Picture a British literature professor by day, spinning steamy Regency romances by night—meet Alexandra Vasti! This USA Today bestselling author has taken the historical romance world by storm with her witty, heartfelt stories set in the scandal-filled ballrooms of 19th-century England. From her academic roots at Columbia University to her vibrant life in New Orleans, Vasti’s journey is as captivating as the heroines she crafts.
With her Halifax Hellions series and novels like Ne’er Duke Well, Vasti blends meticulous historical research with laugh-out-loud humor and swoon-worthy romance. Her ability to weave modern sensibilities into Regency settings has earned her a devoted readership and praise from outlets like The New York Times and NPR. Let’s dive into the world of Alexandra Vasti!
The Making of Alexandra Vasti
Born into a family of romance-loving women, Alexandra Vasti fell for historical romance at age 11, devouring novels by Laura Kinsale and Judith McNaught. Her passion for literature led her to a PhD at Columbia University, where she honed her expertise in British and Caribbean literature. After moving to New Orleans, she balanced teaching at a university with raising three kids and two feral cats, all while crafting her debut novels. Vasti’s academic rigor and lifelong love for romance shaped her unique voice, blending scholarly precision with playful storytelling.
Alexandra Vasti’s Unforgettable Stories
Vasti’s novels are a delightful mix of steamy romance, sharp wit, and feminist undertones, set against the glittering backdrop of Regency England. Her Halifax Hellions series follows the scandalous Halifax twins, Margo and Matilda, as they navigate love and notoriety. In Which Margo Halifax Earns Her Shocking Reputation kicks off the series with Margo’s bold antics and a fiery romance, while In Which Matilda Halifax Learns the Value of Restraint pairs Matilda with a reclusive lord in a tale of redemption and passion.
Her standalone novel Ne’er Duke Well is a fan favorite, following Lady Selina’s quest to find a duke a perfect wife—only to realize she might be the one for him. Released in 2024, it’s been hailed as a witty, feminist romp. Earl Crush, published in January 2025, introduces Lydia Hope-Wallace, a wallflower heiress whose secret correspondence with an earl leads to a hilarious case of mistaken identity. Vasti’s meticulous research—often involving 100-page outlines and 19th-century texts—ensures historical accuracy, while her playful, accessible style makes her books a gateway for new romance readers.
Queer representation is a hallmark of Vasti’s work, with titles like Ladies in Hating highlighting multigenerational queer families. Her stories celebrate love and joy, tackling contemporary issues like information access through a Regency lens, making them both timeless and timely.
Why Alexandra Vasti Matters
Alexandra Vasti is redefining historical romance by infusing it with humor, inclusivity, and intellectual depth. Her novels resonate with readers who crave stories that are as smart as they are sexy, earning her a spot on must-read lists from Oprah Daily to Book Riot. By centering diverse characters and exploring queer history, she’s expanding the genre’s boundaries, inviting new readers to fall in love with Regency romance. As a professor, she inspires students with her passion for literature, while her novels bring joy to fans worldwide.
- Key Works: Ne’er Duke Well, Earl Crush, Halifax Hellions series
- Notable Mentions: Featured in The New York Times, NPR, Entertainment Weekly
- Fun Fact: Vasti’s powered by guacamole and oat milk lattes!
Snag Ne’er Duke Well and dive into Alexandra Vasti’s steamy, swoony Regency world—you won’t be able to put it down!