Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti is an absolute delight—a Regency rom-com that balances wit, intrigue, and heartfelt emotion with masterful ease. Lydia Hope-Wallace, a spirited and secretly seditious heiress, is a protagonist who leaps off the page with her audacity and sharp intellect. Her decision to propose a marriage of convenience to the brooding Earl of Strathrannoch is bold and wildly entertaining.
Arthur Baird, the reluctant and reclusive earl, is the perfect foil for Lydia. Their chemistry crackles from the start, with every interaction layered with humour, tension, and an irresistible pull. Arthur's gruff demeanour softens in the most endearing ways as Lydia pushes her way into his life and heart.
The espionage subplot adds a thrilling layer to the romance, blending danger and intrigue seamlessly into the narrative. Vasti's skillful pacing keeps the stakes high, ensuring that each twist and turn feels surprising and satisfying.
Mhairi Morrison's narration elevates the story even further. Her nuanced performance captures Lydia's wit and determination and Arthur's brooding charm with remarkable depth. Each character's voice feels distinct and perfectly suited to their personality, immersing the listening experience.
With its clever dialogue, richly drawn characters, and a love story that sizzles and soars, Earl Crush is a gem that I'll happily revisit. Alexandra Vasti has once again delivered a romance that captivates from start to finish.

How do I love Alexandra Vasti? Let me count the ways. A reclusive earl. A seditious pamphlet-writing lady. A menagerie of zebras. A marriage proposal. A missing rifle scope. A fake marriage. Espionage. An assassination attempt. Did I mention zebras?

Earl Crush is an absolutely delightful regency romance. The characters--Arthur, the reclusive Earl of Strathrannoch, and the wallflower pamphleteer Lydia Hope-Wallace--are perfect for each other, even though there's originally some confusion due to the fact that Arthur's brother had been writing to Lydia for YEARS *as* the earl. The anticipation of their wedding vows, if you know what I mean, is steam par excellence.

The narrator of the audiobook, Mhairi Morrison, delivers an outstanding performance. I simultaneously wanted to listen to it nonstop and also drag it out because I didn't want it to end. In addition to the swoon-worthy romance, there's a healthy dose of suspense and intrigue as Arthur and Lydia race to find his brother and the missing rifle scope.

The only question I have now is what will I read while I wait for Alexandra's next book? *quietly sobs*

Thank you Dreamscape Media for the my ALC.

Alexandra Vasti and Mhairi Morrison are the perfect histrom duo! I've listened to all of their audiobooks for the novellas and novels and this one is probably my favorite yet! Mhairi Morrison perfectly captures the magic of a story that can go from whip smart, sexy banter to action-packed chase scenes to emotional intimacy - genius!! Can't wait to listen to what these two create next!!

I was absolutely charmed by this book. The characters were so well developed and easy to root for (including the side characters). The relationship between the two main characters was so sweet. They go from strangers to sort of reluctant friends to being fake married to being actually in love. But make no mistake, there was some serious pining from the start. Arthur was down bad for Lydia (we love to see it). Lydia was also very socially anxious and I loved how Arthur helped her with that.
The theft/espionage subplot was also well done and I liked how everything tied together and how all the trouble the main characters got into helped bring it together.
This was such a fun historical romcom that I could not put down and had me giggling the whole time I was reading

The audio for this book was really well done. The narrator was easy to understand and I loved the accents she did for each character and all the emotion she put into the story. This was a really enjoyable book to listen to!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC!

What a delight this was. Vasti's storylines feel fresh and non-predictable in a genre that (and not to complain about or dump on the familiar shape that a romance novel takes, but still) can sometimes feel well-worn. It was lovely to (briefly) see the characters from the previous book in the series, although I'd say it wasn't necessary to have read Ne'er Duke Well to read this book.

This one sees the socially anxious heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace, still single after seven seasons, decide that she will propose a marriage of convenience to the Earl of Strathrannoch, whom she believes she has had years of correspondence with, in her secret life as a seditious pamphleteer. Except that when she gets there, he has no idea who she is.

It's such a good premise.

There's a ridiculous regency-era menagerie that includes a herd of giraffes (the upper classes sure put the eccentric into eccentricity), found family, actual family who are up to their own shenanigans, a Plot, and the hero and heroine are just great together. Thoroughly enjoyable.

I have yet to not love a Vasti book and this one is no exception. I eyeballed and ear-balled and truly cannot decide which I prefer.

Vasti’s writing stands fiercely on its own but Morrison is top tier so the audio is 1000% worth it.

If you’ve read book one in this series you’ll recognize the FMC. Lydia is funny, smart, a great friend, adventurous, and crippled by anxiety.

Arthur, the MMC is a Scottish earl holding on to his (financially disastrous) legacy as tightly as he can while actually providing for his tenants and devoted staff.

When Lydia shows up at Arthur’s to propose a marriage of convenience he’s stunned and she’s stunned into physical illness when she learns that he is in fact NOT the man she’s been corresponding with for years.

As they agree to work together to solve a (very good and gripping) mystery somehow involving both their brothers, Lydia and Arthur start to fall in love. He respects and frankly cherishes her anxiety while insisting she need not subject herself to it constantly. She finds that her determination to get to the bottom of the story makes her brave and also ready to accept help.

I loved every character in this book, every side story, every intimate moment, and all the other bits.

The epistolary elements (the epilogue my goodness), the sex, the found family, and the author’s note were my favorite parts but frankly all of it was so good I feel irresponsible highlighting just those few things.

Anyway, read this book!

Mhairi Morrison is a phenomenal narrator and when paired with Alexandra Vasti it is a match made in historical romance heaven. Morrison brings Vasti’s words to life!

The second installment in the Belvoir’s Library series is fantastic!! Alexandra Vasti takes her sophomore novel to new heights with laugh out loud humor, authentic character growth and an absolutely dreamy romance! Lydia and Arthur are incredible main characters with excellent banter and chemistry. It’s a joy to fall in love with them! This Scottish road-trip with forced proximity, found family, slow burn, and epistolary elements is a delight for new and experienced historical romance readers. I cannot wait to see what Vasti writes next. She’s a voice to watch!

Thank you Dreamscape Media for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

Ne’er Duke Well is my favorite book of 2024 so I’m beyond excited to get to read Earl Crush early.

We start off with Lydia preparing herself to propose marriage to her pen pal, the Earl of Strathrannoch. When she arrives, they discover he has no idea who she is and that his brother, Davis, was impersonating him. Arthur is in the midst of trying to locate Davis as he’s stolen a rifle-scope from him and he asks Lydia for help. As they try to uncover Davis’ whereabouts they spend more time together and begin to fall in love.

I was so excited for Lydia’s story. She can barely chat with men without fainting but Arthur and this adventure push her out of her comfort zone. Their friendship grows into love and they will just make you swoon. I generally prefer two narrators when there is dual pov, but Mhairi Morrison’s narration of both Lydia and Arthur was perfect. I need all the books written and narrated by this duo!

I just listened to the audiobook (I previously read the eARC in October) and it is SO GOOD! I still adore Lydia and Arthur and this book is already one of my favorites of 2025. Mhairi Morrison does a marvelous job narrating the story. You can’t go wrong with whichever version you choose!

This story was an absolutely zany adventure. The plot involves a roadtrip with many wild mishaps but all the humor is grounded in heartfelt character dynamics so the book never felt unbalanced. As always I adored how sex-positive her stories are and how well drawn her characters are. I fell hard for Lydia and Arthur. They both desperately want to be seen and appreciated for who they are and it was absolutely adorable watching them realize what a good team they make. Like all Vasti heroes, Arthur falls hard for Lydia and it was really sweet to see them both find people that will give them the unswerving admiration and support that they've been yearning for. Lydia charmed me just as much as Arthur did. I loved that she had social anxiety but was still bold in following her convictions. I loved that a heroine was allowed to be fierce while also having anxiety. I appreciated that strength could look different and still be respected. I also loved that Vasti used real wild historical facts when planning their misadventures. If you're looking for something light and fun that will have you swooning this is a great choice!

Mhairi Morrison has done it again! She is the perfect narrator for a story this hilarious. Alexandra Vasti is an expert at blending heart and humor and Mhairi Morrison is an expert at making sure both sides of the story are brought out in the narration. I want to read every book she's every narrated because she adds so much to every story she lends her talents too.

In Alexandra Vasti’s newest Regency rom-com, a reclusive earl’s life is turned upside down when
heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace shows up on his doorstep to offer her hand in marriage to save his crumbling estate. Arthur Baird, the Earl of Strathrannoch has no clue who this woman is. She claims they have been corresponding for three years. Arthur figures out his brother has been catfishing Lydia and has now stolen an important invention of his so the two set off to find Arthur's brother. There is a bunch of British espionage stuff that honestly is just there to force Lydia and Arthur to spend time with each other. The chemistry between these two is fantastic. The dialogue is witty. The narrator is fantastic. I'll be checking out Vasti's other work soon and keeping an eye out for future titles. There is some side story of Lydia having social anxiety and Arthur having some self-esteem issues. As much as I love the enemies to lovers trope, I really enjoy characters that aren't perfect but who are "green flag" relationships for each other.

Yes, I read this via print and audio within the same month and NO REGRETS. I loved it both ways. Narrator was excellent, beautiful Scottish accent! AH I just love Arthur and Lydia so much!! This book will be a new forever fav. Alexandra Vasti is one of the best newer voices in historical romance in a long time!!

4.5

Alexandra Vasti does it again! For the second day in a row, I've been unable to put down one of her books until I reached the final page...and stayed up way too late to do so. Mhairi Morrison also provides excellent narration, particularly of the hero's Scottish accent (always a plus).

Lydia, politically savvy but socially inept, hatches a plan to propose to an impoverished earl that she's been writing letters to. Only problem is, when she shows up, he has no idea who he is and it turns out she's been writing to his brother instead! However, this opens up a whole new mystery of what Arthur (the earl)'s brother has been up to, and soon they are traveling together as pretend newlyweds and encountering all kinds of ridiculous and romantic scenarios. So many good tropes, including only-one-horse (which might be superior to only-one-bed) and we-have-to-kiss-to-not-look-suspicious. As a youngest daughter with older brothers, I also appreciated Lydia's similar family dynamic. There's some miscommunication at the end which bothered me a bit, but otherwise this was the perfect historical rom-com!

I will now be anxiously awaiting Georgianna's book, which I've heard will be sapphic (!!), and catching up on all Alexandra Vasti's other published novels. Highly recommend!

Vasti really nailed the swoon factor with this book. Two shy MCs foisted together by a misunderstanding with a backdrop of political intrigue? So perfect. Notes at the beginning of chapters with further insight into the MC’d feelings? Also perfect.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an early release audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars

Sweet love story between Lydia and Arthur. A bit spicier than I was expecting but I really enjoyed their escapades throughout the UK to solve a mystery.

I enjoyed Mhairi Morrison's narration.

Lydia Hope-Wallace has been corresponding with the Earl of Strathrannoch, under the same alias that she uses to write her seditious pamphlets, so she already assumes that the day she appears on his doorstep to propose a marriage of convenience that he’ll be surprised. Except, he hasn’t been the one writing to her and has no idea who “H” even is. Mortified beyond belief, Lydia tries to flee, but instead is waylaid by the earl’s pack of zebras. Arthur guesses Lydia’s correspondent may be his younger brother who has been ingratiating himself to the local Scottish aristocracy, and agrees to work with the captivating Lydia to locate him.

Alexandra Vasti ups the ante for her second full-length novel, with over the top hijinks and more plot than we can summarize in a blurb. Are a lot of the plot points “romance reasons”?- yes! But Vasti backs it all up with extensive historical research to ensure her characters are on a historically accurate regency era adventure. Laura Kinsale is one of Vasti’s favorite authors, and I happened to be reading Earl Crush alongside My Sweet Folly by Kinsale. I started seeing some really fascinating parallels: My Sweet Folly, in particular of the Kinsales I’ve read, has a plot that never stops, with the characters continuing to encounter new twists and turns. (To Vasti’s credit, the plot moments her characters experience do actually make sense in line with the story progression, and I can’t necessarily say the same for Kinsale.) I read the epistolary epilogue for Earl Crush approximately ten hours before I read the epistolary epilogue for My Sweet Folly, and the parallel filled me with warmth.

Even though this is Vasti’s second full-length book, she’s easily a comfort read author for me. Her signature style is comprised of deliciously tactile intimate scenes and deeply romantic relationships mixed with ridiculously fun plots based in historical research. I can’t recommend her writing enough: she’s a particularly good entry point for readers newer to the historical romance genre with her blend of easy dialogue and sound research with approachable prose.

3.5 stars rounded up

I didn't love the beginning, but this won me over by the end. Earl Crush is a fun historical romance about a painfully shy woman who writes radical political pamphlets and a reclusive Scottish earl who she thinks she has been corresponding with. The book opens with her going to propose a marriage of convenience, only to discover that the author was his brother who is missing.

It's a very rompy book that weaves in real history, but I felt like the romance got going too quickly, before I had a chance to feel like I knew the characters and cared about them. It got there in the end, but more could have been done earlier I think. There's also more sex than I would typically expect from a traditionally published book this length. Which I didn't mind, but again it just started a bit too quickly for my taste. I did love the couple by the end though and had fun reading. The audio narration is good, though I don't know that I was getting a believably shy heroine from that. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

I read this while also listening to portions of it while on walks, I like Vasti's recent books so much and i'm excited for this series to continue.

Alexandra Vasti and Mhairi Morrison are the most dynamic duo! This is my second time reading Earl Crush and it just keeps getting better.

Morrison’s narration is SPECTACULAR and I ADORE the humor (every performer has a delightful cheekiness) and emotion (the tender, quieter moments just hug your heart) she infuses into every characters’ voice. I love how every character has distinct voices and characteristics and you know immediately which characters are involved in the scene.

Lydia and Arthur’s love story is one of the most romantic, tender, precious, and beautiful stories I have ever read. The epistolary elements woven throughout are EVERYTHING - their love letters will leave your breathless with their vulnerability, care, heart, and hope.