Earl Crush

Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti | 352 pages | 2025

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. 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.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

This lovely regency romance was a true delight to read. The characters are wonderful, I loved getting both Lydia and Arthur's perspective, and the author hit the perfect balance of deeply stirring and heartfelt scenes that didn't feel forced or cheesy. She really built up this love story well, and I was very invested. There's a little bit of intrigue and suspense to keep you turning the pages, mixed in with some very spicy interactions between our main characters. The growth over the course of the book for both characters was great to see. Overall this is a very charming romance that I heartily recommend!