This book was the perfect blend of adventure, mystery and romance! The story was intertwined like it was woven with magic thread. I appreciated the authors ability to keep me on my toes with the plot twists.

Alex Vasti is the absolute master of wit, charm, tension, chemistry and prose that SPARKLES! A true gem of a read!

This historical romance was a pleasant enough read. It had some genuinely funny moments and the main characters were cute, but ultimately, it didn't really stand out. It was okay, a decent way to pass the time but not a book I'll be raving about.

Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti is a delightfully quirky, slow-burn romance with just the right mix of chaos and charm. Lydia, our socially anxious heroine (who copes with parties by throwing up in potted plants—relatable), has been secretly corresponding with a dashing Scottish earl. When she learns he’s broke and she’s swimming in wealth, she hatches a bold plan: head to Scotland, propose, and secure a life of freedom and friendship on her terms. Naturally, things don’t go as planned.

When Lydia arrives at the estate, expecting romantic letters and charming proposals, she’s instead greeted by a crumbling property overrun with invasive plants—and people she definitely didn’t expect to find. Enter the earl’s brother: perpetually grumpy, overworked, and utterly oblivious to how disastrously smitten he is. His mood swings between cranky and sweet, and watching him unravel in Lydia’s presence is half the fun.

The banter is sharp, the chemistry is slow but simmering, and while you know a happily-ever-after is inevitable (because, romance novel), the journey there is messy, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt. Vasti’s writing is witty and fresh, with just enough emotional depth to keep you invested while still delivering plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Earl Crush is perfect for anyone who loves their romance with a side of chaos and a whole lot of heart.

An easy regency romance read that will leave you smiling and wishing you could take off in a carriage across Scotland. Lydia and Arthur have a small case of mistaken identity when she thinks she’s been corresponding with him for years. Turns out it was his brother and madness ensues!

Alexandra Vasti has done it again and give me ALL THE THINGS! Arthuur is an impoverished, sad, broody Scotsman that thinks he’s an unlovable wreck. Lydia is brilliant political mastermind wallflower, firmly on the shelf, that is three anxieties in a petticoat (also known to cast up her accounts if the center of attention). We’ve got loose zebras, a missing brother, a mystery to solve and all the intrigue I didn’t know I wanted but absolutely needed!

If Peter & Selina (Ne’er Duke Well) couldn’t make it to a bed, Arthur & Lydia couldn’t make it past a wall, door or stairwell without accosting each other. I know a room entrance hated to see these two coming!

If Alexandra Vasti isn’t going to write anything else, she’s going to write some yearning, unrelenting horny beans! Also, the found family elements in this story are chef's kiss. I hope the author will give us a glimpse into Bertie & Huw's story.

Earl Crush is a delightful Regency in which Arthur, a grumpy, somewhat reclusive, and close to broke Scottish earl finds his solitude and his moldering castle invaded by Lydia, an Englishwoman from a wealthy, prominent political family who suffers from crippling social anxiety and hence is a considered a spinster at age 25. Much to his surprise, he learns that Lydia has been corresponding with a person she thinks is him for the past 3 years and has arrived to offer him a marriage of convenience. They quickly sort out that she’s actually been writing to his younger, apparently traitorous brother, who disappeared from the castle a month ago along with a prized and dangerous invention of Arthur’s, a long range rifle scope.

Lydia is crushed by all of this as she honestly thought she had a real connection with Arthur and had gathered up every last ounce of courage to come north, without her family’s knowledge, to try to forge a new, more independent life for herself. However, as she finds herself working closely with Arthur to track his brother down, not only is she discovering feelings for him, she’s also finding that brave and independent spark deep within herself and having adventures she never dreamed were possible.

This was an adorable romance. Arthur was a total sweetheart, absolutely lost for Lydia soon after he met her and never saw her as anything but strong and courageous while Lydia discovered a depth of character in herself as she navigated situations that forced her to rely on her own strength. There are references to the first book, Ne’er Duke Well, but I think this book stands perfectly well on its own. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

Alexandra Vasti has quickly become one of my favorite HR authors. Her ability to balance humor, romance, spice, and character development is just the perfect combination for me in this book and her previous in the series, Ne'er Duke Well. I have recommended this book countless times the past few months and look forward to reading more from her!

Imagine going to propose a marriage of convenience, but find out that you were catfished. That sums up Earl Crush. Lydia and Arthur find each other in a time when they both need to figure out how to love themselves and happen to fall in love with someone else. It's a touching story with dashes of humor that help bring the story along. (Every scene with Lydia's brothers were funny and I looked forward to seeing them on page)

It was a little long for me, with many details and emotions along the way. I do enjoy how Alexendra Vasti crafts a story. I can't wait for the next book.

4 stars

After DNFing Ne'er Duke Well, I wanted to give Alexandra Vasti another try; I had enjoyed her humorous voice despite the problems I had with her pacing, tendency towards telling rather than showing, and characterization that felt more convenient for plot than intrinsic to character.

For the first 30% of Earl Crush, I noticed these aforementioned issues continuing to abound and I did contemplate DNFing this one as well. However, as the plot started gaining steam, I felt like Vasti began to lock into the heart of this love story and I found myself getting swept away with it. I even shed a few tears at the epilogue! While I definitely wouldn't call this a five-star read due to the few gripes that I have with the writing style, I really enjoyed this sexy, heartfelt romp and I'm excited to pick up more from Vasti in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Epistolary masterpiece!

With the lovely use of short notes as chapter headings, this book capitalizes on the use of letters that lends authenticity to the time period. Lydia can best express herself with the written word, as does Arthur, which opens up new facets of their selves that are difficult to see face to face.

Lydia has a backbone of steel, despite her terrifying lack of social confidence stemming from years of her family protecting her due to her shyness, and I really enjoyed watching her find her inner strength to pursue her dreams, wherever they may lead.

The breathtaking action starts in the very first scene and sets a fine pace for this charming story. There's a complex mystery surrounding Arthur and his brother, as well as a bit of long-standing competition that appears to stand in Arthur's way, though he tries hard to overcome it. There's truly never a dull moment on this outrageous adventure and I loved every exciting step on the way to their exquisite HEA.

If you've read the earlier book in this series, you'll note that this one is set three years later, giving us a delightful update on the familiar characters. I absolutely adored this author's writing style as she crafted truly memorable characters and unforgettable scenes. I can't wait to read what she's got next. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

4.5 stars. This is absolutely delightful! It’s been a while since I’ve read historical romance, but books like Earl Crush are exactly why I do! A friend told me this book is perfect for fans of Lisa Kleypas and Tessa dare, I o couldn’t agree more. It’s funny, smart, and sexy all at the same time. I love how both the heroine and hero really come into their own. I love the hijinks. And I even loved the zebras! Zebras? Yes, zebras! This is my first book from Vasti, but I am officially a fan!

Thank you so much to Vasti, smp romance, and netgalley for the ARC!

I read an arc of the first book in this series so when I saw the arc for this one was available I jumped at the chance together it! I loved the characters and the plot! There was even a bit of mystery and a plot twist at the end! This is a open door romance so if that is not something you enjoy this might not be the book or you or you can skip those parts. Will definitely continue reading this series and other books by this author!

Adventure. Romance. Spice. An unlikely heroine that charms her way into your heart and a Scottish love interest that respects her. Swoon. I could not put this book down. It was cute, fun and steamy. This author had a way with creating relationships and love stories that make you feel like you’re a part of it. I loved it!
Romance: 💜💜
Spice: 🔥🔥

If you are a fan of Bridgerton, you will love this series! Alexandra Vasti writes some of the most fun and three-dimensional characters I've ever read. There's lot of action, banter, romance, and spice. You don't want to miss out on this series!

I love when women find their courage and someone who appreciates them for who they are.

I really loved this story. Vasti is an excellent writer and beautifully wove in a plot and romance. It was sweet, it was steamy, it was adventurous, it truly has everything!

Adult historical romance with a fake marriage and lots of spice. I enjoyed this book! The main characters, Lydia and Arthur, were so charming and an absolute delight. This book was entertaining and romantic with rich historical contex and a touch of mystery. I also love when there are animal cameos, especially when they are uniquely exotic ones!

If you’re looking for a fun, laugh out loud funny, and spicy historical romance, definitely check this one out! And also check out this authors debut, Ne’er Duke Well! It’s one of my favorites!

4.5 stars -

A solid second novel from Alexandra Vasti, Earl Crush sees Lydia determined to marry the Scottish Earl she's been exchanging letters with for years. There's just one problem, the Earl has never heard of her. Realizing his brother is the one she's after, Arthur and Lydia set out to find the man and demand some answers.

I enjoyed this book so much! I loved Lydia from Ne'er Duke Well, so I was excited to see her journey. Arthur was delightfully grumpy and reclusive, and I was immediately intrigued by the plot.

The chemistry was crackling! The plot moved at a steady pace, and the mystery kept my attention all the way through. In short, I ate this book up.

This is definitely my favorite of the two novels, and I'm excited to read the next book. Thank you Net Galley and SMP for the arc.

Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti was such a fun read!!

I really enjoyed her first book and this one did not disappoint!

You really can't go wrong with a fake marriage trope! It was perfectly written and had the perfect mix of sweet and steamy!

If you haven't read her books yet I definitely recommend for a feel good book!

Thank you Netgalley and St Martins press for this ARC!

With some references to the first book in the series but still lighthearted and with low angst about a case of mistaken identity, Earl Crush was a satisfying and quick read. The connections to Belvoir's Library and previous book did not add much for a reader new to the series, but perhaps the plot's travel aspect makes that understandably harder to tie in--and I'm glad it was referenced, but not shoehorned in. I enjoyed the main characters' wit and determination.

I appreciate Vasti's effort to make the book fun and engaging. I would've liked more character development and learning how challenges Lydia and Arthur faced in the past regarding their chosen callings (radical pamphlet-writing and inventing, respectively) influenced them up to the point that the book starts. In this aspect, the world-building felt less rounded as it could be, given the author's writing skill. While I liked the epistolary elements sprinkled in throughout, the (not-quite) resolution with Davis, Arthur's brother, motives felt fell flat for me.

Pacing was interesting. It's medium-paced, with plot events intermixed with sometimes lengthly looks at the characters' internal lives (especially Arthur). I just did not enjoy the book as much as I would've liked.