POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

This book could’ve been about boiling water for all I cared, because I loved the title and cover and so far haven’t read anything I didn’t like from the author, but this one is definitely my favorite (and it’s about way more interesting things than boiling water)!

First of all, Arthur is EVERYTHING good in this world and I absolutely adored him. I loved his sense of humor, how much he cared for everyone, and how he fell hard and fast for Lydia. It was also great how Lydia really became the best version of herself throughout this book, all with a little help from Arthur who believed she was brave and helped her see it. The tension between these two is 🔥 I do wish there would’ve been more communication from Lydia about her feelings for Arthur’s brother, because I believe Arthur felt she had deeper feelings for him than she did.

With Scotland as the setting, a little suspense with the romance, and a lot of laughs and heartwarming moments, this book checked all the boxes for me!

Earl Crush, Alexandra Vasti’s latest novel, was such a fun book to read! Lydia Hope-Wallace is a sharp, witty, very intelligent woman who writes political pamphlets under the pen name of H. If not, she would be shunned by society for her radical thoughts. She has been corresponding with the Earl of Strathrannock, as he agrees with some of her radical thoughts. However, when she travels to Scotland to propose marriage to the Earl, she finds out he has no idea who she is. Then who is the “Arthur Baird” she has been exchanging letters with for a few years?

What ensues is a wonderfully romantic mystery/comedy with fantastic secondary characters. Lydia and Arthur are a perfect match. Both have social anxiety. He needs money and she is a wealthy heiress who needs to marry. They are each other’s pot and lid.

Ms. Vasti combines incredible friendship, feminism, romance, adventure, family, and hot smexy scenes into Lydia and Arthur’s marvelous story. I can’t wait to see what she writes next! Thank you to the author, Netgalley, and the publisher for an Advanced Reader Copy. I voluntarily read the book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Alexandra Vasti strikes again! Earl Crush is somehow even better than its predecessor. It starts with a twist on a classic trope: Lydia thought she’d been anonymously corresponding with Arthur, the Scottish Earl of Strathrannoch. When it turns out his brother wrote the letters, Lydia and Arthur end up falling for each other while solving the mystery of his motives and whereabouts! We have zany hijinks, starting with mistaken identity and a stampede of zebras and continuing apace! We have the estate manager and his partner (found family) masterminding matchmaking shenanigans! We have an unlikely group of misfits capering through the countryside! And, perfectly chaotically, we have one tiny little lie of necessity spiraling out of control into a full on fake marriage plot.

One of the things I realized as I wrote this review is that Earl Crush contains echos of some of my favorite books. Like Talia Hibbert’s Chloe Brown, Lydia embodies the “I’m taking this chance to change my life” trope. She’s through letting her crippling anxiety run the show, and seeing herself through Arthur’s eyes helps her acknowledge her own bravery. I also found tidbits of Courtney Milan’s The Duchess War— a pamphlet calling to abolish the aristocracy, this time authored by the heroine, a wallflower whose anxiety hides a sense of justice and a strategic mind! As always Vasti connects the political to the personal, including fascinating historical detail without it feeling pedantic or didactic, such a fine needle to thread.

Arthur is a new fave, “this rough-tender blacksmith of an earl.” He is forever grabbing Lydia’s chin for emphasis and I love it. Lust makes this gentle man feral, a la my favorite Meredith Duran line: “it was not only his body that needed her. it was not only her body that he needed.” Arthur has these vibes without the resistance of a Duran hero— he’s not resentful of his desire for her, he’s grateful. He’s giving excellent exasperated man with a heaping helping of I see you…plus that trope where a hero who thinks he’s unworthy strives to become so by meeting her every s*xual need, to “bind her to him with pleasure.” ABSOLUTELY NO NOTES.

Happy Publishing Day to @alexandravasti and her new book Earl Crush!

It is the second of a series, but truly works as a standalone if you haven’t read Ne’er Duke Well yet. Speaking of which I really enjoyed that book, but I LOVED and ADORED this one!

Earl Crush is about Lydia Hope-Wallace, a 26 year old, never been kissed, on her way to spinsterhood, totally badass political pamphlet writing queen. She has been secret penpals with the Earl of Strathrannoch, and thinks they will suit, so she takes off for his castle in Scotland to propose a marriage of convenience. She arrives only to discover zebras everywhere, and that the Earl is actually not the one who has been writing her, only after she proposes of course! From there adventure, humor, love, a roadtrip, and passion ensue. Each step of the way was so deliciously perfect.

This book is out today and so worth your time! So excited that Georgiana’s book is already set to come out this fall and we don’t have to wait a whole year!

Thanks to @netgalley the author and @stmartinspress for an E-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

I received this book for free from Netgalley. That did not influence this review.

Alexander Vasti, author of Ne’er Duke Well, has a new book out today in the Belvoir series, Earl Crush. This is an entertaining romp of a Regency Romance, a fine follow-up to the first.

Lydia Hope-Wallace is intelligent, beautiful, and passionate about social justice. Unfortunately, she suffers from an almost crippling social anxiety. This leaves her unable to attract a husband in the usual way. So she focuses her attention on the cause of equality for all. Men and women. She writes inflammatory pamphlets that are published and distributed by her friend Selena (who readers will have met in book 1, the owner of Belvoir library and publishers.) She signs the pamphlets only as “H.”

One of her readers has written back to her, repeatedly, through her publisher. They discovered a true meeting of the minds. This reader signed his letters as Lord Strathrannoch, an impoverished Scottish earl. Lydia, the possessor of a substantial dowry, decides to go to Scotland and propose. Unfortunately, when she arrives, the earl has no idea who she is. He didn’t write the letters. That was his brother, assuming his identity.

Arthur Baird, the Fifth Earl of Strathrannoch, is a gentle giant of a man. He’s very conscientious, caring for his tenants, but a recluse. He hasn’t been looking for a wife. Arthur is also an inventor. And one of his inventions was recently stolen by the same brother who has been writing to Lydia and using his name.

The two join forces to track down this brother. During their adventures, they find themselves lusting after one another increasingly. However, Lydia can’t forget that Arthur rejected her when she first proposed marriage. And Arthur can’t forget that Lydia proposed to him thinking that he was his brother. The steaminess of the novel soon ratchets up to high, especially after they have to pretend to be man and wife.

Readers know they’ll end up together, but there are plenty of surprises along the way. The novel stands alone, but book one will introduce you to Belvoir and to Lydia’s female friends, and they are not to be missed!

Alexandra Vasti has a rare gift for finding the balance between sweet and comedic plots and swoony, sexy love story in a way that results in a lighthearted, action packed, and hot romance that never sacrifices intellect or emotion along the way. Arthur and Lydia are extremely well balanced as a couple and truly a joy to watch them both become stronger and more complete in each other's company. The rapidly escalating stakes of their "fake relationship" felt so organic to both the plot and their characters, and I loved the family of other Belvoir's folks in this story!

Lydia Hope-Wallace, 26, is a very wealthy but shy woman who has always been sheltered by her older brothers. Anonymously, she writes political briefs under the pen name H. These are on hot subjects that could have had her ousted by society if it was found out it was her writing these articles. One man who wrote to her commenting on her articles and agreeing with her is the Earl of Strathrannock. So, she and her friend, Georgina, decide to travel to Strathrannock Castle where she plans to offer to marry the Earl as she understands that the Castle is falling down and he has little money.

When they arrive, Arthur Baird, the fifth Earl of Strathrannock claims to have never written to her. He finally figures it’s his younger brother Davis who is well-educated but a smooth talker. Arthur is an inventor of sorts and Davis stole an invention of his and he fears that if it falls into the wrong hands, it could be dangerous. Author and Lydia join forces to try and find Davis.

This story is busy and the characters are truly delightful. While I’m not wild about cloak and dagger stories in a historical romance novel, this one showed how close our hero and heroine became. There is lots of humor and lots of hot love scenes. Lydia and Arthur’s love story is truly beautiful. Enjoy!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

EARL CRUSH BY ALEXANDRA VASTI



Was there a runaway horse moment?

Is this the most yearning per page of any histrom set mostly in Scotland?

Can I truly ever recover from a man like Arthur Baird, Earl of Strathrannoch?

Does Alexandra Vasti continue to become more my favorite with every subsequent release?



The answer to all these things is yes! If you haven't read a Vasti yet, literally what are you doing with your life???

🦓OUT TODAY🦓

#amreadingromance #bookstagram #review #romancebooks #romancelandia #romancereader #romancereads #books #bookrecommendation #arc #netgalley

I have a new favorite book by Alexandra Vasti…I absolutely adored this one!(sorry Halifaxes you will always have my heart) With the second book in a series, you sometimes worry about a let down… she avoided all those pitfalls and delivered an even stronger book for me to love.

We met Lydia Hope-Wallace in Ne’er Duke Well, and while you don’t have to have read it, you will get a lot more out of this one for reading the series in order. Lydia has crippling social anxiety, but has found her voice by penning seditious pamphlets through Belvoirs as H. She has been corresponding with the Earl of Strathrannoch (she thinks) for a few years. When she takes herself to Scotland to propose a solution to both their troubles…let’s get hitched…. She finds out she hasn’t been writing to him at all, but his brother. But this giant cinnamon roll of an Earl, may just turn out to be just what she never knew she wanted.

Arthur was wonderful. New book boyfriend material. This sweet, tender, fierce giant of a scot had my heart (and Lydia’s) from the beginning. I love when the hero is just TOTALLY GONE for her. The chapter epigraphs were just, swoony… but had me stressing about wait… why not sent! It was a great way to build to the 3rd act conflict.

There’s a menagerie, a zebra stampede, a fake marriage, a madcap series of adventures to find Arthur’s brother, family secrets, some laugh out loud hijinks, and some super hot scenes, along with some truly swoony heartfelt declarations of feelings.

AND THAT EPILOGUE!

I’m so glad I got a chance to read an early copy of this. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley!

After reading Alexandra Vasti’s “Ne’er Duke Well” I knew her next book set in this world. Gosh, I love it when authors do continuations of books within friend groups. You know?!
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.
Fake nuptials and forced proximity to uncover a mystery shrouded in deception and espionage in the English government, but set with a Scottish FMC! Sign me up!
I loved it! Dare I say, I enjoyed this more than Ne’er Duke Well”!
If you are looking for a fast paced historical romance I would pick this up ASAP.

Special thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced E-ARC!

By all accounts, Lydia Hope-Wallace has led a wallflower existence. Despite her shyness, she moonlights as a political columnist and has found an audience for her writing. Especially with the Earl of Strathrannoch. But when the Earl's most recent letters reveal he is in dire financial straights, Lydia sees a solution to both of their problems - a marriage of convenience.

Except when Lydia arrives on the Earl's doorstep, Arthur has no idea who she is or what she's talking about.

This book was exceptional! Mistaken identity, romantic suspense, mystery, force proximity, mutual pining... I could go on! It really had it all and it was so well done. Not to mention Arthur is absolutely adorable in his adoration for Lydia. I was so happy when they got together. This novel, to me, represents a new and exciting direction for Regency-era romances and I can't wait to read more from Alexandra.

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

Alexandra Vasti really is the queen of historical romance for me at the moment. Her books have such wonderful characters, fun and engaging plots, beautifully written spice, and just sheer joy imbedded in the pages. Earl Crush is absolutely no exception.

Lydia Hope-Wallace is a wallflower who writes political pamphlets on the sly. So when she befriends the penniless, Scottish Earl of Strathrannoch penpal style, she decides that they’d suit and goes to offer a mutually beneficial deal - marriage. Only - shock! Gasp! - it turns out she wasn’t speaking to the real Earl (Arthur) at all, but his brother, Davis, who is MIA. Arthur has not a clue who this gorgeous, brainy redheaded is that just showed up at his door, but he’s smitten.

Thanks to some stampeding zebras and meddling servants, they find themselves growing closer as they fake being married in order to untangle a sinister espionage plot involving Arthur’s brother. Hijinks, hilarity, sexy times and mysteries ensue, culminating with a decision for both of them - stay married, or admit the ruse?

Highly recommend if you love historical romance written with heart, spice, and laugh out loud moments.

Earl Crush is a fun romantic comedy set against the stunning backdrop of Scotland in the Regency era. The novel features a strong heroine, Lydia Hope-Wallance, who inadvertently meets the real Earl of Strathrannoch, the moody hero Arthur. For the past three years, Lydia has been writing and publishing pamphlets that challenge societal norms. Arthur's brother, posing as the Earl of Strathrannoch, begins corresponding with Lydia after reading her political writings, charming her with his wit and shared politics. Lydia is in for quite the surprise when she travels to Scotland to meet the Earl and propose a marriage of convenience.

Lydia’s fierce independence is one of the book's highlights—she’s a heroine who knows her mind and refuses to let societal expectations define her. Her modern sensibilities make her easy to connect with while still fitting believably within the historical setting. In contrast, Arthur’s brooding nature adds a delicious tension to their interactions, making their slow-burn romance all the more satisfying and steamy! I also enjoyed the inclusion of the LGBTQ couple who are woven seamlessly into the plot, adding diversity and warmth to the story without feeling forced.

For readers who enjoy love stories with strong characters and a beautiful setting, Earl Crush is a delightful read!

Nothing like a brooding Scottish Earl to get one through a brutal January. Our heroine Lydia is a radical pamphleteer in regency England who has been corresponding with the Earl of Strathrannoch about all things political. She decides she will propose a marriage of convenience with him since they have such a good rapport. She is impossibly shy and has been hopeless for every Season. Sight unseen she travels to Scotland to make this deal, except she wasn’t exchanging letters with the Earl but his brother. This story turns into a swashbuckler as the two must solve the mystery of what Arther’s brother has been up to. Meanwhile, they fall in love. I really enjoyed these characters as well as the twists and turns of their adventures. Another winner from Alexandra Vasti!

Thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy.

Enter my newest book husband, Arthur Baird, Fifth Earl of Strathrannoch.
I LOVE HIM!!

Lydia Hope-Wallace for three years has been penning 'radical' pamphlets under a nom de plume, H. At the same time she has been corresponding with the Earl of Strathrannoch, who wrote to her after one of her pamphlets came to his attention as their political views aligned. When the Earl's recent letter exposes the dire straits of his estate, Lydia (as an heiress) takes it upon herself to show up at his castle door and offer him a marriage of convenience. Yet when she knocks and the door is opened by the true Earl of Strathrannoch, Lydia finds herself on the brink of an unexpected adventure.

Words cannot accurately describe how much I loved this novel. It was everything I needed in a historical romance with a brawny (and brainy) Scot, a heroine who's intelligence & heart knows no bounds & a set of side characters you immediately fall in love with! I'm looking at you Huw & Bertie! I felt such a kinship to Lydia. To her anxiety & how she was able to continually push through with it always there. The scene where Arthur essentially shields Lydia in front of the kippers and asked her what he could do to help her. Brought me to actual tears.

Vasti's characters always feel so complex and Lydia & Arthur showcase just how much. As a reader, I felt their emotions, experienced their hardships & wished fervently for their HEA. For them to be picked by someone who truly saw them; loving their flawed states. And who could come together and make each other just that little bit stronger.

Earl Crush is going to be one of my favourite reads of the year & I cannot wait to read the next in the series! Georgiana is a force!

I have already pre-ordered the audiobook for an immediate reread!

Her new novel, Earl Crush, proves that Alexandra Vasti is an exceptional romance writer. It is 1818 and Lydia is the third richest unmarried heiress in London. Lydia is a talented writer and fiercely independent. However, she knows that she must marry. She plans to propose a marriage of convenience to Lord Strathrannoch, a man she has been corresponding with. Although she is instantly attracted to the Lord, she soon realizes that he is not the man she has been exchanging letters with. Sounds like a typical switcheroo, but this novel is different. Vasti has created interesting supporting characters and fun plots. The story is easy to follow and thankfully the romance builds quickly. Earl Crush is an entertaining escape written by an author who definitely understands what her reader wants.

Ne'er Duke Well was one of my favorite books of 2024, so I've been anxiously awaiting Alexandra's next book, and this did not disappoint!! I adore Lydia and Arthur. And the zebras of course!! Such a fun, fantastic book.

A lovely steamy story of two people with doubts about their overall worth. As they spend time together, they discover both worth and love. A moving story with amazingly well developed characters. A tantalizing story that will hold your attention from beginning until end.

While Earl Crush had an intriguing premise and moments of charm, it ultimately didn’t resonate with me as much as I’d hoped. The story didn’t quite capture my attention, and it’s not one I’d revisit. However, fans of Alexandra Vasti’s style may still find elements to enjoy!

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for a free eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Alexandra Vasti has done it again! I really enjoyed Ne'er Duke Well by her and was the first novel that I've read of hers. Suffice it to say that I enjoyed this one as well. Is it literary fiction? Obviously not, but that doesn't stop the reader from really enjoying this easy to read and fast-paced steamy historical romance.
Lydia Hope-Wallace (to whom readers were introduced in the first novel of this series) goes to Scotland from London to propose a marriage of convenience to an Earl, with whom she's corresponding through letters over the last 3 years. Unfortunately, she find outs that the Earl is not the one she's sending or receiving the letters from but his younger brother. When she agrees to help him track his younger brother down, an adventure full of calamity, mutual pining, and tender moments ensues.

The FMC and MMC are both clever people who have their faults, mental health issues and an internal dialogue of strength that is relatable and sympathetic. They have depth and background. Sure, while probably not entirely historically accurate and representative of the time, I didn't think it strayed too far from the regency era. The reason for one less star is that while I love some good mutual pining, it would have been more realistic to see how they fell for each other rather than just their physical attraction to each other.