With this book, Alexandra has solidified herself as my current favorite historical romance writer.

I love everything about this book: the writing itself, the juxtaposition of the "socially awkward but trying to be brave" FMC with the "seemingly brute but tender and hurt at heart" MMC (both so well crafted), the longing between them, the sexual tension.. and! if the romance wasn't enough, we also get a very engaging mystery subplot, great side characters, and historically accurate details about the politics at the time.

I seriously couldn't recommend it enough!

I absolutely loved Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti. It had action, adventure, humor, and lots of steamy love scenes. I really like that more and more romances are featuring less than perfect characters. So many of us suffer from anxiety and not knowing what to say or do (or afraid to) in some situations that it’s wonderful to see those traits in main characters. I adored Lydia and Arthur. They were so much fun to get to know. I really liked the epilogue. I wasn’t aware that there was a book before this, but I wasn’t aware able to read this book with zero confusion. I enjoyed this book so much that I will be reading anything that Alexandra Vasti writes. Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own

An anxious heiress and a Scottish earl go on a regency road trip to find a catfishing brother and maybe find love along the way!

I love Vasti’s work, and when I saw the blurb for Earl Crush I was immediately on board! Vasti puts a fresh spin on the classic histrom with an accumulation of our favorite tropes! Epistolary romance but she’s actually being catfished? A carriage road trip. Quick, kiss me, someone is coming! A marriage of convince but are they actually married? A burly Scottish earl but he’s basically a cinnamon roll and a nerd. An heiress that has debilitating anxiety and is a secret radical. House parties and secrets and spies, oh my! Nosy servants that are actually found family and a dog named Sir Francis Bacon that is the true hero of this series. Also, stampeding zebras. Yeah, that’s right, zebras.

Lydia captured my attention when she was introduced in Ne’er Duke Well, and I was so excited for her story! Lydia has anxiety that has kept her from being a diamond of the ton, even though she’s an heiress, but she hasn’t let it stop her from writing radical pamphlets for Belvoir’s Library. And she doesn’t let it stop her from approaching the Earl of Strathrannoch to propose a marriage of convenience after years of exchanging letters. Unfortunately, Arthur, said earl, has no idea who she is! Lydia’s growth over the course of the book was beautiful. She has anxiety but it doesn’t keep her from living her life and going after what she wants. Arthur is such a supportive partner, even if he’s a bit of a bonehead at points, and supports Lydia in a gentle, encouraging way. He has his own struggles and doesn’t believe he’s worthy of Lydia or family or his title, but he’s able to work through it with some help from his secretary and stable master (insert found family). I also enjoyed getting more Georgiana, seeing her true personality come through is such a treat, and I can’t wait for her book!

Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary arc. All opinions are my own.

I loved this! It was fun, filled with humor and romance.

The characters certainly steal the show here, especially Lydia. She's a hoot! I adored her. Arthur is very swoon worthy. The angsty love declarations between these two were everything! Their slow burn was built up to so well. I found this book to be very romantic. I definitely swooned a lot while reading.

This book has so much happening but I never felt lost or overwhelmed. Vasti does a spectacular job balancing everything just right. Her writing flows effortlessly which made this an addicting read. This was a well crafted story.

If you want a historical romance that make you laugh & swoon, read Earl Crush!

I often find historicals hard to stomach because they take place in a time when women were considered property. However, Vasti has somehow figured out the alchemy that makes a historical "feel" more like a contemporary. I have no idea HOW she does it, I'm just thrilled that she DOES. 😊

Arthur has, over time, closed off his heart and emotions to try to avoid getting hurt. Lydia deals with extreme social anxiety, but is determined to change the course of her life. When those 2 knuckleheads meet, they are drawn to one another in a way neither expect.

The story was fun, swoony, and spicy, and I can't wait to read what comes next!🥳

📖 Book Review 📖 A trip back to Regency Britain from the comfort of my own home (more so with my modern amenities) - yes please! Lydia is a modern day woman in the 19th century and instead of waiting on a man to save her, she is there to rise to the occasion and be the heroine that we all love! Earl Crush is a wild adventure full of romance and nefarious shenanigans that is just absolutely delightful.

This was another fantastic full-length novel from Alexandra Vasti, and it lived up to her reputation for providing well-researched, moving, hilarious & sizzling historical romance. Lydia is such a wonderful character - she has a sharp mind and wit and is also painfully anxious to the point that I wanted to scoop her up into the biggest hug. But she puts herself out there and *tries so hard* to overcome what she perceives to be her faults; I was cheering for her from page one. And Arthur - what a swoon worthy, kind, wonderful man - who is *also* trying so hard to do right in his life. The two of them together resulted in a combination of genuine goodness and preciousness that makes you root for their story and love. Just a wonderful addition to this series!

<b>“All politics are about people’s lives. Our experiences are what drive our politics— our experiences and our sympathy for the lives of others.”</b>


4.5 rounded up
Well officially this is my favorite Vasti book yet. (Except maybe Margo Halifax's story but it's the one that started it all). This is a charming story of mistaken identity between pen pals.

I enjoyed Lydia's character. She was relatable - not just a wallflower but an anxious insecure one.

And Arthur, he fell so hard and so fast. He was a total simp for this woman and has some epically romantic lines.

This starts out seemingly over the top but becomes the perfect mix of sweet, hot (uh, I forgot how well she writes steam) and funny. I loved the snippets of letters.

Vasti can pair historical romance with real history and make it unique in a way no other historical romances are. It doesn't get bogged down in the close mindedness of societal propriety. Every one thinks and does as they please but somehow it's not unbelievable or over the top to have me believe it to be true. She's just very talented and it makes these a joy to read.

Highly recommend this.

<b>“What would you risk for love, my dear boy?” Bertie murmured. “Your pride? Your heart?” <i>Everything.</i></b>


Thank you for this ARC!

4.5 stars. An absolute banger. Alexandra Vasti’s second full novel, Earl Crush, quickly captivates with Lydia Hope-Wallace, an anxiety-ridden debutante and heiress who also anonymously writes radical pamphlets, choosing to try to create a marriage of convenience with her long-time pen pal, the Earl of Strathrannoch. She travels to his castle in Scotland to propose that she comes to him with her wealth, which he desperately needs to save his castle from ruin. Only…he’s not the man who wrote the letters. Arthur Baird, the true Earl, is completely flummoxed by Lydia, but convinces her to stay and help him solve the mystery of who wrote to her and why. I don’t want to give away more than that, because the motivations and machinations of how Lydia and Arthur get to know each other are wonderful and complex. The yearning and admiration that they feel for each other are completely earned and unlike the first book in this series, there was no part where Earl Crush slowed down or dragged. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, enjoying Lydia’s clever mind and Arthur’s attempts to hold her back from trouble while helping her along. Earl Crush is spicy, full of fun and adorable characters who care deeply for each other, and secrets that are revealed in just the right moments. And yes, for those of you who read book 1, Selina and Georgiana play a big role, as does Belvoir’s. Oh, and also, zebras. Did I mention the zebras? It’s not quite as funny as Ne’er Duke Well, but I honestly think it’s a tighter, better book. If you’re a fan of Evie Dunmore’s work, or of a kind of hijunks filled love story plus political intrigue, this one is for you.

⭐️ 5/5
🌶️ 3/5

I cannot get enough of Vasti’s books! Somehow, they keep getting better and better with each new release! While I really loved Ne’er Duke Well, I absolutely LOOOOOVED Earl Crush! (And yes, I believe you should read Ne’er Duke Well before you pick up Earl Crush.)

Lydia and Arthur were utter perfection. I love how Lydia found her voice in Scotland and truly came into her own. I enjoyed seeing her navigate her familial relationships, striving to branch out as her own person. It was also both heart-breaking and -warming to see Arthur learn that he could be chosen over his brother, what a devastatingly sweet man. But don’t let their seemingly innocent exteriors fool you, when the spice hits, IT HITS. Dear lord, the tension! The slow burn! I loved every second!

I cannot wait for Ladies in Hating, book three in the Belvoir’s Library series! I loved getting to see a bit more of Georgiana in this story and it has amped me up for her gothic romance! It is going to be so good!

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy!

In Earl Crush, author Alexandra Vasti delivers a delightful Regency romance filled with humor, intrigue, and unexpected love. The story follows Lydia Hope-Wallace, a socially anxious heiress who has secretly penned political pamphlets for three years. Engaged in correspondence with the reclusive Earl of Strathrannoch, she decides to travel to Scotland to propose a marriage of convenience after learning of his financial troubles. However, upon arrival, Lydia discovers that she has been writing to the earl’s younger brother, Davis, who has misrepresented himself. This revelation sets off a whirlwind of emotions as Lydia navigates her feelings for the genuine earl, Arthur Baird, who is initially taken aback by her sudden appearance. As they join forces to locate Davis, who is entangled in espionage, their chemistry ignites, leading to a passionate connection that neither expected. With themes of mistaken identities, protective instincts, and the journey of self-discovery, Earl Crush offers a charming narrative that explores the complexities of love and family.

If you love romance, you will be captivated by Earl Crush for its engaging blend of witty dialogue, steamy chemistry, and a strong feminist heroine. Vasti’s ability to craft relatable characters, combined with a plot filled with secrets and adventure, keeps readers invested from start to finish. The mutual attraction between Lydia and Arthur is both sweet and suspenseful, making their journey to love an exhilarating experience. Furthermore, the inclusion of social commentary and the clever twist of mistaken identity elevate the story, ensuring this novel is a must-read for fans of historical romance who appreciate depth alongside the romance. This was my second book by the author and I loved it just as much as Ne’er Duke Well! This book is scheduled to be released on January 21, 2025. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an Advance Reader Copy.

Alexandra Vasti writes an absolute stunning regency romance! I'm always struck by how much I enjoy her books, and I think it's because you can tell how much she loves the romance genre, particularly historical romance, and has a deep understanding of the regency era. I also love how progressive all her characters are. Her characters and writing are a breath of fresh air in a subgenre of romance that can easily be bogged down by some regressive tropes.

My only complaint is that the ending felt slightly rushed. I loved the twist at the end, but I would've loved to know more about what happened after *that* proposal. What were his feelings? What did Lydia tell him? I was very interested in that, and would have loved to see the brothers have a more in depth conversation.

Lydia's brothers were an absolutely charming addition. I'd honestly love to have a story with some of them, they're just so fun! Lydia and Arthur were beautiful characters who's own personal journeys toward self-acceptance and love were powerful.

I cannot wait for what Vasti graces us with next!

DAMNNN, THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD!!

I love this book so much. The first five-star book in 2025 that I read. It was also my first time reading historical romances and books by this author. Very cute and sweet. Worth to read!!

Read this book if you like:
- fake marriage
- forced proximity
- only one bed
- historical romance

Pub date Jan 21.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC.

I have realized that one thing I really, truly love about historical romance is the PINING and the YEARNING! And this book delivered in those realms.

I got a little lost with the political side plot. Favorite parts included the herd of zebras and the dog named bacon.

This book is a delightful Regency romance that masterfully blends humor, intrigue, and heartfelt emotion. The story revolves around Lydia Hope-Wallace, a wallflower heiress with a secret life as a radical pamphleteer, and Arthur Baird, the reclusive Earl of Strathrannoch, who is struggling with financial problems and a treacherous brother entangled in espionage.

Lydia's bold decision to propose a marriage of convenience to Arthur sets the stage for a series of unexpected and often hilarious events. Lydia is a refreshing heroine, whose radical ideas and fierce independence make her a standout character.

Arthur is a brooding yet charming earl who initially resists Lydia's unconventional proposal. His character development is compelling as he navigates his growing attraction to Lydia and the complexities of his brother's dangerous activities. The chemistry between Lydia and Arthur is palpable, with their interactions ranging from fiery debates to sweet moments.

Overall, Earl Crush is a captivating read, the mix of romance, humor, and suspense is perfect, and Lydia and Arthur's journey to love is both heartwarming and exhilarating. If you enjoy stories with richly developed characters and a touch of intrigue, this book is definitely for you

4.5/5⭐️ 2/5🌶️ 1/5😢

PROTECT MY BABY ARTHUR AT ALL COSTS

Earl Crush was a magnificent regency-era romance romp (say that five times fast)—ridiculously sweet, a bit spicy, with mystery and political intrigue and just plain ol’ FUN!

The premise felt unique and fresh with two quieter/shy MCs who showed great character development throughout the book. The romance was incredibly sweet and honestly had me tearing up a few times (I was so down bad for Arthur, I’m not gonna lie) 😭😭

However what I loved most was how clearly well-researched it is, with many part of the story drawn off real people, events, and historical writings. I found this to be incredibly engaging and gave the book more depth than anticipated.

I highly recommend Earl Crush whether you’re a seasoned historical romance reader or looking to dip your toes in the genre for the first time!

tropes & themes:
→ regency/historical romance
→ fake marriage
→ wallflower but secretly politically vocal FMC
→ recluse scottish earl/inventor MMC
→ shenanigans & SUSPENSE! 💥
→ grade A groveling 🙇🏼
→ “tell me to stop” 🥵🥵
→ 16 zebras??? 🦓

As with every Vasti book I’ve read, I had an amazing time reading this. The characters were delightfully awkward paired with an engaging mystery plot. The entire plot was wild, and I love how it took Lydia and Arthur all over the place trying to track down Arthur’s brother. I was surprised in the best way how detailed and involved the plot was including the great plot twists and a daring carriage escape. Lydia and Arthur had wonderful chemistry paired with great banter. Arthur was so sweet especially with a certain horse scene. One of my favorite moments was when Arthur met Lydia’s brothers. I loved the entire family dynamic scene and watching how each family member interacted with him. I also just loved how wild and over the top this book was at times. I was not expecting zebras but they made for a great time. I cannot get enough of Mhairi Morrison’s narration. She is such a perfect fit for these regency reads. She brings so much energy and emotion to the role, and I can’t imaging anyone else narrating one of Vasti’s regency tales. I highly recommend reading this story.

Alexandra Vasti does it again! She’s a staple of the historical romance community, and I would read her grocery list. Earl Crush is so romantic and steamy, and so emotional and made me full on swoon. I’ll be rereading Earl Crush several times in the future!

"What do you want?" he murmured. "What can I give to you, my love? I have about a hundred rambling letters. I have a castle, if you'd like it, though I fear it has numerous windows that need replacing and very little furniture. I have sixteen zebras."

I don't even know how many annotations I've made. I loved this novel so much! Where do I start?

❤️ARTHUR. This perfect, bearded, insecure bear of a reluctant Scottish Earl who looks fearsome, and is absolutely kind, gentle, sensitive, and earnest to his core. This man loves so deeply that he carved himself straight into my heart within the first few minutes of meeting him. There is nothing more swoonworthy to me in romance than a man who truly deserves to be loved to the depths of his partner's soul for being himself. Arthur must be saved at all costs. I would rescue this book from a fire for him. Every time he says "Dinna fash" I get lightheaded.

📚LYDIA. She's a feminist, an anonymous writer of political pamphlets, and she suffers from social anxiety. My Queen! By deciding to take charge of her own life, she is the seemingly insignificant pebble that drops into the pond, so the ripples of her bravery continue to get wider and impact more and more people. I love her independent spirit, her insecurities, her desire for love and acceptance. I love how much she loves Arthur. I love her relationships with her brothers and her friends Selina and Georgina. I love her intelligence and refusal to accept societal expectations for women.

🐎 The madcap caper of a premise, and subsequent mystery adventures that have all of the characters dashing all over Scotland and London, alone and in various groups, trying to discover and/or subvert unknown plans by unknown individuals who stole Arthur's new invention to permit more accurate long-range shooting. This book reminded me of classic Georgette Heyer novels given its comedic elements, and the good but misguided intentions of the characters that threaten the whole enterprise, but somehow, despite themselves, come together in triumph at the end.

🦓 Any historical romance novel featuring a gay animal rights activist who has rescued a herd of zebras from menageries throughout the British Isles automatically wins my forever devotion. Chef's kiss

🐶 Same goes for Sir Francis Bacon. Every time someone referred to Bacon I laughed.

🌈Bertie and Huw were true highlights of this novel for me. I loved that their partnership was seamlessly integrated into the landscape of the story and the lives of the other characters, rather than existing like an island that needs some kind of explanation for being there. They're woven into the fabric of the world, and no one would ever consider them to be otherwise.

😍 Lydia's brothers and mother are hysterically funny and I loved all of them. Ned most especially, and I need to read a story about him and Jasper!

🌷The 15/10 Epilogue. It brought me to the best of tears. It was perfect. I wouldn't change a single word.

This is without a doubt Alex Vasti's best work yet. The prose is sublime, the humor and dialogue are sparkling and real. The pacing is spot on. The characterizations are inspired. I will be recommending this bright, engaging, and truly entertaining historical romance to all of my followers and friends.

Thank you NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication. All opinions are my own.

SWEET, DARING, BRAVE, WELL-EDUCATED LYDIA HOPE-WALLACE. You stole my heart in Ne’er Duke Well (interconnected standalone) and although I LOVED Selina’s story, I was beyond eager to meet the woman who can’t keep the contents of her stomach in place. From the absolute get go, I have been enthralled within this read. Three years ago, a mysterious Scot whom shared many very similar opinions messaged Lydia through Belvoir’s post inquiring further political chat. Three years later, Lydia arrives at what she thinks is this earl’s homestead. Instead she finds a gruff black smith who turns out to be her correspondents older brother, the ACTUAL earl of the estate. After realizing she’s been “catfished”, Arthur requests Lydia’s help in searching for his younger brother. He informs her of some terrible information regarding who Davis actually is, and after a near zebra trampling death experience, Lydia agrees. The two work together to retrace Davis steps hopefully finding him along the way. During this time, both Arthur and Lydia realize the worst thing for both individuals, they’re actually developing feelings for each other. The actually breaking, burning NEED these two create while not crossing any lines is delicious…. until they DO cross the line. At this point everything just gets so tender and rough that I was kicking my feet and giggling like a school girl. I’m normally not one who enjoys historical fiction, even if it’s a romance, but this author knows how to grab my attention and keep it through out her entire story.

Pub Date: January 21 2025

ARC provided by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley. Thank you.

review posted to NetGalley & Goodreads