Am I glad I read it? I really enjoyed the set up of the story and how Vasti played around with some favorite (marriage of convenience, she proposes to him) and some not so favorite (fake relationship) tropes, and I would be lying if I said it didn't pull more than a few chuckles from me. But on the whole, this book did not hit the spot the way Ne'er Duke Well did, and I am admittedly disappointed by this one. My major issues with it are:

- I did not find the political intrigue plot to be, well, intriguing at all. A significant part of this was the story's pacing, which felt way too slow to carry the kind of tension I expect with this kind of plot. I was, frankly, kind of bored for a good chunk of the middle of the story.
- Davis' absence for the entirety of the book undermined the emotional resonance of a) his 'villainy' and b) his reunions with both Arthur and Lydia. He was such a non-character that it was difficult to buy into his theft and its consequences or care about his reconciliations with the MCs.

Rating: 🤷🏼‍♀️ (it was fine)

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the advance copy of this book!

Thank you St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for the DRC of Earl Crush! All opinions in this review are my own.

The Belvoir's Library series is so much fun! While I liked the first book, Ne'er Duke Well, I definitely enjoyed Earl Crush more! I like the Scottish setting and the whole set up of how Lydia and Arthur fit together. I can't wait for the next book in this series!

A super cute fun read! Alexandra Vasti is becoming a must-read author for me. Lydia was just the best, and I absolutely adored Arthur. Together, they were perfectly matched, hilarious, and lovable.

This book has some elements I love in a historical romance, including forced proximity and a road trip filled with humor and intrigue. There's were parts that had me cracking up with laughter, and with what I'm sure was a silly grin on my face. Luckily, he's used to me because my husband had to have thought I was a complete loon.

The romance was sweet with just as much angst as I typically enjoy. This is one I'll be thinking about for a while.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Another brilliant story by Vasti who has become my favorite historical romance writer! her humor and spice are immaculate, the wit and chemistry of her characters, how down bad they are for each other just the perfect recipe for an addictive story that eill make you giggle and blush.

thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Griffin for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion

I'm late to the game on saying how much I loved this book, but I simply adored it. As with her light-handed debut, Vasti keeps the rom-com vibe going strong with lively antics and funny animal sidekicks. The titular earl is a gruff, brawny type with a tortured soul, hurt by his brother's betrayal, and Lydia, who has developed nicely from Ne'er Duke Well, is likeable despite her acute social anxiety and deep self-doubt. The need to find Arthur's younger brother, David, and what he has done with an invention he stole from Arthur provides just enough plot and mystery to keep the surface action moving, but the heart of the story, of course, is the soulful--and very steamy--coming together of Arthur and Lydia, who both need to recognize themselves as lovable people before they can confess their love to one another. I am now a confirmed fan of the Vastiverse--this is a complete delight

Earl Crush is a delightful Regency romp that combines sharp wit, sizzling chemistry, and a dash of intrigue. Lydia Hope-Wallace, a wallflower-turned-radical pamphleteer, has been corresponding with the reclusive Earl of Strathrannoch for years, but when she learns of his dire financial situation, she takes matters into her own hands with a bold proposal: marriage of convenience.

The chemistry between Lydia and Arthur is undeniable from the start, and their banter keeps the pages turning. Arthur, a brooding and stubborn earl, is the perfect foil to Lydia’s bold, intelligent, and resourceful character. The tension between them builds beautifully as they work together to unravel the mysteries surrounding Arthur’s brother, who is entangled in espionage.

Vasti expertly blends romance and suspense, creating a story that is as entertaining as it is heartwarming. The characters’ growth, especially Arthur’s as he opens up to Lydia, is truly satisfying. Fans of Regency romance with a touch of adventure and a lot of heart will find Earl Crush irresistible.

Thanks #NetGalley for the advanced copy of #EarlCrush by Alexandra Vasti in exchange for an honest review.

The romance between these two practically sizzles off the page. I loved the very unique and fun meet cute that really sets the stage for a fun story. I especially loved the love letters that were very romantic. This book also had a lovely and unique epilogue. Looking forward to the final book in the series later this year. I've already pre-ordered it!

Earl Crush, the second book in Alexandra Vasti's Belvoir Lending Library series, features painfully shy, short and curvy, redheaded Lydia Hope-Wallace and Arthur Baird, the very large, tall and bearded Earl of Strathrannoch. It introduces the reader to new characters from Strathrannoch Castle in Scotland as well as brings back old friends of Lydia's from Book #1, Selina Kent, now Duchess of Stanhope, and Lady Georgiana Cleeve. There are, of course, unusual animals (a herd of zebras and a sweet degu) and hijinks galore, with a caper involving Lydia's older brother, Jasper and Arthur's younger brother, Davis, a missing rifle scope crafted by Arthur in his forge, and French spies.

But what makes this tale such a delight to read are the main characters themselves, who are so deserving of each other's love and admiration that they might become one of my favorite couples created by this author. They are well-drawn, complex and endearing, their hearts complementing each other's so well, with their vulnerabilities and their huge capacity to love, that they remain in the reader's imagination well after the story has finished. In a world that seems to be falling off its axis right now, I cherished two gentle, heartwarming and loyal characters who truly deserved to get their happily ever after in each other's arms.

I listened to the audiobook version of this story, and Mhairi Morrison does a superb job of bringing all of these characters to life, but especially Lydia and Arthur, for whom I couldn't help but root almost from their first meeting.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

I'm late to the game on saying how much I loved this book, but I simply adored it. As with her light-handed debut, Vasti keeps the rom-com vibe going strong with lively antics and funny animal sidekicks. The titular earl is a gruff, brawny type with a tortured soul, hurt by his brother's betrayal, and Lydia, who has developed nicely from the first book, is likeable despite her acute social anxiety and deep self-doubt. The need to find Arthur's younger brother, David, and what he has done with an invention he stole from Arthur provides just enough plot and mystery to keep the surface action moving, but the heart of the story, of course, is the soulful--and very steamy--coming together of Arthur and Lydia, who both need to recognize themselves as lovable people before they can confess their love to one another. Vasti will consolidate her growing fandom with this all-around delight.

This was such a fantastic historical romance - it had spice, it had a very interesting plot, hilarious moments, and fantastic characters which made for an overall fun read. Lydia, the FMC, was a dream come true for awkward introverts everywhere - from her strong political opinions and beliefs, to her wallflower status she was just an utter joy. Arthur, the MMC and Earl of Strathrannoch was an absolutely amazing character - from the way he adapted so quickly to her marriage proposal, then to realize it was his younger brother whom had pretended to be him... just amazing vibes. The way he absolutely empowered Lydia to be her true self, because she was smart and strong - things she never saw in herself before, just made me absolutely love him. As they embark on the journey to find his brother, the hilarious banter, and one-bed scenes just created such a beautiful and enchanting love story that never felt anything but real. I truly loved reading this book!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Story - 3☆ it's okay, if you like Bridgerton and similar Regency romance stories you're probably the audience for this one

Characters - 3.5☆, I did like Lydia and Arthur and thought they had chemistry. Their first encounter banters were hilarious and turned sweet felt cute.

Mystery - 3☆ got me curious in a way of the missing brother, sibling connection, purpose of the rifle prototype and the twist were satisfying in the end

Spice - above my tolerance, too much of open door chapters that I had to skip the chapters entirely. For this reason, I am uncomfortable to rate the book as a whole but it is just for my personal comfort preference.

My overall rating was for the plot characters and mystery!

I need to find recs for Regency romance books that are sweet and plot worthy and just mild lovable moments. But I do know this book will be a lovable one for certain audience.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers copy of Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti!

This one was so much fun! The Regency setting. The clandestine trip to Scotland. The zebra stampede. The espionage and intrigue. The fake marriage. The blooming romance - and the steamy developments thereof. The found family. The actual family.
It was amusing and entertaining, with giggle-out-loud moments and some delightfully ridiculous and wild twists. It was also very touching, and dealt with very relatable aspects of *feeling worthy* and making oneself *vulnerable to love*.

Another wonderful book by Vasti! Radical taking the reins of her life x reclusive Scottish earl who has no idea coming his way! There is intrigue and a road trip and zebras. The meet cute is hilarious and the epilogue tear jerky. Go read Earl Crush now!!

Alexandra Vasti can do no wrong, as far as I am concerned. This is her second (incredible) novel, but I was a fan of her novellas, as well, and she perfectly captures the delight and whimsy of a historical romance with modern sensibilities, while holding onto the romantic and steamy aspects we know and love. The STAKES were THERE, the SITUATIONS were FUN, the TENSION was SEXUAL. Love love love. Can't wait for the next one!

Oh Earl Crush! I loved this historical romance by Alexandra Vasti so much more than her previous novel. From the beginning, with the heroine practicing a proposal to the Earl of Strathrannoch (whom she'd only corresponded with), to the zebras (you'll have to read it), to the cinnamon roll titular hero (surprise, whose brother had impersonated him via pen), everything was note perfect for me until the very end. The whole romance was predicated on the stolen identity, and the fact that the ne'er do well sibling had done the heroine an unkind turn.

spoilers

Except when said brother actually appeared I felt so badly for the story Vasti gave him and his reasons that I was all, gah! Well, please give him a story then. But alas, in the epilogue he has a somewhat satisfying short "he married X, was fine." Boooooooooo.

Almost 5 stars. Will round it up. But dang. So close.

An ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions are my own.

4 stars!

Alexandra Vasti sure knows how to write a charming, entertaining book! I devoured "Earl Crush" super quickly! It's so much fun. It is frequently wild and intensely funny. I laughed out loud every single chapter, I think. I adored these characters, the situations, the resolution! Lydia and Arthur FOREVER. I am going to be thinking about them for a long, long time. You know what they say when they say "opposites attract"? They are the perfect encapsulation of that notion. Their personalities and quirks play off of one another well. Arthur wants nothing more than to make Lydia happy because, while he is brutish on the outside, he is soft and squishy on the inside. Lydia is shy and tends to struggle in social situations. While it takes them a bit to realize their true feelings for one another, the payoff is absolutely worth it. *swoon* I really enjoyed this one. I will read anything Alexandra Vasti writes. I love how her historical romances are expanding my romantic reading tastes!

Thank you to NetGalley, Alexandra Vasti, St. Martin's Press, and St. Martin's Griffin for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

Omg , if I loved the first one I adored this second one. Extremely cute . And the Scottish man 😍😍😍😍. This was so fun, I was cracking up most of the book. I like that it connects characters from the first book so well. The story is entertaining and fun. And both of the MMC are fun in their own way. Definitely recommend and hopefully we get more in this series

Alexandra Vasti has joined my "I'll read whatever she writes" list! This book centered somewhat around a trope I don't love, but I thought the book as a whole was delightful, and Vasti writes a great Regency with the right modern sensibility for this reader. I'll definitely be checking out the next one!

THE EARL CRUSH in Jamaica. I had been reading it, but social media currently just killed posting it earlier for me. Although I MUST post about this gorgeous book so here I am.

@alexandravasti has super adorable chaotic everything going on in here. And zebras. My gosh I love those zebras.

But my favorite part after all Lydia and Arthur go through the mad chase, the ridiculous diversion he cococts to get in the inn, the piecemeal deconstruction of the carriage wooden floor to escape, and so many more, is the brothers! 😀🤗😆😆😆
Here is what I mean, best line imo!

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By the time dinner began, Arthur had met the rest of the Hope-Wallace brothers and concluded that they ought to be separated from one another for the general safety of the British Isles. Preferably via incarceration.
---

Lydia is shy , introverted , neurodivergent in modern terms, but is strong and determined when it matters the most. For Arthur, she breaks free of her chokehokds , dashes after him on a horse, and even stands up to her brothers to defend him. We all have that tiny corner in our mind that's a Lydia. She outshines when she thinks Arthur might be in danger.

Arthur, the adorable giant earl, is a very strong and reliable hero. We know he'd not back out in any situation no matter how lacking he thinks he is, and he delivers. Even when he is self-conscious about his poor finances and what he can't provide to Lydia, he does not think to leave her side. Oh, that livery scene 😆😆😆. But he strongly moves through it.

All in all, this book kept me going this year (somehow making me cope with what's happening in the country). A big thanks!

Thanks, St. Martin and @netgalley, for this gem!!