Caffeinated Reviewer

Narrated by Mhairi Morrison, I was drawn to Earl Cush by Alexandra Vasti by its synopsis. The idea of a lady showing up on a reclusive Scottish earl’s doorstep and offering him marriage. Toss in some espionage, as I was all. A delightful romcom with plenty of spice and humor made this a perfect winter afternoon escape. Just add some Earl Grey and a cozy blanket.

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.

Earl Crush started off a little slowly as I tried to figure out what was happening. We meet heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace, an independent chit who secretly pens anonymous seditious pamphlets. Dubbed a wallflower by her peers, she has been corresponding with the Earl of Strathrannoch. The two share similar political views and after three years of correspondence, she feels she knows the gentlemen in question. Knowing his estate needs funds, she comes up with a clever idea. She’ll offer her hand in marriage, support his estate and continue fighting for causes.

She arrives with her friend and pet in tow, only for this gruff man to open the door and claim he’s never written her. That first meet cute was hilarious, and the chemistry was there despite the confusion. The tale that unfolds was delicious and the two discover the source of the letters and work to undermine a plan of attack.

A fake marriage, angry brothers, danger, steamy moments and Lydia herself made this romcom a fun listen. Did I need to suspend belief sometimes? Absolutely. Did Lydia’s personality perfectly fit the type who would concoct such plans? Positively.

I laughed, swooned, held my breath during dangerous moments and yelled aloud when the Earl tried to be the better man. If you are looking for a sexy, hilarious romp with a Scottish earl who has a soft spot for animals and his staff. You’ll love watching him fall for this clever lady.

Narrator Mhairi Morrison beautifully captured this third person point of view, bringing both Lydia and the Earl to life. I enjoyed her accent. You’ll want to download this one in audio format.

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About Alexandra Vasti

Alexandra 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. She writes steamy, laugh-out-loud historical romance with lots of heart.

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About Mhairi Morrison

Mhairi Morrison is a classically trained actress, having attained her BA in theater from The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, in Glasgow, before studying movement and mime at Jacques Le Coq, Paris. Following her training, she formed a theater company, performing as a clown throughout France. Moving to London, she began working in theater, film, and TV. Her feature film credits include Young Adam (directed by David Mackenzie and starring Ewan McGregor), Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself; O, Jerusalem; and Green Street Hooligans (starring Elijah Wood). Her TV credits include Murphy's Law and Casualty (both BBC), Missing (ITV), and Emo (Channel 4). Her theater credits include Blues for Mister Charlie (Tricycle Theater, London), Faeries (Royal Opera House, London), and Low Life (Blind Summit). Since moving to Los Angeles, she created and starred in two seasons of the award-winning web series Feathers and Toast. She performs mimes which she produces and distributes online as the series One Mime at a Time. She works extensively in voice-over and is an award-winning audiobook narrator, having won an AudioFile Earphones Award for her narration of Amanda Scott's The Reluctant Highlander.

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• 2025 Audiobook Challenge

About Kimberly

Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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