Tour Review - - Earl Crush

Earl Crush

by Alexandra Vasti

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: January 21, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

For three years, wallflower heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace has anonymously penned seditious pamphlets―and for almost as long, she’s corresponded with the reclusive Earl of Strathrannoch. 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.

But the real earl has no idea who she is. When a bewitching stranger offers him her hand in marriage, Arthur Baird is stunned. And 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 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.

PJ's Thoughts:

So. Many. Feelings. This was my first Alexandra Vasti book and I adored it. How could I not fall in love with these characters? And not only Lydia and Arthur but the absolutely delightful supporting cast surrounding them. They drew me in and kept me happily reading from beginning to end. 

There's so much depth to unpack when it comes to Arthur and Lydia and Vasti accomplishes it beautifully. Both have so many layers that make up the whole, that draw them to one another but, at the same time, keep them from handing over their hearts. Especially Arthur. My heart ached for him and his inability to believe himself worthy of love. There's a whole boatload of family betrayals to wade through but that doesn't stop him from yearning. So much yearning and I am here for it. 

Don't think this book is all angst though. There's impeccably placed humor, witty banter, zebras (yes, zebras), a mystery, a bit of danger, chemistry, meddling family (bio and chosen), road romance (Yay!), and did I mention yearning? 

There are also letters and random notes throughout the book that provide readers insights into the thoughts, feelings, and hopes of our reclusive hero. What he's unable to verbally express is eloquently - sometimes heart-wrenchingly - delivered through the perfectly crafted vehicle of his "papers," opening a window into the depths of his emotions and growing love for the quiet, socially awkward political activist who has turned his life upside down. 

These characters had me laughing, sobbing, and holding my breath as they navigated the ups and downs of mistaken identity, meddling family, espionage, kidnapping, and falling in love. I was with them every step of the way, right up to - and through - one of the most swoon-worthy, deeply romantic, heart-tugging epilogues I've read.