Thank you Dreamscape Media and St. Martin’s Press for my gifted copies. 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!

Lydia is the secret author of seditious pamphlets advocating for women’s rights, and anonymous pen pal with the reclusive Earl of Strathrannoch, but in public her social anxiety overtakes her, so that she cannot speak to strangers. But when Arthur admits his estate in Scotland is in dire straights, Lydia goes to confront him in person and offer a marriage of convenience. Except Arthur’s brother has been impersonating him, and the two go off in search of him. Lydia and Arthur are strangers, but there is still a connection that can’t be overlooked...

This is a road trip romance! I love that this is about Lydia finding her strength, but not necessarily changing who she is. He doesn’t fix her, and she’s still anxious, but she learns to love herself at the same time she’s learning to love him. I love all the small fun historical details (zebras!) and the secondary spy plot. And obviously, who doesn’t love we-have-to-kiss-because-we’re-in-disguise. One of my favorite tropes! Great follow up to the last book!

This book was so much fun! I enjoyed Lydia in the first book so I was super excited to have her as the heroine in this book. It was so satisfying to get a peek at what’s going on in her head all the time. Arthur was such a grumpy giant that was secretly a giant cinnamon roll. I loved seeing them together and the adventure they went on.

This was a super cute historical, my first by Alexandra Vasti! Lydia is an heiress who also has what is likely severe social anxiety, and she has been corresponding with the Earl of Strathrannoch about her pamphlets that she publishes through her friend’s library. Since they are clearly able to converse without her losing her mind, Arthur the Earl is in dire financial straits, and she happens to have lots of money, she decides to go to the Earl in person and propose marriage. However. When she arrives on the Earl’s doorstep, he has no idea who she is. Turns out that his younger brother has been impersonating him through mail. It also turns out that the brother has some shady connections and some confidential knowledge. They have to find him before something bad happens!!!

I loved the chemistry between Lydia and Arthur. They were both falling for each other and thinking that the other was not actually interested. I also loved the subplot with the brother—it kept me on my toes and anxious to find out what would happen next! I will be recommending this one!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my thoughts.

3.5 rounded up

I think Histrom readers will enjoy this one! I’ve only read a few others in that subgenre and really liked them. This one has quite a lot of archaic language that I sometimes was stopping to look up and it kind of took me out of it. I enjoyed the romance but I didn’t connect with the main plot. I do always love a “he falls first and harder” MMC!

A Refreshing Regency Romp of a Romance!

I am in love with the Earl of Strathrannoch and Miss Lydia. Their's is a partnership of complementary parts. His physical presence obviously serves as her shield, but he has such a kind heart that syncs itself to Lydia instantly. She suffers from debilitating social anxiety, but her personal convictions and loyalties make her brave in the face of hardship.

Miss Lydia is a triumph as a main character. She presents a perfect mix of relatable and aspirational qualities. Her social anxiety may make it difficult to navigate polite society, but she does not desire a partner foe the ballroom. No, she seeks a partner that would care and support her social advocacy - universal suffrage, divorce and prison reform - as well as honor her as a wife. She is adventurous in the pursuit of knowledge yet timid when faced with small talk. I love this representation of neurodivergence.

I am still swooning over the Earl's barely contained desire for Miss Lydia. Oh my word, the lustful thoughts behind his gentle, protective, admiration for her. I was out of my mind, jaw dropped, breath I didn't know I was holding over him. And then he has the audacity (affectionately) to be a soft gentle boy when it comes to love. He carries the weight of the Earldom and it's legacy while craving the intimacy of family - a love that chooses him above all.

The developing romance is so beautifully paced. After a small case of miataken identity, the Earl and Miss Lydia work together to solve the mystery of rogue brothers, stolen weapons, and spys amongst the gentry. Their relationship is build on cooperation while in close proximity. This allows them to experience each other at their best and worst. And still they fall in love without hesitation.

If you've looking for a historical romance with classic Regency manners with the lusty passion of a bodice ripper and the intrigue of a good mystery - I highly recommend EARL CRUSH.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Title:  Earl Crush  
Author: Alexandra Vasti         
Genre: Romance        
Rating:  4 out of 5

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 really enjoy Alexandra Vasti’s books, and this was a fun one, too. That scene with the zebras had me laughing! Lydia was a fun character, and Arthur was a good one, too. Several fun adventures here, set against a more modern viewpoint than was probably common back then, but this was a fun read.

Alexandra Vasti lives in Louisiana. Earl Crush is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link live 1/21).

I was really excited to hear that this book was being published, because I loved Lydia as a side character in the first book (although I don't think you need to read that book to read this one). I think as it stands I found this one slightly less enjoyable, but not by much. It was a fun romp through regency England and Scotland, and once again the cast of both main and side characters were delightful. I think my main "issue" here (and I'm really using that term loosely) is that it felt a little more outlandish than the first one did. The last act break-up could probably also have been avoided had the main characters talked just a little more, which was a shame. Sure, there was a lot going on, but still. The ending also seemed a little rushed. I think I would have liked to see a little more with the brother, and how all of that played out. Overall it was still an enjoyable, quick, fun read, and I can't really find too much to complain about, especially considering historical romance is somewhat lacking today. I'll certainly be happy to hand sell it to whomever I can, and should we get a copy in I will be more than pleased to write a shelf-talker. I'm also looking forward to the last book in the world, and I'll be keeping my eyes on whatever else the author comes up with in the future.

Gah, I don’t even know where to begin this review except to say that I absolutely, positively adored Earl Crush. Smart, funny, vivid writing coupled with characters that are as relatable as they are lovable—and a touch of romantic suspense to boot—made this one an utter joy to read.

Lydia is a quietly fierce, socially awkward, passionate and compassionate heroine who more than deserves the soft, gentle giant that is Arthur. He’s a man who cares deeply but hides behind a gruff exterior. And though he aches to protect her because he sees her value, he stands back, asks what she needs, and watches as she is brave and wonderful because he sees her value. I can’t emphasize that enough—he helps her be the best version of herself and the best version of herself is the kind of heroine of which historical romance needs more.

A colorful story complete with a collapsing castle, unexpected zebras, a mystery that needs solving ASAP, and a love that grows from mutual admiration, respect, and (of course) a slow-burning-but-undeniable attraction, this ride through regency Britain might take a few liberties but ultimately hit me right in the feels.

If you are a fan of Bridgerton and/or regency romances in general, then this review is for you. Before I go further, I would like to clarify that I have not read a regency romance in a long time and it took me a couple of chapters to settle into the lingo and tone of the era.

Coming to the book, this was my first experience of Alexandra’s writing and once I got past the initial hiccups, I enjoyed it overall. This is the story of Arthur, a reclusive almost penniless Scottish earl and Lydia, a shy introverted rich woman, who has a hard time in society but secretly is the author of seditious pamphlets.

The banter and chemistry between them is pretty good, infact there is lot of spice of the regency kind, as expected. Though some of us appreciate it for sure, I would have preferred little less of spice and more of emotional moments and a bit shorter length. What I enjoyed apart from this, was the bit of historical events intertwined with shades of espionage and mystery, which was a subplot to the book. It kept me engaged to see how it all ends. The side characters are all done well, not over the top or unnecessary. Overall it was a good time.

I would like to thank @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the arc. This comes out January 21, 2025.

I will be posting this review to my bookstagram: @booklover_swii during the release week in Jan 2025. I have posted the review to my Goodreads.

I don't read a lot of regency romance but I enjoyed this and it was so charming! I absolutely loved the characters (especially Huw and Bertie) and how the mystery is based on actual historical events.

My only complaint would be the lack of development between Lydia and Arthur in the beginning. Their relationship felt a bit insta-love but the yearning from Arthur throughout the book definitely pulled on my heartstrings...

Overall, I would recommend this book if you want to dip your toes in regency romance!

Thank you so much NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!

This book is a delight from start to finish. The characters are engaging and entertaining. I would definitely read more books by this author.

Earl Crush is a fast-paced, steamy regency romance full of hilarious shenanigans and action packed adventure! Out January 21!

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4 out of 5 (details at the bottom)
⚠️ content warnings at the bottom

This is the second in a series but could also be read as a standalone! For those of you that read Ne’er Duke Well, you’ll be happy to hear that Selina and Georgiana (and sir Francis bacon the dog) are a big part of this book!

Lydia’s anxiety has prevented her from finding a husband in the traditional way. So she decides to propose a marriage of convenience with a Scottish Earl who she’s gotten to know via letters discussing their progressive political beliefs - but she’s never met him. Turns out it wasn’t the Earl (Arthur) she’d been writing to, but his scoundrel of a brother who had been lying to her. Lydia and Arthur set off on a quest to track him down and stop his evil plan - while of course falling for each other along the way!

The plot was super fun and inventive, but I especially loved the characters. They were mature and smart but still had their insecurities to overcome. Of course the giant Scottish Earl who’s actually a teddy bear was fantastic, but I loved Lydia even more. She really struggled with her anxiety, especially with the pressure of being part of a wealthy and well respected family, but she was still able to find a way to speak out against injustice and make her mark in a world where women were supposed to keep quiet.

I love that the author loosely based this on real people and events - she talks about it a little in the author’s note!

Highly recommend to anyone who likes a regency setting but wishes the treatment of women was a little more modern, and doesn’t mind a lot of spice!
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⚠️ Content warning: non-graphic threatened violence and historical firearm usage, as well as brief references to homophobia and past parental death.
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🌶️ Spice details: around 5 open-door scenes (I lost count). It felt excessively spicy to me, to the point that it took away from the plot a little. You could probably skip the open-door scenes and still enjoy the plot, but the book would be a lot shorter. 😅

Another fun historical romance by Alexandra Vasti! Dare I say I enjoyed it even more than Ne’er Duke Well? I knew I was in for some unexpected twists when Lydia showed up in Scotland for the wrong brother. Even though Lydia seems like the shy type who doesn’t love to socialize, she’s always been smart and outspoken through her writing and she really grows into herself and becomes more confident throughout the book. Lydia and Arthur fall for each other while trying to figure out what her brother and his brother are up to and if each of their siblings are ultimately who they think they are. I really enjoyed the family aspect of this book, especially Arthur recognizing he has his family despite not ever letting himself hope for more than the bare minimum from the people he cares about. Arthur and Lydia are a great match for each other and despite neither being sure that they are enough for the other, the love between them ultimately says all they need to say to each other. Highly recommend this cute and enjoyable historical romance!

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.

"Say my name."
Lydia is a sweet, smart, gifted fmc who has been over-protected by her family. She writes political tracts that would get her arrested in her time.

Arthur is a recluse and a very intelligent inventor/farmer/renaissance man who just wants to be left alone.

Lydia shows up at his house, mistakenly thinking that he's been corresponding with her by letters. She is such an endearing character especially when everything that could be embarrassing happens to her.

This is a great couple. He turns into being her biggest champion and is head over heels in love with her. She gains confidence over the course of the book which is very beautiful to see.
I look forward to Georgianna and Cat's book next!
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

Earl Crush is another five star historical romance by this author. Lydia Hope-Wallace is a rich heiress who loves to right scandalous pamphlets on politics and women’s rights. She feels that there would be safety to be had in a marriage of convenience with her pen pal the Earl of Strathrannoch. She has money and he needs money so she knocks on his door to propose a mutually beneficial agreement. Arthur Baird hasn’t been corresponding with anyone but it seems his rascal of a brother has been up to his old ways. Agreeing to finding the Earl’s brother places the two in close proximity and their chemistry sizzles as they wonder if they can make a real go at marriage. Lydia is the best kind of wallflower and blue stocking and Arthur is very crush worthy for another lovable duo with a sweet and well deserved HEA. The book is a little steamy but not over the top while the story moves quickly for a fun and adorable historical romance. My voluntary, unbiased, and non-mandatory review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

*I received an advanced copy for review. This is my own opinion.

Gosh, I love when historical romance is accessible without feeling anachronistic. And all of these characters are a delight (Huw and Bertie 🥹). I love how the story wasn’t just balls and drama, but friendships and relationships, and…spies? And zebras? This was a super fun historical romance, and I really enjoyed it! I also love how Lydia wasn’t a blushing virgin (I mean technically she was but she didn’t have a complete lack of knowledge because of Belvoir’s Library, which I think is wonderful).

So far, I’ve loved both of Vasti’s books, and I can’t wait to see whose story we get next!

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the arc! Loved this one. ❤️

Alexandra Vasti wrote an incredible sophomore novel. I loved our FMC, Lydia Hope-Wallace, in Ne're Duke Well. And then we got a whole book about her? It was just an incredible book. Funny and smart.

This was my first read of Vasti's, and what a fun read it was! It was also my first venture into the regency-esque romances and I will definitely be coming back for more! Arthur and Lydia were so perfect for each other and I loved getting to watch them fall for each other over the course of the book. It was fast paced, adventurous, and so steamy!