Lydia was a hilarious and interesting FMC that had layers of depth, I enjoyed the whole plot of this book as well as the romance. The conflict to me felt somewhat reasonable, but I liked the way it played out. Overall I had a good time reading this!

Earl Crush is a charmer of a read, cementing Vasti as a master of humorous historical romance. Lydia and Arthur are two people who are longing—longing for companionship, longing for security, and barely even hoping for love. And Lydia is convinced, after years of writing to Arthur, that she can persuade him into a marriage of convenience. After all, they agree on so many things. It’s shocking to discover—after she’s journeyed to his Scottish estate—that he wasn’t the one writing to her.

Lydia and Arthur are both similar. Each feels the weight of responsibility, Lydia for her social causes that she writes persuasive pamphlets on, Arthur for the debt-ridden estate and its tenants that he inherited. And each is surpassingly insecure. Neither Lydia nor Arthur believe in their ability to interact with people—and yet each makes the other feel more capable. And when that happens, the result is all sorts of mayhem.

Their story is interwoven with family mysteries and hurtful heritages, meddlesome servants and friends, conspiracies and plots, and a wayward herd of zebras. Throughout, Lydia and Arthur grow in confidence and stability, each realizing that to gain what they want, they must break from the shells they’ve built around themselves. The result is a whimsical yet deeply felt love story that will bring a smile to your face and warm your heart all at once.

I got swept right up into Lydia’s adventures in Scotland. Lydia is a strong FMC. Enjoyed her marriage of convenience with a twist! And bonus points for Scotland tidbits including lovely Dunkeld. Will go back and read #1 in this series!

Alexandra Vasti’s Earl Crush delivers a delightful mix of wit, romance, and intrigue, cementing its place as a must-read Regency romp. With a strong-willed heroine and a brooding hero, this novel strikes a perfect balance between humor and heartfelt emotion.

Lydia Hope-Wallace is a refreshing protagonist—a wallflower heiress turned radical pamphleteer who isn’t afraid to take bold risks. Her decision to propose a marriage of convenience to the Earl of Strathrannoch sets the stage for a series of delightful and unexpected twists. Arthur Baird, the reclusive earl, is equally compelling, with his gruff exterior hiding a deeply caring and honorable heart. Their chemistry crackles from the moment they meet, and their witty banter adds a layer of charm to the story.

The plot is both engaging and layered, with Arthur’s search for his estranged, espionage-entangled brother adding a suspenseful edge. The contrast between Lydia’s spirited determination and Arthur’s reluctance to embrace change creates a dynamic relationship that evolves beautifully over the course of the book. The Scottish setting—complete with a crumbling castle—provides a rich, atmospheric backdrop that enhances the story’s romantic and adventurous elements.

While the pacing is generally strong, the resolution of certain plot threads, particularly those involving Arthur’s brother, feels a bit rushed. Additionally, some readers may find the political undertones—though relevant and well-integrated—to be slightly heavy-handed at times.

Despite these minor quibbles, Earl Crush is an absolute delight. Vasti’s sharp writing and keen eye for historical detail make the novel both entertaining and immersive. Fans of Regency romance will find themselves thoroughly charmed by Lydia and Arthur’s journey.

This is the second book that I've read from this author. Alexandra Vasti is definitely talented and her books are mostly enjoyable. Unfortunately, her books have some modern concepts that I don't want to see in HR. The FMC is a political radical. She is secretly fighting for women's suffrage and the abolishment of the aristocracy. I don't like reading about political issues in my leisure time. Also, if there was no aristocracy, my beloved genre would not be able to exist as I know it!
Early on in the story, some male side characters were introduced as a couple. I decided to ignore it because the author did mention something about this in her content notes. When I later reread the notes, I saw that the author was actually warning of homophobia! To me, it stands to reason that people living non-traditional lifestyles in the 1800s, would absolutely have raised some eyebrows! I don't think that I would have given this content warning. Perhaps I would have presented the content a bit differently, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions about the nature of the relationship.
In closing, I think that more progressively minded readers will really like this book. Unfortunately, it wasn't my cup of tea, but I gave it a good rating in recognition of the author's talent and hard work. I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.

If you take a look at my reviews, you’ll know I am not a romance reader. But after reading Ne’er Duke Well, I knew I was a Alexandra Vasti reader. Her writing is so easy to read and everything flows so nicely in the story. The characters fall for each other pretty quickly, which I don’t usually like, but it seems to work well with the plot, making the rest of the story much more entertaining - especially as they are pretending to be married.

I love the tension at the end and how much of a himbo Arthur ends up being. There is also a good message about learning to love yourself throughout this book which was perfect.

Earl Crush is Alexandra Vasti's follow-up to Ne'er Duke Well, and the book has a very similar vibe to its predecessor. The heroine is initially a wallflower who blossoms through the story, and the hero is initially surly but also emerges from his shell as the romance grows. The plot was okay but felt meandering at times. This may be the story for you if you enjoy mystery, intrigue, humor, and character progression in a modernized Regency setting. I'm usually into those things, too, but this just wasn't the book for me.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for gifting me with an ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

EARL CRUSH is a satisfyingly rich, romantic and authentic story. It follows the story of a shy, lady named Lydia who has been writing secretive inflammatory political booklets and has been a penpal with the Earl of Strathrannoch. He writes and tells her of his financial dilemmas. She knows the location of his estate and travels there with a chaperone with an offer of wedlock, to relieve Arthur's money problems. Will he say yes? She's astonished to see animals, a decaying castle and the big, burly bloke at the door isn't Arthur. What should she do?

Arthur Baird opens his door and finds a pretty lady offering matrimony, who he doesn't know from Adam. Turns out, Lydia has been writing to his disloyal brother who is impersonating as him. What a mess! Also, Arthur learns his brother is embroiled in deadly British clandestine activities and he needs her help. What he doesn't need is his attraction to the captivating, stunning lady. Lydia's delightful demeanor entrances him. Arthur might be crusty and blunt, but Lydia senses a sensitive side and falls for the gentle, generous man. Are there wedding bells in the future for this unlikely couple?

EARL CRUSH has a light comedic touch, a mystery to solve, a marriage of convenience and much, much more! I loved the build up of romance between Arthur and Lydia, which Arthur doesn't want or so he thinks! Fate has a way of squeezing in sparks of attraction when you least expect it. The author's story reaches deep and touches the soul. There is historical relevance interwoven in the story along with fictional touches to elevate the plot to a winning status. This is a riveting, rollicking read that the reader will most likely savor more than once!

I know we’re all in an Onyx Storm haze right now, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t give flowers when flowers are due. Earl Crush came out this week and friends, this book is so dang good. I looooved this story! There is romance, adventure, mystery, humor, Scotland, lots of spice, and two MCs with sizzling chemistry.

I was immediately hooked and on team Lydia. She is loyal, brilliant, kind, and brave. Arthur is the grumpy loner nobleman we all love to love. Their story was so much fun to get lost in, now I want to read everything @alexandravasti has ever written. Highly recommend!!

Lydia is a shy (wealthy) spinster but she's had a great correspondence with the Earl of Strathrannoch and she decides that since he's destitute but has similar political views, they'd suit. She shows up at his door to propose such an idea and he has no idea who she is... yikes! And the story could go many ways from there but this story is an adventure, there are a lot of stakes, espionage, zebras, escaping a carriage and well, falling in love.
It was a lot for a historical romance, and I enjoyed it. Both Lydia and the Earl had great character arcs (Lydia moreso). Through the Earl's love and trust she began to build confidence and really show her inner strength to the world. The Earl was able to see more of his own good qualities and what he had to offer Lydia and beyond. It was well written, fast-paced, funny, and enjoyable!

Earl Crush
By: @alexandravasti
5 stars

I have a crush on the Earl too!! This was such a fun time! Thank you @libro.fm for the gifted ALC of this one! I listened to the interconnected book 1, Ne’er Duke Well, first before diving into this one. I am so glad that I did because it gave me better insight into our wallflower FMC, Lydia Hope-Wallace. She was brilliant in her book and I loved watching her character come into her own through despite her social anxiety with the love and support of Arthur!

Lydia, a supremely successful anonymous pamphleteer, has been corresponding with who she believes is the Earl of Strathrannoch, all the way out in Scotland. Having believed she’s met a man who will respect her political aspirations and having formed a connection for the last 3 years, she travels to Scotland to propose a marriage of convenience to the Earl only to find out he has no idea who she is. [ insert vomiting into a potted plant and having an existential meltdown!!!!] Arthur Baird, the Earl of Strathrannoch, comes to realize that his younger brother Davis has been writing to Lydia and discovers that he his brother is mixed in with some British espionage. Together, he and Lydia decide to track down Davis to prevent any scheme he has cooked up that leads them onto a path filled with banter, mystery solving, and only one bed scenes!

I loved how emboldened Lydia felt with Arthur! He constantly told her she was smart, brave, strong, things she never considered herself to be before. Their growing romance never felt forced and they relied on each other’s strengths to solve the mystery together. Watching Arthur fall slowly in love with Lydia was such a pleasure to experience. He not only admired her for her beauty but her mind and courage. UGH! He just melted my heart.

Throughout the story there’s little inserts of letters and correspondence that bled more life into the story. We also had an amazing cast of characters again with Georgiana returning from book one and being the star of book 3! Cannot wait for that! The audio was perfection and the Scottish accent for Arthur was SO GOOD! And that epilogue?!? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!?!! I could cry it was so perfect!!

This book delivers a perfect mix of hijinks, espionage, found family, and love—with just the right amount of steamy moments—while exploring themes of self-acceptance.

I enjoyed this story immensely. The cast of characters was unforgettable, each bringing something special to Lydia and Arthur’s journey and making the plot even more engaging. I particularly appreciated the historical elements woven into the narrative, as noted by the author in the afterword. It’s always a bonus when a book entertains and enlightens at the same time without feeling heavy-handed.

The story kept me invested from beginning to end, and the twist near the conclusion was a fantastic surprise.

I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series for Georgianna's story.

Alexandra has delivered another winner!

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s for the digital ARC!

Vasti's steamy, funny, swoony, and charming Regency rom-com series centers on 'radical' women who challenge the period's status quo and gender expectations. Ne'er Duke Well (book 1) introduces Belvoir's Library, which includes a hush-hush secret erotica segment and publishes radical political pamphlets written by our Book 2 heroine, Lydia Hope-Wallace.
- Wallflower heroine heiress (might pass out, might puke in a plant, might proposed a marriage)
- Marriage of convenience (ahem, proposed)
- Reclusive *hot* Earl with Ali Hazelwood tree trunk thighs and an empty bank account
- Mistaken identity
- Weapons theft, espionage, and action!
- Forced proximity (only one bed, only one horse, only one dark stairwell)
- Mutual pining and loads of *eye banging*
- Great banter, chemistry, and character growth
- ZEBRAS!
Earl Crush is so fun, and audiobook narrator, Mhairi Morrison, does a phenomenal job with the Scottish accent, as well as capturing Lydia's duality between social anxiety and the fiery political writer.
Readers who love Regency period romances with a bit of mystery/suspense, and with diversity/modern characters will love this one!

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

This was a fun read! I have a special place in my heart for historical romance and I sometimes find it hard to compare to my favourite author in this category (Evie Dunmore). This one took me a little while to get into but I definitely enjoyed it.

I always have a little trouble with the beginning of books as I’m impatient and just want to get to the good stuff. I’m the beginning I had this feeling but I got into it soon after and flew through the rest. There’s something about historical romance and that slow burn and pining that comes with it in most cases that make them so delicious to read.

Lovely read!

I fell in love with Ne’er Duke Well and I was super excited when I realized it would be a series and this book was just as good as the first! I loved this one from start to finish especially with the Zebras and Lydia’s attempt as escaping Arthur’s estate on horseback. It was so fun from the start and I enjoyed every moment, especially the little snippets of the letters in the beginning of each chapter.

Lydia and Arthur have a crazy amount of chemistry that makes it impossible for the, to ignore. I love that they end up not being able to deny it anymore and end up fake married, I haven’t seen this trope in a historical romance but loved how it played out and hope to see it more later. The letters and the chase after Arthur’s brother added a great suspense line that kept me on my toes and had a lot of twists I didn’t see coming!

I saw the next book in the series and I can’t wait to read it, I just love this author’s writing and her stories and want more and more!

I received an advance reader copy from the publisher!

Thank you to SMP Romance for the review copy!

Earl Crush begins with Lydia Hope-Wallace, a wallflower heiress, travelling to propose a marriage of conveniences to Arthur Baird, Earl of Strathrannoch. From their years of correspondence, she feels they are well suited, and he could use her inheritance for his dire financial setting. The problem? Arthur hasn’t even written to, or even heard of, Lydia.

It took me a bit to really connect with this one the way I have with Vasti’s previous work. Each character was a bit reserved, and there was a little too much plot outside of their relationship in the beginning, but once they started really connecting I was DEEPLY invested and ended up loving this one! Each character was kind of a nerdy wallflower in their own way, and they were just two peas in a pod and SO cute.

If you love a plot that includes everything from runaway zebras to espianage - this one is absolutely for you! There is plenty of steam and romance.

🎧 I really enjoy Morrison’s narration. She is well suited to a fast-moving, somewhat bonkers plot with her quick narration. She continues to show off her accent worth with a Scottish Earl, flowing seamlessly between characters and accents as she reads. Earl Crush was fantastic on audio!

This is the second planned book in the Belvoir’s Library series, but can be read as a standalone!

Well this was a wild romp of a time! I really loved the dynamics between Arthur and Lydia, how he supported and admired her without treating her like a child. I also loved how Lydia was able to work through her shyness, whila also realizing her quietness is not a weakness. I also enjoyed the mystery aspect of the story, and liked the conclusion of that plot. I also love Lydia's brothers, and would love to get their romances in the future! I also love Hugh and Bertie, and would love to know more about their love story as well.

I requested to read and review this book for free from St. Martin Publishing Company. This was a great read. Arthur is a character that is just reserved but is loyal and a defender. Has been dealt with a rough family history. But can he overcome it to do what is right and find the person he needs for him to be in his life. Lydia knows what she wants in life and is determined to get her way. Can she overcome the obstacles in her life to do what she wants to do and find her forever person. Can family help these two to succeed or will family and their family history drive them to abandon the things they want and need in life. Can friends help each of them reach their goals or will disaster strike and hope is lost. This is for a mature audience but can be read anywhere!

Giving this 4 stars because I enjoyed it immensely more than her first full novel, Ne'er Duke Well. I found myself loving the romance, the plot, and the characters throughout most of the novel!

This story follows Lydia, who we meet in Vasti's aforementioned first novel. She has been writing these provocative pamphlets in secret under the pseudonym "H." She has been exchanging letters with (who she thinks) is Arthur, the Earl of Strathrannoch, under this pseudonym.

When the latest letter from Arther reveals he is having financial struggles, Lydia devises a plan. She will show up to Strathrannoch Castle to propose a marriage of convenience to herself. She has a hefty dowry she can give to him, so what better way to help save this man who she has befriended through letters?

I was disappointed with Vasti's first novel, but this one was a fun time! My favorite part of the whole thing was definitely the romance. Arthur and Lydia had wonderful chemistry that practically jumped off the page. I also enjoyed the side characters, namely, Lydia's brothers and Arthur's found family.

My enjoyment wained a bit toward the end. I felt like the plot was very jumbled and, maybe this is on me, but I found myself confused for the last 50 pages. Like why did this one character do this one thing? And why did this even happen? Other than the last 50ish pages, I enjoyed myself so much and i can't wait to read Vasti's next book.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I think this is very much a case of it's not the book, it's me. I had heard such glowing reviews about Vasti's novellas from book friends with similar taste that I jumped at the chance to read her novels. Book one was okay but didn't really work for me but I was very intrigued by Lydia and eager to try again. Alas, it's clear that the author's voice doesn't really work for me so in the end this was just fine for me.