I read Infamous and then remembered I had this one and decided to give it a go! Definitely mean girls meets Bridgerton. Also very good on audio. Full Review to come!

I like how the author both dedicates and apologizes to Jane Austen from the beginning. It sets the tone to the story-telling and becomes very reminiscent of JA’s style. This however was more “real” with not so “whitewashed” characters who partied hard, much harder than what you may find in a JA book, and involves situations you can still find today.

A very good enjoyable read, and I’m glad I finally had the chance to finish the book during my summer reading splurge.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Lex Croucher for the eARC of Reputation!

If you enjoy a funny, historical romance mixed with some drama, you’ll enjoy this book! I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but it really is like Gossip Girl/Mean Girls meets Bridgerton (minus the spice). This book was funny, frustrating at times, and heartfelt. Really enjoyed and would recommend for a fun, quick read!

I've not read anything by the author before, but I was intrigued by this premise of this.

Georgia is abandoned by her parents and sent to live with an aunt and uncle. While suffocating in the boredom of her life, she meets Frances, an upper class member of society who opens the doors for her into another world of society she would have never imagined.

I won't lie--- I couldn't get through this. While I love Jane Austen, it was the 'Mean Girls' aspect in the marketing that was too much for me. The characters were decently developed and all. But I hate that pettiness you see in Mean Girls and here. I know it happens, but I would rather leave high school behind.

I know Croucher was trying to create something that was uniquely their own here, but it just felt too familiar in some ways to literature I would rather stay away from.

Thank you for the ARC.

Thank you St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for the eARC of Reputation! All opinions in this review are my own.

I read Reputation in a day. It is so easily to get swept up in Georgiana's discovery of a new group of friends and despite being set so long ago, it is a timeless story arc.

Reputation has been compared to Mean Girls and Gossip Girl but mixed with Jane Austen. While Frances definitely seems like a Regina George, Georgiana reminds me of Jenny Humphrey from Gossip Girl and her exploration of how the super rich live. As with any character trying to enter this elite world, Georgiana loses herself and makes mistakes before recognizing who is truly there for her.

Make sure you read the Author's Note at the end because Croucher explains the significance of including more diversity in regency era books.

After this debut, I am excited to read more of Croucher's books!

Mean Girls meets Bridgerton in this Regency rom com. Georgiana Ellers has been sent to live with her aunt and uncle for the season while her parents stay by the sea for her mother’s health. At a boring dinner party, Georgiana meets Frances Campbell, a wealthy socialite and rebel. Georgiana is soon accepted into Frances’s exclusive group of friends, who drink, do drugs, and have wild parties. However, things take a dark turn when the parties get out of control. Georgiana must stand up for herself, even if it means giving up her place in high society.

This was such a fun rom com! I loved the way modern partying was combined with a Regency setting. Frances was like Regina George from Mean Girls, influencing Georgiana to do everything she’s been taught not to do. There were even some references to Mean Girls which I loved. The story took a darker turn towards the end. There was a sexual assault and a bit of a “me too” movement, which also made the story relatable to a modern audience. This part was definitely deserved in the story, as it showed how the wild parties can have an explosive ending.

Reputation is a great Regency rom com!

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for providing a digital copy of this book!

Content warnings: abandonment, parental death, sibling death, alcohol poisoning, drug use, sexual assault

Reputation is a fun, modern take on Regency by Lex Croucher. This one as I mentioned was fun, yes it has some historical inaccuracies but it didn’t take away from the story whatsoever. The narrator was spot on and the banter was witty and such an enjoyable listen. The humor in this one was on point. This is not something I’d typically pick up but I absolutely enjoyed it and highly recommend this series.

Many thanks to St Martin Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for sharing this digital reviewer copy and listening copy for me in exchange for my honest review.

I really wanted to like this one. It started off well, and had a great plot. But, they lost be a quarter of the way in. The characters were unlikeable, and there was no growth. The love story isn’t the one the book seemed to be pointing to, there wasn’t a buildup, it was just two people who existed in the same universe that one day woke up and decided they were in love. It wasn’t a story to root for. I love Pride and Prejudice and Bridgerton, so this seemed like a story that was a shoe in for a great rating. Unfortunately, it fell short of the mark for me. It also touched on some very serious topics and in my opinion, the reactions and outcome were handled poorly.

This was not at all what I expected but also have never read a historical novel like this. There was a rowdy group of 20 year olds out drinking and doing drugs and staying up all hours of the night. This is definitely not a new thing but they are privileged and can do what they want. This was steeped in Austen, Gossip Girl, Mean Girls, that cliquey mean spirited best of the best time of their life. But they are all on the verge of being out of control. One of the main ladies is bi and just passing it off as fun when her friend is not having any of that. The mistakes made going to parties, being impaired, no supervision despite being with trusted friends there is always a risk. So if you have triggers for sexual assault and rape be aware. It was done well as the mc was fighting for justice and as with those times was being dragged but luckily the guy she was crushing on was on her side. Their little notes were adorable. I refuse to believe that everyone back then had perfect manners and didn’t have sarcasm or some snarkiness and some partner to think they were cute for it.
3.75

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for giving me access to the advanced copy of this book to read.

I actually enjoyed this one much more than I was expecting ! I listened on audio and the narration was amazing. It felt very much like Bridgerton, more than just because it's the same narrator. As the synopsis mentions, this is like a Bridgerton and Gossip Girl cross, and I could not agree more. It had the regal factor of Bridgerton, but the gossip and lies and deceit from Gossip Girl. Only giving this a 3 star because it just didn't do much for me other than entertain me. I wasn't invested in the story until close to the end, but I did still enjoy overall.

I heard this was Mean Girls crossed with Bridgerton so I was excited to read it but it didn’t live up to either of the comparisons. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for review

I loved the hilarious debut by Lex Croucher, Reputation. Fans of Gossip Girl/Mean Girls and breaking the mold of regency romances will adore this one.

Georgiana has moved into society to now live with her aunt and uncle. At a latest party, she meets Frances and is swept into society trends. But will she care more about her reputation or staying true to herself?

What sets Reputation apart is its witty and humorous tone. The book is full of laugh-out-loud moments and clever pop culture references that keep the story fresh and engaging. Croucher's writing is sharp and witty, and her Regency-era twist on the classic romcom formula is a welcome breath of fresh air. This book explores race, class, sexuality, and gender in the Regency era in a way that most romances do not.

Reputation is a thoroughly enjoyable read that will leave you entertained and satisfied. It's a perfect blend of humor, romance, and Regency-era charm that will appeal to a wide range of readers. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun and lighthearted read. It's not going to change your life, but it's a fun ride.

Despite being sold as an update of Jane Austen, I couldn't get into this book at all, I finished it but it wasn't for me.

3.5
While it took me a bit to get into this one, the second half was definitely much more entertaining. While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it, it was certainly a fun way to pass time.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I read this book because I had seen it hailed as a mix between Bridgerton and Gossip Girl- both of which I enjoy. I didn't hate reading it but it sometimes felt a bit overly long (like there were parts that could have been cut without detracting from the story). It erred a bit too much on the side of Gossip Girl - and it was very unrealistic for the time. I don't require realism in my stories but this was definitely not realistic for the time. Georgiana definitely was relatable in her own way- but she was way too accepting of what others handed to her or suggested to her. It makes sense in terms of the plot but I found myself wanting to yell at her to not be so stupid.

The concept of a historical romance based on Mean Girls should have been my first hint that it would not be up my ally.
The bullying and abusive friendships were super cringy and made me uncomfortable. Not my cup of tea.

The writing style was interesting and fresh, and was me interested in trying Lex’s next book to see if a different set of tropes will land better for me.

I started this book and found that I really could not connect with it. I feel like it may have been one of those “right book wrong time” situations where it wasn’t what I needed, but I chose to put it down. Therefore, I cannot give a true star rating.

Not bad but not a favorite. Truly I think it was more about my personal preferences with this book and the style of writing.