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Belvoir's Lending Library #2
Earl Crush
In Alexandra Vasti’s newest Regency rom-com, a reclusive earl’s life is turned upside down when a stranger shows up on his doorstep with an astonishing proposal—and an inconvenient connection to espionage.
For three years, wallflower heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace has anonymously penned seditious pamphlets. And for almost as long, she’s corresponded with the Earl of Strathrannoch, whose political ambition is matched only by his charm. When Arthur’s latest letter reveals his dire financial straits, Lydia sets out for Scotland to offer him the only salvation she can think of—a marriage of convenience. To, um, herself.
Unfortunately, the Earl of Strathrannoch has no idea who she is.
When a bewitching redheaded stranger offers him her hand in marriage, Arthur Baird is stunned—but when he learns that his traitorous brother has been writing to her under Arthur’s name, he’s bloody furious. He’s content to live alone in his moldering castle, and he has no desire for a provocative, radical wife. (Or at least, he shouldn’t.)
But Arthur is desperate to track down his brother, who’s become dangerously entangled in British espionage, and he needs Lydia’s help. What he doesn’t need? The attraction that burns hotter each moment they spend together. As Lydia slips past his defenses and his brother’s mysterious past becomes a very present threat, Arthur will have to risk everything to keep her safe—even his heart.
For three years, wallflower heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace has anonymously penned seditious pamphlets. And for almost as long, she’s corresponded with the Earl of Strathrannoch, whose political ambition is matched only by his charm. When Arthur’s latest letter reveals his dire financial straits, Lydia sets out for Scotland to offer him the only salvation she can think of—a marriage of convenience. To, um, herself.
Unfortunately, the Earl of Strathrannoch has no idea who she is.
When a bewitching redheaded stranger offers him her hand in marriage, Arthur Baird is stunned—but when he learns that his traitorous brother has been writing to her under Arthur’s name, he’s bloody furious. He’s content to live alone in his moldering castle, and he has no desire for a provocative, radical wife. (Or at least, he shouldn’t.)
But Arthur is desperate to track down his brother, who’s become dangerously entangled in British espionage, and he needs Lydia’s help. What he doesn’t need? The attraction that burns hotter each moment they spend together. As Lydia slips past his defenses and his brother’s mysterious past becomes a very present threat, Arthur will have to risk everything to keep her safe—even his heart.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 21, 2025
About the author
Alexandra Vasti
8 books891 followersAlexandra Vasti is a British literature professor by day and USA Today bestselling romance writer by night. After finishing her PhD at Columbia University, she moved to New Orleans with her family. Her books have been featured in The New York Times, NPR, Entertainment Weekly, and elsewhere.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 854 reviews
September 2, 2024
Lydia, who pukes into potted plants when she has to go to parties (mood) has been in secret correspondence with a hot earl in Scotland. He’s broke and she’s rich so she decides to go propose so she can hang out with her friend and do whatever she wants forever (mood). This goes sideways when she shows up to the estate and it’s overrun with non-native fauna and not-penpals (…mood). There is, however, a brother who is in turn crabby, exhausted, kind, and stupid-down-bad-pathetic. Will our girl Lyds find her happily ever after? This is a romance novel so sure, but man, the course of true love never did run smooth (even in novels). (There is a weapons theft.) (And interfering servants.) (Also zebras but they seem chill, honestly.)
November 17, 2024
3.75 stars
I struggled with this in the beginning but you know what? I ended up really liking it.
At first, everything was a bit too ridiculous and over the top for me.
The romance felt rushed. They were lusting after each other from the start. The story was kind of all over the place.
But it was a very easy read, so I just kept going and once I got past the first like 20%, the characters grew on me, I got used to the ridiculousness of it all, and I found myself invested.
And that led to me finishing this in three days, which is basically unheard of for me lately.
If you like regency romances, I think you’d probably really enjoy this!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
___
Let’s read some regency romance, as a treat 🤸♀️ 🤸♀️
I struggled with this in the beginning but you know what? I ended up really liking it.
At first, everything was a bit too ridiculous and over the top for me.
The romance felt rushed. They were lusting after each other from the start. The story was kind of all over the place.
But it was a very easy read, so I just kept going and once I got past the first like 20%, the characters grew on me, I got used to the ridiculousness of it all, and I found myself invested.
And that led to me finishing this in three days, which is basically unheard of for me lately.
If you like regency romances, I think you’d probably really enjoy this!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
___
Let’s read some regency romance, as a treat 🤸♀️ 🤸♀️
January 9, 2025
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Mindless fun!
~1818
Lydia Hope-Wallace is a shy heiress who spent her life cocooned by her brothers. Her disastrous Seasons make it easy for her to become a wallflower and pen seditious pamphlets anonymously. This led to her correspondence with the Earl of Strathrannoch, a man with the same political ideas as her.
After three years of correspondence, the earl admits to financial troubles. Lydia goes to Scotland to offer help and support – a marriage of convenience (with herself) so that he can revive his beloved castle. However, a rude shock greets Lydia in Scotland. Arthur, the Earl of Strathrannoch, has no idea who she is. Turns out, it was his brother using his name. Moreover, the same brother has stolen an important item from the earl.
Together, they try to find where the missing man is. If only the attraction between them wasn’t so strong. ;)
The story comes in the third-person POV of Lydia and Arthur.
My Thoughts:
Firstly, this is a silly kind of read with some OTT elements. Don’t take anything seriously. Just enjoy the silliness, and you’ll have more fun that way.
Initially, I wasn’t sure if I’d like it much. But it was an easy read so I kept swiping the pages. After the initial 20% or so, I realized the book would be fluffy with a touch of absurdity. It was funny in its own way and made me happy. I can’t complain much if I’m enjoying it, right?
The plot has many elements but they are all surface-level stuff most of the time. This is a romance before anything else. The characters are attracted to each other pretty much from the start. It’s spicy too. There’s a Verity-inspired scene as well (IYKYK).
Each chapter starts with a short excerpt from a letter/ journal written by one of the characters. Some of these were so much fun, especially the ones by the side characters.
Apart from a pet dog (Bacon), this book happens to have some zebras and a degu (a rodent apparently) as well. We don’t meet the degu personally, though I wish we did. She has a name too!
There’s some drama in the climax and towards the end, which is expected. It does get sorted after a couple of scenes. It would have been nice to read a proper conversation between two certain characters which was only mentioned afterward. I feel it would have made a difference.
Anyway, the epilogue is well done. I won’t reveal spoilers but the presentation was interesting. I like it!
To summarize, Earl Crush is entertaining as long as you don’t think too much about the contents. The writing style is easy and light, so you can finish the book in a couple of sittings.
I think this will be a standalone series since the blurb for the next book is out on GR (it’ll be a Sapphic romance!) and some eligible bachelors are waiting for their turn.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #EarlCrush
One Liner: Mindless fun!
~1818
Lydia Hope-Wallace is a shy heiress who spent her life cocooned by her brothers. Her disastrous Seasons make it easy for her to become a wallflower and pen seditious pamphlets anonymously. This led to her correspondence with the Earl of Strathrannoch, a man with the same political ideas as her.
After three years of correspondence, the earl admits to financial troubles. Lydia goes to Scotland to offer help and support – a marriage of convenience (with herself) so that he can revive his beloved castle. However, a rude shock greets Lydia in Scotland. Arthur, the Earl of Strathrannoch, has no idea who she is. Turns out, it was his brother using his name. Moreover, the same brother has stolen an important item from the earl.
Together, they try to find where the missing man is. If only the attraction between them wasn’t so strong. ;)
The story comes in the third-person POV of Lydia and Arthur.
My Thoughts:
Firstly, this is a silly kind of read with some OTT elements. Don’t take anything seriously. Just enjoy the silliness, and you’ll have more fun that way.
Initially, I wasn’t sure if I’d like it much. But it was an easy read so I kept swiping the pages. After the initial 20% or so, I realized the book would be fluffy with a touch of absurdity. It was funny in its own way and made me happy. I can’t complain much if I’m enjoying it, right?
The plot has many elements but they are all surface-level stuff most of the time. This is a romance before anything else. The characters are attracted to each other pretty much from the start. It’s spicy too. There’s a Verity-inspired scene as well (IYKYK).
Each chapter starts with a short excerpt from a letter/ journal written by one of the characters. Some of these were so much fun, especially the ones by the side characters.
Apart from a pet dog (Bacon), this book happens to have some zebras and a degu (a rodent apparently) as well. We don’t meet the degu personally, though I wish we did. She has a name too!
There’s some drama in the climax and towards the end, which is expected. It does get sorted after a couple of scenes. It would have been nice to read a proper conversation between two certain characters which was only mentioned afterward. I feel it would have made a difference.
Anyway, the epilogue is well done. I won’t reveal spoilers but the presentation was interesting. I like it!
To summarize, Earl Crush is entertaining as long as you don’t think too much about the contents. The writing style is easy and light, so you can finish the book in a couple of sittings.
I think this will be a standalone series since the blurb for the next book is out on GR (it’ll be a Sapphic romance!) and some eligible bachelors are waiting for their turn.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #EarlCrush
January 30, 2025
"Your smile is my light," he murmured. "Your laugh is my shelter. If you'll"--he hesitated, then steeled himself, looking for all the world like a man facing the gallows--"if you'll allow it, Lydia Hope-Wallace, I will spend the rest of my life trying to be worthy of you. I will never leave you again. I will stand at your side when you need a partner and I will shield you when you need a place to rest."
Alexandra Vasti is quickly becoming a favorite of mine, and I've only read to books of hers so far. I love the characters she writes and the emotional depths they have. I also enjoy the way she develops her characters relationships. They're not instalove relationships, though there is usually immediate attraction, but that never gets in the way of the storyline.
It seems that AV's MMCs usually ending up falling faster and first, and it's always with a great amount of reluctance, but I find that makes for a much more entertaining read.
Lydia was a great FMC, very shy and introverted, but very smart and compassionate. I never really found myself rolling my eyes with her, which I think can happen with a lot of FMC's who aren't your typical badass heroine but want to find ways to be useful. Lydia was very aware of her strengths and never pushed to do something dumb just to be useful. Big plus was her brothers, all 4 of which were hysterical in their own ways. Maybe we'll get to see those guys pair up in the future 👀
And I enjoyed Arthur as the MMC. He's one of those quite, stoic types who seemed to get annoyed easily but also gets very protective of those he cares about. And with respect to Lydia, it didn't take long for that transition to come considering how quickly she proved to him how intelligent she was and how good a person she was.
And the storyline was very interesting. A very mysterious, investigative story that I found myself just itching to know more about and finding out what was happening.
Highly recommend for any romance readers, especially those who enjoy regency era romances. AV's stories have a way of feeling very contemporary even though they're taking place in the 1800s ❤️
Thank you NetGalley and St Martins Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
Alexandra Vasti is quickly becoming a favorite of mine, and I've only read to books of hers so far. I love the characters she writes and the emotional depths they have. I also enjoy the way she develops her characters relationships. They're not instalove relationships, though there is usually immediate attraction, but that never gets in the way of the storyline.
It seems that AV's MMCs usually ending up falling faster and first, and it's always with a great amount of reluctance, but I find that makes for a much more entertaining read.
Lydia was a great FMC, very shy and introverted, but very smart and compassionate. I never really found myself rolling my eyes with her, which I think can happen with a lot of FMC's who aren't your typical badass heroine but want to find ways to be useful. Lydia was very aware of her strengths and never pushed to do something dumb just to be useful. Big plus was her brothers, all 4 of which were hysterical in their own ways. Maybe we'll get to see those guys pair up in the future 👀
And I enjoyed Arthur as the MMC. He's one of those quite, stoic types who seemed to get annoyed easily but also gets very protective of those he cares about. And with respect to Lydia, it didn't take long for that transition to come considering how quickly she proved to him how intelligent she was and how good a person she was.
And the storyline was very interesting. A very mysterious, investigative story that I found myself just itching to know more about and finding out what was happening.
Highly recommend for any romance readers, especially those who enjoy regency era romances. AV's stories have a way of feeling very contemporary even though they're taking place in the 1800s ❤️
Thank you NetGalley and St Martins Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
December 21, 2024
Dec 24: reread… it’s official, I can’t make it through this book without weeping. Mhairi Morrison’s narration is spectacular and HEARING certain exchanges, had the tears flowing even more.
Aug 2024: This was the most exquisite, deeply romantic story I’ve ever read and only Alexandra Vasti could have me crying over a love story that included a moldering castle, mistaken identities, espionage, and sixteen zebras.
I love every single one of Vasti’s characters with every fiber in my being, but Lydia Hope-Wallace will hold a special place in my heart. As a gal with social anxiety who also mulls over potential topics of conversations before social interactions, I felt a kinship with dear Lydia. I adored how Arthur saw Lydia and didn’t try to shield or remove her from interactions with crowds and new people, but became attune to Lydia’s tells, ASKED what she needed, and readily provided support.
I also loved how Lydia, while she might be silent in a crowd, was incredibly fierce and a force to be reckoned with. Girl utilized her privilege and power, always at the ready to wield her pen to fight injustice and give a voice to those who were silenced. Lydia’s fight for social justice reminds us that we don’t have to be the loudest in the room to enact change!
My heart ACHED over the declarations of love. Truly, I clutched my book to my chest with tears in my eyes and a heart bursting over these precious souls. Arthur and Lydia were two individuals who felt as if they never quite measured up to a societal standard or familial expectations and they desperately longed for more — for a place to belong, to enact change and give a voice to those on the fringes in their communities, to be brave and speak their hearts.
There were countless quiet moments of love and devotion shared between Arthur and Lydia that brought me to tears. Bearing witness to their love and the life they dreamt of and built with each other, the change they enacted as steadfast partners, and the home and joy that flourished from their adoration and respect had me weeping.
This story is overflowing with joy and hope and has it all - mystery, suspense, hijinks, sensational steam, swoony romance, and the most breathtaking love letters. ALL THE STARS for Lydia and Arthur!!
Aug 2024: This was the most exquisite, deeply romantic story I’ve ever read and only Alexandra Vasti could have me crying over a love story that included a moldering castle, mistaken identities, espionage, and sixteen zebras.
I love every single one of Vasti’s characters with every fiber in my being, but Lydia Hope-Wallace will hold a special place in my heart. As a gal with social anxiety who also mulls over potential topics of conversations before social interactions, I felt a kinship with dear Lydia. I adored how Arthur saw Lydia and didn’t try to shield or remove her from interactions with crowds and new people, but became attune to Lydia’s tells, ASKED what she needed, and readily provided support.
I also loved how Lydia, while she might be silent in a crowd, was incredibly fierce and a force to be reckoned with. Girl utilized her privilege and power, always at the ready to wield her pen to fight injustice and give a voice to those who were silenced. Lydia’s fight for social justice reminds us that we don’t have to be the loudest in the room to enact change!
My heart ACHED over the declarations of love. Truly, I clutched my book to my chest with tears in my eyes and a heart bursting over these precious souls. Arthur and Lydia were two individuals who felt as if they never quite measured up to a societal standard or familial expectations and they desperately longed for more — for a place to belong, to enact change and give a voice to those on the fringes in their communities, to be brave and speak their hearts.
There were countless quiet moments of love and devotion shared between Arthur and Lydia that brought me to tears. Bearing witness to their love and the life they dreamt of and built with each other, the change they enacted as steadfast partners, and the home and joy that flourished from their adoration and respect had me weeping.
This story is overflowing with joy and hope and has it all - mystery, suspense, hijinks, sensational steam, swoony romance, and the most breathtaking love letters. ALL THE STARS for Lydia and Arthur!!
December 5, 2024
“Everything I am I owe to you, and everything I have is yours. In all my life, the greatest thing I will ever do is this: wake each day and love you down to the depths of my soul”
I knew I was going to love this after being so obsessed with Ne’er Duke Well🥹 This was super fun to read and the romance was sweet, swoon-worthy and instantly swept me off my feet🥰 Lydia and Arthur both had me in a chokehold because their chemistry was unreal! The angsty love declarations had me in happy tears 😭They’re both also very well written and Lydia was just so precious to me in how she developed since Book 1🥺 And the way Arthur was rightfully down bad for this woman every single time🫶🏼 I’ve said this before, but every love interest written by Alexandra Vasti is the entire green forest❤️
Vasti’s writing style is always so freshly addicting because I breezed through this book and could not put it down. The plot was well paced and I loved the balance between the chaos (hello, 16 zebras) and mystery. Lydia’s older brothers were all hilarious and the interactions had me cackling💀I love her family so much and would adore more stories about her brothers because they are all so ridiculous and goofy. Also, I can’t WAIT for the queen Georgiana’s book🫡
(A million thanks to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review)
I knew I was going to love this after being so obsessed with Ne’er Duke Well🥹 This was super fun to read and the romance was sweet, swoon-worthy and instantly swept me off my feet🥰 Lydia and Arthur both had me in a chokehold because their chemistry was unreal! The angsty love declarations had me in happy tears 😭They’re both also very well written and Lydia was just so precious to me in how she developed since Book 1🥺 And the way Arthur was rightfully down bad for this woman every single time🫶🏼 I’ve said this before, but every love interest written by Alexandra Vasti is the entire green forest❤️
Vasti’s writing style is always so freshly addicting because I breezed through this book and could not put it down. The plot was well paced and I loved the balance between the chaos (hello, 16 zebras) and mystery. Lydia’s older brothers were all hilarious and the interactions had me cackling💀I love her family so much and would adore more stories about her brothers because they are all so ridiculous and goofy. Also, I can’t WAIT for the queen Georgiana’s book🫡
(A million thanks to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review)
October 18, 2024
Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti is everything I want in Historical Romance-an FMC before her time, an MMC who defies gender stereotypes of the period, well written spice AND a mystery to boot…I can’t ask for more. Arthur gives big Jamie Fraser vibes, and Lydia is the heroine that all introverts wish to be. The cast of side characters is handled just right as well-not so many as to drag down the plot, but each intentional and interesting on their own apart from the main story. I am so excited to have found this author, and will be following her writing from here on out! Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this ARC!
February 10, 2025
Review: Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)
Alexandra Vasti delivers an utterly captivating Regency romance in Earl Crush, a novel brimming with yearning, tension, and impeccable character development. This slow-burn, second-chance love story follows childhood best friends turned reluctant adversaries, forced back into each other’s orbit under circumstances neither can escape.
Vasti excels at crafting emotional depth, making every stolen glance and unspoken word between the protagonists feel weighty with history. The romance is beautifully angsty, filled with simmering tension and sharp, heartfelt dialogue. The writing itself is lyrical and immersive, capturing the elegance of the Regency era while maintaining a modern, fresh feel.
What truly makes Earl Crush shine is the intensity of its central relationship. The longing is palpable, and the way Vasti slowly peels back the layers of hurt and misunderstanding is deeply satisfying. While some pacing choices might make the middle feel a bit drawn out, the payoff is well worth it.
If you love historical romance with an emotional punch, gorgeously written yearning, and characters you can’t help but root for, Earl Crush is a must-read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)
Alexandra Vasti delivers an utterly captivating Regency romance in Earl Crush, a novel brimming with yearning, tension, and impeccable character development. This slow-burn, second-chance love story follows childhood best friends turned reluctant adversaries, forced back into each other’s orbit under circumstances neither can escape.
Vasti excels at crafting emotional depth, making every stolen glance and unspoken word between the protagonists feel weighty with history. The romance is beautifully angsty, filled with simmering tension and sharp, heartfelt dialogue. The writing itself is lyrical and immersive, capturing the elegance of the Regency era while maintaining a modern, fresh feel.
What truly makes Earl Crush shine is the intensity of its central relationship. The longing is palpable, and the way Vasti slowly peels back the layers of hurt and misunderstanding is deeply satisfying. While some pacing choices might make the middle feel a bit drawn out, the payoff is well worth it.
If you love historical romance with an emotional punch, gorgeously written yearning, and characters you can’t help but root for, Earl Crush is a must-read.
January 9, 2025
Earl Crush is a delightful and spicy historical romance and mystery. The setting is 1818 in England and Scotland. Lydia has been writing political tracts (anonymously) and a man has been corresponding with her for a few years. She knows his name and where his Scottish estate is, and when the book opens, she and a close friend are arriving there, to surprise him with a marriage proposal (she’s got money and he doesn’t; they have a good relationship on paper). But it turns out that she hasn’t been corresponding with whom she thinks she has. Things get wild from there!
I loved the relationship that Lydia and Arthur (the real Earl) built. There were a lot of funny instances along the way, and a mystery to solve, involving Arthur’s brother and some French ex-pats.
Mhairi Morrison did a marvelous job with the narration on the audiobook, seamlessly switching between an English accent and a Scottish accent.
Don’t skip the Author’s Note where she explains that various plot points are based on actual historical events.
Somehow I missed reading the first book in this series, Ne’er Duke Well. (This wasn’t a problem, proving that this can easily be read as a standalone.) I will have to remedy that as soon as possible.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
I loved the relationship that Lydia and Arthur (the real Earl) built. There were a lot of funny instances along the way, and a mystery to solve, involving Arthur’s brother and some French ex-pats.
Mhairi Morrison did a marvelous job with the narration on the audiobook, seamlessly switching between an English accent and a Scottish accent.
Don’t skip the Author’s Note where she explains that various plot points are based on actual historical events.
Somehow I missed reading the first book in this series, Ne’er Duke Well. (This wasn’t a problem, proving that this can easily be read as a standalone.) I will have to remedy that as soon as possible.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
December 23, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up
I didn't love the beginning, but this won me over by the end. Earl Crush is a fun historical romance about a painfully shy woman who writes radical political pamphlets and a reclusive Scottish earl who she thinks she has been corresponding with. The book opens with her going to propose a marriage of convenience, only to discover that the author was his brother who is missing.
It's a very rompy book that weaves in real history, but I felt like the romance got going too quickly, before I had a chance to feel like I knew the characters and cared about them. It got there in the end, but more could have been done earlier I think. There's also more sex than I would typically expect from a traditionally published book this length. Which I didn't mind, but again it just started a bit too quickly for my taste. I did love the couple by the end though and had fun reading. The audio narration is good, though I don't know that I was getting a believably shy heroine from that. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
I didn't love the beginning, but this won me over by the end. Earl Crush is a fun historical romance about a painfully shy woman who writes radical political pamphlets and a reclusive Scottish earl who she thinks she has been corresponding with. The book opens with her going to propose a marriage of convenience, only to discover that the author was his brother who is missing.
It's a very rompy book that weaves in real history, but I felt like the romance got going too quickly, before I had a chance to feel like I knew the characters and cared about them. It got there in the end, but more could have been done earlier I think. There's also more sex than I would typically expect from a traditionally published book this length. Which I didn't mind, but again it just started a bit too quickly for my taste. I did love the couple by the end though and had fun reading. The audio narration is good, though I don't know that I was getting a believably shy heroine from that. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
September 11, 2024
This is my second Alexandra Vasti book, and it delivers fun characters with very compelling chemistry. Earl Crush is about Arthur, a penniless Scottish earl who invents in his spare time, and Lydia, who is shy in public but very forthcoming as an author of seditious pamphlets. Arthur and Lydia are great together and the banter really jumps off the page.
The story itself didn't work quite as well for me, though, and the plot felt both unevenly paced and contrived at the same time. There's so much going on in this book, with a plot against the government mixed with espionage mixed with a laundry list of family dynamics. All of that is well and good, but it feels more like window dressing for the romance than a truly thought out story on its own. And then it ends without giving you some real emotional beats!
I keep reading these books because the chemistry is so good, and maybe that's why I like the Halifax Hellion novellas better. I had similar plot complaints with Ne'er Duke Well. But if that's less important for you and you prefer chemistry to plot, then you will probably enjoy this book just fine.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!
The story itself didn't work quite as well for me, though, and the plot felt both unevenly paced and contrived at the same time. There's so much going on in this book, with a plot against the government mixed with espionage mixed with a laundry list of family dynamics. All of that is well and good, but it feels more like window dressing for the romance than a truly thought out story on its own. And then it ends without giving you some real emotional beats!
I keep reading these books because the chemistry is so good, and maybe that's why I like the Halifax Hellion novellas better. I had similar plot complaints with Ne'er Duke Well. But if that's less important for you and you prefer chemistry to plot, then you will probably enjoy this book just fine.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!
January 21, 2025
I loved every minute of this book. On the surface, it seemed like a good historical romance but the author keeps tossing in little layers of drama/mess that keep the reader guessing. As soon as I thought I knew what was going to happen, some new obstacle was tossed in and it was amazingly funny.
There are so many witty gems just plunked into the middle of a paragraph and Lydia (our intelligent, feminist FMC who is fighting for women’s equality) is thoroughly lovable.
There’s a little mystery they are working to solve together. It’s fake marriage by accident…I could not stop laughing. AND he is so in love with her, it’s handicapping him, our poor MMC cannot focus on anything but her.
It’s sweet and funny, surprisingly emotional and spicy 🌶️
SMP sent me a free copy of this book, but this glowing review are my own opinions.
There are so many witty gems just plunked into the middle of a paragraph and Lydia (our intelligent, feminist FMC who is fighting for women’s equality) is thoroughly lovable.
There’s a little mystery they are working to solve together. It’s fake marriage by accident…I could not stop laughing. AND he is so in love with her, it’s handicapping him, our poor MMC cannot focus on anything but her.
It’s sweet and funny, surprisingly emotional and spicy 🌶️
SMP sent me a free copy of this book, but this glowing review are my own opinions.
January 3, 2025
*sighs* this started out exactly up my alley: bonkers bananas with a zebra stampede, a degu roaming a Scottish Castle on its little lonesome, a zany spy/stolen blueprint/tracking down a degenerate brother plot. And for the first…30% or so I was all in! But much like Ne’er Duke Well (which I DNF’d), I grew bored. Like listen, I get that Vasti isn’t writing like bodice ripper romances and I don’t expect more grit in a rom-com, but I needed Arthur to have some personality trait other than A Very Nice Man. He was very nice…and very boring. And I really needed to see these two on page together spending time with each other not chasing down his brother. We’re told they spend a week in each other’s company getting to know each other while plotting how to find his brother. Then BAM we’re making googly eyes at each other and I felt zero chemistry. But because we don’t actually *see* that time together I’m not convinced they actually know anything about each other besides Arthur Is Nice and Lydia Likes Politics.
I did appreciate Lydia’s social anxiety on page! Throwing up in potted plants? Me in every social situation ever. Relatable!
This just wasn’t for me (and I’m starting to think I only enjoy Vasti’s work in novella format?).
I did appreciate Lydia’s social anxiety on page! Throwing up in potted plants? Me in every social situation ever. Relatable!
This just wasn’t for me (and I’m starting to think I only enjoy Vasti’s work in novella format?).
December 29, 2024
The Vibes:
—epistolary romance to fake engagement pipeline
—golden retriever och aye hero
—batty but intellectual heroine
Heat Index: 7/10
The Basics:
After corresponding with the eccentric and cash-poor Earl of Stratrannoch, writer of seditious pamphlets Lydia sets out to offer her hand in a marriage of convenience. Except she wasn't writing the Earl, but his mess of a brother. The actual Earl, Arthur, is thrown off... but isn't upset with the idea of being with Lydia. Unfortunately, there's the matter of his missing brother, espionage, and her radical views to contend with—can he turn this sham engagement into a real one?
The Review:
I really, really wanted to love this one.
I loved Alexandra Vasti's Halifax Hellions novellas. I liked Ne'er Duke Well, though I'll admit it doesn't stick out in my mind these days. This... I'd describe this book as a "me, not you" problem, or like... The only parallel I can really think of is that it's a nice guy. And not a Nice Guy, but a genuinely nice guy, and I have some friends who would LOVE him, but for me he's just a bit bland.
Which is probably how I could describe our hero Arthur, too.
To me, what made Vasti's novellas so great was that they had this sparkling tone and briskness I really couldn't resist, coupled with a really fun approach to characterization that somehow made the leads feel so tangible, despite existing in a short book. So why do I not feel that way about Arthur and Lydia?
In truth, I think there's more of a care for likability in these trad published books, so Lydia has the right politics (and it's not that I disagree with her politics at all, or that I want politics out of romance—the opposite. I just feel that there's a way to do it organically, and this honestly doesn't feel very organic to me) and Arthur is very harmless and like... Aggressive in the bedroom (to an extent) but not at all truly aggressive outside of it, because we wouldn't want him to seem like an Alpha.
Whereas... In my favorite Vasti work (In Which Matilda Halifax Learns the Value of Restraint) she definitely wrote an alpha. A soft alpha, and alpha we could all like, but an alpha nonetheless.
And that's okay.
I think that Vasti's novellas also allowed her and encouraged her to snap straight to the point. Here, the pacing felt kinda too fast and kinda too slow for me. Arthur and Lydia have sparks way too quickly, and then I was like "But her novellas also had sparks early, you like early sparks". And I think the issue is that I do like early sparks, but there has to be more conflict. In In Which Margo Halifax Earns Her Shocking Reputation, the leads have known each other a long time, we feel it, and the hero just can't spit it out (and he's lowkey a freak, but that's another thing). In Matilda, the hero and heroine genuinely clash and he's truly baffled by her. Here, they get along, and I don't super get why they aren't together fairly early on.
However, there are gems here. Vasti writes a great sex scene, it must be said; there are a lot of fun side characters (and in fact, I kept thinking, "Damn, the messy brother is probably more my type of hero even though he totally isn't one"); I really liked the letter writing elements, which I don't usually; and I loved the epilogue. Loved it.
So while this was too much sugar for me, and not enough of the snap I want from a Vasti book, it's not bad. It's a nice guy.
The Sex:
I mean, like I said. She writes a damn good sex scene. They're hot, they're sweet, there's a bit of fun you don't necessarily get in every historical... I was happy.
Overall, I can't say this thrilled me, but I also am looking forward to Vasti's next book (it sounds super promising). I do think she might benefit from trimming these a little more. Here's the thing: I find writing a great novella super impressive... Possibly more impressive than writing a great novel. She's so good at using a short pagecount to pack a punch. Whether her next work is longer or shorter, I just want to see more of that punch.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
—epistolary romance to fake engagement pipeline
—golden retriever och aye hero
—batty but intellectual heroine
Heat Index: 7/10
The Basics:
After corresponding with the eccentric and cash-poor Earl of Stratrannoch, writer of seditious pamphlets Lydia sets out to offer her hand in a marriage of convenience. Except she wasn't writing the Earl, but his mess of a brother. The actual Earl, Arthur, is thrown off... but isn't upset with the idea of being with Lydia. Unfortunately, there's the matter of his missing brother, espionage, and her radical views to contend with—can he turn this sham engagement into a real one?
The Review:
I really, really wanted to love this one.
I loved Alexandra Vasti's Halifax Hellions novellas. I liked Ne'er Duke Well, though I'll admit it doesn't stick out in my mind these days. This... I'd describe this book as a "me, not you" problem, or like... The only parallel I can really think of is that it's a nice guy. And not a Nice Guy, but a genuinely nice guy, and I have some friends who would LOVE him, but for me he's just a bit bland.
Which is probably how I could describe our hero Arthur, too.
To me, what made Vasti's novellas so great was that they had this sparkling tone and briskness I really couldn't resist, coupled with a really fun approach to characterization that somehow made the leads feel so tangible, despite existing in a short book. So why do I not feel that way about Arthur and Lydia?
In truth, I think there's more of a care for likability in these trad published books, so Lydia has the right politics (and it's not that I disagree with her politics at all, or that I want politics out of romance—the opposite. I just feel that there's a way to do it organically, and this honestly doesn't feel very organic to me) and Arthur is very harmless and like... Aggressive in the bedroom (to an extent) but not at all truly aggressive outside of it, because we wouldn't want him to seem like an Alpha.
Whereas... In my favorite Vasti work (In Which Matilda Halifax Learns the Value of Restraint) she definitely wrote an alpha. A soft alpha, and alpha we could all like, but an alpha nonetheless.
And that's okay.
I think that Vasti's novellas also allowed her and encouraged her to snap straight to the point. Here, the pacing felt kinda too fast and kinda too slow for me. Arthur and Lydia have sparks way too quickly, and then I was like "But her novellas also had sparks early, you like early sparks". And I think the issue is that I do like early sparks, but there has to be more conflict. In In Which Margo Halifax Earns Her Shocking Reputation, the leads have known each other a long time, we feel it, and the hero just can't spit it out (and he's lowkey a freak, but that's another thing). In Matilda, the hero and heroine genuinely clash and he's truly baffled by her. Here, they get along, and I don't super get why they aren't together fairly early on.
However, there are gems here. Vasti writes a great sex scene, it must be said; there are a lot of fun side characters (and in fact, I kept thinking, "Damn, the messy brother is probably more my type of hero even though he totally isn't one"); I really liked the letter writing elements, which I don't usually; and I loved the epilogue. Loved it.
So while this was too much sugar for me, and not enough of the snap I want from a Vasti book, it's not bad. It's a nice guy.
The Sex:
I mean, like I said. She writes a damn good sex scene. They're hot, they're sweet, there's a bit of fun you don't necessarily get in every historical... I was happy.
Overall, I can't say this thrilled me, but I also am looking forward to Vasti's next book (it sounds super promising). I do think she might benefit from trimming these a little more. Here's the thing: I find writing a great novella super impressive... Possibly more impressive than writing a great novel. She's so good at using a short pagecount to pack a punch. Whether her next work is longer or shorter, I just want to see more of that punch.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 23, 2025
3,5
I liked it, it’s a funny and very enjoyable, if not a bit silly, read.
Some happenings in the story are a bit too unrealistic and the spies plot has some problems, but I didn’t have high expectations and it was entertaining enough, mostly, I was here for the romance and over whole that was really cute.
The feelings and romance developed too fast I feel, so it didn't sweep me off my feet, but I enjoyed their moments, found them sweet and funny, there’s nice chemistry and great smut.
The characters are good, Lydia was fine and I liked Arthur and the complex relationship between him and his brother, I wish it was explored more, still interesting.
I liked it, it’s a funny and very enjoyable, if not a bit silly, read.
Some happenings in the story are a bit too unrealistic and the spies plot has some problems, but I didn’t have high expectations and it was entertaining enough, mostly, I was here for the romance and over whole that was really cute.
The feelings and romance developed too fast I feel, so it didn't sweep me off my feet, but I enjoyed their moments, found them sweet and funny, there’s nice chemistry and great smut.
The characters are good, Lydia was fine and I liked Arthur and the complex relationship between him and his brother, I wish it was explored more, still interesting.
February 7, 2025
Bridgerton fans, this is for you.
Letters sent, a case of mistaken identity, a marriage of convenience, a romp to track down a brother involved in espionage.
Lydia is painfully relatable. Anxious, introverted, more at home writing and reading than attending balls.
Arthur chases zebras, is overprotective, loyal, and stoically quiet.
It was, however, the first time Lydia had vomited in front of a man whom she had recently offered her hand in marriage.
This is definitely not a clean romance. After the 45% mark, I felt the plot was taken over by steam. For me, this is what brought down the rating as I was fooled by the cute cover and naive, innocent, sweet beginnings.
Arthur’s need to protect EVERYONE started to grate on me too. He refuses to let anyone become involved even if they already are or want to be.
Overall, this is silly, sweet, absurd with weird pacing and an awful last 10% misunderstanding.
Weak three stars⭐️
Audiobook arc gifted by W.F. Howes Ltd.
Bookstagram
Letters sent, a case of mistaken identity, a marriage of convenience, a romp to track down a brother involved in espionage.
Lydia is painfully relatable. Anxious, introverted, more at home writing and reading than attending balls.
Arthur chases zebras, is overprotective, loyal, and stoically quiet.
It was, however, the first time Lydia had vomited in front of a man whom she had recently offered her hand in marriage.
This is definitely not a clean romance. After the 45% mark, I felt the plot was taken over by steam. For me, this is what brought down the rating as I was fooled by the cute cover and naive, innocent, sweet beginnings.
Arthur’s need to protect EVERYONE started to grate on me too. He refuses to let anyone become involved even if they already are or want to be.
Overall, this is silly, sweet, absurd with weird pacing and an awful last 10% misunderstanding.
Weak three stars⭐️
Audiobook arc gifted by W.F. Howes Ltd.
Bookstagram
January 20, 2025
♡ Thank you for the free audiobook, Dreamscape Media, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley.
I enjoyed Vasti’s Ne’er Duke Well a few months ago, so I had to come back for another Regency romance fix. This was a lovely romcom. With a little mental health rep, mystery, and politics included, this romance story had enough dimension to keep it interesting. I enjoyed Lydia and Arthur’s HEA. And the delightful cover deserves a mention, too!
I enjoyed Vasti’s Ne’er Duke Well a few months ago, so I had to come back for another Regency romance fix. This was a lovely romcom. With a little mental health rep, mystery, and politics included, this romance story had enough dimension to keep it interesting. I enjoyed Lydia and Arthur’s HEA. And the delightful cover deserves a mention, too!
December 5, 2024
3.25 stars
Earl Crush was a nice change of pace for me as I don’t read a ton of Regency era romances. This rom com has humor and heat. The two leads had good chemistry which is key to a love story.
Heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace secretly writes seditious pamphlets under a pen name. She’s been corresponding under that assumed name with the Earl of Strathrannoch. Finding out he is in financial trouble prompts Lydia to show up at his doorstep to propose marriage. One problem though as the Earl, aka Arthur Baird, isn’t the person who has been writing Lydia. It was actually his brother posing as the Earl. So yeah, Arthur turns down the proposal and is furious with his brother. Arthur is on a mission to track him down. There’s also a whole espionage plot and there’s totally no time for Arthur to fall in love with Lydia. *wink wink
The story starts out strong as I liked the potential pairing right off the bat. While I enjoyed the romance aspects throughout, I wasn’t heavily invested in the rest of the plot and the madcap and hi jinx that ensured. Maybe I was just cranky and should have rolled with it. So it ended up being a decent read but not one I’d place among my favorites. This book has a pretty high rating as early reviews pour in on Goodreads so as always take my opinion with a grain of salt.
I won an advance reader’s copy in a Goodreads giveaway. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
Earl Crush was a nice change of pace for me as I don’t read a ton of Regency era romances. This rom com has humor and heat. The two leads had good chemistry which is key to a love story.
Heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace secretly writes seditious pamphlets under a pen name. She’s been corresponding under that assumed name with the Earl of Strathrannoch. Finding out he is in financial trouble prompts Lydia to show up at his doorstep to propose marriage. One problem though as the Earl, aka Arthur Baird, isn’t the person who has been writing Lydia. It was actually his brother posing as the Earl. So yeah, Arthur turns down the proposal and is furious with his brother. Arthur is on a mission to track him down. There’s also a whole espionage plot and there’s totally no time for Arthur to fall in love with Lydia. *wink wink
The story starts out strong as I liked the potential pairing right off the bat. While I enjoyed the romance aspects throughout, I wasn’t heavily invested in the rest of the plot and the madcap and hi jinx that ensured. Maybe I was just cranky and should have rolled with it. So it ended up being a decent read but not one I’d place among my favorites. This book has a pretty high rating as early reviews pour in on Goodreads so as always take my opinion with a grain of salt.
I won an advance reader’s copy in a Goodreads giveaway. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
January 22, 2025
Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti
Belvoir’s Library series #2. Historical romantic comedy. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace travels to Scotland to propose marriage to the Earl of Strathrannoch. She’s been corresponding with him for months under an assumed name and feels she knows him from his letters. Plus he needs her money to update his moldering castle. But when she arrives and meets the giant of a man, he denies writing any letters. She promptly faints.
Arthur Baird, the Earl, doesn’t know what the gorgeous redhead is doing at his home but he’s vested when she faints in his arms. As they talk, he realizes she been trading letters with his traitorous brother, whom he’s desperate to find. They work together to track him down when matters get even more complicated by their attraction, her family and possible espionage.
Zebras, well meaning servants, interfering family, and lust.
A wonderful romp of a historical romance.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Belvoir’s Library series #2. Historical romantic comedy. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace travels to Scotland to propose marriage to the Earl of Strathrannoch. She’s been corresponding with him for months under an assumed name and feels she knows him from his letters. Plus he needs her money to update his moldering castle. But when she arrives and meets the giant of a man, he denies writing any letters. She promptly faints.
Arthur Baird, the Earl, doesn’t know what the gorgeous redhead is doing at his home but he’s vested when she faints in his arms. As they talk, he realizes she been trading letters with his traitorous brother, whom he’s desperate to find. They work together to track him down when matters get even more complicated by their attraction, her family and possible espionage.
Zebras, well meaning servants, interfering family, and lust.
A wonderful romp of a historical romance.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
January 21, 2025
It’s four months after I read this. The book releases today. And friends, for the life of me, I could not remember a thing about this book until I reread my review (and still I barely remember it!).
So, I’m dropping this to 3.5 stars. I may have had fun at the time, but if literally nothing is memorable about a book, then in the 3 range feels right.
——-
4.25 stars
I have to confess that I was a little nervous going into this ARC. I love Alexandra Vasti's Halifax Hellions novellas, but Ne'er Duke Well, which precedes Earl Crush, was a DNF for me.
Happily, I really, really liked this book. Lydia Hope-Wallace is a fiercely political heiress with severe social anxiety. Having corresponded with the earl of Strathrannoch for three years about her political pamphlets, she travels to his seat to propose a marriage of convenience. But oh noes! The real earl has not, in fact, been writing to her. Instead, it was his brother, who appears to be up to no good. Lydia and the earl, Arthur, team up to uncover his brother's plans.
What follows is funny, and sweet, and sexy, and political without being soapboxy. And given I am often too cynical for my own good when reading the first book after a DNF or bad review of the same author's work, I was so pleased with how Vasti answered any objections I had as the story progressed.
For example, one of my favorite moments is when they first touch, and there is a veritable ✨spark✨ between them as there is in many romance novels. Reader, I rolled my eyes a little. But here, it is literally just static electricity. I laughed with delight.
There is also a fake engagement, which is not my favorite trope, but it really works here.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the very hot dry hump against a door.
Overall, Earl Crush feels clever, fresh and energetic--exactly what I love about Vasti's work. I ate it up.
Fixing these issues would have made this a five-star read for me:
1. I would have liked this to be a little slower of a burn. They got hot and heavy around 40%, and after that, the intimate scenes came thick and fast and lost some of their impact as a result. Lydia and Arthur had such great chemistry that I would have liked Vasti to ratchet up the tension a little longer.
2. There was a little too much internal monologuing, particularly from Arthur, toward the end. That started to feel a little tedious even if Vasti did a good job of showing us throughout the book how his father had decimated his sense of self-worth.
3. Finally, I wanted more of Davis. He was such an off-page presence throughout, and then when he finally shows up in person, it didn't feel like there was enough of an emotional resolution between him and Arthur, and him and Lydia.
Cannot wait to read Georgiana's book! She was a minor character but a delightful and intriguing one.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book.
So, I’m dropping this to 3.5 stars. I may have had fun at the time, but if literally nothing is memorable about a book, then in the 3 range feels right.
——-
4.25 stars
I have to confess that I was a little nervous going into this ARC. I love Alexandra Vasti's Halifax Hellions novellas, but Ne'er Duke Well, which precedes Earl Crush, was a DNF for me.
Happily, I really, really liked this book. Lydia Hope-Wallace is a fiercely political heiress with severe social anxiety. Having corresponded with the earl of Strathrannoch for three years about her political pamphlets, she travels to his seat to propose a marriage of convenience. But oh noes! The real earl has not, in fact, been writing to her. Instead, it was his brother, who appears to be up to no good. Lydia and the earl, Arthur, team up to uncover his brother's plans.
What follows is funny, and sweet, and sexy, and political without being soapboxy. And given I am often too cynical for my own good when reading the first book after a DNF or bad review of the same author's work, I was so pleased with how Vasti answered any objections I had as the story progressed.
For example, one of my favorite moments is when they first touch, and there is a veritable ✨spark✨ between them as there is in many romance novels. Reader, I rolled my eyes a little. But here, it is literally just static electricity. I laughed with delight.
There is also a fake engagement, which is not my favorite trope, but it really works here.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the very hot dry hump against a door.
Overall, Earl Crush feels clever, fresh and energetic--exactly what I love about Vasti's work. I ate it up.
Fixing these issues would have made this a five-star read for me:
1. I would have liked this to be a little slower of a burn. They got hot and heavy around 40%, and after that, the intimate scenes came thick and fast and lost some of their impact as a result. Lydia and Arthur had such great chemistry that I would have liked Vasti to ratchet up the tension a little longer.
2. There was a little too much internal monologuing, particularly from Arthur, toward the end. That started to feel a little tedious even if Vasti did a good job of showing us throughout the book how his father had decimated his sense of self-worth.
3. Finally, I wanted more of Davis. He was such an off-page presence throughout, and then when he finally shows up in person, it didn't feel like there was enough of an emotional resolution between him and Arthur, and him and Lydia.
Cannot wait to read Georgiana's book! She was a minor character but a delightful and intriguing one.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book.
December 30, 2024
This book is fine. I was very excited about the premise of it but got l lost in all the spy plots and history and what not. Just have a good romance please? It didn’t feel fully fledged out to me. It was just like…oh here we are and it’s been two days and we are in love. Not my fave.
January 6, 2025
Genre: historical romance
Scotland, c 1815
Lydia Hope-Wallace has been corresponding with the Earl of Strathrannoch, under the same alias that she uses to write her seditious pamphlets, so she already assumes that the day she appears on his doorstep to propose a marriage of convenience that he’ll be surprised. Except, he hasn’t been the one writing to her and has no idea who “H” even is. Mortified beyond belief, Lydia tries to flee, but instead is waylaid by the earl's pack of zebras. Arthur guesses Lydia’s correspondent may be his younger brother who has been ingratiating himself to the local Scottish aristocracy, and agrees to work with the captivating Lydia to locate him.
Alexandra Vasti ups the ante for her second full-length novel, with over the top hijinks and more plot than we can summarize in a blurb. Are a lot of the plot points “romance reasons”?- yes! But Vasti backs it all up with extensive historical research to ensure her characters are on a historically accurate regency era adventure. Laura Kinsale is one of Vasti’s favorite authors, and I happened to be reading Earl Crush alongside My Sweet Folly by Kinsale. I started seeing some really fascinating parallels: My Sweet Folly, in particular of the Kinsales I’ve read, has a plot that never stops, with the characters continuing to encounter new twists and turns. (To Vasti’s credit, the plot moments her characters experience do actually make sense in line with the story progression, and I can’t necessarily say the same for Kinsale.) I read the epistolary epilogue for Earl Crush approximately ten hours before I read the epistolary epilogue for My Sweet Folly, and the parallel filled me with warmth.
Even though this is Vasti's second full-length book, she's easily a comfort read author for me. Her signature style is comprised of deliciously tactile intimate scenes and deeply romantic relationships mixed with ridiculously fun plots based in historical research. I can’t recommend her writing enough: she’s a particularly good entry point for readers newer to the historical romance genre with her blend of easy dialogue and sound research with approachable prose.
Thank you to St Martins Press for an eARC for review. Earl Crush is out 1/21/25.
Scotland, c 1815
Lydia Hope-Wallace has been corresponding with the Earl of Strathrannoch, under the same alias that she uses to write her seditious pamphlets, so she already assumes that the day she appears on his doorstep to propose a marriage of convenience that he’ll be surprised. Except, he hasn’t been the one writing to her and has no idea who “H” even is. Mortified beyond belief, Lydia tries to flee, but instead is waylaid by the earl's pack of zebras. Arthur guesses Lydia’s correspondent may be his younger brother who has been ingratiating himself to the local Scottish aristocracy, and agrees to work with the captivating Lydia to locate him.
Alexandra Vasti ups the ante for her second full-length novel, with over the top hijinks and more plot than we can summarize in a blurb. Are a lot of the plot points “romance reasons”?- yes! But Vasti backs it all up with extensive historical research to ensure her characters are on a historically accurate regency era adventure. Laura Kinsale is one of Vasti’s favorite authors, and I happened to be reading Earl Crush alongside My Sweet Folly by Kinsale. I started seeing some really fascinating parallels: My Sweet Folly, in particular of the Kinsales I’ve read, has a plot that never stops, with the characters continuing to encounter new twists and turns. (To Vasti’s credit, the plot moments her characters experience do actually make sense in line with the story progression, and I can’t necessarily say the same for Kinsale.) I read the epistolary epilogue for Earl Crush approximately ten hours before I read the epistolary epilogue for My Sweet Folly, and the parallel filled me with warmth.
Even though this is Vasti's second full-length book, she's easily a comfort read author for me. Her signature style is comprised of deliciously tactile intimate scenes and deeply romantic relationships mixed with ridiculously fun plots based in historical research. I can’t recommend her writing enough: she’s a particularly good entry point for readers newer to the historical romance genre with her blend of easy dialogue and sound research with approachable prose.
Thank you to St Martins Press for an eARC for review. Earl Crush is out 1/21/25.
May 22, 2024
I read this approximately one hour after it hit Edelweiss and my only regret on that end is that now I have to wait again for another delightful Alexandra Vasti book.
This was a true romp from start to finish - I loved Lydia's quiet strength and Arthur's unerring support for her. Also, he's a wife guy. So, you know. Huge for me.
Anyways - if you're missing Tessa Dare, as I am, I think Alexandra's your fix here. Her books are feminist, hilarious, and spicy (a significant portion of this book is them banging, as it should be). Alexandra, after we get , could we pleeeeeeease have a book for all of Lydia's brothers?
Thank you St. Martin's and Edelweiss for the ARC!
This was a true romp from start to finish - I loved Lydia's quiet strength and Arthur's unerring support for her. Also, he's a wife guy. So, you know. Huge for me.
Anyways - if you're missing Tessa Dare, as I am, I think Alexandra's your fix here. Her books are feminist, hilarious, and spicy (a significant portion of this book is them banging, as it should be). Alexandra, after we get , could we pleeeeeeease have a book for all of Lydia's brothers?
Thank you St. Martin's and Edelweiss for the ARC!
February 2, 2025
I love when women find their courage and someone who appreciates them for who they are.
I really loved this story. Vasti is an excellent writer and beautifully wove in a plot and romance. It was sweet, it was steamy, it was adventurous, it truly has everything!
I really loved this story. Vasti is an excellent writer and beautifully wove in a plot and romance. It was sweet, it was steamy, it was adventurous, it truly has everything!
February 3, 2025
Earl Crush started off a little slowly as I tried to figure out what was happening. We meet heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace, an independent chit who secretly pens anonymous seditious pamphlets. Dubbed a wallflower by her peers, she has been corresponding with the Earl of Strathrannoch. The two share similar political views and after three years of correspondence, she feels she knows the gentlemen in question. Knowing his estate needs funds, she comes up with a clever idea. She’ll offer her hand in marriage, support his estate and continue fighting for causes.
She arrives with her friend and pet in tow, only for this gruff man to open the door and claim he’s never written her. That first meet cute was hilarious, and the chemistry was there despite the confusion. The tale that unfolds was delicious and the two discover the source of the letters and work to undermine a plan of attack.
A fake marriage, angry brothers, danger, steamy moments and Lydia herself made this romcom a fun listen. Did I need to suspend belief sometimes? Absolutely. Did Lydia’s personality perfectly fit the type who would concoct such plans? Positively.
I laughed, swooned, held my breath during dangerous moments and yelled aloud when the Earl tried to be the better man. If you are looking for a sexy, hilarious romp with a Scottish earl who has a soft spot for animals and his staff. You’ll love watching him fall for this clever lady.
Narrator Mhairi Morrison beautifully captured this third person point of view, bringing both Lydia and the Earl to life. I enjoyed her accent. You’ll want to download this one in audio format. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
She arrives with her friend and pet in tow, only for this gruff man to open the door and claim he’s never written her. That first meet cute was hilarious, and the chemistry was there despite the confusion. The tale that unfolds was delicious and the two discover the source of the letters and work to undermine a plan of attack.
A fake marriage, angry brothers, danger, steamy moments and Lydia herself made this romcom a fun listen. Did I need to suspend belief sometimes? Absolutely. Did Lydia’s personality perfectly fit the type who would concoct such plans? Positively.
I laughed, swooned, held my breath during dangerous moments and yelled aloud when the Earl tried to be the better man. If you are looking for a sexy, hilarious romp with a Scottish earl who has a soft spot for animals and his staff. You’ll love watching him fall for this clever lady.
Narrator Mhairi Morrison beautifully captured this third person point of view, bringing both Lydia and the Earl to life. I enjoyed her accent. You’ll want to download this one in audio format. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
February 5, 2025
It’s official; I have well and truly fallen for Alexandra Vasti’s writing. Her balance of humour, emotion, tension and romance (all within a plot that has me fully hooked and in its grasp) is something quite wonderful.
Funny, romantic, charming, surprisingly tense in parts, and goofy in the best way, Earl Crush utterly swept me off my feet.
I adored Lydia from the moment I met her in Ne’er Duke Well and I’m so happy she was given her time to shine. From shutting down in front of men she finds attractive, to puking at parties, to swallowing her anxieties and taking matters into her own hands in times of urgency, she’s chaotic and compassionate and I loved her so very much.
A gentle giant with an infinite amount of respect and awe for Lydia, Arthur is a true gift. He’s stoic, loyal and protective in a way that’s never overbearing or undermining of Lydia’s capabilities. The way he was always looking out for her and reading what she needed in a room warmed my heart.
All in all, this was a wonderfully fun read with an endearing cast of characters, of which I love more each time I meet them. I’m already eagerly awaiting Georgiana’s story.
P.S. If, like me, you heavily shipped Penelope Featherington and Lord Debling, do yourself a favour and read this book. I promise you won’t regret it.
what to expect:
• only one bed
• fake marriage
• social anxiety rep
• gentle giant
• penelope featherington vibes
• he falls hard
• 16 zebras
Funny, romantic, charming, surprisingly tense in parts, and goofy in the best way, Earl Crush utterly swept me off my feet.
I adored Lydia from the moment I met her in Ne’er Duke Well and I’m so happy she was given her time to shine. From shutting down in front of men she finds attractive, to puking at parties, to swallowing her anxieties and taking matters into her own hands in times of urgency, she’s chaotic and compassionate and I loved her so very much.
A gentle giant with an infinite amount of respect and awe for Lydia, Arthur is a true gift. He’s stoic, loyal and protective in a way that’s never overbearing or undermining of Lydia’s capabilities. The way he was always looking out for her and reading what she needed in a room warmed my heart.
All in all, this was a wonderfully fun read with an endearing cast of characters, of which I love more each time I meet them. I’m already eagerly awaiting Georgiana’s story.
P.S. If, like me, you heavily shipped Penelope Featherington and Lord Debling, do yourself a favour and read this book. I promise you won’t regret it.
what to expect:
• only one bed
• fake marriage
• social anxiety rep
• gentle giant
• penelope featherington vibes
• he falls hard
• 16 zebras
January 22, 2025
YEARNINGGGGGGGG. THIS is what I’m talking about when I say I want yearning. They delivered for me.
The snippets of Arthur’s letters at the start of chapters were among my favorite parts of this book. He was very precious and most things he did pulled at my heartstrings. Then of course, I’d already loved Lydia from the previous book. The way they admired each other was very convincing and I was just sold, simply put. I could already see this being one of my favorite romances of the year.
The snippets of Arthur’s letters at the start of chapters were among my favorite parts of this book. He was very precious and most things he did pulled at my heartstrings. Then of course, I’d already loved Lydia from the previous book. The way they admired each other was very convincing and I was just sold, simply put. I could already see this being one of my favorite romances of the year.
January 19, 2025
Earl Crush starts three years after Ne'er Duke Well and follows Selina's best friend Lydia Hope-Wallace as she runs off to Scotland to propose a marriage of Convenience to a struggling Earl Strathronnach she's been exchanging letters with for years. However, the Earl whom answers the door has no bloody idea who Lydia is and what letters she's talking about. What follows this misunderstanding is joyful and steamy and a ton of hijinks as Lydia and Arthur try to figure out why Arthur's brother lied to Lydia and used her via letters.
I'm not sure I have the words to adequately explain how Earl Crush is one of the most romantic books I've ever read but this isn't an exaggeration. Truly, simply put, this is one of the best love stories I've had the pleasure of reading.
There's something special about Alexandra's writing. From the first word to the last, I was fully immersed and came out at the end of it just so satisfied and happy and wishing I could re-read this again for the first time.
The epigraphs. Some of the most romantic declarations of love I've ever seen on paper. Some of the funniest, too (Selina and condoms, I chortled). The epilogue had me weeping in its simple depiction of how much they love each other.
This story of full of small moments that breathe life into the ways loving someone quietly and loudly and softly can mean everything. It showcases vulnerability in our fears and how deeply we can be affected by them without even realizing it. How when someone sees you and lifts you up and takes the time to combat your fears, you can do anything. Arthur and Lydia love each other so much. Her bravery and his immediate recognition of it, when everyone else sees only her shyness. His steadfast loyalty and kind heart when everyone else sees a brute. The ways they helped and healed each other.
I loved this book. Thank you SMP and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not sure I have the words to adequately explain how Earl Crush is one of the most romantic books I've ever read but this isn't an exaggeration. Truly, simply put, this is one of the best love stories I've had the pleasure of reading.
There's something special about Alexandra's writing. From the first word to the last, I was fully immersed and came out at the end of it just so satisfied and happy and wishing I could re-read this again for the first time.
The epigraphs. Some of the most romantic declarations of love I've ever seen on paper. Some of the funniest, too (Selina and condoms, I chortled). The epilogue had me weeping in its simple depiction of how much they love each other.
This story of full of small moments that breathe life into the ways loving someone quietly and loudly and softly can mean everything. It showcases vulnerability in our fears and how deeply we can be affected by them without even realizing it. How when someone sees you and lifts you up and takes the time to combat your fears, you can do anything. Arthur and Lydia love each other so much. Her bravery and his immediate recognition of it, when everyone else sees only her shyness. His steadfast loyalty and kind heart when everyone else sees a brute. The ways they helped and healed each other.
I loved this book. Thank you SMP and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2024
I loved this one so much! Alexandra Vasti truly has a gift and her incredible writing really shines in Earl Crush. This story had action, adventure, and a romance that couldn't have been swoonier. It started with a mistaken identity meet disaster, which then set the stage for two of my very favorite tropes - forced proximity and fake dating/marriage.
I adored Arthur and Lydia. The pining on both sides could have filled a forest! Seeing their relationship shift from strangers to adorkable friends and then to more was so satisfying. They truly saw and loved the other exactly as they were, and though they had trouble expressing their feelings, they showed that love in their actions over and over again. The slow burn build up was so well done and all their fumbling and awkwardness only made me love them more. Yes, they make some (incorrect) assumptions and poor decisions along the way, but it was understandable given their histories and struggles with feelings of inadequacy. I really enjoyed how all the pieces and characters came together in the end when all was revealed. This was such a well-crafted story, and the epilogue couldn't have been more perfect. My heart was so full when I finished, and this is definitely a new favorite for me. I can't wait for Georgiana's book next!
Edited 12/30/24:
I jumped at the chance to reread this one via audiobook and it is even swoonier the second time around! Mhairi Morrison is so talented and I loved hearing her Scottish accent. Her performance made me fall in love with Arthur and Lydia all over again. Earl Crush is truly a book not to be missed!
Audiobook Review
Overall 5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 5 stars
CW: espionage, guns, threats to safety, abusive and manipulative parent (past), financial concerns
*I voluntarily read and listened to an advance review copy of this book*
I adored Arthur and Lydia. The pining on both sides could have filled a forest! Seeing their relationship shift from strangers to adorkable friends and then to more was so satisfying. They truly saw and loved the other exactly as they were, and though they had trouble expressing their feelings, they showed that love in their actions over and over again. The slow burn build up was so well done and all their fumbling and awkwardness only made me love them more. Yes, they make some (incorrect) assumptions and poor decisions along the way, but it was understandable given their histories and struggles with feelings of inadequacy. I really enjoyed how all the pieces and characters came together in the end when all was revealed. This was such a well-crafted story, and the epilogue couldn't have been more perfect. My heart was so full when I finished, and this is definitely a new favorite for me. I can't wait for Georgiana's book next!
Edited 12/30/24:
I jumped at the chance to reread this one via audiobook and it is even swoonier the second time around! Mhairi Morrison is so talented and I loved hearing her Scottish accent. Her performance made me fall in love with Arthur and Lydia all over again. Earl Crush is truly a book not to be missed!
Audiobook Review
Overall 5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 5 stars
CW: espionage, guns, threats to safety, abusive and manipulative parent (past), financial concerns
*I voluntarily read and listened to an advance review copy of this book*
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