i will not be rating or reviewing outside of netgalley as long as st. martin's press is still under boycott.

This is Alexandra Vasti's first traditionally published book and I'm happy to report, it's as delightful as her novellas. Peter is an American who recently inherited a dukedom and is trying desperately to win custody of his illegitimate half-siblings. Enter Lady Selina, a duke's sister who has a history with Peter but is determined to help him. Her plan is to have Peter make a respectable marriage and show the judge that he will be a good guardian to the children. As Peter and Selina spend more time together, the attraction between them grows. However, Selina has a scandalous secret that could threaten everything if they take things farther. This book features funny scenes and excellent side characters, including Peter's saber wielding younger sister. The passion between Selina and Peter is definitely there and sparks to life. This is a solid story that quickly pulls the reader in and leaves them rooting for the HEA that the characters deserve!

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

His voice was steady, his eyes on hers. "You bring the morning with you. You're the light, sweetheart. When you walk into a room, I can't see the shadows. There is nothing in this world that could persuade me to send you away if I thought you wanted me half as much as I want you."

Oh man, I loved this book. There were small issues here and there, but this was so enjoyable and funny and heartwarming.

Peter was an amazing MMC. He was adorable, a little awkward, funny, and surprisingly spicy 🌶️
And Selina was a great FMC as well, with great support from other side characters.

I hope there is the possibility of more books with these characters. Would love to see Lidia bloom 🥰

My friend Lucy told me about Alexandra Vasti in no uncertain terms- she is great. Download her novellas. What a great new voice in romance. When Lucy tells me to read something, in about 7-10 business years I of course have to read it. But this time I saw the ARC for her first full-length novel pop up on NetGalley and I immediately requested it. And even read it right away! I am so glad I did- Vasti is super fun! I haven't read and loved a historical in ages, but this is witty and fun and charming and full of heart and really made me fall back in love with Regency romance. I can't recommend this highly enough! Five stars for real problems, real characters with real challenges and interesting thoughts, a heroine full of wit and a hero that's a huge golden retriever of a love. Sign me up for all of her work to come, auto-buy author (and now I'm finally going to read the novellas, too!)

I normally eat up historical romance and this was no exception. This book was cute, funny, and very enjoyable.

I love an FMC that defies social norms and does her best to educate herself and other women to topics that have been deemed too much for their delicate dispositions. Also, the FMC and the MMC communicate effectively. No miscommunication and no third act breakup. I could kiss the author for this. It was amazing.

Hopefully there will be more to come about the side characters and their stories!

I received an E-Arc from Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review! Thank you!!

The beginning of the story immediately held my attention! I had to know what was going to happen with Peter and his younger half siblings. Would he get them? Would he find the lady he needs? Will he realize he fancies Selina? What will happen?

It's a must read for historical rom com romance. It had sweet moments such as saving a puppy and more (I can't give it all away, you need to get this book)... some spicy moments... and a bit ...*Gasp*....of a drama regarding to your reputation and the ton! The story revolved around caring for family. That seemed to be the major theme along with all the other bits that I have mentioned up above. I loved this story.

I will say I love the communication and sparks between Peter and Selina. In my opinion it is so good.  

I hope you will go pick up this sweet, fun, cute book when it comes out in July 2023!!

this book was such a delight. I fell in love with selina and her scheme to find a wife to cure all of the dukes problems but ultimately found herself in love with him! Funny, Sweet, Sexy, this book is everything ive ever wanted. I cant wait for more from vasti

I’ve absolutely loved everything Alexandra Vasti has written, and this was no exception! You can imagine my excitement when, after reading her three debut novellas about the Halifax Hellions, this full-length novel was announced!
Selina, the FMC, and Peter, the MMC, were both such lovable and believable characters. Peter was the perfect hero and such a cinnamon roll; I’ll be the first to admit, I’m a sucker for a hero like that. Selina was very likable, and her insecurities were so real.
I found myself tearing up at parts due to pure sweetness! There was a point near the end where I was afraid there would be a “third act breakup,” which I personally am not a fan of, but the way she handled that particular scene and flipped it around was very nicely done.
I really hope there will be more books written about some of the side characters, like Georgiana and Lydia, and maybe even Selina’s twin brother, Will, perhaps? (Second chance romance? Given his situation, it could be possible, but I trust Alexandra Vasti to handle it superbly!) We can only hope!
I’ve already preordered this book. Alexandra Vasti is on my “instant buy” list forevermore!

(I was provided a free copy of this arc book by Netgalley and all thoughts are my own)

This was a nice easy read. The main characters were likable, the trope I was expecting ended up being subverted, and, best of all, communication ended up saving the day! It was building towards a big "and then they didn't communicate and everything went to shit" moment but instead they talked! And worked together! It was so refreshing to see in a romance. Thank you for the ARC NetGalley!

Alexandra Vasti has quickly become an auto-buy author for me. She is such a talented writer with a charming and clever voice that’s perfect for historical romance. She takes all the classic histroms that have come before her and whips them into a modern take giving us all what we want–lots of romance, humor, complex characters, hijinks and steam set in a regency world. With a few curse words thrown in for good measure. After reading her Halifax Hellions novellas, I was so excited to receive an ARC for her first full novel.

I absolutely adored this book. The story is set in 1815 London and is dual POV between Lady Selina Ravenscroft and Peter Kent, the ninth Duke of Stanhope. Peter asks Selina for her help in getting guardianship for his newly discovered half brother and sister, Lucinda (12) and Frederick (10), and she decides to engage in matchmaking so he will marry before his court hearing. Of course Peter is a Ne’er Do Well, which is someone who’se a bit irresponsible and finds himself embroiled in scandals he never meant to cause. This set-up provides some hilarious moments and since it is friends-to-lovers they catch feelings for eachother and it becomes quite steamy.

But my favorite part of this book is the romantic conflict because it’s so unique. Selina owns a members-only library called Belvoir’s and she publishes books with emerald green covers to cover what’s actually inside. They are part of the Venus Catalog which only women are allowed to check out consisting of titillating novels, radical philosophy and erotic memoirs. Since women during that time have no clue about sex or how it works, she has taken it upon herself to help educate women of the ton with an erotic library! It’s so fun!! I love this idea so so much.

If you are a fan of historic romance novels and particularly regency romance full of charm, this is the book for you.

Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for the ARC

Since Bridgerton I’ve become a huge historical romance fan and this book definitely fulfills this. Peter the reluctant American Duke and Selina the society guru who can fix any society disaster. Their romance was especially spicy when there are two lovable, adventurous main characters. I dare you to not fall in love with Lu and her spunk. This is a well suited couple who have to overcome societal norms and the opinions of the ton and how all of this can negatively impact their future together and individually. When I started this book I had just read a book I really disliked, this book was the prefect palate cleanser.

I requested an early copy of this book (many thanks to Net Galley!) when I heard that Alexandra Vasti would be publishing a full length book. As a fan of her Halifax sisters novellas, my only complaint being that I didn't get to spend enough time with the wonderful characters due to the length, I was so glad to get an opportunity to read it early. That said, Vasti does it again in Ne'er Duke Well by creating characters you want to root for even when they aren't always making the most solid choices or communicating. Without spoiling, I will say the second half of the book when Selina and Peter are working as a team was my favorite.
I am a big fan of this author and I would gladly recommend and read any and all of her books. Thanks again to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity.

Alexandra Vasti is quickly becoming my favorite writer of historical romances. Her writing is impeccable, with fully developed characters and fresh takes on traditional tropes. It's light but serious, fast-paced, and at times quite funny.

The main characters of <i>Ne'er Duke Well</i>, Peter and Selina, are both intelligent and kind, with highly developed social consciouses. He's a wonderful cinnamon-roll hero and she is clever and extremely competent. Together they become quite a force. Their chemistry sizzles, their communication is excellent, and they form a charming and sexy couple.

Vasti also handles the secondary characters well, especially the kids (Peter's half-siblings). I loved the found family. There's a sense of this being the first in a series, with some of the current secondary characters coming forward for stories of their own. I particularly liked Georgiana. She was laugh-out-loud funny and definitely deserves her own HEA.

At one point Vasti begins a possible miscommunication plot line, but as fitting with her excellent writing, she fixes it before it becomes annoying. And there's no 3rd acts break-up!

This book made me very, very happy. It was loving, funny, sweet, serious, and sexy.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of the ebook. My opinions are my own.

I read an ARC for this book and LOVED it- I genuinely laughed out loud on multiple occasions. The characters are the main stars- radical, rebellious, feminist, loving, and hilarious each in their own ways. There was a bit too much internal conflict on Selina's part, and not giving others the credit they deserve- but even this aspect of the novel WAS very relatable (if you're a highly anxious woman in particular). Overall, a wonderful, sweet read. If you want a cozy historical romance where women take matters into their own hands while being supported by the men in their lives (as best as can be done in this time), this is for you.

I love that this is a steamy romance that also discusses steamy romances of the time- nothing beats a main character with a love for books.

I was intrigued first by the cover of this book, and then by the premise. It sounded so cute, and it did not disappoint.

Things I liked:
- Excellent cast of characters that are interesting and drive the story forward.
- Easy to read writing style that keeps things moving along at a good pace.
- Swoon worthy male main character who says all the right things at the right times.
- Strong female characters determined to break with the then social norms/inequities of their society.
- A good amount of steamy/spicy scenes.
- An amazingly clever and fun overall premise that is unique and hasn’t been overdone in the genre.

Things I didn’t like as much:
- I wish there had been more scenes with the two love interests before they became “official.” It felt like things went from 0 to 100 between them so fast. I wish there had been a little more tension/build up between them and watch their fondness for one another grow and develop.

Overall, a very fun and pleasant read that I would recommend for lovers of romance/historical fiction. I haven’t posted my review to social media yet, but will see if I can update with links when I do!

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. I will update it I can with the link to my review when I share it on Instagram later today.

In order to become respectable, a newly appointed Duke and American transplant must find a reputable bride. He receives assistance in his search from the very knowledgeable and cultured Lady Selina. Selina spends her days anonymously running an erotic circulating library while trying to keep her respectable image intact. She’s happy to impart her wisdom on Peter until it becomes apparent that she’s perhaps his best match.

I’m a huge fan of Vasti’s novellas. They are a perfect blend of short, spicy and packed full of romance. Matilda Halifax’s book still lives rent free in my head. Transitioning her writing to a full-length novel only made sense and I welcomed this development.

As of now, I still prefer her novellas. There were a lot of moments in Ne’er Duke Well that I felt like I knew the destination but the characters were just standing in the same place and not getting anywhere. The custody plot felt endless and unsatisfying. The relative dies and they just take the kids out for the day. NBD. No further thought to the fact the person raising them was dead?

The book sets out to tackle a number of side plots in addition to the romance of the main couple and the details that felt distracting and unnecessary. Not to say this wasn’t without some charming moments. There were certain scenes involving potential candidates that had me snickering. Ultimately, I just wanted the swooning moments between Peter and Selina. Their romance was cute and sweet but lacked Matilda and Christian’s spice. Perhaps it is more preference of main character energy over the actual quality in writing?

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing an ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Oooh I just love it when the MCs are drawn together in a plot to get one of them a partner. This is one of my favorite tropes ever! If you enjoyed Bridgerton s1 you'll enjoy this for sure! It had lots of scheming together and heartfelt conversations. It also included a "let's practice your flirting" scene which is always so fun. Besides the inclusion of old favorite tropes this book also was incredibly unique! This genre can feel a bit repetitive sometimes but I did not feel that way about this book at all. It's not every day that you read about a FMC who runs a sex education library or a MMC who fell into dukedom after growing up in America and actually feels very out of place. I wouldn’t have thought to ask for these aspects but dang I so enjoyed them! This book does have kids so YMMWV with that. For me, I really enjoyed watching Peter fight for guardianship of his half-siblings. It was really compelling how much he cared about building this family. Honestly I felt for both of them because it was clear that they both had so much love to give that I was very invested. I will say the ending wasn't the most realistic thing in the world to me but I love books that are low stakes (that's why I come to this genre) so it didn't ruin my enjoyment of the book by any means.

If you prefer modern historicals where the heroine has agency and is deeply respected and supported by the hero this is the book for you! This was such a sweet, soft book with some ridiculous shenanigans and adorable pining. I had a wonderful time and absolutely recommend this book for those looking for a unique historical that isn't too heavy😊

I really liked the storyline, it’s a little different than the average historical romance. I liked the banter and the characters, they’re well developed. A must read!

After delighting in the author’s Halifax Hellions novellas, I’ve been eagerly anticipating her trad pub debut, and it did not disappoint. Ne’er Duke Well is the story of Peter Kent, an unexpected Duke who returns to England from Louisiana upon inheriting. He’s seeking guardianship of his siblings, but faces opposition because—to oversimplify—they’re illegitimate and were unacknowledged. Also he has a fondness for radical politics. 😉

Selina Ravenscroft takes it upon herself to help Peter find a wife to make his candidacy more appealing. And we all know what happens next, but Vasti makes it feel fresh in so many big and small ways. The conflict centers around Selina running a secret erotic library for women—she’s worried it will become public and cause scandal for Peter. And it’s all so sexy, and sex-positive, and also hilarious at times and heartwarming at others. Oh and per the author’s note, the (many) books referenced are all real.

As was the case with the Hellions, I find the historical setting Vasti creates here to be a refreshingly inclusive and kind one. To me, she thoughtfully crafts the neurodiverse and queer characters in her books, and while this one is an M/F romance, it doesn’t strike me as heteronormative. (I ADORED grandmother and grandmama Judith and Thomasin).

If I had to quibble I’d say that Vasti excels at novellas, and there were a few points where this, her first full-length novel, dragged a tiny bit to me. But, I mean, I read it in two days, so.💜

<i> She felt vulnerable and quite thoroughly wrecked as he stared down at her. Her nose was running. He could see—oh, every messy broken part of her. All the depths of want and hope that she tried to keep hidden, the catastrophic desires that drove her. He saw it all with that clear-eyed relentless gaze, saw it all and wanted her anyway.</i>

*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc.
* Disclaimer: The author and I are friendly on social media.

I want to say up front that I am not normally a fan of historical romance. This book is one of the very few exceptions. I was influenced to seek this book out by someone I trust, and it was superb! Romantic, steamy, and very, very swoonworthy. The author was able to weave a tale that included just the right amount of tension, introduce a sexy element to a time in our world when it was difficult to authentically portray such a thing, and that tension was resolved in a way that was both believable and avoided some of the typical tropes one sees in the genre. Overall, this was a great representation of a historical done in an absolutely smashing fashion.