Quick Summary: A thoroughly modern Regency romance

My Review: Ne'er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti is a 2024 release. It is book #1 in the Belvoir's Library series.

About the Book: "In this steamy Regency romp, Lady Selina is determined to find the Duke of Stanhope the perfect wife—the only problem is she's starting to think that might be her."

Lady Selina is just the type of woman that Peter, an American and newly titled duke, wants in his life. Unfortunately, she keeps trying to push him into the arms of any other woman besides herself. When he decides to go along with her plan, he cannot help but notice that her interest might just be changing.

My Final Say: I really enjoyed this novel. It is what I would call a contemporary Regency novel. The refreshing approach that Selina took with her life was right on. The firm yet gentle (and genteel) manner that Peter displayed was endearing. I liked them together. I also loved how they were both committed to helping the children.

Other: I would highly recommend this book to Regency romance readers, especially to those who like a strong female character and a supportive partner that stands by her.

Rating: 3.75/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status/Level: 🍰🌶️
Series: Yes

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for granting access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own. I look forward to continuing this series.

Alex Vasti is a great new voice in the histrom space. Like many, I first read her novellas, and fans of those will find this debut full-length book equally charming and full of steamy goodness.

I love a regency romance and this was an enjoyable one! Lady Selina is on a mission to find the Duke the perfect wife, but what if it’s her? If you are missing some Bridgerton in your life this will scratch the itch !

Thank you #StMartinsPress and #NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

I really liked this book, however it felt very divided. The firs half of the book, where Selina is trying to find Peter a wife was a five star for me. the second half of the book when they are trying to keep Selina's secrete safe and adopt the siblings was good but it felt like a lot of things to happen in the book. I really did like the characters and understood their motives which I always like.

Peter, Duke of Stanhope, recruits Lady Selina, an old acquaintance, to help him clean up his image. She suggests he marry a scandal-free woman, but they find themselves drawn to each other instead.
Peter and Selina were both charming characters that made the story such a fun read. The tension between them simmered, and the relationship between them was heartfelt. I’m excited to read more.

This was a fantastic read and I loved every second of it. I had read the books of the Hallifax sisters but this one was so much better, likely we got to know both of the main characters so much better.I loved that Selina was so passionate she ran an erotic library for women so they were more informed of what happens during sex.
The story if pretty much summed up as Peter needs to marry (romance reasons) and Selina is happy to help him find a respectable duchess (definitively not herself). but of course, these two are perfect for each other and they slowly start falling in love. I loved how Peter supported and admired everything Selina did.

I am upset at my self for not reading this earlier because I really liked it! I love a historical romance and this one definitely hit the spot. It was very cute and I didn’t want to put it down!

This gave me some Bridgerton vibes and was a cute read. It took me a little bit to get into but once I did I really enjoyed it. I don’t usually read historical romance either but this was a good one.

Lovely book that everyone should read. The cover pulls you in immediately. I had heard about this author from tiktok. So glad to have received an ARC of this.

I absolutely loved reading this I just felt like the story was soooo rushed and too much was trying to happen at once. I think one or two less plot points would have been perfect and we could have spent more time with relationship and character development. Other than that, I really did enjoy this and adored the romance. I will definitely read the sequel!

I really enjoyed this book. The writing hooked me right away and I was invested with Peter and his two half siblings. The main characters were engaging and fun to follow. I loved Selina and her storyline.

I love Alex Vasti and her writing. This book was pure magic and I loved every second I spent reading it. It’s hard to follow up after something as good as the Halifax Hellions series, but Ne’er Duke Well was immaculate.

Wow! Great book!

I've been in a funk lately and a Lil historic fiction was the perfect choice. I m so glad I chose this book.
Peter was adorable and gave me all the fuzzies and I liked the fmc too. They were amazing together and all in all it was an entertaining read! Totally recommend this!

Banging. I love a historical romance and this one was witty, charming, and funny. I cannot wait to continue with this series. I love regency and this book featured all its best parts

I received an advanced reader's copy of Ne'er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti.

Lady Selina Ravenscroft is a planner, likes to help others, and solve problems. Selina and Peter complemented each other. While Selina would come up with sometimes drastic solutions to problems, Peter came up with different ideas which led to some slight twists in the story. The ending of the story was cute.

Thanks to Ne'er Duke Well (and Courtney Milan's Wedgeford Trials series) I have concluded that while I don't like contemporary romcoms, I sure do love a historical romcom.

This book was an absolute delight. Fresh, fun, frothy. Excellent characters and enough unexpected plot beats to keep the adventure rolling. I really enjoyed how Vasti played on and with familiar, beloved tropes - my favorite was the only one bed available in the decidedly unfurnished Kent family home. I was particularly pleased that Vasti avoided the low-hanging conflict fruit of having Selina keep her identity as the owner of Belvoir's secret from Peter until the end; it allowed Peter and Selina to work together on solving the major conflict.

My favorite character? Lucinda, hands down, with her rapier as a close second. I dang near cried when she (and Freddy) burst into the courtroom to make their stand. If Lu doesn't get her own book in the future, I may have to riot.

Major, major thanks to the Netgalley and SMP for an advance copy of this title!

A wonderful debut novel for Alexandra Vasti! I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. It had wonderful characters you wanted to root for and such heart. I fell in love with Selina and her bold spirit and Peter is such a devoted partner and sibling that you can't not love him. The passion between these two was palpable and by the time they finally give into it you are ready for it and it does not disappoint! I loved the idea of Belvoir's and the Venus catalogue and how that all came to be. I was a bit surprised about how it all resolved in the end as I'm not sure how realistic that would be for the time but I was happy for the happily ever after and decided to let it be. I will definitely be looking for Vasti's next book as I enjoyed this one so much and can't wait to see what comes next. I'm hoping for more stories in this world she has created. I mean Georgiana needs more time in the spotlight!!

I received a digital reader copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Alex's work is both full of feelings while also being educational. Having stumbled across her work with the Hellions, I was thrilled to have a full length novel of her work.

Alex has a lyrical way about her writing, I'm here for all of it!

Thank you!

The pacing was not it for me at all. I felt like there was such a lack of tension for a good portion of the book and then they got together and gave us nothing the last parts of the book.

Looking to be entertained and enjoy regency romance? This book would be my recommendation for you!

Selina (FMC) reminds me of Jane Austen's Emma with her intent of matchmaking Peter (MMC). Because every single, rich man in want of his half siblings custody rights must be in want of a wife.

Selina hilariously (though much color commentary) hand selects the three women to which he is focus his attentions on but begins to fail miserably when erotic dreams awaken her desire to be the singular focus of his attentions.

The banter and "inside thoughts" of both Selina and Peter made me laugh out loud. Truth be told, I am not a "spicy" reader so there was much of this book I had to skip past.