Earl Crush

September 1, 2024

Vasti sets her second novel in the same world as her debut, Ne'er Duke Well, featuring recurring characters but also crafting an entirely new storyline, delightfully turning the erotic circulating library of her first novel into a hub of espionage. Heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace, who often becomes overwhelmed in social situations, has for years found solace through her correspondence with Arthur Baird, the Earl of Strathrannoch, as the two discuss her radical political ideas. When she learns that Arthur is in dire need of money, she decides to travel to Scotland and propose a deal--her fortune for his hand in marriage. However, when she arrives at his castle door, she encounters a stranger. It has not been Arthur writing to her, but his brother--who now seems to have stolen a highly advanced rifle scope and disappeared for nefarious purposes. Lydia and Arthur join forces to find him and along the way discover that they are involved in a dangerous game of spies. VERDICT Vasti's second novel is a highly enjoyable read, filled with deft characterization and dialogue, an interesting plot, and an abundance of good feelings.--Neal Wyatt

Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 23, 2024
Vasti follows Ne’er Duke Well with another fiery and delightful Regency. Lydia Hope-Wallace, a writer of radical political pamphlets, shows up on the earl of Strathrannoch’s doorstep in Scotland after three years of pleasant and enriching correspondence to propose a marriage of convenience. Unfortunately, the earl, Arthur, has no idea who she is. It turns out Lydia was corresponding with Arthur’s flighty younger brother, Davis, who has absconded with a rifle scope prototype that Arthur invented. Arthur fears the prototype will be put to nefarious purposes, and Lydia agrees to help him find Davis, though their ferocious attraction to one another makes their search more complicated. Serious subjects, like the Highland Clearances and a potential political assassination, lurk in the background, but much of the foreground action has the feel of a caper, rife with lighthearted misunderstandings and clever set pieces. Meanwhile, when Lydia and Arthur finally give into their intense attraction, showers of sparks fly. This is a winner. Agent: Jessica Alvarez, BookEnds Literary.

Starred review from November 1, 2024
Following several failed seasons on the marriage market, heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace has spent the last three years writing subversive political pamphlets and corresponding with fellow subversive Earl of Strathrannoch in Scotland. She decides on an idea that would benefit them both: she'll help her pen pal with his crumbling estate, and he'll marry her in a marriage of convenience. Only when she arrives, proposing marriage, the Earl, Arthur, has absolutely no idea who she is. It turns out that it was his brother writing to her all this time--and the real earl will need her help if they're going to track him down. As they work together, they encounter both unexpected feelings and an espionage plot that they have to stop. Lydia impresses Arthur with her quick wit and bravery, and they both have relatable self-doubt and family baggage to overcome. This historical spy caper has plenty of sexy fun and terrific banter, all in a fast-moving plot. Fans of Amanda Quick (The Bride Wore White, 2023) may also enjoy this one.

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December 15, 2024
Proposing to the wrong earl leads to the right love match. Those in London society who have met Miss Lydia Hope-Wallace know her only as a painfully shy, absurdly wealthy spinster. That's because almost no one knows that she's also responsible for the radical pamphlets published by her anonymous alter ego, "H," on topics like universal suffrage and the right to divorce--not even the Earl of Strathrannoch, with whom H has been corresponding for several years. As a result, things are a bit awkward when she sneaks north to Scotland to propose to the Earl, only to find, when she arrives at his castle, that he actually doesn't know Lydia or H, and someone else has been writing to her under his name. Arthur Baird, the earl, quickly realizes that his brother, Davis, has been masquerading as him. Though in her embarrassment Lydia tries to escape, the unexpected chaos of a stampeding herd of zebras provides her with a chance to reconsider, and she decides to help Arthur figure out the mystery behind his brother's behavior. They are almost immediately attracted to each other, and though Arthur is loathe to get involved with a woman he thinks belongs to his brother, circumstances soon lead them to pretend to be newlyweds, which leads to a series of red-hot encounters and allows both to imagine what it might be like to actually marry. This sequel toNe'er Duke Well (2024) brings more political intrigue and suspense to the world of the woman-run Belvoir's Library, with a similar heat level and comedic sensibility. Though the plot is a bit disjointed, the almost-slow-burn chemistry between Arthur and Lydia--and the scorching scenes that follow--keep the pages turning. With the help of a lovely Scottish backdrop (and accents), Vasti's fans, as well as those looking for a post-Bridgerton story, will be pleased. A Regency with old-school charm and newfangled sensibilities.

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