Peter and Selina seemed made for each other from the first, only they didn’t see it. The book finally got interesting once they were forced into marriage. There were several side stories that kept it interesting; Selina’s lending library and Peter’s guardianship efforts of his half brother and sister. I didn’t really understand why they would not give Peter guardianship, he was a duke and there were no other family member’s stepping up so that drama seemed a bit overdone. 3 stars.

"Ne'er Duke Well" by Alexandra Vasti is a delightful romp through the complexities of societal expectations and scandalous escapades. The story centers around Peter Kent, the newly minted Duke of Stanhope, who hails from New Orleans, Louisiana. Tasked with the challenge of becoming respectable to gain guardianship of his half-siblings, Peter's reputation is already marred by his radical politics and an unforgettable incident involving a royal wedding and a flock of sheep. The societal complexities in the story will surely intrigue you.

Desperate for assistance, Peter seeks out Lady Selina Ravenscroft, a woman renowned for her propriety. However, Selina harbours a secret of her own: she operates an erotic circulating library for women. When Peter proposes that she help him find a suitable bride, Selina suggests that he court a woman of impeccable reputation, implicitly ruling herself out.

A delightful misadventure follows as Peter's siblings wreak havoc on Bond Street. Selina finds herself in the Serpentine, and their undeniable chemistry continually disrupts their best-laid plans. Vasti masterfully weaves humour and romance, creating a narrative where falling in love becomes the ultimate scandal for the disreputable duke and his unorthodox matchmaker. The humour in the plot will keep you entertained throughout the book.

Alexandra Vasti's "Ne'er Duke Well" perfectly blends wit, charm, and heartfelt moments. The dynamic between Peter and Selina is electric, making this a must-read for anyone who loves a good historical romance with a twist.

This book was the perfect treat for my Bridgerton-obsessed heart. The romance had me squealing and kicking feet. The scandal had me on the edge of my seat and biting my nails. The cast of characters was highly entertaining, and I howled at the last indiscretions...so unexpected. I loved Peter and Selina...from the matchmaking stage to their own love story. It was beautiful. I loved every minute. And I'm eager to read everything Alexandra Vasti writes. Do you think she'd send me her grocery lists?

Peter Kent is not your typical Duke. He grew up in New Orleans and reluctantly took his place when his father passed away. He wants to be named the caretaker of his illegitimate younger half-sister and brother, but his unmarried, outsider status stands in the way. He asks his friend Lady Selina to help him find a match before the hearing on the guardianship. The problem is that Peter likes Selina, and she also has eyes for him. Selina and Peter were great as a couple, especially as he calmed her mind about being a wife and keeping her independence as the owner of the Belvoir’s library. There was a little too much focus on the children, but it still was a great romance.

This was an extremely cute and clever romance. Peter and Selina's story really brightened my day and had me smiling big as I read this charming book. The blend of spice, sweetness, humor, emotion, drama and heart was potent and when paired with this couple's snappy banter and incandescent chemistry it was all simply irresistible.

Ne'er Duke Well is the debut novel of Alexandra Vasti and introduces Peter Kent of New Orleans, Louisiana, the newly minted Duke of Stanhope (after inheriting the duchy directly from his British paternal grandfather) and Lady Selina Ravenscroft, younger sister of the Duke of Rowland. The two meet two years before the start of this novel, when Peter first arrives in England, but the two meet again serendipitously when Peter is out in London with his two younger siblings, Lu and Freddie. Selina has never met a problem that she hasn't been able to solve when she puts her mind to it, and when she learns that Peter must undergo a guardianship hearing for his half-siblings, who have never been acknowledged by Peter's reprobate father, she decides to help him find a bride who will make him more deserving and respectable in the eyes of the lord chancellor who is reviewing his petition for custody. Peter, who finds Selina irresistible, would much rather marry her (and secretly she finds him captivating as well), but Selina has a secret which if ever revealed would bring scandal to her family and to Peter, thus ruining his chances of becoming Lu and Freddie's guardian.

What follows is a poignant, heartwarming love story, as Selina and Peter initially try to fight falling in love and then attempt to work around the obstacles in their path that threaten to push them apart once married. They are lovable, entirely fallible, well-drawn characters that are easy to root for, and I enjoyed their story, which packs in so much heart and - in the words of the author - love, so much love. For me the only part missing was the resolution for Will Ravenscroft, Selina's twin brother (unless this is coming in later books). I also wanted Selina to trust Peter a bit more as the story was winding down, knowing down to her bones, without any doubt, that their future lay together and not apart. I am looking forward to potentially forthcoming stories for Selina's supportive, smart and loyal friends, Lydia, Georgiana, and perhaps even Iris Duggleby.

Ne'er Duke Well is a really solid, enjoyable first full-length novel from this author - and she is one to watch, as she writes additional delightful stories for her readers.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

Fun and easy read. Enjoyed, the characters were fun, the setting was well done and executed, the story was easy to follow and to enjoy, overall easy fun read.
Omg this!!!!!!!!!!!! So damn good. Audio marvelous, the voices so well picked . Loved both . The book premises a delight. This had me giggling all the time I was reading, and the sibling 😍. Definitely recommending

Peter has recently come from New Orleans to become the Duke of Stanhope. Upon his arrival, he learns he has two half-siblings, and wishes to gain guardianship of them. That shouldn’t be hard, right? First, his politics don’t mesh well with many in the Lords. Second, his brother and sister are a bit wild, and really don’t trust him enough to want to live with him. Enter Selina Ravenscroft. She decides that Peter needs a wife, not her of course, to add in his cause. The campaign for a wife and domesticating his siblings is, well, a circus. The Ravenscroft do everything they can to help. The prospective brides are nice, but not what Peter wants. He wants Selina. With the courtships, rescued dogs, a little girl with a rapier, a frightened little boy, a new duke, and a harsh Ton, how will Peter convince Selina to become his duchess, and the courts to grant him guardianship of the children. The story is filled with emotion, a bit of drama, fun, rambunctious children, a naughty lending library, and a courtroom scene worthy of Perry Mason. Enjoyable read.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

This started as a three star read for me, as it was such a friends-to-lovers cliche. Then suddenly around a third into my read, the author turned it into so much more with the drama of the library scandal and it became a meaningful reflection of true love and friendship. I loved the chemistry between Peter and Selina and the character growth from Lucinda and Freddy. And spice…there was so much heat between Peter and Selina, I thought my kindle would catch fire. Definitely a great regency romance read for me!

I love a good spicy historical romance novel. That’s how my love for romance first started, with historical romance novels and this book did not disappoint. Peter finds out his dad was a duke, he passed and passed down his title, money and also he had to leave New Orleans and start his new life. With this new life comes his half siblings that he knew nothing about and who he is now trying to get custody of, but in order to do that he has to appear as a serious man, so pretty much he needs to marry, and Selina is willing to help in any way possible. When her plan backfires and she ends up being the one to marry Peter, she has a little secret that she fears will ruin his chances of getting custody of his siblings. She runs this little library where she houses particular reading material, but for women only, and this is AWESOME. To be a woman of those times with not only your own business, but something so SCANDALOUS????????!!!!!! I was HERE FOR ALL OF IT.

The spicy and the connection between these two is obvious in the beginning, and it was such a quick read, I love supportive characters and how the family and friends came together to support Selina in her time of need and Peter was so sweet. And I will end this to say that Peter is literally the sweetest man ever, total fictional boyfriend/husband material.

I think I just don’t like regency. I’ve tried a few times and each time it just wasn’t for me so I think it’s safe to say that I’m done trying. I’m still rating this 4 stars because it was a me problem and everyone else still seems to love the book and I do not want to mess with the rating based on my tastes.

Adored this fun regency romp! I love a good historical romance with a feminist twist and the author nailed it. The chemistry and banter was outstanding here! Peter & Selina were an absolute delight together. Could this book have been any cuter?

My only gripe was towards the end of the book the plot was a bit all over the place. It dragged a bit and then boom, we had the impending scandal being exposed, a sick sibling, the library, and multiple characters having secrets being exposed. It was slow and then rushed.

Still loved the book and I'm eagerly looking forward to the rest of the series. I think this was a stellar debut novel and this author is a great addition to the historical romance genre. Can't wait to see how the next couples and how she grows as a writer.

Love that this romance is set so far in the past, but doesn’t feel old or stale at all!

This was a fun matching making romance turned on its head with a little bit of intrigue. Overall a very entertaining read.

Lady Selina Ravenscroft prides herself not only on the running of her bookshop Belvoir’s, but of being a fixer. When Peter Kent the Duke of Stanhope comes to Selina for help in order to gain custody of his half-siblings. Selina suggests marriage to the new Duke in order to improve his image and security of this siblings. But when the three ladies Selina suggests for Peter all fall flat Peter becomes discouraged, especially since the only prominent lady he seems to have feelings for is Selina. After a hasty marriage, Selina and Peter focus on building their new family. When word of her secret library catalog spreads through the ton Selina must once again try and fix things to keep Peter and his siblings together.

With wit, humor and historical issues such as abolition discussed this romance has something for everyone!

Sweet historical romance about love, family and courage. Cute and spicy and full of regency drama, a real treat. I think you’ll love the found family vibes, the fulfilling friends to lovers feel, and the scandalous repartee.

Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️

Thank you to NetGalley as the publisher for my copy. These opinions are my own.

I loved this novel. I loved the two main characters, Selina and Peter. They are two charming main characters. They have such beautiful chemistry together. I liked the book's feminist ideas and its blend of romance and humour. This book features wonderful friendships and family interactions in addition to a lovely romance. The book’s plot is charming, lighthearted, and entertaining. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I absolutely ADORED this book. A secret librarian empowering the women in her world who are historically kept in the dark about pleasure and their own bodies??? A duke who feels he bumbles things but is absolutely the sweetest who want nothing but the best for those he loves??? YES, PLEASE. I have found a new auto-buy author in Alexandra Vasti!!

DNF at 30%

I'm withholding my review of Ne'er Duke Well in solidarity with the #SpeakUpSMP boycott. Please visit https://r4acollective.org/about/ for more information.

Peter Kent is from New Orleans and recently inherited the Duke of Stanhope title meaning he has to become a respectable member of British society which is rather daunting when he more known for his radical political views. In addition to the title, he is now the guardian of his half siblings, so he asks a proper acquaintance, Lady Selina Ravenscroft, the sister of a duke, for help in adjusting to society. Selina may have the proper debutante look down pat, but she is hiding a big secret - she runs a circulating library for women of erotica! Her advice to Peter is that he finds a lady of perfect breeding and reputation to marry - it will make him more respectable and give him a partner in guiding his half siblings. Peter asks for Selina's help in selecting a bride, so she introduces him to other society women and it's safe to say the introductions never quite go to plan. Neither of them plan on their growing attraction to each other or his half siblings causing mayhem. I loved the family dynamic in this one! So nice to see a family getting along and rooting for their sibling. I loved Selina and her circulating library. I hope there are more books in a series from this family, as I would love to see where the siblings go.

Ne’er Duke Well is one of the best historical romance books I’ve read in quite a while. I read Vasti’s Halifax Hellions series and was so excited to start this one. It did not disappoint! I was giggling and kicking my feet the whole time. Vasti strikes the perfect balance between humor, emotion, and spice. I can see myself reaching for this story to reread for years to come. Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing an eARC in exchange for my honest review.