A fake marriage of convenience, political espionage, and stampeding zebras? This has everything (and more) a historical fiction romance reader could want. And best of all Lydia and Arthur’s love story was sweet and swoon-worthy. I can’t wait for more from Vasti.

I very much enjoyed this book. Lydia, the feminist wall flower that is the main character, is so much fun to get to know throughout the book. Her trusted friend, Georgiana, is a great side character as well. Arthur, the reclusive earl that is the main male character, is interesting & sexy. Lydia & Arthur start off without knowing each other but she thinks she knows him from letters he has written. The letters were written by his brother pretending to be him, so obviously that is a problem. The ensuing adventure that they end up going on & the sparks that fly as they do is so entertaining. Highly recommend reading this one!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for advanced copy, and I give my review freely

Thanks to Netgalley & St. Martin's Press for the
E-ARC! So cute!! Loved the historical elements & the banter! Will definitely read more from this author.

Heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace is notorious for being too shy to speak with strangers, but she’s been writing radical pamphlets under the pseudonym H and corresponding with the Duke of Strathrannoch. When he writes of the dukedom’s financial struggles, she decides to travel to Scotland to propose marriage. But when she gets there, Arthur, the Duke of Strathrannoch has no idea what she’s talking about, and it becomes clear that his brother has been impersonating him. Arthur asks Lydia for her help in finding him, which starts an adventure across Scotland and England that includes fake marriages, Napoleonic spies, and a rifle scope that could have catastrophic consequences.

For a me to rate a book as five-stars, it tends to need to have some really feral longing, and “Earl Crush” by Alexandra Vasti really delivers that. Arthur is just so very gone for Lydia and is really in awe of how incredibly smart and capable she is. Although he doesn’t seem very political himself (really, he just wants to be left alone in his Scottish castle, and who doesn’t?), he is 100% supportive of her and at no point implies that she’d have to give up her life’s work to be with him. I especially loved the short scraps of messages at the start of each chapter. Alexadra Vasti writes really fun scenes and dialogue without it ever starting to feel silly, and if this book had another 500 pages I would have read each one without hesitation.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars

Looking for a historical romantic comedy loaded with your favorite tropes and strong characters? Look no further than Alexandra Vasti's Earl Crush.

Lydia's brave proposal gets foiled when she realizes that the Earl of Strathrannoch is in fact NOT who she has been exchanging letters with the past 3 years. But don't worry, Arthur has a proposal of his own that takes the two of them on quite the adventure.

Read if you like:
- Regency Romance
- Grumpy Scottish Men
- Mistaken Identity
- Pining
- Fake Marriage
- Mystery

Thank you to Netgalley & St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!

The journey that Lydia and Arthur together was so beautifully written. I cannot even begin to express how much I enjoy this book. From the banter to the side characters, I loved it all. I also loved how historically accurate the author kept the story. I could have happily continued reading for a few hundred pages more, I didn’t want their story to end. But their ending was perfect so I can’t complain to much.

I want to preface my review by saying that I originally chose not to send feedback because I’ve realized that regency romances just aren’t my thing currently. However, I can still appreciate good writing and story telling!

I give this 3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4.

Lydia and Arthur were quite hilarious together which I loved. Lydia grew into herself a lot through the story and I loved seeing an Arthur’s more protective side come out.

Overall, the story was tender and engaging and I think those who loved Ne’re Duke Well and other historical romances will be huge fans of this book!

Alexandra Vasti always crushes it. The second Belvoir’s Library book is tender, sexy, and action packed. Absolutely delightful.

When Lydia works up the courage to meet the Earl she's been writing letters to quite some time, she's shocked to find out that he has no idea who she is - in fact, his own brother was personifying him in his communication to Lydia. Embarrassed beyond belief after proposing a marriage of convenience to this (handsome and kind) stranger, Lydia ultimately decides to stay in Scotland and help Arthur find his brother and figure out what's going on. The two embark on a bit of an adventure, fake a marriage, and get entangled in a British espionage plot. They find that they're quite a team - and their feelings for each other grow, rather inconveniently.

💭 I read and loved Ne'er Duke Well and met Lydia as a side character. She is definitely relatable - a wallflower, struggles with social anxiety, but fights for justice and women's rights by righting political pamphlets. I love how Arthur, the slightly curmudgeonly Earl, notices and praises Lydia's braveness and cleverness. So many funny moments, and all the swoony scenes you love about a regency era. I loved the added element of suspense! Definitely some little twists I didn't see coming! I was impressed by the historical information added throughout as well - I always appreciate that in book like this! I think it adds to the authenticity. Check this one out in January!

The plot wasn't very strong until the end, but I found I didn't mind at all. I absolutely adored this book with every fibre of my being. Sometimes regency romances are hard for me to get into, but I ate this up so quickly. Arthur and Lydia were such a beautifully written pair, and I loved how headfast and strong Lydia was, rather than a regency leading lady who was weak minded. I loved how she took control of every situation possible to do what she knew was right, and I loved that Arthur wanted to protect her, but didn't overstep and keep her locked away like a prized doll. I loved the sweet side characters, and the relationship between Bertie and Huw, and the epilogue which made me weep a little bit that they had their happy ending and then some. I'm excited to see what's next from Vasti.

this was hysterical!! Lydia had me laughing like a freaking hyena. I haven't read a historical romance in awhile, and I can't for the life of me remember why. Some of the quotes had me grinning like an idiot. My roomie was like, "What the hell is wrong with you?"
Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press and to Alexandra for the opportunity to read this. I can't wait to shout it from the rooftops on 1/21.

Thank you NetGalley and St Martins Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

"Your smile is my light," he murmured. "Your laugh is my shelter. If you'll"--he hesitated, then steeled himself, looking for all the world like a man facing the gallows--"if you'll allow it, Lydia Hope-Wallace, I will spend the rest of my life trying to be worthy of you. I will never leave you again. I will stand at your side when you need a partner and I will shield you when you need a place to rest."

Alexandra Vasti is quickly becoming a favorite of mine, and I've only read to books of hers so far. I love the characters she writes and the emotional depths they have. I also enjoy the way she develops her characters relationships. They're not instalove relationships, though there is usually immediate attraction, but that never gets in the way of the storyline.

It seems that AV's MMCs usually ending up falling faster and first, and it's always with a great amount of reluctance, but I find that makes for a much more entertaining read.

Lydia was a great FMC, very shy and introverted, but very smart and compassionate. I never really found myself rolling my eyes with her, which I think can happen with a lot of FMC's who aren't your typical badass heroine but want to find ways to be useful. Lydia was very aware of her strengths and never pushed to do something dumb just to be useful. Big plus was her brothers, all 4 of which were hysterical in their own ways. Maybe we'll get to see those guys pair up in the future 👀

And I enjoyed Arthur as the MMC. He's one of those quite, stoic types who seemed to get annoyed easily but also gets very protective of those he cares about. And with respect to Lydia, it didn't take long for that transition to come considering how quickly she proved to him how intelligent she was and how good a person she was.

And the storyline was very interesting. A very mysterious, investigative story that I found myself just itching to know more about and finding out what was happening.

Highly recommend for any romance readers, especially those who enjoy regency era romances. AV's stories have a way of feeling very contemporary even though they're taking place in the 1800s ❤️

Earl Crush was everything I was looking for from Alexandra Vashti. The dynamic between Lydia and Arthur was so well-crafted that I found myself grinning and kicking my feet as their romance blossomed. Vashti does a fantastic job of making their connection feel genuine and captivating. I enjoyed that Lydia had to recognize her quiet strength throughout the story and realize that while she struggled with social situations it didn't make her weak. Watching them develop together and independently made their bond even more satisfying. The epilogue was the cherry on top.

Overall, Earl Crush is a heartwarming and thoughtful romance. This book is a must-read if you're a fan of slow-burn romances with richly developed characters who learn and grow throughout the narrative.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️🌶️.5

I love a good historical romcom romp and this checked all the boxes! It’s trope-y and fun and also way spicier than you would expect!

Not for nothing, I love how Alexandra Vasti is able to create fully-realized and feminist women in a regency setting. She did it in Ne’er Duke Well and does it again here! Lydia is clever and fiery and principled— so fun to root for. And Arthur is a giant cinnamon roll who just wants to be loved.

I really liked how the relationship grew between these two! They became a team— in more ways than one!

Read if you like:
- Grumpy Scottish Men
- A FMC that’s a mix of Eloise Bridgerton & Penelope Featheringtion
- Mistaken Identity
- Regency Romance
- Pining
- Love Letters
- Fake Marriage
- Mystery & Intrigue

Thank you to Netgalley & St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!

EARL CRUSH is an entertaining and adorable read with such a fun premise! Lydia Hope-Wallace travels to Scotland with the intention of proposing to the Earl of Strathrannoch to assist in his financial situation, which he told her about through their correspondence which has been ongoing for a good while. Come to find on the earl's very doorstep that it wasn't himself writing the letters but his brother David pretending to be him. On a quest to find his brother, Lydia insists on going with him, but then they somehow quickly find themselves in a predicament in which they have to pretend to also be married. But they realize it comes very natural to them acting as a couple. The earl is blunt, awkward and a recluse and Lydia is feisty, independent and a force to be reckoned with. It was so enjoyable to see how both their personalities (and physical proximity) affect each other.

4.5 stars rounded to 5.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I absolutely LOVED this book, and it is easily one of my favorite books I read this year! Arthur is a rugged and sexy Scottish Earl and Lydia is a curvy, brilliant heroine who always leads with her heart and more bravery than she gives herself credit for. Their story is fun and lovely, and I couldn’t help but root for them the entire time!

If you are a fan of regency romances or Bridgerton, I would absolutely recommend this book!

Lydia Hope-Wallace was one of the best characters in Ne'er Duke Well - a stalwart friend and staunch feminist. So it was incredibly exciting to see Lydia as the hero of Earl Crush. Lydia comes to Strathrannoch, determined to propose marriage to the Earl...only to realise that he hasn't actually been her correspondent.

I loved getting to spend time with such a fun heroine. Though incredibly anxious in social situations, Lydia is political and smart and determined to make a difference in the world around her. It was wonderful to watch her believe in herself and find love. I hope that Vasti will continue this series - I would love to see author Georgiana have her own romance!

Another five star read from Alexandra Vashti! I can’t read them fast enough, please write more! In this latest romantic adventure rom-com, the FMC is nervous and anxious yet braves new places and people to try to improve her life, not any easy thing for a regency-era woman. You’ve got mistaken identity, a curmudgeonly earl, and a stage set for spicy romps. The characters as usual are smart and sassy and funny. The sex is spicy with characters that are respectful and passionate to one another.

🐎💌 Earl Crush
✒️ Alexandra Vasti
⭐️ 5/5

“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍. 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆, 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒂𝒘𝒏 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒆𝒑𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔.”

Ever since I read Ne’er Duke Well, I’ve been eagerly anticipating Lydia Hope-Wallace’s turn at a charming love story, and Earl Crush absolutely delivered! From the very beginning, all the characters were incredibly likable. I loved watching Lydia grow and blossom from a shy wallflower into a confident, headstrong woman, with the help of her friends and Arthur. She’s exactly the kind of person I’d want as a friend; passionate and unapologetic about her beliefs

Arthur, on the other hand, is the perfect partner for Lydia. A grumpy Scotsman who helplessly pines and yearns? Say no more! It’s impossible not to fall for him. I especially adored how he saw past Lydia’s anxieties and shyness, appreciating the ways she was growing into her confidence throughout the story.

This was such a vibrant, colorful tale, filled with interesting subplots inspired by true events—a delightful bonus for a history geek like me. If you’re a fan of Regency-era romances, fake marriages, love letters (yes, plenty of them!), one-bed situations, and political espionage, prepare to giggle, swoon, and kick your feet. Earl Crush is a phenomenal mix of humor and spice that’s sure to win you over!

Alexandra Vasti is the closest author to Tessa Dare I can find! Fun, elaborate hijinks with eminently loveable flawed characters, and bucketloads of humour alongside the swoonworthy romance. Earl Crush is huge fun and so sweet - highly recommended!