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.

Earl Crush follows the story of Lydia, the physical embodiment of the phrase “do it scared”, and Arthur, an idiot who is also an Earl and gentle giant with a deep inferiority complex regarding his younger brother. Bad dads strike again!

Hijinx ensue, including but not limited to:

- Mistaken identity/(Attempted) Marriage of convenience
- Zebras
- Miscommunication, but the fun kind!
- Fake engagement
- Meddling side characters
- Overprotective MMC
- Miscommunication, but not the fun kind! ☹️

Regency romance is usually not my genre of choice, but Alexandra Vasti can do no wrong and this is (unsurprisingly) a total romp!

I am in a bit of a coma, trapped in my feelings with this book. What a joyous and jubilant ride this was! Alexandra Vasti captivates again with another wild escapade. I mean, seriously, a zebra stampede?! Who could’ve guessed? It is these crazy, inane thoughts that take her stories to another level. I could not love them more.
Arthur & Lydia captured my entire heart with their hesitant, wounded souls. Two people isolated in their own lives. Arthur in his reclusive, lonely life and Lydia in her shy, quiet reserve. When they come together it shines a light on their hidden qualities enabling them to be better versions of themselves.
When with Arthur we see Lydia embrace her courage, her boldness, in ways she didn’t know possible. Arthur in turn, opens up his heart to embrace the family he’s always had and allow in the vulerability of trust. You can’t help but feel for these two as they fumble their way to love surrounded by a wonderful cast of characters that abound with love and support. This truly is a story of heart, bravery and boldness.

Lydia has a fortune but is deeply socially anxious. She’s the one on the edge of ballrooms throwing up in plants instead of speaking to people. But that’s ok, because she’s having an amazing correspondence with the Earl of Strathrannoch who she has decided to marry, because he’s in need of funds. They’ve had such incredible correspondence for so long that clearly they must be in love.

Lydia, of course, finds herself immediately in trouble when she learns that the quiet and brooding earl, Arthur, has NOT been writing her, but rather it’s his vagabond brother. Arthur is worried why his brother is writing to Lydia, but more importantly just wants to get her back to London and out of his hair. Of course, the only way to get her home safely is to escort her. Mishaps and mysteries happen. Is Arthur’s brother a spy for France? Why is Lydia’s brother showing up at random house parties? Does Lydia’s mother think Arthur and Lydia are married? Lydia, while shocked to find out that Arthur isn’t the brother she’s writing, still falls deeply for his sensitivity and intelligence. Arthur is doing his best to keep his distance, especially has he fears Lydia has true feelings for his brother, and Arthur is so mad at the hurt David has caused her. How could she possibly care for him? The tension ratchets tightly until they have to do something about it. Just to get it out of their system.

I love Lydia and Arthur, they fall for each other, faults and all. Neither puts their best foot forward throughout their relationship, but rather they cheer for their flaws rather than their facets of perfection. Lydia is strong, smart and knows her value. Society is the one that does her wrong, and she’s not afraid to share her beliefs. If you read Ne’er Duke Well, the first in this series, then you will see many familiar faces throughout the story. I think you can read these as standalone, but frankly the characters are a delight and you should read them so you can see the growth and delightful community Lydia has around her.

Lydia and Arthur are hot because of their focus on learning about each other. They are thrown into a situation that neither expected and plunged into a hot water situation that has them frankly running for their lives, and through it all, they are drawn to one another. Arthur is tormented and tortured – his upbringing was not kind and he and his brother have some long-standing daddy issues they really need to work out. Throughout his time with Lydia, Arthur realizes he doesn’t’ have to be alone to work those out, and to be strong doesn’t mean to be alone.

Lydia is frankly a delightful heroine: she’s way too smart for her own good, loves her family that doesn’t quite understand her, and is loved by them as well. She is supported through her supposed flaws instead of expected to change, and has found kindred spirits who build her up rather than tear her down. Watching her come into her own power will have you cheering as you race through the pages.

Alexandra writes with a deep love of the time period, as a history professor I would expect nothing less. However, she also creates a world filled with action, mystery and suspense. I love the added storyline that has you wondering, will everyone make it out of this novel alive?

Alexandra Vasti has become a must read author for me. She is, in my mind, a current queen of historical romance who’s reign is just beginning.

After I read Ne'er Duke Well, I had a strong feeling that I would love whatever Alexandra Vasti writes and with the success of Earl Crush, I know I was definitely right. It's only taken two books to send her into auto-buy status for me, which doesn't happen that often. But she's just that good at spinning compelling stories, characters you love, couples who work so well together, and obstacles for them to hurdle together.

Earl Crush opens with Lydia Hope-Wallace traveling to Scotland to propose to her longtime correspondence, the Earl of Strathrannoch. Unfortunately for Lydia, she soon finds out that she's been writing letters not to Arthur, but to his brother, who no one can locate after he ran off with a rifle scope Arthur invented. Shy Lydia and closed-off Arthur agree to team up to try to locate Davis, his brother, but along the way, Lydia begins to get to know the real Earl and develops feelings for him. We go back and forth between Lydia and Arthur's points of view, and while this is very much a "he falls first" story, it's great to see these two strong individuals slowly begin to lower their guards for each other.

Filled with amazingly-written secondary characters like Huw, Bertie, Georgianna, and Lydia's many brothers, as well as a cameo from Selina (my Queen forever), Earl Crush expands the canon of the view of historical life Alexandra has created. What I love is that she doesn't shy away from hard topics, like Lydia's politics (which were considered radical at that time), queer people existing, and women's sexuality being explored in a healthy way.

I flew through this book, at once unable to stop and sad that once I finished, I'd be done. However, there are always re-reads to tide me over until Alexandra's next book releases. : ) Earl Crush was a solid four stars for me and a book I greatly enjoyed.

I adore historical romance newcomer Alexandra Vasti and look forward to all her releases. This story fell a little bit short compared to her other books. As soon as the leads meet in Chapter 1, there is really no reason for them not to be together. If you partake in the "Insta-Love" trope then you need to have some romantic tension and/or obstacles to overcome (identity, confidence, love triangle, distance, etc). Instead the obstacles in Earl Crush are a missing proper and invention - not obstacles to love. I'd recommend picking up Ne'er Duke Well instead.

Not read a bad Vasti yet! This one blends romance, humor, and espionage in a most entertaining way. Featuring Lyds (our painfully shy heiress), Arthur, a proposal gone awry, some catfishing, and several madcap adventure that'll leave you in stitches, this was a hoot to read.

Huge Thanks to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC.

A delightful historical romance with an outwardly grumpy, but truly softie of a male lead and a smart, shy feminist female lead determined to take her future into her own hands.

This book was such an amusing case of mistaken identity. Toss is some mystery, intrigue, and spice and you get a delightful treat of a book.

I enjoyed this more than the author’s first book, which speaks to growth on the author’s part, so huzzah for that.

Overall, this book is a quick, easy read. It takes two individuals who have never fully felt comfortable in their skin on a journey to learn to step outside their comfort zones - to take a chance on each other and bet on themselves. It's a positively enjoyable time.

I’m excited to see what she’ll give us next.

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.

The ladies of the Belvoir Library have gotten themselves into a real pickle now! It was supposed to be a surprise marriage proposal by one of the ladies to her pamphlet correspondent- but turned into a mad dash back to London to foil a terrorist attack!

Lydia Hope-Wallace resigned herself to spinsterhood until she decides to take the leap and ask the only man she believes her true self, her anonymous pamphlet correspondent, the Earl of Strathrannoch to marry her. He needs an error and she’d like to have a husband and family- a great deal! Except for when she arrives at his castle, she finds that the Earl, her erstwhile husband to be was not her correspondent, but his brother… and he might also be on the lamb and an act of attempting domestic terrorism…

I had a lot of fun seeing Lydia and Arthur get to know each other and fall in love as they stand together to save England! He wasn’t the Earl she was looking for, but he turned out to be the Earl she needed!

Both of these characters were such sweethearts and so deserving of love that it was a real treat, watching them find it right before their eyes!

As the second book in the series, I really enjoyed seeing the characters who met in the first book, especially Selena and Peter and of course Peter’s half siblings!

Alexandra Vasti has a fun way of bringing her characters together and unique circumstances. It really makes her book stand apart!

This was an entertaining, well-written historical romance. It was fun, charming, steamy, action-packed and held my interest. I enjoyed this historical romance and will continue to look for new books by this author.

If you had told me that delightful, pukes-at-parties Lydia from Ne’er Duke Well would be involved in an ersatz arms race, all the while charming a broke but handsome Scottish earl, I would have… believed you, but only because Alexandra Vasti is a delight like that.

POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

This book could’ve been about boiling water for all I cared, because I loved the title and cover and so far haven’t read anything I didn’t like from the author, but this one is definitely my favorite (and it’s about way more interesting things than boiling water)!

First of all, Arthur is EVERYTHING good in this world and I absolutely adored him. I loved his sense of humor, how much he cared for everyone, and how he fell hard and fast for Lydia. It was also great how Lydia really became the best version of herself throughout this book, all with a little help from Arthur who believed she was brave and helped her see it. The tension between these two is 🔥 I do wish there would’ve been more communication from Lydia about her feelings for Arthur’s brother, because I believe Arthur felt she had deeper feelings for him than she did.

With Scotland as the setting, a little suspense with the romance, and a lot of laughs and heartwarming moments, this book checked all the boxes for me!

Earl Crush, Alexandra Vasti’s latest novel, was such a fun book to read! Lydia Hope-Wallace is a sharp, witty, very intelligent woman who writes political pamphlets under the pen name of H. If not, she would be shunned by society for her radical thoughts. She has been corresponding with the Earl of Strathrannock, as he agrees with some of her radical thoughts. However, when she travels to Scotland to propose marriage to the Earl, she finds out he has no idea who she is. Then who is the “Arthur Baird” she has been exchanging letters with for a few years?

What ensues is a wonderfully romantic mystery/comedy with fantastic secondary characters. Lydia and Arthur are a perfect match. Both have social anxiety. He needs money and she is a wealthy heiress who needs to marry. They are each other’s pot and lid.

Ms. Vasti combines incredible friendship, feminism, romance, adventure, family, and hot smexy scenes into Lydia and Arthur’s marvelous story. I can’t wait to see what she writes next! Thank you to the author, Netgalley, and the publisher for an Advanced Reader Copy. I voluntarily read the book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Alexandra Vasti strikes again! Earl Crush is somehow even better than its predecessor. It starts with a twist on a classic trope: Lydia thought she’d been anonymously corresponding with Arthur, the Scottish Earl of Strathrannoch. When it turns out his brother wrote the letters, Lydia and Arthur end up falling for each other while solving the mystery of his motives and whereabouts! We have zany hijinks, starting with mistaken identity and a stampede of zebras and continuing apace! We have the estate manager and his partner (found family) masterminding matchmaking shenanigans! We have an unlikely group of misfits capering through the countryside! And, perfectly chaotically, we have one tiny little lie of necessity spiraling out of control into a full on fake marriage plot.

One of the things I realized as I wrote this review is that Earl Crush contains echos of some of my favorite books. Like Talia Hibbert’s Chloe Brown, Lydia embodies the “I’m taking this chance to change my life” trope. She’s through letting her crippling anxiety run the show, and seeing herself through Arthur’s eyes helps her acknowledge her own bravery. I also found tidbits of Courtney Milan’s The Duchess War— a pamphlet calling to abolish the aristocracy, this time authored by the heroine, a wallflower whose anxiety hides a sense of justice and a strategic mind! As always Vasti connects the political to the personal, including fascinating historical detail without it feeling pedantic or didactic, such a fine needle to thread.

Arthur is a new fave, “this rough-tender blacksmith of an earl.” He is forever grabbing Lydia’s chin for emphasis and I love it. Lust makes this gentle man feral, a la my favorite Meredith Duran line: “it was not only his body that needed her. it was not only her body that he needed.” Arthur has these vibes without the resistance of a Duran hero— he’s not resentful of his desire for her, he’s grateful. He’s giving excellent exasperated man with a heaping helping of I see you…plus that trope where a hero who thinks he’s unworthy strives to become so by meeting her every s*xual need, to “bind her to him with pleasure.” ABSOLUTELY NO NOTES.

Happy Publishing Day to @alexandravasti and her new book Earl Crush!

It is the second of a series, but truly works as a standalone if you haven’t read Ne’er Duke Well yet. Speaking of which I really enjoyed that book, but I LOVED and ADORED this one!

Earl Crush is about Lydia Hope-Wallace, a 26 year old, never been kissed, on her way to spinsterhood, totally badass political pamphlet writing queen. She has been secret penpals with the Earl of Strathrannoch, and thinks they will suit, so she takes off for his castle in Scotland to propose a marriage of convenience. She arrives only to discover zebras everywhere, and that the Earl is actually not the one who has been writing her, only after she proposes of course! From there adventure, humor, love, a roadtrip, and passion ensue. Each step of the way was so deliciously perfect.

This book is out today and so worth your time! So excited that Georgiana’s book is already set to come out this fall and we don’t have to wait a whole year!

Thanks to @netgalley the author and @stmartinspress for an E-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

I received this book for free from Netgalley. That did not influence this review.

Alexander Vasti, author of Ne’er Duke Well, has a new book out today in the Belvoir series, Earl Crush. This is an entertaining romp of a Regency Romance, a fine follow-up to the first.

Lydia Hope-Wallace is intelligent, beautiful, and passionate about social justice. Unfortunately, she suffers from an almost crippling social anxiety. This leaves her unable to attract a husband in the usual way. So she focuses her attention on the cause of equality for all. Men and women. She writes inflammatory pamphlets that are published and distributed by her friend Selena (who readers will have met in book 1, the owner of Belvoir library and publishers.) She signs the pamphlets only as “H.”

One of her readers has written back to her, repeatedly, through her publisher. They discovered a true meeting of the minds. This reader signed his letters as Lord Strathrannoch, an impoverished Scottish earl. Lydia, the possessor of a substantial dowry, decides to go to Scotland and propose. Unfortunately, when she arrives, the earl has no idea who she is. He didn’t write the letters. That was his brother, assuming his identity.

Arthur Baird, the Fifth Earl of Strathrannoch, is a gentle giant of a man. He’s very conscientious, caring for his tenants, but a recluse. He hasn’t been looking for a wife. Arthur is also an inventor. And one of his inventions was recently stolen by the same brother who has been writing to Lydia and using his name.

The two join forces to track down this brother. During their adventures, they find themselves lusting after one another increasingly. However, Lydia can’t forget that Arthur rejected her when she first proposed marriage. And Arthur can’t forget that Lydia proposed to him thinking that he was his brother. The steaminess of the novel soon ratchets up to high, especially after they have to pretend to be man and wife.

Readers know they’ll end up together, but there are plenty of surprises along the way. The novel stands alone, but book one will introduce you to Belvoir and to Lydia’s female friends, and they are not to be missed!

Alexandra Vasti has a rare gift for finding the balance between sweet and comedic plots and swoony, sexy love story in a way that results in a lighthearted, action packed, and hot romance that never sacrifices intellect or emotion along the way. Arthur and Lydia are extremely well balanced as a couple and truly a joy to watch them both become stronger and more complete in each other's company. The rapidly escalating stakes of their "fake relationship" felt so organic to both the plot and their characters, and I loved the family of other Belvoir's folks in this story!

Lydia Hope-Wallace, 26, is a very wealthy but shy woman who has always been sheltered by her older brothers. Anonymously, she writes political briefs under the pen name H. These are on hot subjects that could have had her ousted by society if it was found out it was her writing these articles. One man who wrote to her commenting on her articles and agreeing with her is the Earl of Strathrannock. So, she and her friend, Georgina, decide to travel to Strathrannock Castle where she plans to offer to marry the Earl as she understands that the Castle is falling down and he has little money.

When they arrive, Arthur Baird, the fifth Earl of Strathrannock claims to have never written to her. He finally figures it’s his younger brother Davis who is well-educated but a smooth talker. Arthur is an inventor of sorts and Davis stole an invention of his and he fears that if it falls into the wrong hands, it could be dangerous. Author and Lydia join forces to try and find Davis.

This story is busy and the characters are truly delightful. While I’m not wild about cloak and dagger stories in a historical romance novel, this one showed how close our hero and heroine became. There is lots of humor and lots of hot love scenes. Lydia and Arthur’s love story is truly beautiful. Enjoy!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

EARL CRUSH BY ALEXANDRA VASTI



Was there a runaway horse moment?

Is this the most yearning per page of any histrom set mostly in Scotland?

Can I truly ever recover from a man like Arthur Baird, Earl of Strathrannoch?

Does Alexandra Vasti continue to become more my favorite with every subsequent release?



The answer to all these things is yes! If you haven't read a Vasti yet, literally what are you doing with your life???

🦓OUT TODAY🦓

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