisfying and felt fresh/ different from what I’ve read in historicals before, but the pacing felt a bit uneven. Overall, I enjoyed the book and hope to see more from this author! Thank you to St Martin’s and Net Galley for the advanced reader copy.