I have a new favorite book by Alexandra Vasti…I absolutely adored this one!(sorry Halifaxes you will always have my heart) With the second book in a series, you sometimes worry about a let down… she avoided all those pitfalls and delivered an even stronger book for me to love.

We met Lydia Hope-Wallace in Ne’er Duke Well, and while you don’t have to have read it, you will get a lot more out of this one for reading the series in order. Lydia has crippling social anxiety, but has found her voice by penning seditious pamphlets through Belvoirs as H. She has been corresponding with the Earl of Strathrannoch (she thinks) for a few years. When she takes herself to Scotland to propose a solution to both their troubles…let’s get hitched…. She finds out she hasn’t been writing to him at all, but his brother. But this giant cinnamon roll of an Earl, may just turn out to be just what she never knew she wanted.

Arthur was wonderful. New book boyfriend material. This sweet, tender, fierce giant of a scot had my heart (and Lydia’s) from the beginning. I love when the hero is just TOTALLY GONE for her. The chapter epigraphs were just, swoony… but had me stressing about wait… why not sent! It was a great way to build to the 3rd act conflict.

There’s a menagerie, a zebra stampede, a fake marriage, a madcap series of adventures to find Arthur’s brother, family secrets, some laugh out loud hijinks, and some super hot scenes, along with some truly swoony heartfelt declarations of feelings.

AND THAT EPILOGUE!

I’m so glad I got a chance to read an early copy of this. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley!

After reading Alexandra Vasti’s “Ne’er Duke Well” I knew her next book set in this world. Gosh, I love it when authors do continuations of books within friend groups. You know?!
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.
Fake nuptials and forced proximity to uncover a mystery shrouded in deception and espionage in the English government, but set with a Scottish FMC! Sign me up!
I loved it! Dare I say, I enjoyed this more than Ne’er Duke Well”!
If you are looking for a fast paced historical romance I would pick this up ASAP.

Special thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced E-ARC!

By all accounts, Lydia Hope-Wallace has led a wallflower existence. Despite her shyness, she moonlights as a political columnist and has found an audience for her writing. Especially with the Earl of Strathrannoch. But when the Earl's most recent letters reveal he is in dire financial straights, Lydia sees a solution to both of their problems - a marriage of convenience.

Except when Lydia arrives on the Earl's doorstep, Arthur has no idea who she is or what she's talking about.

This book was exceptional! Mistaken identity, romantic suspense, mystery, force proximity, mutual pining... I could go on! It really had it all and it was so well done. Not to mention Arthur is absolutely adorable in his adoration for Lydia. I was so happy when they got together. This novel, to me, represents a new and exciting direction for Regency-era romances and I can't wait to read more from Alexandra.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Alexandra Vasti really is the queen of historical romance for me at the moment. Her books have such wonderful characters, fun and engaging plots, beautifully written spice, and just sheer joy imbedded in the pages. Earl Crush is absolutely no exception.

Lydia Hope-Wallace is a wallflower who writes political pamphlets on the sly. So when she befriends the penniless, Scottish Earl of Strathrannoch penpal style, she decides that they’d suit and goes to offer a mutually beneficial deal - marriage. Only - shock! Gasp! - it turns out she wasn’t speaking to the real Earl (Arthur) at all, but his brother, Davis, who is MIA. Arthur has not a clue who this gorgeous, brainy redheaded is that just showed up at his door, but he’s smitten.

Thanks to some stampeding zebras and meddling servants, they find themselves growing closer as they fake being married in order to untangle a sinister espionage plot involving Arthur’s brother. Hijinks, hilarity, sexy times and mysteries ensue, culminating with a decision for both of them - stay married, or admit the ruse?

Highly recommend if you love historical romance written with heart, spice, and laugh out loud moments.

Earl Crush is a fun romantic comedy set against the stunning backdrop of Scotland in the Regency era. The novel features a strong heroine, Lydia Hope-Wallance, who inadvertently meets the real Earl of Strathrannoch, the moody hero Arthur. For the past three years, Lydia has been writing and publishing pamphlets that challenge societal norms. Arthur's brother, posing as the Earl of Strathrannoch, begins corresponding with Lydia after reading her political writings, charming her with his wit and shared politics. Lydia is in for quite the surprise when she travels to Scotland to meet the Earl and propose a marriage of convenience.

Lydia’s fierce independence is one of the book's highlights—she’s a heroine who knows her mind and refuses to let societal expectations define her. Her modern sensibilities make her easy to connect with while still fitting believably within the historical setting. In contrast, Arthur’s brooding nature adds a delicious tension to their interactions, making their slow-burn romance all the more satisfying and steamy! I also enjoyed the inclusion of the LGBTQ couple who are woven seamlessly into the plot, adding diversity and warmth to the story without feeling forced.

For readers who enjoy love stories with strong characters and a beautiful setting, Earl Crush is a delightful read!

Nothing like a brooding Scottish Earl to get one through a brutal January. Our heroine Lydia is a radical pamphleteer in regency England who has been corresponding with the Earl of Strathrannoch about all things political. She decides she will propose a marriage of convenience with him since they have such a good rapport. She is impossibly shy and has been hopeless for every Season. Sight unseen she travels to Scotland to make this deal, except she wasn’t exchanging letters with the Earl but his brother. This story turns into a swashbuckler as the two must solve the mystery of what Arther’s brother has been up to. Meanwhile, they fall in love. I really enjoyed these characters as well as the twists and turns of their adventures. Another winner from Alexandra Vasti!

Thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy.

Enter my newest book husband, Arthur Baird, Fifth Earl of Strathrannoch.
I LOVE HIM!!

Lydia Hope-Wallace for three years has been penning 'radical' pamphlets under a nom de plume, H. At the same time she has been corresponding with the Earl of Strathrannoch, who wrote to her after one of her pamphlets came to his attention as their political views aligned. When the Earl's recent letter exposes the dire straits of his estate, Lydia (as an heiress) takes it upon herself to show up at his castle door and offer him a marriage of convenience. Yet when she knocks and the door is opened by the true Earl of Strathrannoch, Lydia finds herself on the brink of an unexpected adventure.

Words cannot accurately describe how much I loved this novel. It was everything I needed in a historical romance with a brawny (and brainy) Scot, a heroine who's intelligence & heart knows no bounds & a set of side characters you immediately fall in love with! I'm looking at you Huw & Bertie! I felt such a kinship to Lydia. To her anxiety & how she was able to continually push through with it always there. The scene where Arthur essentially shields Lydia in front of the kippers and asked her what he could do to help her. Brought me to actual tears.

Vasti's characters always feel so complex and Lydia & Arthur showcase just how much. As a reader, I felt their emotions, experienced their hardships & wished fervently for their HEA. For them to be picked by someone who truly saw them; loving their flawed states. And who could come together and make each other just that little bit stronger.

Earl Crush is going to be one of my favourite reads of the year & I cannot wait to read the next in the series! Georgiana is a force!

I have already pre-ordered the audiobook for an immediate reread!

Her new novel, Earl Crush, proves that Alexandra Vasti is an exceptional romance writer. It is 1818 and Lydia is the third richest unmarried heiress in London. Lydia is a talented writer and fiercely independent. However, she knows that she must marry. She plans to propose a marriage of convenience to Lord Strathrannoch, a man she has been corresponding with. Although she is instantly attracted to the Lord, she soon realizes that he is not the man she has been exchanging letters with. Sounds like a typical switcheroo, but this novel is different. Vasti has created interesting supporting characters and fun plots. The story is easy to follow and thankfully the romance builds quickly. Earl Crush is an entertaining escape written by an author who definitely understands what her reader wants.

Ne'er Duke Well was one of my favorite books of 2024, so I've been anxiously awaiting Alexandra's next book, and this did not disappoint!! I adore Lydia and Arthur. And the zebras of course!! Such a fun, fantastic book.

A lovely steamy story of two people with doubts about their overall worth. As they spend time together, they discover both worth and love. A moving story with amazingly well developed characters. A tantalizing story that will hold your attention from beginning until end.

While Earl Crush had an intriguing premise and moments of charm, it ultimately didn’t resonate with me as much as I’d hoped. The story didn’t quite capture my attention, and it’s not one I’d revisit. However, fans of Alexandra Vasti’s style may still find elements to enjoy!

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for a free eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Alexandra Vasti has done it again! I really enjoyed Ne'er Duke Well by her and was the first novel that I've read of hers. Suffice it to say that I enjoyed this one as well. Is it literary fiction? Obviously not, but that doesn't stop the reader from really enjoying this easy to read and fast-paced steamy historical romance.
Lydia Hope-Wallace (to whom readers were introduced in the first novel of this series) goes to Scotland from London to propose a marriage of convenience to an Earl, with whom she's corresponding through letters over the last 3 years. Unfortunately, she find outs that the Earl is not the one she's sending or receiving the letters from but his younger brother. When she agrees to help him track his younger brother down, an adventure full of calamity, mutual pining, and tender moments ensues.

The FMC and MMC are both clever people who have their faults, mental health issues and an internal dialogue of strength that is relatable and sympathetic. They have depth and background. Sure, while probably not entirely historically accurate and representative of the time, I didn't think it strayed too far from the regency era. The reason for one less star is that while I love some good mutual pining, it would have been more realistic to see how they fell for each other rather than just their physical attraction to each other.

Alexandra has done it again, folks, this time with a hot Scot (you know how I feel about Scottish romance novels aka Scotty RoNos). EARL CRUSH answers the age-old questions of “where the hell did all of these exotic animals come from?” And “wait a minute, who have I been sending all of my deepest darkest most politically explosive ideas to all these years?” Also “would you love me if our meet cute involved me puking on your carpet?”

Lydia Hope-Wallace is mostly composed of worry (highly relatable) and also finds it extremely compelling when the man she is pretending to be married to shaves his face (have I ever told you about the time Mr UBC grew a pandemic mustache…and then shaved it 😮‍💨 never say romance is dead folks). Meanwhile, Arthur just wants to be left alone so he can invent things at his forge (!!!) but he also can’t help helping people who need it. Lydia and Arthur have lots of reasons to stay away from each other but then they have to pretend to make out and of course that means they then have to pretend to be married.

This book is a classic farce with ever-increasing stakes and the two mains are so h*rny for each other I was living for every longing glance and brush of a hand. Vasti once again had me frothing at the mouth by the time Lydia and Arthur finally kissed++. I cannot overstate how delicious the tension is in this book MY GOD.

I enjoyed Lydia’s radical politics and took heart from her activism. I hope I can feel like throwing up and do my part anyway for the foreseeable future, because we are going to need all of us.

I love a Scottish MMC! This book is so fun.

Lydia, our FMC, gets catfished and drawn into a search for the very person who deceived her!

Arthur, our MMC, is searching for his brother. He enlists Lydia's help.

There's some forced proximity, a fake relationship, a mystery, some danger…what more could you want? Oh and it's spicy!

This is an interconnected book to Ne’er Duke Well. Some of our favorite characters from that book show up to help Lydia. However, this book can be read as a standalone.

This is such a fun Regency romance!

This book is perfection! Way better than the previous one of the series, that I found quite entertaining despite not being my favorite of all the things I read by Vasti. This is finally a full-length book with all the best Vasti has to offer: gorgeously developed characters, a solid plot, humor in spades and some angst like the icing on a perfect cake.
I ADORED Arthur, a big cinnamon roll of a man, so kind, so generous, so in love!
No words except… WONDERFUL!

All the love. This book is funny and sweet. Lydia and Arthur are lovely. I would love a companion novel of Huw and Bertie and their animal rescues.
I had a great time!

This was so cute! The writing was excellent and hooked me right from the beginning. Lydia is the perfect badass FMC who don’t need no man except society basically forces her to. Arthur had me rooting for him the whole time. We love a grumpy softy. The author did a great job at balancing period accurate phrasing while still being an easy read. Def recommend!

I really liked reading this book by one of my favorite authors. This was a fun and adventurous story line with lots of witty dialog. The characters were fully developed with thought and feelings of their own. It had me at first chapter and never let go.
Arthur, a penniless Scottish earl who lives to invent things doesn't know what to think about Lydia who shows up at his home. She writes pamphlets on sedition but is very shy around crowds. She has been writing to Arthur's brother because of shared correspondence.
Lydia wants a marriage of convenience with said brother but Arthur upsets her plans. They are attracted to each other and fall in love rather quickly. Although there is a lot going on with government and espionage, it was a cute story that leaves the reader satisfied.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

Rating: 4.5/5

Another excellent book by Alexandra Vasti!

The way Arthur falls for Lydia is beautiful. These characters help each other come to see their own worth and strength, and it's such a testament to how good love can be. The confidence Lydia gets from realizing Arthur earnestly finds her brave and smart is all the more compelling since Vasti gives us Arthur's point of view early on and conveys the sentiments in his inner dialogue. It's not that Arthur's opinion is what makes it true, but rather that the way he respects her and admires these qualities about her--while also having an intense physical attraction to her--helps her to believe it about herself.

Chapter 12 is perfection. This chapter makes me believe all historical romances should be dual POV so we can get the male characters' perspective in every book. Especially when the character in question is falling as hard as Arthur does.

Prior to Arthur Baird, I had no idea how hot I find it when a man holds a woman's chin in his hand. More importantly, the communication between these two as their feelings grow stronger, and specifically about halfway through when she says she doesn't want him to regret it, just adds to the the romantic tension because they haven't been totally open with one another yet. It's such an honest combination of vulnerability and self doubt from both characters. And the longing in this book! I cannot believe how good it was. This is the fifth book I've read by this author and they just keep getting better.

Really loved the excerpts from letters and papers of the characters at the start of each chapter, including the supporting characters. This gave such swoony insight into where the story was going. An additional peek into the inner thoughts of these characters that just makes the book all the more compelling.

The political aspects of Lydia's character are also such refreshing characteristics for an historical romance. Reminiscent but original from Evie Dunmore's series. The sort of of mystery/criminal/intrigue plot that drives the literal journey Lydia and Arthur go on is also interesting enough to leave me wanting to know the answers without detracting from or overtaking the romance. It's a perfect vehicle for the development of their relationship.

Loved this one and can't wait for more from Alexandra Vasti.

ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

A fun Regency rom-com with a bit of romance.
Fast, easy read with some laugh out loud moments.
Perfect reading for fans of Regency romances.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review.. All opinions expressed are my own.