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

5.0

Ne’er Duke Well 🤺❤️🛶🐴

I’ve been a fan of Alexandra Vasti’s work since I first read the Halifax twins’ novellas, so I was ridiculously excited to get an arc of her first full length novel, Ne’er Duke Well. 😭👏

Ne’er Duke Well follows Peter Kent, Duke of Stanhope, as he attempts to decipher the ways of English society all while trying to gain custody of his two younger half-siblings. The problem is, Peter is an outsider. He was raised in New Orleans, he’s a vocal abolitionist, and he’s caused quite the stir in London. Trying to gain favor with the public and the Court, Peter enlists the help of the most brilliantly clever woman he knows, Lady Selina Ravenscroft. 

Lady Selina Ravenscroft is the perfect society lady. She’s charming, elegant, beautiful, and amazingly efficient in every matter. However, she secretly runs a scandalous lending library that provides educational (erotic) materials to women. If her secret gets out, she’ll be ruined! 

Selina decides to find Peter the perfect wife, one above reproach. Unfortunately, this becomes quite difficult when their feelings for each other grow. ❤️

Immediately, it’s clear that Peter and Selina have feelings for each other, or at the very least, a strong attraction. The two of them begin growing closer as they hunt for Peter’s perfect duchess. Selina finds herself slightly upset over Peter courting the ladies she’s chosen for him, and Peter can’t stop thinking about Selina. It’s delicious! 🤤 The tension between the two is palpable, and boy, does it pay off! Whew!! The spice! 🥵🔥

Peter’s younger siblings were clearly dear to him, but they were hesitant to trust him after so many disappointments. Peter also had trouble connecting with them due to his past, luckily, Selina was there to help him confront his feelings. Selina’s family and friends were amazing and a large part of their story. I loved the peeks we got at Selina’s childhood through Thomasin and Aunt Judith, and of course, the snippets of letters sent to her twin brother, Will. Honestly, I hope we get more of the Ravenscrofts in future books! 🥰

I was slightly worried there was going to be a third act breakup, but thankfully, it didn’t happen! Once Peter and Selina finally admitted to their attraction and feelings for each other, they worked at communicating and being honest. It isn’t an easy road, but with a bit of help from Selina’s wonderful family and friends, they get their happily ever after! 👏