A review by charlottereadshistory
Ne'er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti

adventurous emotional funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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!