🦓 My book review for Earl Crush. A Novel. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✨What do you get when you cross a socially awkward beauty + a giant grumpy Scott + runaway zebras? A swoony historical romance with two leads that will steal your heart.

✨Lydia is past her season for marriage, wealthy and lonely. She starts corresponding with an Earl in Scotland for several years when one day she decides to visit him in person with a proposition, however when she does, he is not who he seems, and chaos ensues.

✨Arthur, a grumpy loner, is suddenly faced with a beautiful stubborn intelligent woman and he is completely undone. After realizing the trouble his family is in, they embark on a journey to obtain a stolen item that can alter the course of history forever.

✨I absolutely loved Lydia and
Aruthur. They are trying to find their place in their world. wanting to belong and be loved for who they are. Their chemistry is absolutely scorching, and their moments are so sweet and vulnerable.

✨The side characters are all fantastic! They had me laughing out loud, especially her brothers.

✨This story has everything, forced proximity, fake marriage, espionage, action, found family, witty banter, swoony moments, and zebras. The pertect book to curl up with!

✨Thank you @ Net Galley for the advance copy of this fantastic book!

British literature has never been my forte, but wrap it up in a romantic storyline with a little adventure & I won't be able to put the book down
The 2nd novel (Earl Crush) in the Belvoir series by Alexandra Vasti is a great story of how Lydia & Arthur met, had a fun & exciting adventure, & then fell in love. Lydia was a painful, shy socialite that coward from every social situation. Until she came up with a proposal to a man she had been corresponding through letters the last three years. A case of mistaken identity & bit of deception through an adventure to track down an important object is how Lydia gained confidence & fell for Arthur, who the readers can't get enough of his protecting, broody personality.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of Earl Crush on #NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own, but if you enjoy romance, adventure, & a female character that finds her strength, then I highly recommend reading this novel. Alexandra Vasti is an excellent storyteller & I'm looking forward to hopefully reading more in the Belvoir series.

Introverted heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace is the anonymous author of seditious pamphlets who has been writing for years with Arthur Baird, the Earl of Strathrannoch. Landing on his doorstep to propose a marriage of convenience, she's shocked to discover that she's really been corresponding with his younger brother Davies who is missing. As the two try to locate him, they can't help but feel a flame between them.

This book was hard to get into and I really struggled to get through those first several chapters waiting for the action to really begin. The paced also dragged in the middle that I think removing 50 pages would've helped push the action along. The sense of urgency to find Davis didn't build as well given what was at stake. I would've loved more of the action at the Library earlier too. Lydia and Arthur were adorable together, and I love how supportive and progressive Arthur was of Lydia. Lydia's family were also delightful, the close relationship she has with her brothers was refreshing.

A charming and low angst historical rom com.

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

I ordered this ARC before I read Ne'er Duke Well by chance, so I followed up immediately. I loved both. The author is so witty and writes the BEST MMCs. I just wished the thing with the brother was more developed, but all in all, it was a 10/10.

Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti is an absolute delight—4.5 stars for me, and honestly, only holding back that last half-star because I save my 5-star rankings for books that completely upend my existence. But let’s be clear: Vasti is officially one of my faves, and this book just cements it. If you’re in the mood for a Regency romance that’s clever, sexy, and brimming with chemistry, Earl Crush delivers on every front.

Let’s talk about Lydia Hope-Wallace. She’s not just a wallflower; she’s a full-blown firecracker of an heiress who’s been quietly (and anonymously) challenging the status quo as a radical pamphleteer. When she discovers that her mystery pen pal (who she thinks is the Earl of Strathrannoch) is in serious financial trouble, she decides to offer a marriage of convenience. There’s just one catch—the earl, Arthur, has no clue who she is, and to complicate things further, it turns out Arthur wasn’t even the one writing those letters. Instead, it was his brother, the very person Arthur is desperate to find. The setup is messy in the best way, and watching Lydia and Arthur navigate this tangled web is pure fun.

Arthur is exactly the kind of reluctant hero I love—reclusive, a little grumpy, but with a heart buried under all that reserve. His initial hesitation about Lydia makes sense, but it’s their slow, simmering attraction that really takes the story to another level. Lydia is no shrinking violet; she’s determined, independent, and willing to fight for what she believes in (and, it turns out, who she believes in). The chemistry between them is off the charts and keeps you invested through every twist, turn, and moment of mutual denial.

Plus, Vasti knows how to balance humor, heat, and a dash of espionage, which gives the story that extra edge and keeps you on your toes. The dialogue is witty, the romance is steamy, and the plot has just enough intrigue to keep the pages turning. Vasti’s writing is so good it feels like she’s just raising the bar with every book she writes, and this one is no exception.

If you’re into Regency romance with some serious spice, a smart and independent heroine, and a hero who’s impossible not to fall for, Earl Crush is a must-read. It’s everything I want in a historical romance and then some. Alexandra Vasti is pure magic, and I’m already counting down to her next book.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this story and this is my freely given opinion.

This is the second full length novel from this author, and carries on with the stories for characters first introduced in Ne'er Duke Well. This likely can be read as a standalone story, but can be better enjoyed after reading the first book. The FMC for this story is shy wallflower Lydia Hope-Wallace, introduced in Ne'er Duke Well as friend to the current Duchess of Stanhope, who is also proprietor of Belvoir's, the scandalous publisher and library from book 1.

This is important because Lydia has a hidden identity, as H, the writer of several progressive and scandalous publications published through Belvoirs, and through the library and her literary identity, she has struck up a written friendship with the Earl of Strathrannoch. Otherwise Lydia, in her public life, is known as a wallflower with debilitating shyness, and rather overwhelmed by her more dynamic family members. Through what she learns through her correspondence with the Earl, she sees a path to potential future of independence from her family, and an agreeable future with a man with shared views. Because of his apparent need for funds, she thinks to travel to Scotland and offer the Earl a marriage of convenience, offering her dowry.

However, when she gets there, she discovers that the Earl is not the man she was communicating with, and it was instead, his estranged, and missing rogue brother who has taken his identity. Arthur Baird, the Earl, is stoic, reclusive, and not in any way seeking a wife. But he is desperate to find his brother, who had absconded with a device that Arthur fears he will use to do harm. Because of Lydia's extensive communication with him, they surmise that she is his best bet to track his brother down.

This is a fun road trip, false identity rom com with quirky people who were beautifully drawn out in their personalities, quirks, and interactions. I enjoyed all the secondary characters, how they were detailed, and contributed to the various scenarios. I cannot wait to see what is in store for Georgianna in the future (and I love that her dog is named Bacon - albeit short for Francis Bacon - but come on - everything is better with Bacon!).

The situations had me smiling and laughing. There was background drama as well as the romance, in the guise of a spy drama as well. The romance was sweet and sexy as Arthur and Lydia grow closer together and see each other's vulnerabilities, and appreciate each other's unseen talents. Beneath Arthur's gruff, intimidating exterior, Lydia sees his protective, honorable side, and Arthur sees a brave, intelligent, intuitive, beautiful woman underneath Lydia's shy wallflower facade. But as Arthur falls for Lydia, he is afraid that not only does he not deserve her, but that she ultimately will choose his brother, after all, it was because of her connection to his brother through the letters, and her desire to wed the letter writer, that she travelled to Scotland.

4.5 stars out of 5

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Lydia has several seasons under her belt, four over protective brothers, and an overwhelming desire for social justice. She has published anonymous pamphlets calling for parliament to enact reform and interestingly enough an Earl from Scotland agrees with her positions and has been writing to her for three years. In Lydia's mind, marriages of convenience have started with less; why not go to Scotland and propose?

Authur, the Earl of Strathrannoch, is trying to keep his estate and all the small folks he is responsible for going. Imagine his surprise when a woman he has never met or heard of thinks he has been writing to, arrives: faints, throws up on her shoes and proposes a marriage of convenience. What is a destitute Earl to do, except figure out the mystery of who has been writing to her in his name, find his brother, and perhaps fall in love.

This is the premise of a delightful read. You can not help falling in love with Lydia and Authur and the wacky group of friends, and found family they surround themselves with. The mystery and intrigue of the story is an added bonus!

This is book 2 in a series, and there are some recurring characters, but it can definitely be read as a standalone

Thanks Netgalley and SMP for this eArc!

Lydia Hope-Wallace is a practical woman- a radical proponent of womens suffrage, a writer of radical pamphlets demanding the end of monarchy and of equality in divorce petitions, she finds herself drawn to a scottish earl who corresponds with her and shares all her ideals. That is until she arrives at his estate, with a very practical plan to propose a marriage of convenience, and finds that the author of the letters was the Earl's brother, who has absconded with important inventions and knows of her real identity. Together the earl and our girl tem up to find the wayward brother and maybe embark on something more than a friendship between them.

The minute i saw this cover, i smashed the request button because alexandra vasti writes a world where people can do anything, and boy did i need the respite of reading this in like...5 hours when my mind was very, very bleak. I am here for standalone novels for every patron of belvior's, lu, thomasina, the maids, a sequel for selina, and one from the point of view of puppy francis bacon. All of it.

I love how Vasti writes these super special, vulnerable, magnificent characters and weaves so much humor and yearning and joy in these books. Definitely one of my current faves.

Alexandra Vasti does it again with a fun and swoony romance! I love how Lydia is shy yet strong and goes for what she wants, and how Arthur is classic brooding and loyal hero. Love a good romance full of yearning and this one adds a dash of mystery to it! I already want to re-read it once it comes out!

Earl Crush was fun and silly with a side of mystery. My favorite part of Earl Crush were the epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter. With writing being such an important part of the story (no pun intended), the epigraphs added so much to the progression of the plot, mood of the chapters and tension of the conflict. Overall, I really enjoyed the book, especially the epilogue, however, I struggled with the pacing sometimes. The ending of the book, especially the resolution of Arthur and Lydia's relationship felt rushed. There were aspects of the mystery-esque plot that didn't quite make sense to me and took me out of the story a few times, but I resolved those questions with "it's fiction, just because it might not make perfect sense in real life doesn't really matter". I also think some of those moments could have been resolved if I had binged the book, so as to not give me too much time to think about them.

When I was sent the eARC for this novel, I cheered out loud. I’m a huge Alexandra Vasti fan, and I’m so happy I got the opportunity to read this ahead of time. Where Ne’er Duke Well gets tension right, Earl Crush gets yearning and intrigue even better. My heart was completely stolen by Lydia and Arthur’s love story. The journey they go on both literally and emotionally had me devouring this book in the span of a weekend. I can’t wait for this book to be out in the world so that everyone I know can get their hands on it!

I devoured Vasti's Ne’er Duke Well earlier this year and was thrilled to be able to get my hands on Earl Crushed early. This had everything I love about a Historical Romance. I loved that though Lydia is so shy and anxious in social setting she had such a beautiful quiet strength within her that was so compelling to read. Arthur recognizes that strength and fosters it within her, he's the true definition of a wife guy. There was the perfect mix of romance, mystery, and humor in this novel! I would have loved a bit more resolution between the brothers at the end but overall, I'm adding Vasti to my instant read list.

What a fun book! "Earl Crush" follows Lydia Hope-Wallace as she travels to Scotland hoping to marry her political pen-pal, the Earl of Strathrannoch. She expects her money will shore up his crumbling estate and she hopes she will find a marriage of equal minds, something she's been far to shy to seek in London. But when she arrives, the earl realizes his brother has been writing in his name, leaving Lydia adrift and unengaged. The real magic happens when she agrees to help the earl track down his brother and discovers the charms of both Scottland and Scottish earls along the way.

I found the characters fun-- Lydia is terribly shy, but also quite intelligent and well-spoken when she comes out of her shell. She spends the book working through her timidity, trying to learn to speak up for herself, be brave, and go after what she wants. I liked that she had a real area in which she needed to grow, and Vasti continues to bring her character into situations to help that growth.

Arthur was an equally compelling lead, combining brooding, inventiveness, and a deep loyalty to his land and his people. He cares deeply about his brother as well, and the conflict between his brother's betrayal and his own desires sparks an internal debate that carries through the book.

The plot moved along well-- I stayed up far too late reading-- and Vasti wove in a fun mystery with political intrigue at its core.

I also really liked all the zebras.

Great book, fun read!

Anxious heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace is safe in the bosom of her over-protective family, but she secretly writes seditious pamphlets -- and then she decides to take her life into her own shaking hands and make a marriage proposal to a duke she's been corresponding with. She turns up on the doorstep of Arthur Baird, the penniless Scottish Duke of Strathrannoch...only to discover "her" duke isn't THE duke at all! Honor, family, and some very hot chemistry between Lydia and Arthur push them both out of their inertial comfort zones to make changes....and perhaps find love and a new way of life.

I am enjoying Alexandra Vasti’s work, and Lydia’s story was fun! The opening of this novel won me over with mistaken identity, anxiety, and ZEBRAS!
Vasti’s character development is her strength. Lydia is smart, and strong, but also a relatable woman with social anxiety. But Arthur 100 percent won me over – the way he fell for Lydia SO hard and the snippets of unsent letters to her made me swoon. YEARNING!
This never feels tropey, and I genuinely didn’t know where the story would go next. The final twist about Arthur’s brother was well done.
Thanks to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

Loving this new to me author and her great stories. The women in her series are the best and I love their friendships as well as the well-intending but meddling side characters

My new go to author for regency romance!
I was so excited for Lydia’s story after reading the first book in this series, and it surpassed my expectations! We catch up with Lydia while she is on her way to propose to the Earl of Strathrannoch after exchanging letters anonymously. But she soon finds out it was Arthur’s brother who was writing her, and the two go on an adventure to find him.
I appreciate how every female characters in this series has their own life and pursuits outside of the marriage mart, and feel like fully developed characters. At the same time, Lydia and Arthur’s connection was strong and I absolutely loved them together! They were perfectly matched and the chemistry is 🔥!

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and this review is written voluntarily.

Earl Crush was a fun and romantic read that keeps the reader guessing on what schemes are being orchestrated. Lydia and Arthur are swoon worthy main characters and make the perfect team. The storytelling is witty and clever, and seeing Arthur instantly fall so hard and feel so protective over Lydia was so heartwarming. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot behind the Strathrannoch family and secret political dealings. I loved seeing Lydia, a conventionally and socially timid woman, have such strong political opinions and push the boundaries set before her. This story centralizes around a woman that is both soft hearted and strong minded and makes it her mission to make a difference using an anonymous political column. I relate to having more confidence in my voice through writing versus talking to others, and I enjoyed seeing Lydia be empowered and commended for her progressive ideas and quiet strengths. Not only this, but Lydia herself is considered a spinster and has written off the idea of finding love. Despite the unique circumstances set before her, she finds her place with Arthur that opens a whole new world of passion and purpose she never thought possible.

Overall, I give this book 3.5 stars, and if you enjoy period romance, mystery and humor this book is definitely for you!

I adored Ne'er Duke Well, and was SO ready for Lydia's book! And let me tell you, it lived up to all my hopes! This book was sweet, funny, endearing, and kept me hooked from page 1. Truly, it had it all. Lydia and Arthur are so sweet, and their slow burn was worth the wait. They met in some pretty unconventional circumstances, but they were meant to be!

Read this book twice and can’t get enough! Thoughtful character development and plot. Delightful cast. Vasti is quickly becoming a fave.