This one just didn't work for me, I didn't really enjoy the characters and was just ready to finish the book. Might work great for other readers!

Trouble by Lex Croucher is a regency romance

When I started listening, I was instantly intrigued by the story. The narrator was great and just drew me in. Amy Lawrence has been hired as the new governess at Fairmont House, two young ladies. Amy is sweet and kind, she’s calm, respectful and loves children. Unfortunately, she is also very ill. So her sister Emily steps in and takes her place, unfortunately she is the polar opposite of her sister Amy. She despises the wealthy, and has no problems taking from them to benefit herself.
The Edward’s have two daughters, Aster and Grace. Aster wants nothing to do with “Amy” and goes out of her way to avoid her. grace is sweet and kind and loves to read. Captain Edward’s is struggling to support his family and keep the manor and the people there going as finances are not what they used to be. He is still grieving the loss of his wife and keeps his distance from his children. When he catches Amy/Emily stealing, he questions her but doesn’t do much about it.
While I really liked the beginning, I started to dislike the book and struggled with finishing. My first issue is that Maria goes off on Captain Von Trapp and he swears how much he loves his kids and how great of a father he is. Oh wait! Wrong story. Or is it? The governess is Maria but loaded with disdain for the children and the wealthy. In my head I keep hearing How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria. The scene where she tells off Captain Edward’s is just like the scene in the Sound Of Music where Maria tells the Captain off about his children. The similarities don’t stop there either, because the scene during the dance once again makes you remember Maria’s flushed cheeks and running off back to the Abby. The book is supposed to be a Regency story and the author did not do the research of the time period at all. The book would have been much better had it been in a different time period as they bring up topics that would have resulted in complete alienation. In that time period, being gay was a punishable crime, and the book gives the impression that the time period was accepting of both being gay and transgender. It was like the author decided to throw this into the book as an additional plot twist, hoping that no one would notice that this was taboo during that time period. The Captain has had a gay relationship, lost his career, but is now falling for the potty mouthed governess? What? And most of all I hated the main female character. Most of the characters are just surface characters, with no real depth or substance. She spoke like a sailor and just had no redeeming qualities during the book.
Positives : I loved the other household members including both the children and their relationship. I loved the way the younger sibling loved and supported their older sibling through their journey. Had this been in a different time period, I felt the reception by so many staff members would have seemed normal and acceptable.

The book had potential but totally jumped from a regency style book to a modern book trying to pretend to be a regency. Loving the Sound of Music I can understand the author wanting to emulate that, but it just falls way short and seems like a poor imitation. Also tossing in social issues to try and score an audience falls very flat. I wanted to love this book but unfortunately it’s more of a two and a half for me.
It’s definitely not one I need to own or reread and isn’t one I would recommend. It’s just an ok read. Nothing standing out or making me want to continue with this series or this author.

I'll confess - I haven't watched the Sound of Music so the connections were lost on me but I very much enjoyed this title! Lex Croucher does some masterful character studies and she is always inclusive in a way I wish history could be taught. You know the past had diversity but it is swept under the rug or it was rooted out in real-time. Croucher works to reclaim that past and she is just fun and heartfelt with her characters. She lets them be messy and contrary and it works.

“basically the sound of music (the first half) with queer characters”

I felt the first half moved very slowly, but once it picked up, I was totally invested. I will definitely read more from this author.

Trouble by Lex Croucher was an endearing audiobook! What would you do for your beloved ill sister? Move away from home as a governess and live with a family you’ve never met while pretending to be said perfect sister?

'Troublex by Lex Croucher is a really enjoyable regency novel. I enjoyed the characters and how the story unfolded. The main house and its inhabitants are established early as clearly a bit different than most other homes of their era. However, the amount of open mindedness and acceptance of all walks of life by so many characters was certainly a bit hard to believe from this era. To the point that I found the modern sensibilities in a formal historical settig a bit jarring (in the way that it takes you out of the story) .

I loved the narrator, Ell Potter, and would be happy to listen to her read the phone book.

3.75 stars

I liked but didn’t love this book. While I always appreciate the writer and the way they incorporate diverse gender identities and specialities into historical fiction, this book just wasn’t my favourite of theirs. I enjoyed the story, liked the range of characters, and appreciated the Jane Eyre vibes, but I just couldn’t get into it the same way I did with their other novels. But, ah well. I’m still looking forward to seeing what they write into the world next!

"Trouble" by Lex Croucher is a delightful concoction of deception, unexpected connections, and heartwarming bonds that captivate from start to finish. Set against the backdrop of Fairmont House, where secrets abound and personalities clash, this novel weaves a tale of intrigue and redemption that kept me hooked until the end.

At the center of the narrative is Emily Laurence, a character as flawed as she is endearing. Her decision to masquerade as her sister sets the stage for a series of events brimming with tension and emotion. What begins as a scheme to alleviate her family's struggles soon evolves into something much deeper as Emily finds herself entangled in the lives of the Edwards family, particularly the charismatic Captain Edwards and his spirited children, Grace and Aster.

Croucher masterfully crafts a diverse cast of characters, each with quirks and complexities, adding depth to the story. Every interaction feels authentic and genuine, from Emily's unapologetic demeanor to the charming banter between the children.

One of the highlights of the novel is the evolving relationships between the characters. Watching Emily navigate her burgeoning connection with the Edwards family, despite her initial reluctance, was a joy to behold. The bond that forms between Emily and the children is particularly heartening, serving as a testament to the power of love and companionship.

While Emily's stubbornness occasionally led to moments of frustration, it only made her journey all the more compelling. Her growth throughout the story is palpable, and by the final pages, I found myself rooting wholeheartedly for her happiness and redemption.

"Trouble" is more than just a romance or a tale of deception; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of compassion. With its blend of wit, charm, and genuine emotion, this novel is a must-read for fans of Regency Romance and anyone looking for a story that will linger in their hearts long after the final page. Highly recommended.

I probably was always going to like this because of the combination of Sound of Music inspo Plus Lex Croucher but they outdid themselves!! It’s so fun!!! I love the two grumpy main characters! I loved the LGBTQ+ rep in a historical romance! Plus- it’s hilarious. Always so much fun!

Emily Laurence, is not good with people, she is especially clueless when it comes to Children. But when her sister Amy falls ill, Emily must take up the role as Fairmont House's new governess, as the family relies on Amy's wages.
Impersonating her sister, Emily joins the staff at Fairmont House with the intention of, flying under the radar, stealing and selling what she can, and moving on.
However the quirky staff at Fairmont House draw her in, and Emily finds herself caring not only for them, the children, but also the brooding Captain of the house.

I am a fan of Lex Crouchers new age regency romances.
And Trouble did NOT disappoint.
While Emily could be at times infuriating, she was also the kind of character I root for.
I am so accustomed to reading grumpy/sunshine romances, its not every day you read a grumpy/grumpy romance.

Every time I go to write a review for a Lex Croucher book, all it ends up being is me yelling at the public about how delightful Croucher’s books are, the happiness they bring me, and each one makes me more of a super fan of their work. TROUBLE is no exception. 🗣️ “Please go read this new historical romcom! Okaythankyoubye✌🏻”

That would be my teeny TROUBLE review, but it’s me, so I’ll say more. It’s a governess historical romance in which the new governess is described as a liar, not polite, and not polished. Oh! I can’t forget the best part—she has never taught a child in her life! Emily Laurence is one of the best book characters ever. Think: you thought you hired Mary Poppins or Maria von Trapp when you hired Cameron Diaz from Bad Teacher.

If you listen to audiobooks, Ell Potter is an exceptional narrator. We are in Emily’s head the entire time, and I can’t imagine anyone else being Emily!

I also can’t picture this book written any other way. I’m a fan of multiple characters narrating, but I think it was a fantastic plot choice to be in Emily’s mind the entire time. She came to the Fairmount House with a purpose, and it was neat to see how she processed and adapted without trying to lose herself as her purpose and feelings changed.

I know I only gushed about one character in the book, but TROUBLE has many dynamic ones and an entertaining plot. I’ll wait for the thank you for the happiness it brings you, too!

Thank you, Macmillian Audio, for the gifted audiobook!

Content Warnings: (per the author’s website) multiple characters with long-term chronic illness, sudden downturn of health during illness, homophobia, struggles with gender identity, parental deaths (historical, not on-page), threatening and coercive behavior, mentions of past sexual harassment

Another fun twist on historical romance from Lex Croucher. The thing I love most about Crocher's books are the fully developed, witty supporting characters. If you enjoyed Croucher's other books or Bridgerton with a queer element, this is a good one!

Emily Laurence is cantankerous, obstinate, headstrong, and sharp-tongued. (In other words, I wanted to be her best friend 😂.) Underneath her bravado and tough exterior, she is caring, compassionate, and willing to do anything for those she loves. Bridgerton vibes but with way more spunk. Croucher does it again with this gem of a book 🫶.
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Emily is the new governess at Fairmont House. The only problem is, she generally dislikes children and has no idea what a governess is supposed to do. And there’s the little matter of her pretending to be her sister, Amy, who was the one actually hired for the job. But Amy is sick, and someone needs to provide for the family. So Emily will just have to roll up her sleeves and tolerate the demanding children, the meddling household servants, and her handsome brooding boss. She is determined to be distant and disagreeable. But will the residents of Fairmont House foil her plan and find a way into her heart?
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I loved watching Emily’s character arc. The side characters in this story are fully fleshed out and beautifully written. I loved the chronic illness and LGBTQIA+ rep. Queer people have always existed, and Croucher acknowledges the real risks of danger and persecution for those who came out during the regency era.
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I read and listened to this one. The narration by Ell Potter was flawless. Thank you to @macmillan.audio @stmartinspress @netgalley for these ARCs.
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Trouble - Lex Croucher
4.5/5⭐️

Thank you to netgalley for the audio arc

4.5 stars rounded up to 5
This book was so freaking funny. I legitimately laughed out loud at people's quips multiple times. The banter really was something else. That's probably why I loved Emily so much but man, she was streeeessing me out. She really was her own worst enemy.

The LGBTQ+ rep was very endearing, and didn't make me feel lectured or condescended to, it just was and the characters were navigating it.

If you're looking for an accurate portrayal of the regency period you are very much barking up the wrong tree, it's more "inspired by" the regency period I think,

The audio was narrated by Ell Potter, and she really nailed everyone's different cadences and comedic timing. I absolutely would listen to a book she narrated again.

I have read everything Croucher publishes, and I don’t believe I will stop. There is something so charming and fun about their work that entrances me every time.
Following a scorned woman fronting as her sickly (and much sweeter) sister as a governess, Emily enters this situation unenthused and bitter. Throughout her time at Fairmont House; however, the two children and their handsome (and widowed) naval officer farther, break through her tough facade.
This novel takes on heavy topics such as illness, desperation, class hierarchies, gender identity, and more, with such grace.
My one critique is that the book felt a bit long.
Overall, very much enjoyable.

This turned out to be such a great story!! Full of redemption and love, even though at the beginning I wasn’t sure if I loved the FMC, and I wasn’t sure where it was all going. Bonus points for a bi MC, a trans character becoming his true self so sweetly, lots of character growth and affirmation all over the place!

I loved the meandering way the story unfolded, and the way it bucked against society and traditional roles and class distinctions. An excellently diverse and different historical romance.

"Trouble" by Lex Croucher is a refreshing and witty journey through the tumultuous years of adolescence. With a unique blend of humor, insight, and relatability, Croucher navigates the complexities of growing up with charm and authenticity.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its ability to capture the essence of teenage experiences in a way that feels both familiar and enlightening. Croucher's candid storytelling invites readers to reminisce about their own awkward encounters, embarrassing moments, and heartbreaks, while also offering a fresh perspective on the universal struggles of youth.

Through a series of personal anecdotes and reflections, Croucher tackles a wide range of topics, from navigating friendships and romantic relationships to grappling with self-identity and societal expectations. What sets "Trouble" apart is Croucher's ability to infuse each chapter with humor and wit, even when addressing more serious themes. Her sharp observations and witty commentary add depth and resonance to the narrative, making it a joy to read from start to finish.

Moreover, Croucher's writing is incredibly accessible and engaging, making "Trouble" a perfect read for both young adults and older readers alike. Whether you're a teenager grappling with the challenges of adolescence or an adult looking back on your own youth, there's something in this book for everyone.

Emily is on her way to be a governess. She doesn't;t like children or rich people, but what does that matter? The captain and his children are not what she expected. The trick is Emily isn't who they are expecting. Her sister Ann was the one who got the job, but due to an illness preventing her from taking the Job Emily pretends to be her sister so her family can get the money. This was a fun romance. The romance was a very slow burn. About halfway through I was wondering if the romance was even with the captain. Emily being the only POV character got on my nerves many times. Having a second POV would have elevated the book at least one star I feel. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an audiobook copy.

✨ Review ✨ Trouble by Lex Croucher; Narrated by Ell Potter

Thanks to St. Martin's Griffin, Macmillan Audio, and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!

Just like Reputation and Infamous, these books exist in the same world but don't really connect together -- you can read them in any order!

This is hard to review because it's marketed as a historical romance but it's not very romance-y...more than half of the book transpires before the seeds of the romance are even really planted. And then it happens slowly and sometimes as an almost side plot to the book, at least until the last 25% or so.

With that said, I didn't dislike the book at all. Emily takes a governess role her sister Amy was supposed to take (but was too sick to go) to earn money to help her sick sister. She finds two quirky teens, both with very different interests and personalities.

The book has great but subtle queer rep (though again, it appears later in the book), amazing found family via a lovely and kind staff of servants, and some class transgressing (though I think this could have gone even further).

I enjoyed it and for sure will read more of her books, but overall, I could have done with a bit more romance, a bit more even scattering of themes, and maybe a bit more editing for length. Overall an enjoyable historical fic read in the style of Croucher + solid audio narration!

⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: historical m/f romance with subtle queer themes
Setting: rural coast of England
Reminds me of: Croucher's other books
Pub Date: March 5, 2024

Read this if you like:
⭕️ subtle integration of queer topics and themes
⭕️ mixed class romance
⭕️ quirky kids + governess

Overall I found ‘Trouble’ to be an entertaining regency-era rom-com, laced with some ‘Sound of Music’ vibes and a cast of (mostly) likable quirky characters. While it wasn’t my favorite Lex Croucher book, I still enjoyed the spectacle that was Emily (who clearly doesn’t really like or know anything about children) pretending to be a seasoned governess and fighting to keep her ‘eat the rich’ attitude from showing too much. She kind of grows on you, but to be honest the kids and the rest of the staff were really my favorites. The audiobook was a fun listen if you want something light - good narrator who keeps you engaged. Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to listen and review.