Alexandra Vasti continues to prove herself to be a shining light in historical romance. This was honestly a delight, packed full of great Regency tropes: he's Scottish, there's a castle, mistaken identity, assumed identity, a house party, a fake marriage, a kidnapping, spying. And that sounds like it could be a lot, but the story rollicks along deftly--it's a ROMP. And super crackling chemistry between the lonely Scottish earl and the brilliant but shy pamphleteer. There was a bit of a rush at the end in not quite wrapping up some family dynamics, but the whole thing was really just so enjoyable. 4.5 stars.

This book was a fun, quick, and easy read as I was traveling! It was so hard to put it down because the plot was thicc and apparently, so was the tension between Arthur and Lydia!!

I love a good love letter and the way this book seems filled with all sorts of them? Amazing.

The two MCs are simps for each other in the best of ways and while miscommunication may have brought them together, it is never a reason to KEEP them apart!!

Not only does the author give us compelling MCs, I’m sitting here aching for the next books on the other characters that have made their appearance!

Thank you Alexandra Vasti for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was a thoroughly enjoyable historical romance! It incorporates many of the usual romance tropes, but Vasti still manages to make it feel fun and keeps the reader wanting more. I am a fan of Ne'er Duke Well so this was a welcome read!

Alexandra Vasti does it again!! I loved living in the Hellions universe again for a little while. She makes every MMC so delicious and lovable. This is a giggling and feet kicking book 100%. There were parts of the story when I felt a little lost as they bounced from place to place, but it didn't bother me enough to impact the storyline or my enjoyment of the book. Lydia and Arthur would die for each other and reading their journey was a treat. I'm sad I have to wait again for the next installment.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the ARC. My opinions are my own and are completely honest.

If you love regency romances, this is the perfect read.

Lydia is like a lot of us. She struggles in social situations to the point of getting sick in plants. She befriends a broke earl in Scotland through years of correspondence and political pamphlets. She devises a plan to travel from London to Scotland to propose marriage to the earl for their mutual benefit. Things go south when she finds out the her pen pal was pretending to be his older, grumpy brother- the actual earl. Thus begins the adventure of Lydia and Arthur as they try to find Davis, the lying, scoundrel of a brother, in a race against the clock. This book has an inn with one bed, grumpy/sunshine, a FMC with relatable social anxiety, who is also smart and brave when it matters, dual POVs and one of the sweetest love stories I have read all year.


Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Once again, I had real trouble getting into one of Vasti's full length novels. There's just something about these characters being so in love so fast that doesn't work for me in a novel. I can accept it in her novellas, but I need more build up. I'll keep at it, but I'm already feeling a bit bored and may end up DNFing.

Alexandra Vasti's second full-length novel is just as funny, adventurous, romantic, and sexy as her debut, Ne'er Duke Well! No sophomore slump here.

Lydia has spent the past several Seasons barely making a ripple in society, but her anonymous political pamphlets have made a splash (published by the heroine of Ne'er Duke Well, the first in the series!). After the Scottish Earl of Strathrannoch writes a letter in response to one of Lydia's writings, the two start a correspondence that gets increasingly familiar. When Lydia discovers that Strathrannoch can barely afford to keep his crumbling estate afloat, she heads to Scotland to propose marriage. Although she's incredibly shy, he has the liberal politics and personality she wants in a husband, and he needs her sizeable inheritance.

The book begins as Lydia, her friend Georgina, and Georgina's dog arrive at Strathrannoch's estate. They quickly discover that Arthur, the Earl, spends his time blacksmithing and inventing, not involving himself in politics. And certainly not writing to Lydia's political writer alter ego!

After Lydia recovers from the mortifying ordeal of proposing to a complete stranger--a notably handsome, brawny one--she and Arthur deduce that his brother, Davis, is her penpal.

Arthur throws some more wrenches into Lydia's plan. He reveals that Davis's public political views are very different from what he told Lydia in his letters. Moreover, Davis disappeared a few years ago, along with a rifle scope prototype that Arthur invented. The two realize Davis is up to something suspicious and his letters to Lydia hold the clues to finding him.

Arthur, Lydia, Georgina, and a cast of fun side characters (including Lydia's multiple brothers, Selina from the previous book, and Arthur's gay land stewards) set off on a cross-country road trip to find Davis and foil whatever he's plotting. There's a fake marriage, an unplanned stay at a house party, and all sorts of unexpected mishaps.

It sounds plot-heavy, but there's a lot of very well-done character building and internal conflict. Arthur's brother and father issues were a little more interesting to me, but I also generally have a harder time identifying with shy heroines.

Don't let the cover fool you (it's beautiful but I know some people are turned off by "cartoons"), this is definitely a very sexy book with emotional depth. Although this is only Vasti's second full-length novel, her wonderful novellas honed her skills well.

Highly recommend for fans of Sarah MacLean, Martha Waters, Julie Ann Long.

Thanks NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the pleasure of an early copy!!

he Duke Who Wasn’t is a delightful romp that combines mistaken identities, fiery chemistry, and a dash of rebellion, all served with a healthy helping of Scottish charm. Lydia Hope-Wallace, an heiress who’d rather pen seditious pamphlets than sit primly in society’s lap, decides to take matters into her own hands by proposing marriage to a duke. Only problem? The duke she’s been corresponding with isn't the duke at all. Enter Arthur Baird, the penniless Scottish Duke of Strathrannoch — or, as Lydia soon discovers, the wrong man for the job.

What follows is a delightful dance of honor, family obligations, and plenty of sizzling tension as Lydia and Arthur try (and fail) to keep their hands off each other. The story cleverly weaves together personal ambition with the heady mix of romantic chemistry, and the characters push each other out of their comfort zones in the best possible way. Lydia’s wit and Arthur’s reluctant charm make for a pairing that feels like the perfect storm — and who doesn’t love a good storm?

If you’re looking for a witty, heartwarming story of self-discovery, mistaken identity, and a romance that sparks hotter than a summer in the Highlands, this one’s for you. Just be prepared for an ending that will make you wonder if true love is the ultimate act of rebellion.

🦓 My book review for Earl Crush. A Novel. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✨What do you get when you cross a socially awkward beauty + a giant grumpy Scott + runaway zebras? A swoony historical romance with two leads that will steal your heart.

✨Lydia is past her season for marriage, wealthy and lonely. She starts corresponding with an Earl in Scotland for several years when one day she decides to visit him in person with a proposition, however when she does, he is not who he seems, and chaos ensues.

✨Arthur, a grumpy loner, is suddenly faced with a beautiful stubborn intelligent woman and he is completely undone. After realizing the trouble his family is in, they embark on a journey to obtain a stolen item that can alter the course of history forever.

✨I absolutely loved Lydia and
Aruthur. They are trying to find their place in their world. wanting to belong and be loved for who they are. Their chemistry is absolutely scorching, and their moments are so sweet and vulnerable.

✨The side characters are all fantastic! They had me laughing out loud, especially her brothers.

✨This story has everything, forced proximity, fake marriage, espionage, action, found family, witty banter, swoony moments, and zebras. The pertect book to curl up with!

✨Thank you @ Net Galley for the advance copy of this fantastic book!

British literature has never been my forte, but wrap it up in a romantic storyline with a little adventure & I won't be able to put the book down
The 2nd novel (Earl Crush) in the Belvoir series by Alexandra Vasti is a great story of how Lydia & Arthur met, had a fun & exciting adventure, & then fell in love. Lydia was a painful, shy socialite that coward from every social situation. Until she came up with a proposal to a man she had been corresponding through letters the last three years. A case of mistaken identity & bit of deception through an adventure to track down an important object is how Lydia gained confidence & fell for Arthur, who the readers can't get enough of his protecting, broody personality.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of Earl Crush on #NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own, but if you enjoy romance, adventure, & a female character that finds her strength, then I highly recommend reading this novel. Alexandra Vasti is an excellent storyteller & I'm looking forward to hopefully reading more in the Belvoir series.

Introverted heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace is the anonymous author of seditious pamphlets who has been writing for years with Arthur Baird, the Earl of Strathrannoch. Landing on his doorstep to propose a marriage of convenience, she's shocked to discover that she's really been corresponding with his younger brother Davies who is missing. As the two try to locate him, they can't help but feel a flame between them.

This book was hard to get into and I really struggled to get through those first several chapters waiting for the action to really begin. The paced also dragged in the middle that I think removing 50 pages would've helped push the action along. The sense of urgency to find Davis didn't build as well given what was at stake. I would've loved more of the action at the Library earlier too. Lydia and Arthur were adorable together, and I love how supportive and progressive Arthur was of Lydia. Lydia's family were also delightful, the close relationship she has with her brothers was refreshing.

A charming and low angst historical rom com.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

I ordered this ARC before I read Ne'er Duke Well by chance, so I followed up immediately. I loved both. The author is so witty and writes the BEST MMCs. I just wished the thing with the brother was more developed, but all in all, it was a 10/10.

Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti is an absolute delight—4.5 stars for me, and honestly, only holding back that last half-star because I save my 5-star rankings for books that completely upend my existence. But let’s be clear: Vasti is officially one of my faves, and this book just cements it. If you’re in the mood for a Regency romance that’s clever, sexy, and brimming with chemistry, Earl Crush delivers on every front.

Let’s talk about Lydia Hope-Wallace. She’s not just a wallflower; she’s a full-blown firecracker of an heiress who’s been quietly (and anonymously) challenging the status quo as a radical pamphleteer. When she discovers that her mystery pen pal (who she thinks is the Earl of Strathrannoch) is in serious financial trouble, she decides to offer a marriage of convenience. There’s just one catch—the earl, Arthur, has no clue who she is, and to complicate things further, it turns out Arthur wasn’t even the one writing those letters. Instead, it was his brother, the very person Arthur is desperate to find. The setup is messy in the best way, and watching Lydia and Arthur navigate this tangled web is pure fun.

Arthur is exactly the kind of reluctant hero I love—reclusive, a little grumpy, but with a heart buried under all that reserve. His initial hesitation about Lydia makes sense, but it’s their slow, simmering attraction that really takes the story to another level. Lydia is no shrinking violet; she’s determined, independent, and willing to fight for what she believes in (and, it turns out, who she believes in). The chemistry between them is off the charts and keeps you invested through every twist, turn, and moment of mutual denial.

Plus, Vasti knows how to balance humor, heat, and a dash of espionage, which gives the story that extra edge and keeps you on your toes. The dialogue is witty, the romance is steamy, and the plot has just enough intrigue to keep the pages turning. Vasti’s writing is so good it feels like she’s just raising the bar with every book she writes, and this one is no exception.

If you’re into Regency romance with some serious spice, a smart and independent heroine, and a hero who’s impossible not to fall for, Earl Crush is a must-read. It’s everything I want in a historical romance and then some. Alexandra Vasti is pure magic, and I’m already counting down to her next book.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this story and this is my freely given opinion.

This is the second full length novel from this author, and carries on with the stories for characters first introduced in Ne'er Duke Well. This likely can be read as a standalone story, but can be better enjoyed after reading the first book. The FMC for this story is shy wallflower Lydia Hope-Wallace, introduced in Ne'er Duke Well as friend to the current Duchess of Stanhope, who is also proprietor of Belvoir's, the scandalous publisher and library from book 1.

This is important because Lydia has a hidden identity, as H, the writer of several progressive and scandalous publications published through Belvoirs, and through the library and her literary identity, she has struck up a written friendship with the Earl of Strathrannoch. Otherwise Lydia, in her public life, is known as a wallflower with debilitating shyness, and rather overwhelmed by her more dynamic family members. Through what she learns through her correspondence with the Earl, she sees a path to potential future of independence from her family, and an agreeable future with a man with shared views. Because of his apparent need for funds, she thinks to travel to Scotland and offer the Earl a marriage of convenience, offering her dowry.

However, when she gets there, she discovers that the Earl is not the man she was communicating with, and it was instead, his estranged, and missing rogue brother who has taken his identity. Arthur Baird, the Earl, is stoic, reclusive, and not in any way seeking a wife. But he is desperate to find his brother, who had absconded with a device that Arthur fears he will use to do harm. Because of Lydia's extensive communication with him, they surmise that she is his best bet to track his brother down.

This is a fun road trip, false identity rom com with quirky people who were beautifully drawn out in their personalities, quirks, and interactions. I enjoyed all the secondary characters, how they were detailed, and contributed to the various scenarios. I cannot wait to see what is in store for Georgianna in the future (and I love that her dog is named Bacon - albeit short for Francis Bacon - but come on - everything is better with Bacon!).

The situations had me smiling and laughing. There was background drama as well as the romance, in the guise of a spy drama as well. The romance was sweet and sexy as Arthur and Lydia grow closer together and see each other's vulnerabilities, and appreciate each other's unseen talents. Beneath Arthur's gruff, intimidating exterior, Lydia sees his protective, honorable side, and Arthur sees a brave, intelligent, intuitive, beautiful woman underneath Lydia's shy wallflower facade. But as Arthur falls for Lydia, he is afraid that not only does he not deserve her, but that she ultimately will choose his brother, after all, it was because of her connection to his brother through the letters, and her desire to wed the letter writer, that she travelled to Scotland.

4.5 stars out of 5

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Lydia has several seasons under her belt, four over protective brothers, and an overwhelming desire for social justice. She has published anonymous pamphlets calling for parliament to enact reform and interestingly enough an Earl from Scotland agrees with her positions and has been writing to her for three years. In Lydia's mind, marriages of convenience have started with less; why not go to Scotland and propose?

Authur, the Earl of Strathrannoch, is trying to keep his estate and all the small folks he is responsible for going. Imagine his surprise when a woman he has never met or heard of thinks he has been writing to, arrives: faints, throws up on her shoes and proposes a marriage of convenience. What is a destitute Earl to do, except figure out the mystery of who has been writing to her in his name, find his brother, and perhaps fall in love.

This is the premise of a delightful read. You can not help falling in love with Lydia and Authur and the wacky group of friends, and found family they surround themselves with. The mystery and intrigue of the story is an added bonus!

This is book 2 in a series, and there are some recurring characters, but it can definitely be read as a standalone

Thanks Netgalley and SMP for this eArc!

Lydia Hope-Wallace is a practical woman- a radical proponent of womens suffrage, a writer of radical pamphlets demanding the end of monarchy and of equality in divorce petitions, she finds herself drawn to a scottish earl who corresponds with her and shares all her ideals. That is until she arrives at his estate, with a very practical plan to propose a marriage of convenience, and finds that the author of the letters was the Earl's brother, who has absconded with important inventions and knows of her real identity. Together the earl and our girl tem up to find the wayward brother and maybe embark on something more than a friendship between them.

The minute i saw this cover, i smashed the request button because alexandra vasti writes a world where people can do anything, and boy did i need the respite of reading this in like...5 hours when my mind was very, very bleak. I am here for standalone novels for every patron of belvior's, lu, thomasina, the maids, a sequel for selina, and one from the point of view of puppy francis bacon. All of it.

I love how Vasti writes these super special, vulnerable, magnificent characters and weaves so much humor and yearning and joy in these books. Definitely one of my current faves.

Alexandra Vasti does it again with a fun and swoony romance! I love how Lydia is shy yet strong and goes for what she wants, and how Arthur is classic brooding and loyal hero. Love a good romance full of yearning and this one adds a dash of mystery to it! I already want to re-read it once it comes out!

Earl Crush was fun and silly with a side of mystery. My favorite part of Earl Crush were the epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter. With writing being such an important part of the story (no pun intended), the epigraphs added so much to the progression of the plot, mood of the chapters and tension of the conflict. Overall, I really enjoyed the book, especially the epilogue, however, I struggled with the pacing sometimes. The ending of the book, especially the resolution of Arthur and Lydia's relationship felt rushed. There were aspects of the mystery-esque plot that didn't quite make sense to me and took me out of the story a few times, but I resolved those questions with "it's fiction, just because it might not make perfect sense in real life doesn't really matter". I also think some of those moments could have been resolved if I had binged the book, so as to not give me too much time to think about them.

When I was sent the eARC for this novel, I cheered out loud. I’m a huge Alexandra Vasti fan, and I’m so happy I got the opportunity to read this ahead of time. Where Ne’er Duke Well gets tension right, Earl Crush gets yearning and intrigue even better. My heart was completely stolen by Lydia and Arthur’s love story. The journey they go on both literally and emotionally had me devouring this book in the span of a weekend. I can’t wait for this book to be out in the world so that everyone I know can get their hands on it!

I devoured Vasti's Ne’er Duke Well earlier this year and was thrilled to be able to get my hands on Earl Crushed early. This had everything I love about a Historical Romance. I loved that though Lydia is so shy and anxious in social setting she had such a beautiful quiet strength within her that was so compelling to read. Arthur recognizes that strength and fosters it within her, he's the true definition of a wife guy. There was the perfect mix of romance, mystery, and humor in this novel! I would have loved a bit more resolution between the brothers at the end but overall, I'm adding Vasti to my instant read list.