Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this title!

I have loved everything that Alexandra Vasti has written and this book was no exception. I have been in a reading slump lately, but I read through the entirety of Earl Crush in one day. It was such a fun story with loveable characters and an entertaining plot. I loved Lydia's journey from lacking confidence to finding her own form of courage. I also loved Arthur's almost found family story where he recognized that the family he always wanted had always been there, but he was too hurt from his childhood to realize it. My only issue with Earl Crush is that everything seemed a little bit rushed at the end of the novel, but that was minor compared to how much I loved the rest of it. I highly recommend this title for anyone who enjoys romance!

I really love this author’s writing style! I read her first book and loved Lydia so much; I was thrilled to learn that the second book would focus on her and her continued character development. I loved how respectful the main characters were of each other. I could not put it down, it was full of pining, a little mystery and I really loved the epilogue. I can’t wait for this author’s next book!

Another absolute winner from Alexandra Vasti!

Lydia is a very rich spinster who has been writing radical political literature under a fake name. She has also been communicating with a Scottish earl for more than three years. And while she is socially awkward and gets easily flustered in person, she is beautiful writer and thinks she has finally found a man that will love her for her brain as much as her person (and money) in the earl. So when she decides to be the driver of her own fate and show up at the earl's door and ask him to marry her, she is horrified when he has no idea who she is.

Arthur quickly realizes his younger brother has been using his name to write to Lydia -- but he may be up to an even more dangerous scheme than that. He asks Lydia to stay and help him locate his missing younger brother -- but the longer he spends with her the more he wonders if she would ever fall in love with him instead.

Tender and sweet -- the romance definitely took over the plot very quickly but that was fine with me! I loved both of these characters and their growing love for one another. I only wish the conclusion hadn't felt so rushed -- but the epilogue was lovely! I hope we get a Davis book next!

4.5⭐️

This was another fantastic read by Alexandra Vasti!
The romance between Lydia and Arthur was so unbelievably sweet. Arthur had me swooning with his love confessions and I loved seeing Lydia grow more confident in herself throughout the story!

I also loved getting to see the snippets of letters at the beginning of each chapter! Arthur’s were my favorite but some of them had me howling.

- hot earl x shy wallflower
- meet disaster
- meddling staff
- found family
- the zebras! 🦓
- mystery & politics

THANK YOU to Alexandra & NetGalley for sending me an early copy of this one!
Pub date: 1/21/25

Alexandra Vasti has become an auto-buy for me. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! This could be read as a stand alone but I think you’ll get more out of it if you read Ne’er Duke Well first.

Arthur had me from the moment he opened the door to receive the world’s most awkward marriage proposal from a complete stranger. The pining he did for Lydia while trying to protect his fragile heart plucked at my heartstrings. I didn’t even know I HAD heartstrings.

This book had several different subplots that some might think took away from the romance, but give me some adventure and a road trip any time!

The only thing I would have liked to see more of was what happened with Lydia and the brother at the end.

I can’t wait for book 3. Please tell me there’s a book 3? Georgiana? Jasper? iris? Sir Francis Bacon? I’m here for all of them.

Alexandra Vasti can do no wrong! All the feelings of a classic historical fiction, but modern and new. I love her writing and love her love stories.

I received a copy of this from Netgalley in exchange for a review.

I LOVED this. I loved Lydia, who reminded me of myself so much (awkward in public! Totally understood that. She’s smarter than I am though). And Arthur. Arthur! I love him. I wasn’t sure at first, but the love between them grew and I just became so fond of both of them.

The story involved in this was fun too - I enjoyed the cloak and dagger spy-ish part, and learning about both Lydia’s and Arthur’s families. I’m hoping the next book in the series is Georgina and maybe one of Lydia’s brothers- Jasper??? Can’t wait either way for the next book.

Such a fun book! I came across Alexandra Vasti’s Halifax Hellions novellas and devoured them, then immediately pre-ordered Ne’er Duke Well (not something I usually do) and have been so excited to get my hands on Earl Crush. It’s a great romance with a devoted hero and a heroine who really comes into herself, both of whom recognize something in the other that allows them the courage to break out of their self-imposed bounds. Beautiful writing and a plot with espionage-driven excitement. I loved the side characters, particularly Arthur’s estate manager and stable-master, and it was great to see some of the characters from Ne’er Duke Well return. I’m hoping we get to visit this world again soon!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for providing an eARC for an honest review.

Alexandra Vasti is a go to for Regency romances in this modern romance era. She's able to come up with plots and characters that don't ignore modern readers sensibilities. The twist on this arranged marriage was a truly new look at this trope. Overwhelmingly enjoyed!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

In this sequel to her debut novel Ne'er Duke Well, Alexandra Vasti tells the eagerly anticipated story of Lydia Hope-Wallace, the buxon, auburn-haired heiress who secretly pens a scandalous political pamphlet through Belvoir's Circulating Library. In an uncharacteristic act of brazen gumption, Lydia decides to travel to Scotland to offer her own hand in marriage to the Earl whom she has been corresponding with through her writings for over three years. When she arrives, both she and the Earl are left speechless. This is, of course, because the Earl has no idea who Lydia is and denies ever writing to her, which begs the question: who did?

Where do I begin? Regency romance? Check. Mistaken identity? Check. Marriage of convenience, ungodly pining, espionage??? Check times infinity. Not to mention... the spice is off the Scoville Scale. I read Earl Crush as an e-ARC on netgalley, and I am so beyond happy that I didn't have to wait until January. I have no notes, truly. Alexandra Vasti has outdone herself. I won't be thinking about anything else for a long while. If you liked Vasti's first novel Ne'er Duke Well, buckle up because this one will keep you glued to the pages even more than before. 5 stars, easily!

Alexandra Vasti has quickly become my favorite romance author, and Earl Crush is undoubtedly her best work yet. The romance between Lydia and Arthur is swoon-worthy, but the plot goes way beyond a typical romance and develops into what feels almost like a comedic mystery thriller in the best possible way.

The book easily stands on its own, but also beautifully builds on the world and characters developed in Ne’er Duke Well. If you loved Belvoir’s, you’re in for a treat with Earl Crush. And if you’re new to Vasti, start today. You’ll be glad you did! I’m grateful to have received an ARC and can’t wait for more from this author.

Lydia ha mantenido correspondencia con el conde de Strathrannoch por tres años, sabe que él necesita dinero y ella un marido, entonces decide proponerle que se casen y ella le dará su dote. Pero se lleva una sorpresa, alguien se hizo pasar por el conde

El hermano de Arthur se robo su identidad para escribirse con Lydia y también le robó un invento con el cual es posible que intente lastimar a alguien. Con la ayuda de Lydia intentara buscar a su hermano antes de que cometa una locura.

Me gustaron tanto individualmente como pareja. Cada un tiene sus fortalezas y debilidades, supieron unirse y crear un buen equipo.

Selina de Ne'er duke well tiene una pequeña aparición.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I read this a few weeks ago was riding that high for so long that I didn't realize I had forgotten to review it!

Thank you so much to Netgalley & specifically to Kejana Ayala, the Marketing Coordinator over at SMP who emailed me a link, which I downloaded ASAP. I'm a simple girl, I see Alexandra Vasti and I simply SPRINT to download the ARC.

Earl Crush, which will be published January 21st, 2025, follows Lydia Hope-Wallace, a self proclaimed wallflower (who doesn't always mind it all that much, since it allows her to publish her political pamphlets through the publishing women run publishing world that we learn about in Ne'er Duke Well), who is on her way to propose to a man she's never met.

What follows is a (momentary, thank goodness) case of mistaken identity, only one bed (three cheers for my favorite), a raucous road trip, metric tons of pining, fake . . . marriage? sixteen zebras, dozens of unsent love letters, and of course, your classic grumpy Scotsman (who I dare you to NOT fall for).

Fans of India Holton and Julia Quinn, drop what you're doing and get your pre-order in, now!

Calling all fans of Tessa Dare- I have a new favorite author for you!

🌺Blue stocking heroine
🌺Mistaken identity arranged marriage
🌺Opposites attract
🌺Mystery, intrigue, action, SPICE
🌺 Stuffy hero who knows how to grovel
🌺 Light hearted fun that satisfies the regency romance craving.

BLURB: 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.

Unfortunately, the Earl of Strathrannoch has no idea who she is.

When a bewitching redheaded stranger offers him her hand in marriage, Arthur Baird is stunned—but when he learns that his traitorous brother has been writing to her under Arthur’s name, he’s bloody furious. He’s content to live alone in his moldering castle, and he has no desire for a provocative, radical wife. (Or at least, he shouldn’t.)

But Arthur is desperate to track down his brother, who’s become dangerously entangled in British espionage, and he needs Lydia’s help. What he doesn’t need? The attraction that burns hotter each moment they spend together. As Lydia slips past his defenses and his brother’s mysterious past becomes a very present threat, Arthur will have to risk everything to keep her safe—even his heart.

🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺

I love love loved this romance. This isn’t the first Alexandra Vasti romance I’ve read (everyone in the romance community read Ne’er Duke Well, and rightfully so), and this author keeps hitting it out of the park. She manages to do something that reminds me of Tessa Dares writing style, which is blend humor, fun, and historical romance. I find that it can be difficult to walk the line of light hearted hilarity, and regency, without going cheesy, and this book does that FLAWLESSLY. Genuinely, Alexander Vasti has a gift, and she’s quickly becoming an auto buy for me.

Heat Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Release: Jan 21 2025

Oh to have an Arthur Strathrannoch (but he's too busy being wiped) of my own. My heart is still swelling from this book. 5stars through and through from the depths of the sea to the highs of the heavens 5 stars!!! This has been a beautiful journey.

Usually I find myself unsatisfied whenever I finish a stand alone but goodness did this deliver; the satisfaction, the love story, the whole book itself
The story is so well orchestrated, well paced, easy to read. The characters development was very pleasant to see throughout the whole book

Can't wait for it to come out, will definitely buy a physical copy! 100% would re-read again and annotate
Would definitely recommend!


SPOILER
And the letters at the end were so cute and perfect to end with, and whenever he calls her "love of mine" i just cant help but tear up a bit. love love love

Earl Crush is a funny and original well-crafted romance. From the first chapter I was intrigued by the MMC who was not your usual aristocrat bachelor. In fact all of the characters were nicely drawn out and different from the "typical" regency romance tropes. Vasti’s characters were endearing and their chemistry was palpable, making for a compelling read. Overall, Earl Crush was an enjoyable and heartwarming read that will leave fans of the genre satisfied and eager for more from this group of friends.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of Earl Crush - I’m obsessed! What a fun story of mystery, romance and adventure. I laughed, I felt embarrassed, and I felt love - what more can a girl ask for. Arthur and Lydia are both such idiots but they’re MY idiots 😌🫶🏻

Some notes:
- the zebra’s were such a fun addition to the story
- Bertie and Huw are icons, we love them
- Whenever Arthur referred to Lydia as his wife even though they were fake married… ok go off king
- I love a man who’s obsessed with his (fake)wife

Earl Crush follows Lydia, Selina's dear friend, from Ne'er Duke Well. She has been corresponding with who she believes in the Earl of Strathrannoch. She journeys to Scottland to offer a marriage of convivence, and in turn finds out that she has been cat fished by the Earl's brother. She becomes embroiled in a plan to work with the actual Earl of Strathrannoch, and find said brother.

What ensues is a bit of the best kind of chaos. There are zebras, mystery and intrigue, pining, swoony moments, gun powder, and some of the most beautiful character growth.

I loved watching Lydia become more sure of herself throughout this novel. She starts as an anxious wallflower, who writes behind a pseudonym. By the end, she is sure of herself and her beliefs. Part of that is due to the support and care from Arthur.

Our boy Arthur is a simp and I love him so much. He also has a beautiful journey of not feeling worthy of love, to putting it all on the line for love.

I loved every part of this book, even the outlandish parts. Especially the letter. Especially the zebras.

Really struggled with this one, the first few chapters make the FMC so unappealing that I did not proceed further. Puke should not feature so early in a book! This is a shame because prior books by this author were so good and I was genuinely excited for this one

If you're in the mood for a Regency rom-com that’s equal parts caper and romance, Alexandra Vasti’s "Earl Crush" should be on your reading list. With a plot that delivers miscommunication, espionage, and a marriage of convenience, this book ticks all the boxes for lovers of historical romance.

Lydia Hope-Wallace is a wallflower heiress with a secret—she’s been writing revolutionary pamphlets and exchanging letters with the Earl of Strathrannoch for three years. When she discovers that the Earl’s finances are in dire straits, she rushes off to Scotland with a bold plan: to offer herself as his bride. The catch? The real Earl, Arthur Baird, has never written to her. The letters were from his mysterious brother, leading to a mistaken-identity situation that spirals into a much bigger adventure.

Arthur is everything you want in a Scottish hero: brooding, quiet, and a bit of a recluse. He’s resistant to the idea of marriage, especially to someone he’s never met, but he needs Lydia’s help to track down his brother, who’s tangled up in espionage. Lydia is one of the most relatable heroines I’ve read in a while. She’s socially anxious yet fierce in her convictions, making her both vulnerable and strong. The way Arthur quietly supports and protects her throughout the story really adds to his charm. Their romance unfolds slowly, with plenty of tension and moments that had me smiling.

While the plot weaves in espionage and political intrigue, the heart of the story is the relationship between these two characters. There’s the perfect mix of humor, heartfelt moments, and of course, a few spicy scenes to keep things interesting. And the cameos from characters in Vasti’s previous novel, "Ne’er Duke Well," will delight returning readers without alienating newcomers.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.