I love a Scottish MMC! This book is so fun.

Lydia, our FMC, gets catfished and drawn into a search for the very person who deceived her!

Arthur, our MMC, is searching for his brother. He enlists Lydia's help.

There's some forced proximity, a fake relationship, a mystery, some danger…what more could you want? Oh and it's spicy!

This is an interconnected book to Ne’er Duke Well. Some of our favorite characters from that book show up to help Lydia. However, this book can be read as a standalone.

This is such a fun Regency romance!

This book is perfection! Way better than the previous one of the series, that I found quite entertaining despite not being my favorite of all the things I read by Vasti. This is finally a full-length book with all the best Vasti has to offer: gorgeously developed characters, a solid plot, humor in spades and some angst like the icing on a perfect cake.
I ADORED Arthur, a big cinnamon roll of a man, so kind, so generous, so in love!
No words except… WONDERFUL!

All the love. This book is funny and sweet. Lydia and Arthur are lovely. I would love a companion novel of Huw and Bertie and their animal rescues.
I had a great time!

This was so cute! The writing was excellent and hooked me right from the beginning. Lydia is the perfect badass FMC who don’t need no man except society basically forces her to. Arthur had me rooting for him the whole time. We love a grumpy softy. The author did a great job at balancing period accurate phrasing while still being an easy read. Def recommend!

I really liked reading this book by one of my favorite authors. This was a fun and adventurous story line with lots of witty dialog. The characters were fully developed with thought and feelings of their own. It had me at first chapter and never let go.
Arthur, a penniless Scottish earl who lives to invent things doesn't know what to think about Lydia who shows up at his home. She writes pamphlets on sedition but is very shy around crowds. She has been writing to Arthur's brother because of shared correspondence.
Lydia wants a marriage of convenience with said brother but Arthur upsets her plans. They are attracted to each other and fall in love rather quickly. Although there is a lot going on with government and espionage, it was a cute story that leaves the reader satisfied.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

Rating: 4.5/5

Another excellent book by Alexandra Vasti!

The way Arthur falls for Lydia is beautiful. These characters help each other come to see their own worth and strength, and it's such a testament to how good love can be. The confidence Lydia gets from realizing Arthur earnestly finds her brave and smart is all the more compelling since Vasti gives us Arthur's point of view early on and conveys the sentiments in his inner dialogue. It's not that Arthur's opinion is what makes it true, but rather that the way he respects her and admires these qualities about her--while also having an intense physical attraction to her--helps her to believe it about herself.

Chapter 12 is perfection. This chapter makes me believe all historical romances should be dual POV so we can get the male characters' perspective in every book. Especially when the character in question is falling as hard as Arthur does.

Prior to Arthur Baird, I had no idea how hot I find it when a man holds a woman's chin in his hand. More importantly, the communication between these two as their feelings grow stronger, and specifically about halfway through when she says she doesn't want him to regret it, just adds to the the romantic tension because they haven't been totally open with one another yet. It's such an honest combination of vulnerability and self doubt from both characters. And the longing in this book! I cannot believe how good it was. This is the fifth book I've read by this author and they just keep getting better.

Really loved the excerpts from letters and papers of the characters at the start of each chapter, including the supporting characters. This gave such swoony insight into where the story was going. An additional peek into the inner thoughts of these characters that just makes the book all the more compelling.

The political aspects of Lydia's character are also such refreshing characteristics for an historical romance. Reminiscent but original from Evie Dunmore's series. The sort of of mystery/criminal/intrigue plot that drives the literal journey Lydia and Arthur go on is also interesting enough to leave me wanting to know the answers without detracting from or overtaking the romance. It's a perfect vehicle for the development of their relationship.

Loved this one and can't wait for more from Alexandra Vasti.

ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

A fun Regency rom-com with a bit of romance.
Fast, easy read with some laugh out loud moments.
Perfect reading for fans of Regency romances.
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review.. All opinions expressed are my own.

Lydia Hope-Wallace is a shy wallflower who pens political pamphlets championing the rights of women. She’s also an heiress who has been secretly corresponding with the Earl of Strathrannock. When she learns that the Earl needs money, she decides to travel to Scotland and offer herself and her dowry for a marriage of convenience so she can continue writing. But when she meets Arthur, the earl, he has no idea who she is. And Arthur doesn’t want to know, because A) His charming brother must be Lydia’s correspondent, and B) Arthur has to find this brother who might be mixed up in espionage. And the wild ride begins!
The romance was slow-burn, as Lydia and Arthur get to know each other better. There are a bunch of fun secondary characters, Lydia’s BFF Georgiana and her pet dog, Lydia’s older brothers, Arthur’s servants, and of course Arthur’s brother. (and let’s not forget the menagerie!)
And also an interesting mystery/espionage subplot that helped Lydia and Arthur realize their true feelings. An entertaining and enjoyable read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Lydia is an heiress and a wallflower with severe social anxiety., and she's also secretly writing radical, seditious pamphlets. She's had a lively political correspondence with the reclusive Scottish Earl of Strathrannoch. Knowing that the earl has financial troubles, she travels to his estate to suggest a marriage of convenience, thinking that her fortune will help him save his estate; The only problem is that when she arrives, he has no idea who she is, because it turns out that she's actually been corresponding with his brother.

This book is an absolute delight, and Alexandra Vasti is definitely one of my favorite historical romance authors. It's fast-paced, charming, and really funny. Lydia and Arthur are an unlikely couple at first glance, but their growing romance is very sweet. You've got a mistaken identity, a strange assortment of animals, a road trip, and possibly a treasonous plot. I love humor in historical romance, and this one definitely delivers.

I loved this book so much - Alexandra Vasti is fast becoming one of my absolute favorite historical romance writers. Lydia is an heiress as well as an introvert to the extreme, except when she is with her family or friends or anonymously writing seditious pamphlets. She has been pen pals with someone she thinks is the Earl of Strathrannoch for a couple of years, and after learning he is financial distress, Lydia musters all her courage and heads to Scotland to propose to him. Arthur, Earl of Strathrannoch, however, has not actually been corresponding with Lydia. It was apparently his brother, who appears to have used Lydia, and Arthur, to advance a treasonous plot. So they are off to track him down, using Lydia's letters as guide points for the journey. And along the way, hijinks - and love - ensue.

I just loved Arthur and Lydia so much. Arthur is stoic and protective and large and Scottish and bearded. Lydia is seeking to become the woman she knows she can be and Arthur is perfect in helping her get there. Vasti's writing is excellent - the pacing is good and the mystery and comedy elements are well-blended. The cast of secondary characters is an excellent addition to the story. I know we are getting Georgiana's story but I would not be mad to also get books for each of Lydia's brothers.

"Earl Crush" is definitely worth reading. 5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and SMP for a complimentary copy of this book. These opinions are my own.

In regards to the characters, I loved how shy and emotional Lydia found her voice and bravery through this novel. I felt such a kinship with her. I loved how soft Arthur was and how fiercely he loved Lydia. However, I found myself a little bored at times with the plot and the chasing of Davis. I was more invested once things got more thrilling at the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

I LIKED THIS ONE. FAKE ROMANCE in the regency era? I ate this up, It was romantic and charming and so swoon worthy!! Loved the main characters and how the story was written, even when I am not a fan of third person writing! BEAUTIFUL! Can't wait to read more from this author.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

CW: Gun violence; vomit; references to homophobia and death of a parent

Mistaken Identity! Road Trips! Fake Marriage! Spies! Zebras?

You get all this and more in Alexandra Vasti’s second full-length novel Earl Crush, a delightfully funny and romantic romp featuring a wallflower and secret political writer, Lydia Hope-Wallace, and a big, burly Scotsman that’s actually a giant teddy bear inside, Arthur Baird, the Earl of Strathrannoch.

With a distinct voice in the historical romance genre, Vasti’s earned a spot on my “must read” author’s shelf. When reading a Vasti story, I know I will laugh, but I also feel all the swoon-worthy emotions! And laugh, I did – out loud, multiple times. Vasti delivered a true rom-com as I kept giggling and was so giddy watching Arthur and Lydia fall in love that I wanted to kick my legs up and squeal. This was exactly the book I needed to kick off the new year, as it was pure joy. I also was not expecting the spy plotline, but I loved it as it added a bit of mystery, unexpected intrigue, and excitement to the story.

The romance in this book made me MELT. The chemistry between Arthur and Lydia is so good it causes sparks – literally! The way these two fall for each other – it is slow, yet all encompassing at the same time. It works perfectly. The way Vasti draws out the sexual tension between them – my god, I was dying at the accidental touches and hand brushes. And a fake makeout to escape notice, which backfires and ends up with them pretending to be married? Genius.

Vasti can write some of the sexiest yet emotional banging scenes, and this book is no exception. Arthur and Lydia clearly both want each other, but are so hesitant to voice their feelings over fear of what the other one is thinking. But those feelings all come through when they are physically intimate together. It’s perfection. I was obsessed with how obsessed Arthur and Lydia were with each other. It’s so sweet, and their romance really carries a lot of the momentum of the story forward. Their love made me feel all giddy and I loved watching it blossom and grow, all the way through the end of the epilogue, which was so stinking cute!

The way Arthur was OBSESSED with Lydia. If you want a man who looks like a big, tough guy but is an absolute puppy dog inside, look no further than Arthur. My heart was melting, MELTING, for this man. The way he puts all his attention on her and knows exactly what she needs before she does. He cares not a fig for anyone but her. He’s also not your stereotypical earl, as he is much more at home in his workshop, inventing new gadgets to help the people on his estate. Like many historical romance heroes, he’s got some issues stemming from his dead father, which strains his relationship with his brother and causes some doubt in his relationship with Lydia. But I love the found family he has with his servants, including Huw and Bertie, who are A+++ meddlers, and I adored them.

Lydia was instantly relatable. She has severe social anxiety, so much so that she’s thrown up in a potted plant and on her favorite pair of shoes. She’s shy, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a voice. Through her political writings, she is fierce, defending and supporting the ideas she believes in. And through her writings, she can be herself, and gain a sense of independence. I appreciated the journey Lydia goes on over the course of the book as we see her gain confidence in herself thanks to Arthur’s steady encouragement and trust. He sees her for who she is and doesn’t try to change her but empowers her.

Vasti rounds out the story with a wonderful cast of secondary characters. I was obsessed with Lydia’s brother Jasper (I would LOVE for him to get a book), and I loved seeing her other interactions with her many brothers. There is also definitely more than meets the eye of Arthur’s brother, Davis, which had me very intrigued! Rounding out the cast, it was lovely to see some familiar faces around Belvoir’s Library, including Georgiana with Sir Frances Bacon, her adorable dog, and Selina.

Whether you’re a seasoned historical romancer reader or someone newer to the genre, you cannot go wrong with an Alexandra Vasti book! Perfect for fans of Tessa Dare and Julia Quinn, readers will delight in this refreshing historical rom-com with a swoon-worthy romance, characters that jump off the page, and an engaging story filled with a bit of intrigue.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin/Netgalley for the ARC! All thoughts, ideas, and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A road tripping Cyrano....Sort of...

Yeah, its a lot to unpack but i enjoyed it all and was really on board with Alexandra Vasti's characters. Lydia is a pamphlet writing, radical lady. Yay. She proposes marriage to Arthur, after making her way to his mouldering castle. Turns out, she has not be corresponding to him, but to his younger brother. So, off they go on a road trip. I perhaps would have preferred that Lydia would get together with one guy she'd actually been writing to, but we get Arthur.
Recommend.

I will read anything Alexandra Vasti writes. ANYTHING. And they just keep getting better. Heiress Lydia and crumbling-castle-dwelling Arthur might seem like opposites, but they can't keep away from each other, aided by such classic tropes as "kiss so we don't blow our cover", fake engagement, only one bed, and the list goes on. This is a classic road-trip romance with decidedly modern sensibilities, and enough heat to keep you warm in a blizzard. Highly, highly recommend. This is one not to be missed.

My god, Vasti just keeps getting better and better! I’ve loved all of her books so far but this is up there with one of my favourites now (I think Matilda Halifax still holds strong in 1st place).
I was in love with Arthur and Lydia almost immediately, his yearning and striving to be better, to protect and allow himself to love – just beautiful to read. Also the snippets of his letters at the beginning of some of the chapters made me SWOON every time. I loved seeing Lydia grow in confidence and watching her strength and courage even when she’s afraid. Their happy ever after is so beautiful and so absolutely perfect for them.
I cant wait for Georgiana’s story now too.

Vasti has written yet another stellar historical romance. The characters are written with depth, emotion and longing for love. The relationships aren't given but rather formed over the course of the story.

Lydia and Arthur are both reclusive individuals who find each other in themselves. Arthur cares deeply but words fail him at the right moments. Together, they find what they have both thought would never come to life, their hearts!

Early Crush is a mystery, a love story and a historical adventure.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin

I have enjoyed many of Vasti’s books. Sadly, this has been my least favorite. I really didn’t jive with Arthur as a hero. He felt inconsistent in his characterization to me. Lydia also wasn’t my favorite heroine. She had her moments where I loved her but others where she really irritated me; mostly in the way she acted towards Georgiana and her family at certain times rubbed me the wrong way. I really enjoyed the plot surrounding the story, but not the romance. I liked the espionage, the mystery, the twists. I loved Lydia’s brothers and really hope we get a spin off with them as heroes. Honestly, would even love a short story about Davis getting a romance. I actually felt like some of the relationship stuff felt rushed towards the end, especially the ones that weren’t the main romance. I would have liked to see how certain things were navigated but we don’t get to and I feel like that would have elevated the book a bit for me. I am being intentionally vague here. I will add some of my spoilery concerns/thoughts in a spoiler section on my Goodreads review, so I don’t give anything away. But I would also just like to point out that I am really exhausted of every single hero being the largest hero to ever exist. It’s tiring and boring to me. Vasti is a really good writer, and I am very excited for the next book in this series. This one, unfortunately, didn't work for me as well as I had hoped.

Earl Crush is the story of hopeless bluestocking Lydia Hope-Wallace. I was so excited for her story after meeting her in Ne’er Duke Well! Lydia has been exchanging letters with the Earl of Strathrannoch using a pseudonym. Arthur is supportive of her radical opinions and has been a faithful penpal. When Lydia realizes that he needs money, she decides to pay him a visit in person to propose a marriage of convenience. To her shock, she learns that the actual earl has not been corresponding with her at all. As they unravel the truth between them, will Lydia and Arthur fall in love for real?

Earl Crush is a hilarious and delightful romance. Lydia is one of my favorite characters and I was so happy to see her get the romance she deserves. I absolutely loved how Lydia fights her shy nature to make positive social change for all. Alexandra Vasti’s writing is truly hilarious and makes it impossible to put this book down. The connection between Lydia and Arthur is filled with longing and heat. I loved the twist of who really wrote the letters and how they worked together to solve the espionage mystery. The ensemble cast is filled with witty and entertaining characters. I also enjoyed the cameos of characters from Ne’er Duke Well.

Earl Crush is perfect for readers who love a marriage of convenience, witty dialogue, and scorching romance.

Thank you to Alexandra Vasti, St. Martin’s Griffin, and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, and Barnes & Noble etc.

5⭐
2🌶️
Tropes/Themes: Fake marriage, one bed, forced proximity, spinster/earl, he falls harder
Dual POV 3rd person

Well I definitely didn’t expect this to be my first 5 star read of 2025 but ermahgerd I LOVED this book. I highlighted so many things.

It’s angsty and swoony and hilarious and deliciously steamy 🥵 I thought this was a really good balance of romance + suspense. TBH I read books mainly for the romance part of the story (boy meets girl and they fall in love) with not much regard for the overarching framework/story. Like it doesn’t totally matter to me HOW it happens, although I always appreciate a good plot. But I also got super invested in the plot too. Normally my brain won’t let me focus on one book for too long, which is why I usually am jumping between 3-4 books at one time, but this one pulled me in and I stayed focused on it.

It has everything I love! One bed, forced proximity, banter, menageries, and MMCs who are so overwhelmed by their love for the FMC.

As a specific note- I love how Arthur wants a relationship with Davis, even after everything. And I totally understood how Davis feels about wanting to be chosen.

And finally, I did not expect the ending, which was a bit of a rollercoaster (and only added to the wonderfulness of the book), but the epilogue was the most perfect thing I have ever read everrrrrrrrrrr.

Honestly I would give this 10/5 stars if I could.