Ne'er Duke Well is a fun, spicy and surprisingly feminist take on a historical Regency romance. I devoured it.

When Lady Selina tries to help her American friend Peter, the new Lord Stanhope, gain custody of his half siblings by securing a wife, she sets off a train of events which could lead to her own undoing.

I loved the intelligent, compassionate and brave heroine Selina - this is one of few romance books where I think she outshines the hero and is more memorable. Peter is a delightful, modern, supportive cinnamon roll who recognises early on that only Selina will do for him and he's willing to give up everything to make that happen. Selina's supportive family, and Peter's rascally younger half-siblings all make great side characters, as do the ladies Selina originally tries to matchmake Peter with who are a formidable (and quite hilarious) team.

I really enjoyed that Selina is not only a secret business owner but that what she does is salacious, though for really altruistic reasons. Wanting to educate and uplift women in all areas of their lives, and being prepared to put her own happiness aside for this, makes her a fascinating and very likeable heroine.

Ne'er Duke Well is more than a traditional Regency romance, it's funny, spicy and very enjoyable!

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher Atlantic Books for providing an advance copy for consideration. This is my honest opinion.

This is a truly delightful debut novel by Alexandra Vasti. Superbly well written with truly likeable characters and a marvellous main couple.
Peter Kent – recently made Duke of Stanhope and previously of New Orleans – is determined to be named guardian of his newly discovered half brother and sister. His problem is twofold – his radical views do not make him popular, especially to the lord chancellor of the High Court, Lord Eldon, who will be deciding his case and his siblings do not particularly want to come and live with him. Unfamiliar with the ways of the Ton, Peter enlists the help of his friend Nicholas, Duke of Rowland and Nicholas’ sister, Lady Selina Ravenscroft. When Lady Selina’s solution is marriage to a respectable lady, Peter is initially delighted. But when Selina makes clear that that lady cannot be her, he finds that he really wants no other.
Lady Selina is used to managing all manner of situations for friends and family. When Peter asks for her help she knows the perfect solution – but her list of likely ladies for the position of his duchess is strangely very short. As she watches Peter conduct his awkward courtships she realises that there is nothing more she would love than the position of his wife but she has a secret which if discovered would ruin any chance of Peter gaining custody of his siblings.
Can the two overcome the potential scandal and find a way to tell each other their real feelings?
I loved Selina and Peter. Selina is a fabulous character. She is so strong, capable and loving – always looking to help everyone in her sphere. Even her secret was established for the empowerment of women – to help inform and educate them. I love her relationship with her friends and family – especially with her twin William [even though he is never actually on page].
Peter is just great. He wants to shoulder the unexpected responsibilities of the Dukedom thrust upon him and do his best for his siblings. I loved how his scandals all just came from him trying to do the right thing and when Selina revealed her secret he was so proud and supportive.
The secondary characters are all so great. Well rounded and believable. I loved Lu and Freddie, Lydia, Georgina, Nicholas and Daphne, Thomasin and Aunt Judith. The story on the surface is a light romance but there is a real depth to it. There is humour but it also tugs at your heartstrings. There are numerous laugh out loud moments and heartrending instances that are very emotional. There is also scorching chemistry between Selina and Peter.
The only thing that was slightly jarring is that there was a lot of talk about instances that had happened when Selina and Peter had first met which felt as though they would have been in another book [potentially Faiza and Claremont’s or Nicholas and Daphne’s] but since this is a debut novel I’m not sure if there is.
I know that Lydia will be getting a book [Earl Crush] but I really hope that Georgiana, Iris and Will be getting their happy ever after [especially Will].
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I love Selina and Peter, the writing is superb and I really can’t wait for Lydia’s story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this regency romance. The duel POV of the main two characters made the slow burn even more heated, knowing what weas going through both of their minds. I am also always a fan of 'he falls first' so really loved seeing Peter's frustration as Selina tries to set him up with other women, as well as her own frustration about not knowing why she can't be happy with the matches.

Them both discovering their feelings and working through them was both wholesome and steamy, and I particularly enjoyed the side hustle that Selina has built for herself, as well as her motivations. The relationships between all of the characters were endearing and sweet, and Lu's determination to be rebellious and indifferent made her all the more enjoyable.

If you like, cozy, wholesome, spicy historical romance then this is a book for you!

"Ne'er Duke Well" is a historical romance written by Alexandra Vasti. A light, fun and sizzling novel characterized by a fast pace and short chapters. A book embellished by an effervescent, lively and compelling prose that kept me glued to the pages from beginning to end. During the reading I found myself laughing, smiling and swooning repeatedly, finishing it without almost realizing it. I loved Selina and Peter, the two protagonists! I found them to be well drawn and with excellent development. Their relationship then made me sweat so much and the spicy is really tasty!

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t really feel like going into detail for this review, I’ll just say that I thought it was original, but rather boring at times. I liked Selina but I felt like Peter was a caricature of a perfect husband more so than a proper portrayal. Overall okay.

It took one novella and one full novel to put Alexandra Vasti on my favorite Regency Romance writers list!

Ne'er Duke Well is full of wonderful characters, strong leads, amazing chemistry (and spice), all wrapped up in an interesting story that surprises by escaping the traditional conflicts in the genre.

This was an absolute delight do read! Funny, light and heartwarming, but most of all, it felt like a refreshing take in the genre. I do hope Alexandra keeps writing in this world because I NEED more of it, desperately.

If you like regency romances, please make sure you give this one a try!

<i>I would like to thank Atlantic Books | Corvus and Netgalley for the for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.</i>

This was just delightful. I finished it moments ago and I just feel rather...joyful and happy having followed it to the final page. I had read one Alexandra Vasti novella before picking this up and suitably enjoyed the writing enough to request her full length novel and reader, she is just as good in 300 pages as she is in 150.

The novel follows the new Duke of Stanhope - an American - and his struggles to get custody of his two, much younger half siblings. He engages a friend, Selina, to help him find a wife as she believes that will help support his custody claim. Her matchmaking skills go a bit awry when they realise they have feelings for each other. This is a fun, pacy, exciting book that - MOST IMPORTANTLY - does not shy away from the core issues of the day, something that is sorely missing in most historical romance. Vasti also includes significant notes at the end about the integration of real-life figures in the novel (there are one or two) as well as giving historical context to the discussion of slavery and abolition in Britain (which is not a squeaky clean as history lessons would suggest, quelle surprise). There's also a delightful subplot about a circulating library with a secret list of books for women to help educate them on the mysteries of the boudoir...

I knocked a star off for two reasons - one, because some words used by Peter (and therefore, the author) to describe female genitalia made me throw up in my mouth because they are the least sexy words in the English language - and two, I felt that the overarching conflict was both underdeveloped and solved far too easily. I was worried for a moment that the third act conflict was going to centre around 'you can't marry me because look at me', but we jumped swiftly away and a collective sigh of relief was heard by all. Ultimately, I chalk this up to first full length novel writing - it's not necessarily bad, it's just a bit underwhelming.

Nevertheless. 'Ne'er Duke Well' is a delightful addition to the Regency romance canon. It's suitably steamy but not at the sacrifice of plot or character development, it's pacy and funny and with a great set of supporting characters (Thomasin and Aunt Judith especially), many of whom you can see being the stars of their own future books. I hope we get MORE regency romance like this - it doesn't rely on stereotypes, the characters are well-rounded, the men don't get randomly angry for no reason and we're supposed to think that's hot. It's a new frontier of historical romance and I am 100% on board.

ALSO: The English people ACTUALLY SOUND ENGLISH! Thank the Lord!

I am a big fan of Alexandra Vasti’s writing and there is no exception needed for her first full-length novel.

Vasti’s passion and care for the historical romance genre shines through in this book set in the Regency era.

Lady Selina is determined to find the newly inherited Duke of Stanhope a wife so that he is more likely to obtain guardianship of his younger half-siblings. The problems begin when she starts to realise that she might want to marry him instead!

I really enjoyed the exploration of the importance of both found and blood family in this book. The Ravenscroft’s fierce loyalty to each other was so satisfying, and I loved how determined Peter and Selina were to rescue his chaotic yet vulnerable siblings.

Selina Ravenscroft’s character was developed and interesting - she was independent and clever but also stubborn and prone to catastrophising. I loved the proud feminist thread throughout the book and the side-plot of the Venus lending library.

I really enjoyed that the two protagonists needed the best of each other to solve their problems - there was no shining knight because it was the love and support of friends and family that saved the day.

I would say that the host of supporting characters are screaming out to be main protagonists in their own books within a series so fingers crossed there!

I will publish this review on Instagram on 1 August, as well as Amazon and Waterstones.

Definitely a fun and sexy historical romance. Loved reading this, the characters were entertaining and the storyline pulled you along.

This is an absolutely delightful rom com. Peter is trying to gain custody of his half siblings and enlists the help of Selina, who unbeknownst to society is running a library for women's enlitenment. It starts with Selina playing matchmaker for Peter with her friends only to fall for him herself. Its a great lighthearted story that is a joy to read.

Ne'ver Duke Well is a book with several storylines: women not being supposed to think for themselves - let alone what to read or how to educate themselves; the Duke of Stanhope trying to look after his half-siblings while also working to get social issues on the agenda of politicians.

And it has quite a cast of characters! Not everyone is who they seem to be.., apart from Lu being Lu who deserves to be mentioned as she is the star of this show.

Can I hope this book is only the first in a series?

A sweet and sexy regency romance that’s perfect for modern readers! I loved this book. It was a breeze to get through and I loved every character. I also loved Selina’s library and the agency she had as a character particularly for this time period. There was some really beautiful familial relationships, both blood and found, and I loved Peter’s younger siblings.

I also loved the references to actual books of the period and the obviously well researched insights into the time period!

My only wishes were that we got even more of the younger siblings and the development of their relationship with Peter and I felt like I needed just a smidge more tension at the end to draw it out.

That being said, the romance is HOT 🌶️🥵 and just what I needed before Bridgerton season 3 comes out 🥰

3.5 stars

Ne'er Duke Well was an enjoyable historical romance and as a whole I liked it. The story was entertaining and the characters fun, but I wished there was more depth and introspection . Plus, some events happened too fast for my liking, but all in all was a good book.

3.75 ⭐️ Historical Romance but make it feminist!
Thank you so much Net Galley for the eARC!*

The FMC in this book runs a secret library, with a secret collection of books called the 'Venus Catalogue' that only women are allowed to take out to either amuse or educate themselves. I cannot begin to describe how much I wish that could've been a real thing. And in this book, we can see a little of what that could've looked like.

Selina is the sister of a Duke, and as such, she is awarded certain liberties most other women don't. In her case, she quickly discovers as a young woman that there are realities of the world that are hidden from women, even at her station. When a good friend falls pregnant, with no idea how she could have remedied it or what to do next, she decides to dedicate her life to facilitating women's sexual education and anatomy. When the newly inherited Duke of Stanhope, Peter Kent, goes to her family for help with his own familial issues, Selina dives head first into problem-solving, without realising just how easy the solution could be.

This book was both cute and infuriating. Most of the fury comes from the fact that this is not only a slow-burn, but it's also an are-you-both-blind-come-on-you're-so-into-each-other, and although I don't love this trope in particular, I can read it on occasion. But seriously, there's denial and then there's trying to get your best friends engaged to the guy you're into! Selina was something else here. And Peter! He said the most cheesy things about her, and then he was like 'welp, off to find myself a wifey'. I wanted to scream into the book and tell them both to stop playing!

It was so extremely entertaining, and although I would've liked to see an epilogue with a little further into their lives, the epilogue we get was ok. The only issue I truly had with this book was just how much the author used the 'telling instead of showing' technique. There are crucial plot points that are completely skipped (like the wedding), and we don't get to see it, we just know that it happened and now we've made a time jump and we're on to something else. It was confusing and it took away from those important moments.

Overall, though, I'd definitely recommend this boom if you're looking for a historical fictional romance with amazing chemistry between MCs.

This review has already been uploaded to Goodreads :)

This was a really good fun regency romance. Selina was a brilliant FMC. Intelligent and passionate and runs a library to help empower other women. Peter is supportive and kind and a really good man.
I loved that on the revelation of secrets between Peter and Selina there was no huge weeping wailing drama which always drives me crazy.
It was quite a quick read and I finished it in a day. I hope to get more books to explore some more of the side characters in greater depth.

Alexandra Vasti is quickly becoming one of my favourite historical romance writers. I have loved every one of her books I've read so far and this one was no different.
The unhinged chaos, the found family, the romance - it was just wonderful!
Not going to lie Georgie was my favourite character, what a woman!

This was so much fun and I can't wait to see what this author writes next!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free eARC of this book

"Ne'er Duke Well" is a delightful historical romance centered around Lady Selina Ravenscroft and Duke Peter Kent, whose unexpected love blossoms despite initial doubts about their compatibility. Peter, controversial due to his American background and liberal views, seeks custody of his two younger siblings. Meanwhile, Selina guards a secret library of books for women, fearing the revelation could tarnish her reputation and that of her future husband.

While the plot of "Ne'er Duke Well" relies on classic tropes and familiar themes found in other historical romances, it maintains a fast-paced and humorous tone throughout. The writing is polished, showcasing the author's understanding of 19th-century Britain. Despite speaking in a manner accessible to modern readers, the characters use vocabulary appropriate to the period. The spicy scenes in the book are tastefully written, avoiding any cringe-inducing moments.

What I liked most about this book, perhaps even more than the romance itself, is Peter's relationship with his siblings and the challenges he faces in gaining their trust and custody.

Speaking of Peter, he is such a sweet character! He emerges as a refreshing departure from the stereotypical image of a duke, showcasing an endearing personality that captivates readers. While Selina is also a well-written character, Peter steals the spotlight with his charm and depth. The witty and humorous dialogues between them enhance the reading experience and contribute to the overall enjoyment of the book.

At the end of the day, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all historical romance fans seeking a light, engaging, yet well-written read!

American Peter Kent has recently and unexpectedly inherited the title of Duke of Stanhope. Without intention, he's also developed a reputation for minor scandal. When his petition to become his young siblings' guardian depends on his reputation improving, he enlists the help of Lady Selina Ravenscroft. Selina is clever, efficient, and secretly holding back a significant brewing scandal of her own: she runs an erotic circulating library for women. She suggests that Peter find himself a wife with an unimpeachable reputation before the guardianship hearing and despite her feelings for Peter, she rules herself out due to her own secret. But can she stand back while Peter courts the women she has suggested, and will her own scandal come to light in the process?

I love regency romances, particularly ones with strong, female characters and spice. This one definitely didn't disappoint! I read it all in one go, only stopping to eat twice, because I was just so invested in this story. The main characters felt so real, and I loved their chemistry right from the start. There isn't an irritating third act breakup, they actually communicate with each other throughout, and they support each other without question! I really loved it, and I was completely rooting for their HEA with Freddie and Lu.

I also felt like there were aspects of regency life shown that we don't normally see much of in regency romances - such as history, politics and the impact of patriarchy and the class structure on women. But it all just made it feel more like a real and genuine representation of that time, which I really appreciated. The realism gave more impact to the supportive relationship between Peter and Selina because he genuinely believed in what she was trying to achieve.

There were some really strong side characters introduced in this book, and the author's afterword suggests that at least one of them is getting their own book. I will definitely be reading it whenever it arrives!

This regency romance feels fresh and new, and doesn't just re-tread old ground. I really loved the couple together, and loved their well-developed characters as individuals too. I just can't wait to read more by this author! I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves regency romances with a heartwarming story and realistic but very sexy scenes.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.

This was such a fun regency romance. I loved the main characters. Selina was a fantastic lead- strong and spirited. I loved the banter and found family. A great escape into an old world that felt new and fresh.

Alexandra Vasti’s full-length debut novel was a sensation! I have been a major fan of hers since reading Margo Halifax last year— it was swoony, exciting and made me cry on a randomly Thursday afternoon! And Ne’er Dyke Well was truly no different.

It had the signature Vasti charm that I’ve come to know and adore. She has the perfect regency humour that makes me giggle but also it doesn’t take me out of the story either, it just enhances the characters. Vasti takes the familiar charismatic landscape of historical romances but mixes up the formula that we’re so used to. Our hero, the hilariously bumbling Peter paired with the elegant Selina just made for a new exciting read that I’m not used to in historical romances. I loved the switch up of having an American hero and an English heroine, it's actually my fave micro-trope that isn’t done often and it was very clear that Vasti knew her historical context, too. It made for an easily immersive read on top of having such a charming, contrasting couple take centre stage.

I cant wait to see what Vasti does next because she’s secured herself as an auto-buy author for me now!