Ne'er Duke Well Review

Hello, all!

I love a fun rom-com during the summertime, and if you're like me, you need to pick up Ne'er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti. Big thanks to the publisher for the copy!

Pub Date: 7-23-24
Adult - Historical Romance

Peter Kent has recently moved from New Orleans to England after unexpectedly inheriting a dukedom from his estranged father. Without trying, Peter's radical way of thinking and easygoing nature have garnered him quite a scandalous reputation amongst the ton. Peter wouldn't mind people gossiping about him behind his back, but all the talk is hindering him from his goal of gaining guardianship over his two half-siblings. So, Peter turns to his good friend, Lady Selina Ravenscroft, to help make him respectable.

To the eyes of the beau monde, Selina is the picture of what a respectable genteel woman should be, but she harbors a salacious secret of her own: she owns and runs a popular erotic lending library for women. When Peter comes to her for help, she tells him he must marry a lady of impeccable breeding. But Selina's matchmaking doesn't go as planned, and the more time Selina and Peter spend together, the more they fall for one another. Selina knows her secret would ruin Peter if it got out, but what's love without a little scandal?

I've only recently gotten into Vasti's work, but I'm having a great time. Her writing is witty, well-researched, and has the perfect balance of sweetness and steaminess. I love how she writes about headstrong women who aren't afraid to shirk conventions and live a life of their own. Selina is loyal and cares deeply for those around her. She'll stop at nothing to help them achieve their goals and is clever enough to make it happen. Watching her and Peter's relationship blossom was such a treat. Peter was such a stand-up guy. Not only would he do anything for his siblings (who are such a delight, especially Lu), but how he stood by Selina's side and encouraged and supported her endeavors proved what a class act he was, and how completely smitten he was from the start. If you're a fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, I can't recommend this one enough.

Rating: 4/5