I love regency romance, and this book is no exception to the rule. The first 25-30% really had me, i do feel like the love/lust was extremely rushed. Also Arthur had no personality.

Earl Crush was fun and twisty historical romance. I really enjoyed Arthur and Lydia and the chaos that they equally caused and end up in. A solid little mystery plot with a very satisfying twist too.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.

What a delight!

Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin for the complimentary digital ARC. I loved it so much I bought a physical book.

Alexandra Vasti books are always guaranteed to cheer me up and this is no exception. The story is a delightful romp of mistaken identity, forced proximity, and the regency version of fake dating (fake married!)

Lydia is relatable heroine - shy and introverted with a passion for social reform, reading, and writing. Arthur is a down bad hero, a teddy bear cinnamon roll, who is completely enamoured of his fake wife.

As expected, then tension between Lydia and Arthur is palpable and had me in giddy anticipation! Lady Vasti always delivers with a combination of swoon and fun historical facts.

Earl Crush has a wide appeal and I think both contemporary and historical romance readers will love it!

I loved this book! This is my first book by Alexandra Vasti and I didn't realise it was book 2 in a series, but each book covers a different couple and even though there are some characters we see in this novel that feature in book 1, I don't feel you'd lose anything from reading them out of order like I did.
This is a Regency era rom-com and I've only read a few of those but I think this has been my favorite in this romance genre. It hooked me from the first page as we follow our flustered but well meaning heroine take control of her future by choosing to show up on the doorstep of the Scottish Earl she has been corresponding with for the last few years to propose a marriage of convenience - her money, his crumbling castle, their freedom. But of course this proposal goes awry from the very beginning when there's a case of mistaken identity - and also a stampede of zebras?!
The story just continues from there and I loved where it took me, each scene was so well done and I loved the mystery and tension of the plot. And the romance is well done. Both POV's in this made me want to kick my heels, I loved hearing how both characters were falling for each other and pining for the other. Even the third act breakup didn't upset me as it made sense as to why it happened and there was very little miscommunication trope, which absolutely drives me bonkers.
All in all this book was fantastic and I can't wait for book three. But in the meantime, I get to read the first in the series, as well as Vasti's other series, which was already on my radar, so I can't complain.
If you like Regency era romance and love a story infused with comedy and a bit of mystery, then I'd recommend picking up this book.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Alexandra Vasti for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Alexandra Vasti has done it again. Earl Crush is a delightful romp of a book with charming characters, hilarious shenanigans, and swoonworthy romantic tension. I loved seeing Lydia find her strength alongside a partner who believes in her wholeheartedly. If you're craving a Tessa Dare style historical romance, Vasti's books are a perfect fit. I can't wait to see what she has planned next!

Lets go back in time to a place where the titled Englishmen were babes (except for the bad guys who looked like jaundiced lizards) and the heroines were plucky, smart, and wishing to not be hostages of the male gender. Same girl, same.

Lydia is the secret author of a political newsletter and develops an epistolary relationship with a Scottish Earl. She travels to Scotland to propose to him bc she’s rich and he’s poor. She’s also tired of being a spinster and money talks. But oopsies- she wasn’t actually corresponding with the Earl but his neerdowell brother, who is now missing and the real Earl needs to find him so he recruits Lydia to help, which she does because she is a 19th century spinster with nothing better to do. Adventuring ensues, Lydia and Earl of HotScotts have to pretend to be married which gives us some ONE BED action and one bed action leads to D in the V action, so everyone wins!!

I hadn’t read a good historical romance in a while and this scratched my olden times itch. Def recommend.

Smut- 2.50 stars
Romance- 4.38
Story- 4.29
Hot Scotts- 6.75 stars

Another masterpiece by Alex. I could read another 4876 pages about Lydia & Arthur's life together. I greatly appreciate the honest yet gentle approach to Lydia and her social anxiety - through it we get to know Lydia so much more. And Arthur. Oh Arthur. I just wanted to give him a big ol' hug every other page. Like a gentle giant. But not too gentle, this is a romance after all. As long as Alex keeps writing, I'll keep reading.

Thank you to SMP for this opportunity, all thoughts are my own.

Shy secret seditious lady pamphleteer meets gruff reclusive (and of course handsome) Scottish earl - and they must work together to solve a mystery! What more could you want! As always, Vasti's writing is fun and effervescent, the whole cast of characters (including Bacon the dog). Fake newlyweds, much "trysting," and a whole gaggle of brothers... Loved this read, even more than N'eer Duke Well!

Can't wait for the next one!

I thoroughly enjoyed Ne'er Do Well, the first book in this series. So I was happy to dive into this, the second - and may have enjoyed it just a bit more than the first. I loved these characters - there's Lydia, a young heiress who has social anxiety and is ahead of her time socially and politically, anonymously writing pamplets on women's rights and other somewhat seditious issues. Arthur is a bear of an earl, in size and in the social graces. After exchanging a number of letters where they share ideas on her pamphlets and on life, she decides that since society says she "needs" a husband, and he needs financial relief, and the seem to get along quite well on paper, it would be mutually advantageous to marry. It's totally logical, but when she arrives to make her proposal, things do not go as planned. Suffice to say there is confusion, miscommunication, a missing person to be found, some fun spicy moments, and eventually some quite lovely, swoonworthy declarations of love. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this one and look forward to Alexandra Vasti's next book.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing a digital copy for an unbiased review.

Another fun histroical rom-com that had me laughing out loud while reading! In this one we are following Lydia who has been secretly writing letters to who she thinks is the Earl of Strathrannoch but when she suddenly arrives at his home has no idea who she is Lydia realizes she was duped. What follows is some intrigue and great escapades as these two try and stop a plot with the government and spies! Such a fun time and a great read for any historical romance fan! Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for my gifted copy!

I absolutely adored Lydia and Archer! Having met Lydia in the previous book, I was so excited to see this lovable, charming woman with social anxiety find a man who truly matched her energy. Archer turned out to be someone completely different from what Lydia expected—and honestly, from what I expected too—and I’m so grateful for that. This book was such a blast, I don't even know where to begin! If you’re familiar with the author, you know you're in for a fantastic, well-researched historical romance, packed with rom-com moments and a fun spy subplot. Earl Crush is an absolute gem. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in this series!

Am I glad I read it? I really enjoyed the set up of the story and how Vasti played around with some favorite (marriage of convenience, she proposes to him) and some not so favorite (fake relationship) tropes, and I would be lying if I said it didn't pull more than a few chuckles from me. But on the whole, this book did not hit the spot the way Ne'er Duke Well did, and I am admittedly disappointed by this one. My major issues with it are:

- I did not find the political intrigue plot to be, well, intriguing at all. A significant part of this was the story's pacing, which felt way too slow to carry the kind of tension I expect with this kind of plot. I was, frankly, kind of bored for a good chunk of the middle of the story.
- Davis' absence for the entirety of the book undermined the emotional resonance of a) his 'villainy' and b) his reunions with both Arthur and Lydia. He was such a non-character that it was difficult to buy into his theft and its consequences or care about his reconciliations with the MCs.

Rating: 🤷🏼‍♀️ (it was fine)

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the advance copy of this book!

Thank you St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for the DRC of Earl Crush! All opinions in this review are my own.

The Belvoir's Library series is so much fun! While I liked the first book, Ne'er Duke Well, I definitely enjoyed Earl Crush more! I like the Scottish setting and the whole set up of how Lydia and Arthur fit together. I can't wait for the next book in this series!

A super cute fun read! Alexandra Vasti is becoming a must-read author for me. Lydia was just the best, and I absolutely adored Arthur. Together, they were perfectly matched, hilarious, and lovable.

This book has some elements I love in a historical romance, including forced proximity and a road trip filled with humor and intrigue. There's were parts that had me cracking up with laughter, and with what I'm sure was a silly grin on my face. Luckily, he's used to me because my husband had to have thought I was a complete loon.

The romance was sweet with just as much angst as I typically enjoy. This is one I'll be thinking about for a while.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Another brilliant story by Vasti who has become my favorite historical romance writer! her humor and spice are immaculate, the wit and chemistry of her characters, how down bad they are for each other just the perfect recipe for an addictive story that eill make you giggle and blush.

thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Griffin for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion

I'm late to the game on saying how much I loved this book, but I simply adored it. As with her light-handed debut, Vasti keeps the rom-com vibe going strong with lively antics and funny animal sidekicks. The titular earl is a gruff, brawny type with a tortured soul, hurt by his brother's betrayal, and Lydia, who has developed nicely from Ne'er Duke Well, is likeable despite her acute social anxiety and deep self-doubt. The need to find Arthur's younger brother, David, and what he has done with an invention he stole from Arthur provides just enough plot and mystery to keep the surface action moving, but the heart of the story, of course, is the soulful--and very steamy--coming together of Arthur and Lydia, who both need to recognize themselves as lovable people before they can confess their love to one another. I am now a confirmed fan of the Vastiverse--this is a complete delight

Earl Crush is a delightful Regency romp that combines sharp wit, sizzling chemistry, and a dash of intrigue. Lydia Hope-Wallace, a wallflower-turned-radical pamphleteer, has been corresponding with the reclusive Earl of Strathrannoch for years, but when she learns of his dire financial situation, she takes matters into her own hands with a bold proposal: marriage of convenience.

The chemistry between Lydia and Arthur is undeniable from the start, and their banter keeps the pages turning. Arthur, a brooding and stubborn earl, is the perfect foil to Lydia’s bold, intelligent, and resourceful character. The tension between them builds beautifully as they work together to unravel the mysteries surrounding Arthur’s brother, who is entangled in espionage.

Vasti expertly blends romance and suspense, creating a story that is as entertaining as it is heartwarming. The characters’ growth, especially Arthur’s as he opens up to Lydia, is truly satisfying. Fans of Regency romance with a touch of adventure and a lot of heart will find Earl Crush irresistible.

Thanks #NetGalley for the advanced copy of #EarlCrush by Alexandra Vasti in exchange for an honest review.

The romance between these two practically sizzles off the page. I loved the very unique and fun meet cute that really sets the stage for a fun story. I especially loved the love letters that were very romantic. This book also had a lovely and unique epilogue. Looking forward to the final book in the series later this year. I've already pre-ordered it!

Earl Crush, the second book in Alexandra Vasti's Belvoir Lending Library series, features painfully shy, short and curvy, redheaded Lydia Hope-Wallace and Arthur Baird, the very large, tall and bearded Earl of Strathrannoch. It introduces the reader to new characters from Strathrannoch Castle in Scotland as well as brings back old friends of Lydia's from Book #1, Selina Kent, now Duchess of Stanhope, and Lady Georgiana Cleeve. There are, of course, unusual animals (a herd of zebras and a sweet degu) and hijinks galore, with a caper involving Lydia's older brother, Jasper and Arthur's younger brother, Davis, a missing rifle scope crafted by Arthur in his forge, and French spies.

But what makes this tale such a delight to read are the main characters themselves, who are so deserving of each other's love and admiration that they might become one of my favorite couples created by this author. They are well-drawn, complex and endearing, their hearts complementing each other's so well, with their vulnerabilities and their huge capacity to love, that they remain in the reader's imagination well after the story has finished. In a world that seems to be falling off its axis right now, I cherished two gentle, heartwarming and loyal characters who truly deserved to get their happily ever after in each other's arms.

I listened to the audiobook version of this story, and Mhairi Morrison does a superb job of bringing all of these characters to life, but especially Lydia and Arthur, for whom I couldn't help but root almost from their first meeting.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

I'm late to the game on saying how much I loved this book, but I simply adored it. As with her light-handed debut, Vasti keeps the rom-com vibe going strong with lively antics and funny animal sidekicks. The titular earl is a gruff, brawny type with a tortured soul, hurt by his brother's betrayal, and Lydia, who has developed nicely from the first book, is likeable despite her acute social anxiety and deep self-doubt. The need to find Arthur's younger brother, David, and what he has done with an invention he stole from Arthur provides just enough plot and mystery to keep the surface action moving, but the heart of the story, of course, is the soulful--and very steamy--coming together of Arthur and Lydia, who both need to recognize themselves as lovable people before they can confess their love to one another. Vasti will consolidate her growing fandom with this all-around delight.