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Earl Crush
Win a free print copy of this book!
13 days and 04:40:37
50 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
In Alexandra Vasti’s newest Regency rom-com, a reclusive earl’s life is turned upside down when a stranger shows up on his doorstep with an astonishing proposal—and an inconvenient connection to espionage.
For three years, wallflower heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace has anonymously penned seditious pamphlets. And for almost as long, she’s corresponded with the Earl of Strathrannoch, whose political ambition is matched only by his charm. When Arthur’s latest letter reveals his dire financial straits, Lydia sets out for Scotland to offer him the only salvation she can think of—a marriage of convenience. To, um, herself.
Unfortunately, the Earl of Strathrannoch has no idea who she is.
When a bewitching redheaded stranger offers him her hand in marriage, Arthur Baird is stunned—but when he learns that his traitorous brother has been writing to her under Arthur’s name, he’s bloody furious. He’s content to live alone in his moldering castle, and he has no desire for a provocative, radical wife. (Or at least, he shouldn’t.)
But Arthur is desperate to track down his brother, who’s become dangerously entangled in British espionage, and he needs Lydia’s help. What he doesn’t need? The attraction that burns hotter each moment they spend together. As Lydia slips past his defenses and his brother’s mysterious past becomes a very present threat, Arthur will have to risk everything to keep her safe—even his heart.
For three years, wallflower heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace has anonymously penned seditious pamphlets. And for almost as long, she’s corresponded with the Earl of Strathrannoch, whose political ambition is matched only by his charm. When Arthur’s latest letter reveals his dire financial straits, Lydia sets out for Scotland to offer him the only salvation she can think of—a marriage of convenience. To, um, herself.
Unfortunately, the Earl of Strathrannoch has no idea who she is.
When a bewitching redheaded stranger offers him her hand in marriage, Arthur Baird is stunned—but when he learns that his traitorous brother has been writing to her under Arthur’s name, he’s bloody furious. He’s content to live alone in his moldering castle, and he has no desire for a provocative, radical wife. (Or at least, he shouldn’t.)
But Arthur is desperate to track down his brother, who’s become dangerously entangled in British espionage, and he needs Lydia’s help. What he doesn’t need? The attraction that burns hotter each moment they spend together. As Lydia slips past his defenses and his brother’s mysterious past becomes a very present threat, Arthur will have to risk everything to keep her safe—even his heart.
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 21, 2025
About the author
Alexandra Vasti
7 books685 followersAlexandra Vasti is a British literature professor who has loved historical romance since age 11. After finishing her PhD at Columbia University in NYC, she moved to New Orleans, where she lives with her very large and noisy family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
September 2, 2024
Lydia, who pukes into potted plants when she has to go to parties (mood) has been in secret correspondence with a hot earl in Scotland. He’s broke and she’s rich so she decides to go propose so she can hang out with her friend and do whatever she wants forever (mood). This goes sideways when she shows up to the estate and it’s overrun with non-native fauna and not-penpals (…mood). There is, however, a brother who is in turn crabby, exhausted, kind, and stupid-down-bad-pathetic. Will our girl Lyds find her happily ever after? This is a romance novel so sure, but man, the course of true love never did run smooth (even in novels). (There is a weapons theft.) (And interfering servants.) (Also zebras but they seem chill, honestly.)
September 23, 2024
I. AM. WEEPING. This was the most exquisite, deeply romantic story I’ve ever read and only Alexandra Vasti could have me crying over a love story that included a moldering castle, mistaken identities, espionage, and sixteen zebras.
I love every single one of Vasti’s characters with every fiber in my being, but Lydia Hope-Wallace will hold a special place in my heart. As a gal with social anxiety who also mulls over potential topics of conversations before social interactions, I felt a kinship with dear Lydia. I adored how Arthur saw Lydia and didn’t try to shield or remove her from interactions with crowds and new people, but became attune to Lydia’s tells, ASKED what she needed, and readily provided support.
I also loved how Lydia, while she might be silent in a crowd, was incredibly fierce and a force to be reckoned with. Girl utilized her privilege and power, always at the ready to wield her pen to fight injustice and give a voice to those who were silenced. Lydia’s fight for social justice reminds us that we don’t have to be the loudest in the room to enact change!
My heart ACHED over the declarations of love. Truly, I clutched my book to my chest with tears in my eyes and a heart bursting over these precious souls. Arthur and Lydia were two individuals who felt as if they never quite measured up to a societal standard or familial expectations and they desperately longed for more — for a place to belong, to enact change and give a voice to those on the fringes in their communities, to be brave and speak their hearts.
There were countless quiet moments of love and devotion shared between Arthur and Lydia that brought me to tears. Bearing witness to their love and the life they dreamt of and built with each other, the change they enacted as steadfast partners, and the home and joy that flourished from their adoration and respect had me weeping.
This story is overflowing with joy and hope and has it all - mystery, suspense, hijinks, sensational steam, swoony romance, and the most breathtaking love letters. ALL THE STARS for Lydia and Arthur!!
I love every single one of Vasti’s characters with every fiber in my being, but Lydia Hope-Wallace will hold a special place in my heart. As a gal with social anxiety who also mulls over potential topics of conversations before social interactions, I felt a kinship with dear Lydia. I adored how Arthur saw Lydia and didn’t try to shield or remove her from interactions with crowds and new people, but became attune to Lydia’s tells, ASKED what she needed, and readily provided support.
I also loved how Lydia, while she might be silent in a crowd, was incredibly fierce and a force to be reckoned with. Girl utilized her privilege and power, always at the ready to wield her pen to fight injustice and give a voice to those who were silenced. Lydia’s fight for social justice reminds us that we don’t have to be the loudest in the room to enact change!
My heart ACHED over the declarations of love. Truly, I clutched my book to my chest with tears in my eyes and a heart bursting over these precious souls. Arthur and Lydia were two individuals who felt as if they never quite measured up to a societal standard or familial expectations and they desperately longed for more — for a place to belong, to enact change and give a voice to those on the fringes in their communities, to be brave and speak their hearts.
There were countless quiet moments of love and devotion shared between Arthur and Lydia that brought me to tears. Bearing witness to their love and the life they dreamt of and built with each other, the change they enacted as steadfast partners, and the home and joy that flourished from their adoration and respect had me weeping.
This story is overflowing with joy and hope and has it all - mystery, suspense, hijinks, sensational steam, swoony romance, and the most breathtaking love letters. ALL THE STARS for Lydia and Arthur!!
September 11, 2024
This is my second Alexandra Vasti book, and it delivers fun characters with very compelling chemistry. Earl Crush is about Arthur, a penniless Scottish earl who invents in his spare time, and Lydia, who is shy in public but very forthcoming as an author of seditious pamphlets. Arthur and Lydia are great together and the banter really jumps off the page.
The story itself didn't work quite as well for me, though, and the plot felt both unevenly paced and contrived at the same time. There's so much going on in this book, with a plot against the government mixed with espionage mixed with a laundry list of family dynamics. All of that is well and good, but it feels more like window dressing for the romance than a truly thought out story on its own. And then it ends without giving you some real emotional beats!
I keep reading these books because the chemistry is so good, and maybe that's why I like the Halifax Hellion novellas better. I had similar plot complaints with Ne'er Duke Well. But if that's less important for you and you prefer chemistry to plot, then you will probably enjoy this book just fine.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!
The story itself didn't work quite as well for me, though, and the plot felt both unevenly paced and contrived at the same time. There's so much going on in this book, with a plot against the government mixed with espionage mixed with a laundry list of family dynamics. All of that is well and good, but it feels more like window dressing for the romance than a truly thought out story on its own. And then it ends without giving you some real emotional beats!
I keep reading these books because the chemistry is so good, and maybe that's why I like the Halifax Hellion novellas better. I had similar plot complaints with Ne'er Duke Well. But if that's less important for you and you prefer chemistry to plot, then you will probably enjoy this book just fine.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!
May 22, 2024
I read this approximately one hour after it hit Edelweiss and my only regret on that end is that now I have to wait again for another delightful Alexandra Vasti book.
This was a true romp from start to finish - I loved Lydia's quiet strength and Arthur's unerring support for her. Also, he's a wife guy. So, you know. Huge for me.
Anyways - if you're missing Tessa Dare, as I am, I think Alexandra's your fix here. Her books are feminist, hilarious, and spicy (a significant portion of this book is them banging, as it should be). Alexandra, after we get , could we pleeeeeeease have a book for all of Lydia's brothers?
Thank you St. Martin's and Edelweiss for the ARC!
This was a true romp from start to finish - I loved Lydia's quiet strength and Arthur's unerring support for her. Also, he's a wife guy. So, you know. Huge for me.
Anyways - if you're missing Tessa Dare, as I am, I think Alexandra's your fix here. Her books are feminist, hilarious, and spicy (a significant portion of this book is them banging, as it should be). Alexandra, after we get , could we pleeeeeeease have a book for all of Lydia's brothers?
Thank you St. Martin's and Edelweiss for the ARC!
September 11, 2024
4.25 stars
I have to confess that I was a little nervous going into this ARC. I love Alexandra Vasti's Halifax Hellions novellas, but Ne'er Duke Well, which precedes Earl Crush, was a DNF for me.
Happily, I really, really liked this book. Lydia Hope-Wallace is a fiercely political heiress with severe social anxiety. Having corresponded with the earl of Strathrannoch for three years about her political pamphlets, she travels to his seat to propose a marriage of convenience. But oh noes! The real earl has not, in fact, been writing to her. Instead, it was his brother, who appears to be up to no good. Lydia and the earl, Arthur, team up to uncover his brother's plans.
What follows is funny, and sweet, and sexy, and political without being soapboxy. And given I am often too cynical for my own good when reading the first book after a DNF or bad review of the same author's work, I was so pleased with how Vasti answered any objections I had as the story progressed.
For example, one of my favorite moments is when they first touch, and there is a veritable ✨spark✨ between them as there is in many romance novels. Reader, I rolled my eyes a little. But here, it is literally just static electricity. I laughed with delight.
There is also a fake engagement, which is not my favorite trope, but it really works here.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the very hot dry hump against a door.
Overall, Earl Crush feels clever, fresh and energetic--exactly what I love about Vasti's work. I ate it up.
Fixing these issues would have made this a five-star read for me:
1. I would have liked this to be a little slower of a burn. They got hot and heavy around 40%, and after that, the intimate scenes came thick and fast and lost some of their impact as a result. Lydia and Arthur had such great chemistry that I would have liked Vasti to ratchet up the tension a little longer.
2. There was a little too much internal monologuing, particularly from Arthur, toward the end. That started to feel a little tedious even if Vasti did a good job of showing us throughout the book how his father had decimated his sense of self-worth.
3. Finally, I wanted more of Davis. He was such an off-page presence throughout, and then when he finally shows up in person, it didn't feel like there was enough of an emotional resolution between him and Arthur, and him and Lydia.
Cannot wait to read Georgiana's book! She was a minor character but a delightful and intriguing one.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book.
I have to confess that I was a little nervous going into this ARC. I love Alexandra Vasti's Halifax Hellions novellas, but Ne'er Duke Well, which precedes Earl Crush, was a DNF for me.
Happily, I really, really liked this book. Lydia Hope-Wallace is a fiercely political heiress with severe social anxiety. Having corresponded with the earl of Strathrannoch for three years about her political pamphlets, she travels to his seat to propose a marriage of convenience. But oh noes! The real earl has not, in fact, been writing to her. Instead, it was his brother, who appears to be up to no good. Lydia and the earl, Arthur, team up to uncover his brother's plans.
What follows is funny, and sweet, and sexy, and political without being soapboxy. And given I am often too cynical for my own good when reading the first book after a DNF or bad review of the same author's work, I was so pleased with how Vasti answered any objections I had as the story progressed.
For example, one of my favorite moments is when they first touch, and there is a veritable ✨spark✨ between them as there is in many romance novels. Reader, I rolled my eyes a little. But here, it is literally just static electricity. I laughed with delight.
There is also a fake engagement, which is not my favorite trope, but it really works here.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the very hot dry hump against a door.
Overall, Earl Crush feels clever, fresh and energetic--exactly what I love about Vasti's work. I ate it up.
Fixing these issues would have made this a five-star read for me:
1. I would have liked this to be a little slower of a burn. They got hot and heavy around 40%, and after that, the intimate scenes came thick and fast and lost some of their impact as a result. Lydia and Arthur had such great chemistry that I would have liked Vasti to ratchet up the tension a little longer.
2. There was a little too much internal monologuing, particularly from Arthur, toward the end. That started to feel a little tedious even if Vasti did a good job of showing us throughout the book how his father had decimated his sense of self-worth.
3. Finally, I wanted more of Davis. He was such an off-page presence throughout, and then when he finally shows up in person, it didn't feel like there was enough of an emotional resolution between him and Arthur, and him and Lydia.
Cannot wait to read Georgiana's book! She was a minor character but a delightful and intriguing one.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book.
August 24, 2024
Earl Crush starts three years after Ne'er Duke Well and follows Selina's best friend Lydia Hope-Wallace as she runs off to Scotland to propose a marriage of Convenience to a struggling Earl Strathronnach she's been exchanging letters with for years. However, the Earl whom answers the door has no bloody idea who Lydia is and what letters she's talking about. What follows this misunderstanding is joyful and steamy and a ton of hijinks as Lydia and Arthur try to figure out why Arthur's brother lied to Lydia and used her via letters.
I'm not sure I have the words to adequately explain how Earl Crush is one of the most romantic books I've ever read but this isn't an exaggeration. Truly, simply put, this is one of the best love stories I've had the pleasure of reading.
There's something special about Alexandra's writing. From the first word to the last, I was fully immersed and came out at the end of it just so satisfied and happy and wishing I could re-read this again for the first time.
The epigraphs. Some of the most romantic declarations of love I've ever seen on paper. Some of the funniest, too (Selina and condoms, I chortled). The epilogue had me weeping in its simple depiction of how much they love each other.
This story of full of small moments that breathe life into the ways loving someone quietly and loudly and softly can mean everything. It showcases vulnerability in our fears and how deeply we can be affected by them without even realizing it. How when someone sees you and lifts you up and takes the time to combat your fears, you can do anything. Arthur and Lydia love each other so much. Her bravery and his immediate recognition of it, when everyone else sees only her shyness. His steadfast loyalty and kind heart when everyone else sees a brute. The ways they helped and healed each other.
I loved this book. Thank you SMP and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm not sure I have the words to adequately explain how Earl Crush is one of the most romantic books I've ever read but this isn't an exaggeration. Truly, simply put, this is one of the best love stories I've had the pleasure of reading.
There's something special about Alexandra's writing. From the first word to the last, I was fully immersed and came out at the end of it just so satisfied and happy and wishing I could re-read this again for the first time.
The epigraphs. Some of the most romantic declarations of love I've ever seen on paper. Some of the funniest, too (Selina and condoms, I chortled). The epilogue had me weeping in its simple depiction of how much they love each other.
This story of full of small moments that breathe life into the ways loving someone quietly and loudly and softly can mean everything. It showcases vulnerability in our fears and how deeply we can be affected by them without even realizing it. How when someone sees you and lifts you up and takes the time to combat your fears, you can do anything. Arthur and Lydia love each other so much. Her bravery and his immediate recognition of it, when everyone else sees only her shyness. His steadfast loyalty and kind heart when everyone else sees a brute. The ways they helped and healed each other.
I loved this book. Thank you SMP and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2024
Any historical romance with a spy subplot immediately has my attention. Add in a heroine stepping outside her comfort zone and a bit of an adventure and I'm sold!
Lydia is so incredibly charming - she clearly has severe social anxiety, but is a prolific author of political pamphlets published by Belvoirs, which author Alexandra Vasti introduced to us in her previous book. She's had a three-year correspondence with an impoverished, but passionate Scottish aristocrat, the Earl of Strathrannoch. She travels to his estate to propose a marriage of convenience - her dowry will help his estate and marriage will save her from the London social scene. The Earl isn't who she thought he was and they wind up tracking down his brother together and getting caught up with French spies along the way.
The pace is fast and locations change a few times. Some characters from the previous book make an appearance, but this book stands alone. The relationship is sweet and the third act breakup isn't what you'd expect...and is quickly resolved, thank goodness!
I love the world Alexandra Vasti has created and look forward to visiting it again!
Lydia is so incredibly charming - she clearly has severe social anxiety, but is a prolific author of political pamphlets published by Belvoirs, which author Alexandra Vasti introduced to us in her previous book. She's had a three-year correspondence with an impoverished, but passionate Scottish aristocrat, the Earl of Strathrannoch. She travels to his estate to propose a marriage of convenience - her dowry will help his estate and marriage will save her from the London social scene. The Earl isn't who she thought he was and they wind up tracking down his brother together and getting caught up with French spies along the way.
The pace is fast and locations change a few times. Some characters from the previous book make an appearance, but this book stands alone. The relationship is sweet and the third act breakup isn't what you'd expect...and is quickly resolved, thank goodness!
I love the world Alexandra Vasti has created and look forward to visiting it again!
August 27, 2024
This was a thoroughly enjoyable historical romance. It incorporates many of the usual romance tropes, but the author still managed to make it feel fun. Romance is sweet, but some of the plot points were not working out for me.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2024
I was excited when the author announced this book and was very happy to get an ARC to read! Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this book.
I loved Lydia Hope-Wallace when I met her in Ne’er Duke Well, so I was glad that she was going to get her happily ever after! **I do not think you have to have read Ne’er Duke Well to read Earl’s Crush, but I think it definitely enhances your enjoyment of the book if you did.
This book opens three years after the end of NDW, and Lydia has found her voice- her written voice. She’s been publishing radical political pamphlets through Serena’s Belvoir’s Library under the pseudonym “H”. She has also been having a years long epistolary relationship with the Earl of Strathrannoch, who wrote to “H” via the Library. Through his missives, he’s shown himself to be a man who agrees with her political positions. He also revealed the utter financial mess of his estate.
So, Lydia decides that though they’ve never met, and he has NO IDEA she’s a wealthy spinster, the best way to take the reins of her own life into her hands is to go to Scotland and propose a marriage of convenience. Georgiana, to my delight, accompanied her on the trip.
Well, upon arrival we find out that Arthur, Earl of Strathrannoch, has no idea what letters she is speaking of nor any idea why she would say “I have money…I am here to marry you.”
The utter mortification causes our socially anxious heroine to do what she often does - throw up. Turns out, Arthur wasn’t writing her but his deceitful brother, Davis, who has now mysteriously disappeared with Arthur’s newly designed rifle scope.
This leads to an action sequence involving Lydia trying to leave on horseback driving the carriage carrying Georgiana, a stampede of zebras, and a heroic rescue by Arthur involving bravery on Lydia’s part she didn’t know she had in her. I was sucked into the story and never looked back.
This book has laugh out loud comedic scenes, a mystery involving Davis and Lydia’s brother Jasper, and a chance to see the four friends (Serena, Lydia, Georgiana, and Iris) working together to stop an assassination attempt on Wellington. The action kept me turning the pages. Lydia was brave and pushed herself to work through her anxiety in order to help Arthur and I was proud of her.
The romance felt very “lust at first sight”. Thus, this book felt spicier than NDW. Do I believe by the end that Arthur is in love with Lydia, and she with him? Yes, and I do appreciate how he fell in love with her mind. He did win me over with the way he encouraged her to do the things she was afraid of.
But, the third act separation did make me pause. I understand why the choice was made for Arthur to do what he did, but I don’t like it. And I needed him to GROVEL MORE. Lydia pardoned him way too fast.
I also needed to see the scene between Davis and Lydia on page. That man had some explaining to do as well!
The epilogue written in notes back and forth between them was a sweet ending that felt full circle to the beginning of the book.
All in all, this was a fun romp through Scotland and London, and I enjoyed my time reading it!
I cannot wait for Georgiana and Iris to have their stories told.
I also would like to put out into the universe that I need Gabriel and Jasper Hope-Wallace to also have books
I loved Lydia Hope-Wallace when I met her in Ne’er Duke Well, so I was glad that she was going to get her happily ever after! **I do not think you have to have read Ne’er Duke Well to read Earl’s Crush, but I think it definitely enhances your enjoyment of the book if you did.
This book opens three years after the end of NDW, and Lydia has found her voice- her written voice. She’s been publishing radical political pamphlets through Serena’s Belvoir’s Library under the pseudonym “H”. She has also been having a years long epistolary relationship with the Earl of Strathrannoch, who wrote to “H” via the Library. Through his missives, he’s shown himself to be a man who agrees with her political positions. He also revealed the utter financial mess of his estate.
So, Lydia decides that though they’ve never met, and he has NO IDEA she’s a wealthy spinster, the best way to take the reins of her own life into her hands is to go to Scotland and propose a marriage of convenience. Georgiana, to my delight, accompanied her on the trip.
Well, upon arrival we find out that Arthur, Earl of Strathrannoch, has no idea what letters she is speaking of nor any idea why she would say “I have money…I am here to marry you.”
The utter mortification causes our socially anxious heroine to do what she often does - throw up. Turns out, Arthur wasn’t writing her but his deceitful brother, Davis, who has now mysteriously disappeared with Arthur’s newly designed rifle scope.
This leads to an action sequence involving Lydia trying to leave on horseback driving the carriage carrying Georgiana, a stampede of zebras, and a heroic rescue by Arthur involving bravery on Lydia’s part she didn’t know she had in her. I was sucked into the story and never looked back.
This book has laugh out loud comedic scenes, a mystery involving Davis and Lydia’s brother Jasper, and a chance to see the four friends (Serena, Lydia, Georgiana, and Iris) working together to stop an assassination attempt on Wellington. The action kept me turning the pages. Lydia was brave and pushed herself to work through her anxiety in order to help Arthur and I was proud of her.
The romance felt very “lust at first sight”. Thus, this book felt spicier than NDW. Do I believe by the end that Arthur is in love with Lydia, and she with him? Yes, and I do appreciate how he fell in love with her mind. He did win me over with the way he encouraged her to do the things she was afraid of.
But, the third act separation did make me pause. I understand why the choice was made for Arthur to do what he did, but I don’t like it. And I needed him to GROVEL MORE. Lydia pardoned him way too fast.
I also needed to see the scene between Davis and Lydia on page. That man had some explaining to do as well!
The epilogue written in notes back and forth between them was a sweet ending that felt full circle to the beginning of the book.
All in all, this was a fun romp through Scotland and London, and I enjoyed my time reading it!
I cannot wait for Georgiana and Iris to have their stories told.
I also would like to put out into the universe that I need Gabriel and Jasper Hope-Wallace to also have books
August 23, 2024
Alexandra Vasti can always be counted on to write something that makes you think wow how is this so beautifully written, historically accurate, and insightful while also making me laugh so hard I alarmed people around me? If you are wondering what happens when you combine social anxiety with escaped zebras this book has your answer.
I loved all the characters in this book Lydia and Arthur are both incredibly lovable characters who struggle with confidence and knowing their value. I loved watching them support each other and learn to appreciate their strengths. I also loved Arthur's found family and getting to see more of Georgiana. I can't wait to read her story next.
Another one of my favorite things in this book was the fragments of letters we get to see at the beginning of each chapter. I love the humor they add and the little bits of insight they give into parts of the story we don't see. I also loved that the epilogue of this book was made up of letters. It gave a peak into different parts of the future without focusing only on one event.
If you love historical romance or a romcom and you haven't tried Alexandra Vasti yet you are missing out! I have created multiple new historical romance fans just by recommending that people try her books!
Thanks to Alexandra Vasti and St. Martins Press for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
I loved all the characters in this book Lydia and Arthur are both incredibly lovable characters who struggle with confidence and knowing their value. I loved watching them support each other and learn to appreciate their strengths. I also loved Arthur's found family and getting to see more of Georgiana. I can't wait to read her story next.
Another one of my favorite things in this book was the fragments of letters we get to see at the beginning of each chapter. I love the humor they add and the little bits of insight they give into parts of the story we don't see. I also loved that the epilogue of this book was made up of letters. It gave a peak into different parts of the future without focusing only on one event.
If you love historical romance or a romcom and you haven't tried Alexandra Vasti yet you are missing out! I have created multiple new historical romance fans just by recommending that people try her books!
Thanks to Alexandra Vasti and St. Martins Press for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
September 15, 2024
I haven't read or consumed much historical romance, but this was so charming! For me, this has all the things I like about Bridgerton and the Veronica Speedwell series. There's actually a fair bit of mystery and politics involved in the plot, and it's based on actual events, which is neat. I liked Arthur, but I really enjoyed Lydia as a character. I liked seeing her struggle with being more on the shy side, but she was still outspoken and brave when it counted. I would definitely read from Alexandra Vasti again!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the e-arc!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the e-arc!
August 30, 2024
Alexandra Vasti is a must-watch writer and EARL CRUSH is a must-read tale for fans of swoony histroms with wit, intrigue, and characters you will simply adore. I devoured this in hours and can.not.wait for Vasti's next stellar story. Huzzah!
August 30, 2024
Could this be my favorite historical romance EVER????? I think it is. Arthur was on some Anthony Bridgerton levels of down-badness and I was obsessed with it. I think my ONLY complaint was that I wish we had the resolution scenes between Lydia and Davis and Arthur and Davis, but this was so fun and romantic. I love Alexandra Vasti and will read everything she writes forever.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC! I screamed when I got the approval email.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC! I screamed when I got the approval email.
September 7, 2024
If the rating system allowed it, this would be a 4.75 star review for me. As in everything I have read by Alexandra Vasti, I sat and read this book in one sitting. Not only is Vasti's writing a pleasure to read, but once I start reading about her characters, I can not stop until they get their happily ever after.
Things that I loved about this book:
- It was, at certain parts, laugh-out-loud funny. There were certain lines that not only had me laughing, but had me elbowing my husband (who was next to me in bed) and reading the line aloud because I just had to share it.
- A giant, brooding, scotsman who happens to be an earl and an inventor (what's not to love there?)
- Vasti has a talent for writing very steamy books without having them feel crude. I really appreciate that.
- I love that for Lydia, our heroine, this is a story about finding her voice and able learning to have confidence in herself as she is, not as she might have wished she could be. Lydia has always felt her emotions strongly and physically -- her anxiety has caused her to faint or vomit, and she has viewed this as a negative part of herself. Learning to love and realizing the joy that feeling her emotions can bring her is a satisfying journey that we get to see as we read.
- I also love the inclusion of a wholesome, loving family in the Hope-Wallace's, Lydia's family. Those who enjoy the Bridgerton family dynamic will resonate with the Hope Wallaces.
- I appreciate the author's note at the end that provides some information about the historical inspirations for the book.
Why is it 4.75 stars for me instead of 5?
- The catalyst for a lot of the action in the book comes from the hero's invention of a rifle scope, but his motivation for inventing it in the first place feel flat to me. He isn't a hunter, and he gives what I felt was a half hearted explanation about trying to keep people from getting hurt in rifle accidents. For something that undergirded so much of the action, I wanted to that part to make more sense to me.
- For Arthur, the hero, a lot of this book is about the difficult relationship between brothers. While I enjoyed that, I wish we had gotten to see more of the resolution between the two of them on-page, instead of just referenced. This is more personal preference, I just like everything to end 100% happy and wanted a little more of a resolution between the brothers.
- This book has an espionage subplot, and the part where that came to a head and then got resolve felt a little muddy to me. There were a couple parts where I had some confusion about what was happening versus what the characters thought was happening. It was a lot of lies and misdirection that came unraveled very quickly and for me was slightly confusing to follow. However, I do want to mention this is a criticism I have of a lot of historicals that have espionage plots, so the fault may lie with me and not the author.
I definitely recommend this book, and Vasti remains one of the authors on my I'll-read-anything-she-puts-out list.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this complimentary eARC. My review is 100% honest and left voluntarily.
Things that I loved about this book:
- It was, at certain parts, laugh-out-loud funny. There were certain lines that not only had me laughing, but had me elbowing my husband (who was next to me in bed) and reading the line aloud because I just had to share it.
- A giant, brooding, scotsman who happens to be an earl and an inventor (what's not to love there?)
- Vasti has a talent for writing very steamy books without having them feel crude. I really appreciate that.
- I love that for Lydia, our heroine, this is a story about finding her voice and able learning to have confidence in herself as she is, not as she might have wished she could be. Lydia has always felt her emotions strongly and physically -- her anxiety has caused her to faint or vomit, and she has viewed this as a negative part of herself. Learning to love and realizing the joy that feeling her emotions can bring her is a satisfying journey that we get to see as we read.
- I also love the inclusion of a wholesome, loving family in the Hope-Wallace's, Lydia's family. Those who enjoy the Bridgerton family dynamic will resonate with the Hope Wallaces.
- I appreciate the author's note at the end that provides some information about the historical inspirations for the book.
Why is it 4.75 stars for me instead of 5?
- The catalyst for a lot of the action in the book comes from the hero's invention of a rifle scope, but his motivation for inventing it in the first place feel flat to me. He isn't a hunter, and he gives what I felt was a half hearted explanation about trying to keep people from getting hurt in rifle accidents. For something that undergirded so much of the action, I wanted to that part to make more sense to me.
- For Arthur, the hero, a lot of this book is about the difficult relationship between brothers. While I enjoyed that, I wish we had gotten to see more of the resolution between the two of them on-page, instead of just referenced. This is more personal preference, I just like everything to end 100% happy and wanted a little more of a resolution between the brothers.
- This book has an espionage subplot, and the part where that came to a head and then got resolve felt a little muddy to me. There were a couple parts where I had some confusion about what was happening versus what the characters thought was happening. It was a lot of lies and misdirection that came unraveled very quickly and for me was slightly confusing to follow. However, I do want to mention this is a criticism I have of a lot of historicals that have espionage plots, so the fault may lie with me and not the author.
I definitely recommend this book, and Vasti remains one of the authors on my I'll-read-anything-she-puts-out list.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this complimentary eARC. My review is 100% honest and left voluntarily.
September 5, 2024
Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti - 5/5 star read for me!
This story begins with our FMC Lydia practicing her proposal for a marriage of convenience to the Earl of Strathrannoch, who she has been exchanging letters with anonymously. Once she arrives at the Earl's castle she is shocked to discover that the Earl, Arthur, has no clue who she is and is not the one who she has been corresponding with! Our cast of characters uncover that it was actually Arthur's brother writing the letters (in the Earl's name) and said brother has gone missing with something very important from Arthur. Lydia agrees to help Arthur find his brother and hilarity (and love, obvs) ensue!
This is the first book I have read from this author but I guarantee you it will not be the last. I have not chuckled out loud this much in a book in so long. As a fan of the historical romance genre, this book is everything you could want with some lovely quirks thrown in for wonderful entertainment. Lydia is so idealistic but not naively so. She starts so anxious and shy but you really see her blossom as the story goes. Arthur is just a cinnamon roll of a Scot! He is an Earl but all he wants is to make sure those he loves are taken care of and provided for. He is just as insecure as Lydia in the beginning but they both find their way to bravery and the outcome is delicious! I was pleasantly surprised at how steamy this was, as well. Well written with good tension and build up.
A five star read for me is one I know I would return to again and again, and this book fits the bill.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's for this DRC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
This story begins with our FMC Lydia practicing her proposal for a marriage of convenience to the Earl of Strathrannoch, who she has been exchanging letters with anonymously. Once she arrives at the Earl's castle she is shocked to discover that the Earl, Arthur, has no clue who she is and is not the one who she has been corresponding with! Our cast of characters uncover that it was actually Arthur's brother writing the letters (in the Earl's name) and said brother has gone missing with something very important from Arthur. Lydia agrees to help Arthur find his brother and hilarity (and love, obvs) ensue!
This is the first book I have read from this author but I guarantee you it will not be the last. I have not chuckled out loud this much in a book in so long. As a fan of the historical romance genre, this book is everything you could want with some lovely quirks thrown in for wonderful entertainment. Lydia is so idealistic but not naively so. She starts so anxious and shy but you really see her blossom as the story goes. Arthur is just a cinnamon roll of a Scot! He is an Earl but all he wants is to make sure those he loves are taken care of and provided for. He is just as insecure as Lydia in the beginning but they both find their way to bravery and the outcome is delicious! I was pleasantly surprised at how steamy this was, as well. Well written with good tension and build up.
A five star read for me is one I know I would return to again and again, and this book fits the bill.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's for this DRC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
September 3, 2024
3.5 🌟's
this one was a mixed bag for me which is so disappointing ugh - the plot and the relationship wasn't holding my attention at many points throughout the story so i was just not truly engaged or enjoying my time reading this :/ there was just a lot going on and some of arthur's dialogue was kind of cringey to me lol
this one was a mixed bag for me which is so disappointing ugh - the plot and the relationship wasn't holding my attention at many points throughout the story so i was just not truly engaged or enjoying my time reading this :/ there was just a lot going on and some of arthur's dialogue was kind of cringey to me lol
September 10, 2024
If you are looking for a book filled with pure entertainment, some humor, some intrigue and a ton of sex go no further. Compared to some romance books this one had decent dialogue and I liked the 2 main characters although Arthur pretty much became useless with lust pretty quickly. I'd say pretty standard fare and what you would expect for a book in this genre. Thanks for NetGalley for an e-copy of this book.
September 6, 2024
Earl Crush is such a gosh darn delight, y’all!
I mean, there were so many laughs, so many swoons, and much mystery and action to behold!
One moment I’m wholly attentive to the beautiful love story developing, the next I’m making like Nancy Drew trying to figure out what the heck was happening! There’s fantastic charm to the book, and it hooked me right in.
I adored the rapport between Lydia and Arthur— their first meeting is one of the most memorable meet-cutes, albeit maybe not so much on the cute. I loved the natural-feeling development in their relationship. Strangers to friends to lovers. It’s all paced quite well.
I love how begrudgingly smitten Arthur becomes of Lydia, and how he eventually goes full man obsessed while having all these internal crises.
Their romance is beautiful— it’s also quite spicy! I wouldn’t have minded a bit less spice, surprisingly, but at the same time I ate up every scene, haha! And the epilogue! My goodness, I shan’t spoil it— but it’s one of the most lovingly crafted epilogues I have ever read.
And the notes and letter excerpts at the start of every chapter were so brilliant— from laughs to swoons to clues! I loved each one!
On a personal note, I appreciated seeing a character with social anxiety represented on the pages. Lydia suffers greatly from social anxiety, with it manifesting internally and physically— and it made me feel so incredibly seen. Sure at times it’s played for laughs, but that vulnerability was massively relatable. I felt such pride in Lydia as she navigated that anxiety as best as should could, doing all she could to take the reins of control back. Lydia’s struggle allows for a connection between reader and protagonist. It is a reminder of their humanity and relatable struggles, allowing the reader to become all the more engaged and immersed in the storyline. As well as allowing deeper care towards the protagonists. It certainly did for me anyways!
Lastly, let me exclaim how clever and thrilling I found the plot to be! It’s one that really makes the wheels turn as you try to outrace the leads in figuring out the mystery at hand. I felt very involved as a reader, which is honestly quite rare treat for me. That type of immersion makes the ride all the more enjoyable.
So, if you love historical romances that bring charm, laughs, swoons, spice, and a clever touch of mystery— be sure to check out Earl Crush!
I feel I’m returning to my historical romance era, and I am so here for it, let’s go! 4.5✨
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for this complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
I mean, there were so many laughs, so many swoons, and much mystery and action to behold!
One moment I’m wholly attentive to the beautiful love story developing, the next I’m making like Nancy Drew trying to figure out what the heck was happening! There’s fantastic charm to the book, and it hooked me right in.
I adored the rapport between Lydia and Arthur— their first meeting is one of the most memorable meet-cutes, albeit maybe not so much on the cute. I loved the natural-feeling development in their relationship. Strangers to friends to lovers. It’s all paced quite well.
I love how begrudgingly smitten Arthur becomes of Lydia, and how he eventually goes full man obsessed while having all these internal crises.
Their romance is beautiful— it’s also quite spicy! I wouldn’t have minded a bit less spice, surprisingly, but at the same time I ate up every scene, haha! And the epilogue! My goodness, I shan’t spoil it— but it’s one of the most lovingly crafted epilogues I have ever read.
And the notes and letter excerpts at the start of every chapter were so brilliant— from laughs to swoons to clues! I loved each one!
On a personal note, I appreciated seeing a character with social anxiety represented on the pages. Lydia suffers greatly from social anxiety, with it manifesting internally and physically— and it made me feel so incredibly seen. Sure at times it’s played for laughs, but that vulnerability was massively relatable. I felt such pride in Lydia as she navigated that anxiety as best as should could, doing all she could to take the reins of control back. Lydia’s struggle allows for a connection between reader and protagonist. It is a reminder of their humanity and relatable struggles, allowing the reader to become all the more engaged and immersed in the storyline. As well as allowing deeper care towards the protagonists. It certainly did for me anyways!
Lastly, let me exclaim how clever and thrilling I found the plot to be! It’s one that really makes the wheels turn as you try to outrace the leads in figuring out the mystery at hand. I felt very involved as a reader, which is honestly quite rare treat for me. That type of immersion makes the ride all the more enjoyable.
So, if you love historical romances that bring charm, laughs, swoons, spice, and a clever touch of mystery— be sure to check out Earl Crush!
I feel I’m returning to my historical romance era, and I am so here for it, let’s go! 4.5✨
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for this complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
September 23, 2024
Oh this one is a love letter to the regency romance. 😍
For historical romance readers, it’s about the nostalgia. It probably starts the same for most of us: we remember reading a regency before we ought to have. They were those colorful, tattered books you saw in your mom’s magazine rack, next to Good Housekeeping or some sweepstakes mailer or another.
Or maybe these were the first romance novels we checked out from the library. A Jane Austen-loving soul discovering a new set of authors to devour.
But it takes a special talent to make such a tried-and-true genre new again, to make these stories somehow both nostalgic and fresh, comfortable and convicting. That’s what you’ll get with @alexandravasti ‘s work. These two books (here I include Vasti's debut, Ne'er Duke Well) are truly something special.
If this is your genre, prepare to be wow’ed by Earl Crush. As ruined for other works as an unmarried woman without a chaperone in 1816.
And, if you’re new to the genre, these books are an incredible place to start.
Earl Crush was fantastic. Five stars and my favorite regency to date. Sexy and heartfelt. Deeply romantic. Scottish and surprising. With espionage and certain ruin.
-He falls first
-Marriage of convenience
-Adventure and romance on the road
-Mistaken identity and family secrets
-Epistolary elements
-Anxiety rep
-Golden retriever MMC
In Lydia, Vasti delivers another FMC who redefines what it means to be strong. One who is vulnerable, imperfect (dare I say “demure” in the year of our Lord 2024?), and anxious - AND YET SHE IS ALSO shockingly brave, utterly subversive, and profoundly relatable.
Women are never defined by one thing in Vasti’s work - not by their marriage prospects, nor their bodies or dowries, and certainly not by shyness or propriety.
Ultimately Arthur Baird, like Peter Kent before him, is a hero not because he rescues the damsel (though he does) or his swoony/spicy leading man-ness (though he is), but because he lets the rare woman he’s found be herself. And never misses that it’s she who rescues him.
How can you be nostalgic for a place you’ve never been? For time like this?
Read on, regency lovers, and find out.
Thank you to Alexandra Vasti, SMP Romance, and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
For historical romance readers, it’s about the nostalgia. It probably starts the same for most of us: we remember reading a regency before we ought to have. They were those colorful, tattered books you saw in your mom’s magazine rack, next to Good Housekeeping or some sweepstakes mailer or another.
Or maybe these were the first romance novels we checked out from the library. A Jane Austen-loving soul discovering a new set of authors to devour.
But it takes a special talent to make such a tried-and-true genre new again, to make these stories somehow both nostalgic and fresh, comfortable and convicting. That’s what you’ll get with @alexandravasti ‘s work. These two books (here I include Vasti's debut, Ne'er Duke Well) are truly something special.
If this is your genre, prepare to be wow’ed by Earl Crush. As ruined for other works as an unmarried woman without a chaperone in 1816.
And, if you’re new to the genre, these books are an incredible place to start.
Earl Crush was fantastic. Five stars and my favorite regency to date. Sexy and heartfelt. Deeply romantic. Scottish and surprising. With espionage and certain ruin.
-He falls first
-Marriage of convenience
-Adventure and romance on the road
-Mistaken identity and family secrets
-Epistolary elements
-Anxiety rep
-Golden retriever MMC
In Lydia, Vasti delivers another FMC who redefines what it means to be strong. One who is vulnerable, imperfect (dare I say “demure” in the year of our Lord 2024?), and anxious - AND YET SHE IS ALSO shockingly brave, utterly subversive, and profoundly relatable.
Women are never defined by one thing in Vasti’s work - not by their marriage prospects, nor their bodies or dowries, and certainly not by shyness or propriety.
Ultimately Arthur Baird, like Peter Kent before him, is a hero not because he rescues the damsel (though he does) or his swoony/spicy leading man-ness (though he is), but because he lets the rare woman he’s found be herself. And never misses that it’s she who rescues him.
How can you be nostalgic for a place you’ve never been? For time like this?
Read on, regency lovers, and find out.
Thank you to Alexandra Vasti, SMP Romance, and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2024
4.5 stars. Lydia Hope-Wallace is a secret political writer from an honorable home who writes pamphlets that could potentially get her arrested. (Suffrage for women, dishonorable politicians, etc...) She begins "pen-palling" with a person intrigued by her writing and identifies himself as an Earl from Scotland. She decides that marrying him would be a great idea as they have compatible ideals. She can give him money as he is broke and she no longer has to deal with the marriage mart. She secretly escapes her home and visits him in Scotland to boldly propose marriage only to find zebras, various other wild rescued animals, a crumbling castle, and that the very large burly man at the door is not the one who has been writing to her. It was his brother! Adventure ensues. There are runaway horses, espionage, theft, a one-bed trope (yay!), found family, romantic letters, disguises, protective older brothers, a small dog named Francis Bacon, and the sweetest main male character ever. Arthur Baird seems so gruff on the outside but he is just golden goo and deep valleys of emotion.
"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"
READ THIS and don't lie to me that you didn't squeal a little inside. I did an imaginary swoon.
I didn't know what to expect when reading this as I haven't read a Regency Era novel since I finished Bridgerton. I am disappointed with myself that I have not returned sooner. This was delicious, fun, and a delightful escape. It was paced well and kept me sitting upright in bed yelling at my children to leave me alone as "Mommy must finish this!" I want to now read everything by Alexandra Vasti.
I was able to read this as an ARC from NetGalley and the publishers. Put this on your "Want to Read" list and get your hands on it on January 21, 2025. You will love it.
"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"
READ THIS and don't lie to me that you didn't squeal a little inside. I did an imaginary swoon.
I didn't know what to expect when reading this as I haven't read a Regency Era novel since I finished Bridgerton. I am disappointed with myself that I have not returned sooner. This was delicious, fun, and a delightful escape. It was paced well and kept me sitting upright in bed yelling at my children to leave me alone as "Mommy must finish this!" I want to now read everything by Alexandra Vasti.
I was able to read this as an ARC from NetGalley and the publishers. Put this on your "Want to Read" list and get your hands on it on January 21, 2025. You will love it.
August 29, 2024
Alexandra Vasti is an auto read author for me now- her books are highly entertaining, deeply felt romances, with great humor throughout. Earl Crush was no exception to that excellent track record, but! I do think this book suffered from a feeling of hurry or being rushed. On the part of Arthur, it felt too close to instalove/lust for my romance tastes- I like to see the process of falling in love play out over some period of time. The plot as well felt- rushed, and at times forced or contrived- there were times when scenes jumped forward and I wanted a bit more closure to the action, or clear explanation of what just happened. For example when they are separated to steal away in a carriage tracking suspects, but then Arthur escapes and they’re reunited dramatically immediately it’s sexy times but wait! What happened to the suspects? Wouldn’t Lydia want to know that right away? How the mystery is unfolding? There were several points like this where it felt like the crux of the book is “Arthur is obsessed with Lydia” as the Main Plot and driver of most of the book happenings. This is romance, and is totally acceptable, but there were some … really big plot elements and a mystery involving brothers going on at the same time and I found the main characters’ distractibility a bit implausible or even offputting. I think this needed to just *slow down,* let things develop, let people react. My biggest point on this was at the very end, with Davis. I needed some reaction scenes and development immediately, not a jump to Arthur’s obsessive interior monologuing again.
I am critical in this way because I know how talented Alexandra Vasti is as a writer. The book was highly readable, entertaining, romantic, sexy- a solid 4 stars absolutely. I just needed more showing, less telling, on character growth and plot development.
I am critical in this way because I know how talented Alexandra Vasti is as a writer. The book was highly readable, entertaining, romantic, sexy- a solid 4 stars absolutely. I just needed more showing, less telling, on character growth and plot development.
August 31, 2024
Well that was a perfectly charming book. It's now the fifth thing by Alexandra Vasti I've read and the first book I've read via NetGalley. This is my first review in ages so uh...it'll likely be a bit clumsy.
I just recently dove into Vasti's work and couldn't help but get the feeling that I'm catching someone right before they'll hit their stride to becoming a standard favorite--a Julia Quinn, Coutney Milan, or Eloisa James just before they're noticed and specific style loved.
Onto this book in particular: Earl Crush is the second book in a new series by Vasti, following Ne'er Duke Well. It is what I've come to think of as Bluestocking Regency Romance. I uh...really love this genre--think Laura Lee Guhrke's Girl Bachelor series. Women are clever and men love their cleverness. I love their stories.
And the FMC and MMC in this book do not disappoint. They are clever people who have their faults and an internal dialogue of strength and human frailty that is lovely. And you learn about them through the telling--rather than the stating. They have depth and background. I not only like them, but I roll my eyes at their choices sometimes--because people aren't perfect and are informed by a wealth of personal history. And Vasti reminds us of that through her storytelling.
That said--I can definitely see where bits felt rushed. Read this book. It's worth it. You'll be happy to catch Vasti early.
I just recently dove into Vasti's work and couldn't help but get the feeling that I'm catching someone right before they'll hit their stride to becoming a standard favorite--a Julia Quinn, Coutney Milan, or Eloisa James just before they're noticed and specific style loved.
Onto this book in particular: Earl Crush is the second book in a new series by Vasti, following Ne'er Duke Well. It is what I've come to think of as Bluestocking Regency Romance. I uh...really love this genre--think Laura Lee Guhrke's Girl Bachelor series. Women are clever and men love their cleverness. I love their stories.
And the FMC and MMC in this book do not disappoint. They are clever people who have their faults and an internal dialogue of strength and human frailty that is lovely. And you learn about them through the telling--rather than the stating. They have depth and background. I not only like them, but I roll my eyes at their choices sometimes--because people aren't perfect and are informed by a wealth of personal history. And Vasti reminds us of that through her storytelling.
That said--I can definitely see where bits felt rushed. Read this book. It's worth it. You'll be happy to catch Vasti early.
September 2, 2024
Absolute perfection. 5/5 swoony stars for Earl Crush.
Don’t even know where to begin, maybe with the fact I finished this in one sitting? That I’m Alexandra Vasti’s newest fan girl? Or that she’s my new auto buy author? Her books are fun, witty, and romantic.
I loved Ne’er Duke Well, the first in the series, and found myself so eager for her next release. And this newest in the series definitely did not disappoint.
An introverted, socially awkward heiress decides to propose a marriage of convenience to the Earl of Strathrannoch, who she has been in correspondence with for years…only to show up in Scotland to meet the *real* Earl, Arthur, and find out that she’s been writing to his deceitful brother all along. Commence hi jinx, rogue zebras, a fake marriage, and the swooniest love story between two people who deserve so much love. Arthur and Lydia are absolutely perfect for each other.
Also, the epilogue 🥹🥹🥹
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!
Don’t even know where to begin, maybe with the fact I finished this in one sitting? That I’m Alexandra Vasti’s newest fan girl? Or that she’s my new auto buy author? Her books are fun, witty, and romantic.
I loved Ne’er Duke Well, the first in the series, and found myself so eager for her next release. And this newest in the series definitely did not disappoint.
An introverted, socially awkward heiress decides to propose a marriage of convenience to the Earl of Strathrannoch, who she has been in correspondence with for years…only to show up in Scotland to meet the *real* Earl, Arthur, and find out that she’s been writing to his deceitful brother all along. Commence hi jinx, rogue zebras, a fake marriage, and the swooniest love story between two people who deserve so much love. Arthur and Lydia are absolutely perfect for each other.
Also, the epilogue 🥹🥹🥹
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!
September 10, 2024
I received an ARC of this book by the publisher via Netgalley in an exchange for an honest review.
This is the 2nd Alexandra Vasti ARC I've reviewed this year. Her first book in this Regency romance series, N'er Duke Well, came out this past spring. And now the 2nd book in the series, Earl Crush, comes out January 2025. I was very impressed with the first book and gave it 4 stars. But let me tell you Earl Crush is a 5 star read! It was addicting, spicy, emotional. I ate it up! Vasti has quickly entered into my list of favorite Regency romance writers.
This novel is a blend of Regency romance and hard boiled detective adventure/mystery. I thought Vasti created an interesting mystery that left me guessing for the entirety of the story until the big reveal. And I ate up the romance. The characters were both very lovely cinnamon rolls. This book also had great spice.
I give Earl Crush 5 out of 5 stars.
This is the 2nd Alexandra Vasti ARC I've reviewed this year. Her first book in this Regency romance series, N'er Duke Well, came out this past spring. And now the 2nd book in the series, Earl Crush, comes out January 2025. I was very impressed with the first book and gave it 4 stars. But let me tell you Earl Crush is a 5 star read! It was addicting, spicy, emotional. I ate it up! Vasti has quickly entered into my list of favorite Regency romance writers.
This novel is a blend of Regency romance and hard boiled detective adventure/mystery. I thought Vasti created an interesting mystery that left me guessing for the entirety of the story until the big reveal. And I ate up the romance. The characters were both very lovely cinnamon rolls. This book also had great spice.
I give Earl Crush 5 out of 5 stars.
September 30, 2024
5/5 Stars | Two little cinnamon roll shy loves who are v shy + various hijinks
What I loved: The relationship build-up in this was chef's kiss. I have bumped this up to a 4.5 just while thinking about it. It's that good. I've never read anything by Vasti before, but you better believe this is the first of many. This is one of the best historical romances I've ever read, full of pining and longing and "I love them, but I won't trap them" and IT'S SO GOOD. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS PLEASE. Also, the plot in here was actually interesting and well paced??? The hijinks weren't ridiculous??? LOVE IT.
What I didn't like: Give me a minute and I know there was something, but I couldn't even tell you. Maybe this is a 5 star. I think this is a 5 star. Nothing was bad. This was perfect.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy of this book!
What I loved: The relationship build-up in this was chef's kiss. I have bumped this up to a 4.5 just while thinking about it. It's that good. I've never read anything by Vasti before, but you better believe this is the first of many. This is one of the best historical romances I've ever read, full of pining and longing and "I love them, but I won't trap them" and IT'S SO GOOD. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS PLEASE. Also, the plot in here was actually interesting and well paced??? The hijinks weren't ridiculous??? LOVE IT.
What I didn't like: Give me a minute and I know there was something, but I couldn't even tell you. Maybe this is a 5 star. I think this is a 5 star. Nothing was bad. This was perfect.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy of this book!
September 3, 2024
3.25 ⭐️
Thank you to Net Galley and Alexandra Vasti for the ARC.
This might just be my favorite Vasti book so far. I’ve often felt like an outlier in the book community for not absolutely loving her works, and while there’s something about her writing that doesn’t entirely resonate with me, I still recognize her talent. Vasti is undoubtedly a great writer, but her approach to Historicals often feels more like contemporary romance set in a different era. Additionally, her main characters, while admirable, tend to lack significant growth—they’re almost too perfect from the start, which can make their arcs feel a bit flat.
That said, the book was a fun read, even if it felt a bit scattered at times.
Thank you to Net Galley and Alexandra Vasti for the ARC.
This might just be my favorite Vasti book so far. I’ve often felt like an outlier in the book community for not absolutely loving her works, and while there’s something about her writing that doesn’t entirely resonate with me, I still recognize her talent. Vasti is undoubtedly a great writer, but her approach to Historicals often feels more like contemporary romance set in a different era. Additionally, her main characters, while admirable, tend to lack significant growth—they’re almost too perfect from the start, which can make their arcs feel a bit flat.
That said, the book was a fun read, even if it felt a bit scattered at times.
September 18, 2024
3.5⭐️
Lydia ha mantenido correspondencia con el conde de Strathrannoch por tres años, sabe que él necesita dinero y ella un marido, entonces decide proponerle que se casen y ella le dará su dote. Pero se lleva una sorpresa, alguien se hizo pasar por el conde
El hermano de Arthur se robo su identidad para escribirse con Lydia y también le robó un invento con el cual es posible que intente lastimar a alguien. Con la ayuda de Lydia intentara buscar a su hermano antes de que cometa una locura.
Me gustaron tanto individualmente como pareja. Cada un tiene sus fortalezas y debilidades, supieron unirse y crear un buen equipo.
Selina de Ne'er duke well tiene una pequeña aparición.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lydia ha mantenido correspondencia con el conde de Strathrannoch por tres años, sabe que él necesita dinero y ella un marido, entonces decide proponerle que se casen y ella le dará su dote. Pero se lleva una sorpresa, alguien se hizo pasar por el conde
El hermano de Arthur se robo su identidad para escribirse con Lydia y también le robó un invento con el cual es posible que intente lastimar a alguien. Con la ayuda de Lydia intentara buscar a su hermano antes de que cometa una locura.
Me gustaron tanto individualmente como pareja. Cada un tiene sus fortalezas y debilidades, supieron unirse y crear un buen equipo.
Selina de Ne'er duke well tiene una pequeña aparición.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2024
ABSOLUTELY PERFECT! A stunning regency romance! Just a brilliant romance in general! From the very beginning I was enthralled by the characters and their story. Lydia starts off witty and brilliant and it’s hard not to immediately want to know more about what’s going on in her brain. Arthur, on the other hand, is introduced as aloof and mysterious and, well, giant and bearded, so… sign me up! Their love story is a slow burn that had me giggling and kicking my feet the whole way through. And the best part? We love it when a man is down BAD for his girl. I had heart eyes and red cheeks reading some of the earl’s POVs.
This book has romance. It has history. It has mystery. It has all the makings of a perfect comfort read! 10/10! No notes! Add this to your tbr ASAP!
This book has romance. It has history. It has mystery. It has all the makings of a perfect comfort read! 10/10! No notes! Add this to your tbr ASAP!
September 1, 2024
4.5 stars
For the past few years, wallflower Lydia has been anonymously publishing “radical” political pamphlets through the Belvoir Library. During this same period, she thought she was exchanging letters with the Earl of Strathrannoch (Arthur). When she goes to Scotland to meet her pen pal and propose marriage, she learns he didn't write the letters. The letters were, in fact, written by the Earl’s missing brother, and Lydia and Arthur team up to find him.
I really enjoyed this book. I had read the first in the series, and while I enjoyed it, I found myself liking this book even more. For me, it was the perfect mix of romance, humor, emotion, and a bit of mystery. I found the romance to be well paced – a nice build of tension before the spice, and the humor was often laugh-out-loud.
The characters were very likable. The pacing was great. The story focuses on the relationship between Lydia and Arthur, but there are some great family dynamics and just enough regency era politics to help move the plot along.
If you hadn’t read the first in the series, you might miss a couple of small details, but the book stands on its own very well.
A special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC.
For the past few years, wallflower Lydia has been anonymously publishing “radical” political pamphlets through the Belvoir Library. During this same period, she thought she was exchanging letters with the Earl of Strathrannoch (Arthur). When she goes to Scotland to meet her pen pal and propose marriage, she learns he didn't write the letters. The letters were, in fact, written by the Earl’s missing brother, and Lydia and Arthur team up to find him.
I really enjoyed this book. I had read the first in the series, and while I enjoyed it, I found myself liking this book even more. For me, it was the perfect mix of romance, humor, emotion, and a bit of mystery. I found the romance to be well paced – a nice build of tension before the spice, and the humor was often laugh-out-loud.
The characters were very likable. The pacing was great. The story focuses on the relationship between Lydia and Arthur, but there are some great family dynamics and just enough regency era politics to help move the plot along.
If you hadn’t read the first in the series, you might miss a couple of small details, but the book stands on its own very well.
A special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC.
September 27, 2024
Alexandra Vasti quickly became one of my favorite historical-romance authors with her novella series, so it’s been a delight to be an early reader for her series of full-length novels.
Her writing, as always, is *chef’s kiss*. In this story, we’ve got a shy writer who’s stronger than she thinks, and a burly Scottish earl who lives in a run-down castle. As if that weren’t enough, Vasti throws in tons of humor, mystery, and slow-burn steamy romance.
This book is witty and romantic, and I highly recommend it.
4.5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
Her writing, as always, is *chef’s kiss*. In this story, we’ve got a shy writer who’s stronger than she thinks, and a burly Scottish earl who lives in a run-down castle. As if that weren’t enough, Vasti throws in tons of humor, mystery, and slow-burn steamy romance.
This book is witty and romantic, and I highly recommend it.
4.5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
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