Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Pree for the arc, I loved this. I really vibe with Alexandria Vasti's writing style. Historical rom coms are so hit and miss for me, but thus far all of Vasti's have hit. I love the attention to detail and how well researched these are. In addition to having a great time reading I also really enjoy reading her author's notes where she discusses the research.

Back to Lydia and Arthur, I love a fake relationship and this one was so well done. The tension and chemistry were amazing. Because it's a historical rom com there were lots of silly exploits, but it never so over the top that it lost me. I'm super excited for the next one.

I'm still not convinced Arthur is a good love interest name, but the author makes a compelling case.

This was fun! I like Selina and Peter as a couple more, but Lydia and Arthur had a much more exciting story. Were they all down bad for each other and dumb as a result? Absolutely. But I allow it. Fake dating/marriage, mistaken identity, dangerous rebel plots -- there was so much to interest me in this and make it feel like a true adventure that I would absolutely recommend for a good time.

I have to say, I am at a loss as to why historical romance is dying when both books in this series had about five separate smut scenes at or before the 50% mark and they were better written than 90% of the romance books constantly being shoved down my throat on booktok. People need to switch their focus a bit here.

I was intrigued by the premise of this book from the start, but about a quarter of the way in, as the story was still building, I found myself a little bored. However, once the characters figured out what they needed to do and the adventure truly began, I was hooked! I ended up really enjoying this book. The characters were fantastic, and I even laughed out loud a couple of times, thanks to the author’s sharp, witty quips.

Earl Crush is a delightful historical romance about an awkwardly shy woman who secretly writes radical political pamphlets and a reclusive Scottish earl she believes she has been corresponding with for years. The story kicks off when she arrives to propose a marriage of convenience—only to discover that the man she’s been writing to isn’t who she thought he was!

Lydia is such a fun heroine—awkward, chaotic, and full of heart. She takes matters into her own hands and isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in. Arthur, meanwhile, is the epitome of a gentle giant—protective and loyal. I loved how he could sense what Lydia needed, and even when he wanted to step in, he never tried to silence or undermine her. He truly wanted her to be her authentic self, making him a perfect romantic lead.

Though the book had a rocky start for me, I ended up absolutely loving it, and I can’t wait for the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Alexandra Vasti for the ARC.

I devour anything that Alexandra Vasti writes. Especially if it includes a grumpy Earl and historical drama and spicy women. Keep them coming.

I have enjoyed an Alexandra Vasti novella here and there. Her full length novels have been kinda lacking. The premises never speak to me. The heroes aren't my type. Too hormonal and not in a fun way. A boring way. I know Vasti can come up with better and new ideas.

This was an auto-approved ARC.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

I really loved this one! I am not the best at writing reviews sometimes, but sometimes books take you by surprise and this one did just that. I got invested a few chapters in and couldn't put it done. It was so good! I highly recommend this one.

I liked Alexandra Vastri’s previously novel but looooved this one. I am a sucker for pining and yearning and this had that in spades. Plus the premise was fun and the Scottish accents in the audiobook was the icing on top. Georgiana shines as a side character and I am excited for her novel this fall!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book, I loved both MCs, and their adventures and them trying to safe Davis from himself, and falling in love in the way, it was funny and sad, and romantic and full of heart!

Alexandra Vasti's books are becoming a must read. This was a fun historical romance, with strong, independent, intelligent female characters and charming, unexpected male characters. This reminds me a bit of Tessa Dare and Elizabeth Everett.

Absolute perfection.

There was not a single part of this that I had issues with. Lydia was formidable, strong and determined, brave and smart. I loved how most of the story was Arthur's perspective, his admiration and love for Lydia...and how he suffered and redeemed himself.

The subplot was masterfully written and woven in, and the honour, candor and sincerity were unmatched.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If I were to build a shrine to a book it would be this one, I was kicking and screaming throughout the book. I love a Scottish hero.

Thank you to the author, publisher and @NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I. CANNOT.

This was superb! All the Bridgerton vibes. A FMC that is introverted but spunky as hell. The spice was spicing. It was fun. It was adventurous. And the YEARNING was top notch.

I loved Ne’er Duke Well and I can’t wait for Ladies in Hating!!

Lydia has always had crippling social anxiety, leaving her little hope for any prospects. The only way she can express herself is through her written political pamphlets distributed by Belvoir’s library. After several years of correspondence with the Earl of Strathrannoch, Lydia has decided to visit him in Scotland and propose a marriage of convenience. But when she makes it to Strathrannoch castle Arthur has no idea who Lydia is and denies having any communication with her. When Arthur and Lydia discover it’s been Arthur’s brother she’s been corresponding with, Arthur asks for Lydia’s help to track him down. As the two travel through the UK determined to find answers Lydia and Arthur unexpectedly find themselves embroiled in a case of political espionage. Will the tension be too much for Lydia and Arthur? Or will their growing feelings create a passionate companionship neither of them expected?

Alexandra Vasti once again brings women’s advocacy to the forefront in the form of a hilarious and entertaining historical romance.

Lady Lydia Hope-Wallace and her best friend, Lady Georgina traveled to Scotland in the hopes Lydia could convince the man she had be trading letters with for a few years to marry her. Upon arriving at their destination, Lydia was astonished to find the man she had been writing letters to wasn’t who he said he was. Arthur Baird, the Earl of Strathrannoch, is determined to find his younger brother as he has absconded with a rifle scope he designed and after speaking with Lydia, he is sure he has nefarious intentions to use it for evil purposes, After Arthur convinces Lydia to remain in Scotland to assist him in finding his brother, he has to fight against his attraction to her. A great addition to the series by Alexandra Vasti.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review

I had to DNF this book, will try again, but despite loving Vasti. This just didn't work. There were all these weird plotlines that didn't make sense.
Why does our hero assume his brother is out to harm Lydia? Has he ever been violent before? It doesn't seem so. Why are these people acting like super spies, is the home office really that incompetent? The Romance kinda works, but the plot is just too much happening all over the place.
Will update review if I can get through it.

This series is witty and I can’t wait for the next installment. This was another smart and sexy historical romance I couldn’t put down. The chemistry was fire and I love how the author weaves in real historical influences. Loved it!

Beautifully tender, kind, hilarious AND steamy! Vasti has created a cozy book where it's safe to question yourself and it's important to support the people you love. Watching our FMC develop her confidence over the course of this book was inspiring.

Lydia is an heiress with radical views and social anxiety. Arthur is a penniless Scottish Earl with a love for his people and estate. The twists and turns in the plot will keep you engaged and the love and romance between these two will keep you turning the pages. I also enjoyed all of the family and secondary characters, I hope there will be stories about some of these characters.

This was super cute! Loved the banter, and the mystery plot with a twist was very fun.
I wasn't the biggest fan of how much spice was in this book - for a regency era vibe, I would prefer less spice and more yearning. Stolen glances or brushing of fingers etc.

But all in all, a cozy read!

This sounded a bit like Bridgerton to me initially so I was excited but I think comparing it was my problem. I did not like it as much comparatively and I felt that the plot was too rushed and insane at times.