Book Description 

In this steamy Regency romp, Lady Selina is determined to find the Duke of Stanhope the perfect wife—the only problem is she’s starting to think that might be her.

Peter Kent—newly inherited Duke of Stanhope and recently of New Orleans, Louisiana—must become respectable. Between his radical politics and the time he interrupted a minor royal wedding with a flock of sheep—not his fault!—he’s developed a scandalous reputation at odds with his goal of becoming guardian to his half siblings. For help, he turns to the cleverest and most managing woman of his acquaintance, Lady Selina Ravenscroft.

Selina is society’s most proper debutante, save one tiny secret: she runs an erotic circulating library for women. When Peter asks for her help, she suggests courtship and marriage to a lady of unimpeachable reputation. (Which is to say, definitely not herself.)

But matchmaking doesn’t go according to plan. Peter’s siblings run rampant on Bond Street. Selina ends up in the Serpentine. And worst of all, the scorching chemistry between Peter and Selina proves impossible to resist. For the disreputable duke and his unpredictable matchmaker, falling in love just might be the ultimate scandal.

My Review 

This was such a fun and fresh historical romance. Having an unconventional man inherit a title, even a dukedom, is hardly a new trope, but Vasti takes the concept and breathes new life into it. Peter is shaking up the aristocracy with his abolitionist views AND he’s trying to gain guardianship of his half-siblings. 

I also love the trope where the first person offers to help find a suitable partner for the other, only to fall in love with them. So, I really enjoyed the parts of the book that feature Peter taking prospective brides around town. But of course, Selina is the only match for Peter. 

Their chemistry is off the charts– 120% sizzling! It’s def a bit spicier than some of the recent histroms I’ve read. It’s probably going to get 1 star reviews for “too much sex”, but that’s totally a badge of honor nowadays! 

Speaking of which, I loved that Selina was the secret owner of a private library with a secret section of erotica and educational books that can only be accessed by women. Selina wanted to ensure that young women didn’t enter into marriage without knowing what to expect. Given that “ignorant brides” has been a trope from the beginning of the genre, it’s nice to see books presenting an alternative to “lie back and think of England.” 

I would absolutely recommend Ne’er Duke Well. Vasti is my new favorite author and I can’t wait to read more of her books. 

I received a digital ARC of this book from St. Martin’s/NetGalley.