Member Reviews

This was SO lovely, and so far outside the typical types of books I love. Lex Croucher never seems to miss!

This is a regency romance, but it manages to thwart all of the things I normally can't get into about the genre. There is no hyper fixation on societal norms, and rather more exploration of ways that these norms could be broken, even in the face of the times. Emily is an absolutely wonderful main character. She is witty, brave, prickly, and unabashedly herself. She has a begrudgingly good heart, even when she is trying o convince herself otherwise. She cares so deeply for her ill sister, and theres no surprise that this later translates to her caring so very much for the Edwards family children (even despite herself).

I was unsure when the romance would kick in in this one, because the beginning focused so heavily on dynamics between the children, Emily, and the other servants (along with Emily's struggle to balance her less than savory stealing habits and her inability to function as a governess is expected to.) I didn't actually mind this romance taking a bit to kick in, because all the rest of the antics were so hilarious and charming, and helped me to get to know every single character so very well. When the romance does hit, its absolutely all consuming, in a way that honestly took me by surprise. I loved how their relationship began with such vocal (but fair) criticism from Emily, and the dynamic this created only sweetened the pot more. Come the end, I was waiting with bated breath for Emily and Ben's every interaction.

Lex Croucher always NAILS queer rep, and this story is no different. Everything comes up so organically and with such care. I'm learning that my sweet spot for regency era is that its gotta be at least a little queer, that way all of those societal bits are broken down. I also must mention the audiobook narrator, who was absolutely WONDERFUL (as she has been in every audiobook I've ever listened to that she has been a part of.) Every character is explored so well and the acting is so superb, if I closed my eyes I really could convince myself it was coming from a movie.

Thank you so very much to Macmillan Audio, Lex Croucher and NetGalley for this early audiobook copy!

Was this review helpful?

Oh boy. What to say about this book.

I wanted to like it and I did like it. However it took FOREVER to get through and I felt like the plot was super dragged out. There are STRONG themes of LGBTQ in this book which kind of doesn’t make sense for the regency era and kind of are unnecessary in this storyline, but you do you sis.

I loved Emily, I loved the staff, the families, and the ending. But the rest of the book was just not it for me. There was so much that happened that didn’t need to and yet it was NOT fast pace. It was torture to get through, but I gave it 3 stars because I liked it (not more than like though). So give it a chance it you want? It isn’t horrible, but it just wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read.

Was this review helpful?

This book was just bad…

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of this novel and review it.

I was pretty excited getting into this book, since rom-com historical fictions are probably one of my favorite genres to read from, but unfortunately right off the bat this book just was distasteful. Plenty of vulgarity which just doesn’t suit the era at all. Also I understand that the author doesn’t have to be a historian to write a book written in a different time period, but for goodness sake, do just a little bit of research at least? This book just was so off when it came to making a reader feel like they are in the regency era and soooooooo (could use more o’s) historically inaccurate that it really did hurt to read. I also don’t know how I feel about bringing in sexual preference into the picture and everyone in the story being completely ok with it. And last but definitely not least, none and I mean NONE of the characters were lovable. The main character was so annoying and hateful. She hates kids, hates everyone who is even slightly above her status, basically hates anything that moves. Like really?

It was just a big NO for me!

Was this review helpful?

Emily is not a governess. She is not well educated, or poised, or sophisticated, but her sister, Amy, is all of that. Amy is a governess, but she is sick and can't fulfill her newest employment and Emily is desperate - so that's why Emily is now in the countryside with a posh family pretending to be Amy.

This book includes:
- regency era workplace romance
- a cast of fun, bolstrous servants who had much color to the story
- LGBT characters, including a trans coming out sub-plot
- grumpy governess with sweet, eager kiddos
- a shipwreck
- chronic illness

"Trouble" is a fun, lighthearted romcom. Emily is an engaging character and the plot line of her trying to keep her identity a secret while being a very poor excuse for a governess is cute. I also enjoyed the LGBT side plots, and really don't mind that it's unrealistic to the time period. The servants provided a great found family dynamic, and I loved the way they dotted on the Captain and the children. I read this book via audiobook and I did find the narrator's voice to be a bit shrill for many of the characters, but other than that it was good. I recommend this book to fans of Bridgerton, of course.

I received this ebook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Lex Croucher for the opportunity to review this book. This review is also available on my GoodReads - check out my profile https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/62314863

Was this review helpful?

This was such a fast read! It was a little slower to get going than some of Croucher’s other works but thoroughly worth it. I adored the choice of audiobook narrator, I felt she portrayed Emily perfectly.

Was this review helpful?

Overall, I love the story that Lex Croucher presents. This is my second book by this author and when considering the story as a whole I've always left satisfied. However, the Emily character of this particular story had me feeling frustrated and a little agitated the whole read. I understand the personality being created, but it seemed over the top ALL THE TIME. The story as a whole was a great light hearted historical romance with the classic quiet broody "Mr. Darcy" style man who falls in love with the misunderstood woman. Unfortunately this woman was mad at the whole world (which yes that I can understand) but in the most self sabotaging and also world sabotaging way that it felt like to much in some parts of the book. I'd still recommend to others who enjoy historical romance, but I would give a heads up about the FMC.

Was this review helpful?

A sweet book about love and acceptance. I like how normal it was to have diversity in the characters.
I only wish we would’ve gotten more moments between the main character and the love interest to see more of their relationship grow.
I really liked the narration of the audiobook. The voices felt distinct that I could forget it was a narrator and it fit in what my mind pictured the characters in that setting would be like.

Was this review helpful?

Feeling just okay about this one. It went quickly but didn’t knock me off my feet or anything. Cute little forbidden romance but honestly felt a little drug our for what it was.

Emily is lying but for a good reason. She’s acting as a governess for a new house even though she herself is not prim and polished like she’s trying to fake. The reason she’s doing it? To help her sick sister Amy and she knows just how desperately Amy needs her to do this so she’s determined to succeed.
There is a lot of drama in the home though with one of the girls she watches over causing major disruptions. She finally tells Captain Edwards what she really thinks is going on and is sure she’s going to get fired. Before he can let her go Amy sends for her and just before she leaves the truth of who she really is comes out. Now she’s left to figure it all out including finding out how Captain Edwards really feels about her.

Was this review helpful?

Read if you like:
🏳️‍⚧️ Transgender Rep
🩷 Historical Romances
🤫 Secret Identities
👩🏼‍🏫 Governess’s

I love the representation that Lex includes in all of her books! In this book, there is the inclusion of two transgender characters as well as a bisexual MMC.

For some reason, I’m not a huge historical romance reader, but whenever I see Lex has a new book out I just have to read it as a guilty pleasure & just truly a fun read!

For me personally this one took a bit longer for me to get invested into especially with the romance between Emily and the Captain taking a while to begin and truly being about all the relationships for a while longer than I was expecting, to then feeling like their romance was rushed a bit to happen before the end of the book.

All in all, though this was another one of Lex’s books I would recommend for a fluffy and inclusive read!

Thanks so much to the publisher for my ALC in exchange for my honest review!

Was this review helpful?

When Emily takes her ill sister’s place as the governess Capitán Edwards’s children, they both get far more out of the arrangement than they ever could have dreamed. Emily’s self discovery journey was rather endearing to witness and is the main focus of this story. Capitán Edwards, his family, and his staff are everything but the uptight gentry household Emily pegs them for. They are kind, hilarious and genuine. There was some banter but I needed more. I also wanted more interactions in general between Ben and Emily. There is some light smut; I wouldn’t call it explicit or excessive (keep in mind I’m team smut so your tolerance may be different than mine).

The narration was really good. I fully enjoyed Potter’s performance. They had a gentle accent, and character differentiation was easy to identify but not comical.

Was this review helpful?

4.5⭐️

A historical romance about a governess who dislikes children, a MMC with strong Captain von Trapp energy, and the most delightful found family? Say less! Croucher excels at writing the quirkiest, most endearing cast of characters and brings so much joy, heart, and vibrancy to the historical fiction space. I laughed out loud countless times and found myself rewinding certain parts just to hear these hilarious exchanges again.

The romance was tender and sweet, but the real star of this story was the blossoming friendship between Emily, Aster, Grace, and the staff. Croucher’s ability to write side characters that leave a lasting impression and take up residence in your heart is remarkable, and I cannot imagine this story without a single character. These characters were fiercely loyal, generous, protective, kind, and a bit bonkers at times, and I just wanted to wrap them all in a giant hug.

I adore Ell Potter and was ecstatic to discover she narrated this romp! Potter’s narration was exceptional and her emotion and voices she delivered during this performance were *chef’s kiss* I cannot recommend the audiobook enough!

Croucher’s stories have this wonderful way of nestling into your heart and leaving the biggest smile on your face. This story was equal parts hilarious, heartwarming, and hopeful, and I had the BEST time listening to the audiobook.

Was this review helpful?

Lex Croucher has written 2 "historical romances" and one historical-inspired "YA." I put "historical romance" and "YA" in quotes, because I contend that all three of these books actually fall into the New Adult genre. Trouble does feel like an adult historical romance, but still keeps Croucher's writing style of a fixed 3rd person narrator (in this book, one character only!). While it gives readers the HEA we need, it also plays with the conventions of the genre. For example, if you squint your eyes, you can see this as a governess romance, with some callbacks to The Sound of Music. Except that Emily, our main character, isn't a nurturing, song-singing, cuddly governess like Maria; she's purposely prickly, does the absolute minimum she can get away with as a governess, steals things from the family to sell, and even agrees to gather information on Captain Edwards for blackmail purposes. (And note, she is definitely not the not FMC but the MC: this is a romance, but again, we get Emily's perspective and Emily's perspective ONLY.) The book, like Croucher's other novels, incorporates LGBTQIA+ themes: Captain Edwards and Emily are both bi+, and there are gay and trans characters who play important roles, as well.

Steam: this is not exactly a closed door romance, but it's not a titillating one, either. If you enjoyed Croucher's earlier books, you'll like this one. If you found those leaned a little too young but you liked the themes, this is probably one to check out.

I listened to the audiobook of this one. Ell Potter certainly got across Emily's sharp edges. She seemed slightly too old for Emily until I realized that Emily was supposed to be nearly 30. So instead, I just thought Emily was a little too immature!

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the audiobook.

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely hilarious! It is my favorite Lex Croucher book yet! Full disclosure, I grabbed the UK paperback last year when it came out and loved it. Now hearing Ell Potter's performance I may love it even more?!?! She has fantastic comic timing and perfectly captures Lex Croucher's sardonic, yet deeply emotional voice. I love that she lets us fully feel Emily's anger at her situation--having been left penniless by a drunk father and a mother who can't handle the situation he's left the family in, Emily and her sister have to make their way in the world with few opportunities and little support. That is why when Alice is too sick to take up a governess post at a wealthy home, Emily leaves her job at the mill to pretend to be her sister and takes up the post. There she butts heads with pretty much everyone from the surly sea captain, his daughters, and the household staff. There is romance, found family, mystery, and intrigue, but mainly there is Emily figuring out her place in the world and all the mess that involves. I laughed out loud so many times, and cried too, especially at the loving relationship between Emily and Alice. I am always sad when a Lex Croucher book ends because I genuinely enjoy spending time with their characters! Can't wait to read what they write next, and I hope Ell Potter narrates again.

Was this review helpful?

Fairmont House welcomes new governess Emily, who’s secretly filling in for her sick sister. Inexperienced and unpolished, Emily has the deceitful intention of purloining neglected valuables to supplement her wages. As she awakens to the charms of her employer, Captain Edwards, her lies unravel, and she must make amends before it’s too late.

This hilarious historical romp has a strong voice that immediately immersed me in the story. Emily is a sympathetic and believable character doing her best to make her way in a world where women unattached to a man struggle to earn a living. The story is fast-paced and full of quirky characters. The audiobook narration is enjoyable and fun.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Was this review helpful?

This book was really fun! I didn't know anything going into it and it was a joy.
When Emily's sister Amy is too ill to take a governess job, Emily pretends to be Amy, takes the job and tries to find some dirt on the master of the house Captain Edwards to sell to a man she meets. She is horrible with children and not keen to take the job, but they desperately need the money to help Amy.
The characters in this book were great. Emily was so grumpy but everyone loved her anyways which baffled her. She did not even want anyone to like her so she could get her money and get out. The 2 children Aster and Grace were fantastic. Grace loved hard and Aster was super abrasive like Emily. The other people who worked in the house made such a cute found family with the actual family. Captain Edwards was also pretty grumpy and kind of absent from his children's lives after his wife died.
This was a very slow burn book, there is a long time before the characters who end up in the romance (I know it's pretty obvious but I don't want to spoil) even interact with one another and almost until the end before it even feels anything like romance. A lot of the book focuses on Emily and the girls. I actually really liked that. It was fun to watch Emily blunder through these lessons she isn't equipped to teach and having at least Grace love her anyways. Aster makes an amazing transformation by the end of the book that felt very natural and it was great to see everyone accept it. There were fun little side adventures kind of like Aster sneaking off to the beach to get drunk and Emily and Captain Edwards having to carry her home and when the navy ship wrecks by the house and all the men have to sleep in the house. The romance was not the main focus and I honestly thought the book was better for that.
I was intrigued the entire time, I could do other things while listening and follow along very easily. The narrator was great, I have listened to other books narrated by Ell Potter and she always does a fantastic job bringing characters and the story to life. She has a British accent, but it is easy to follow along.

Was this review helpful?

Emily Lawrence has a position as the new governess at Fairmount House. Unfortunately, it was her sister Amy that was actually hired but is too ill to accept the position. Their family is in desperate need of the money, however, and so even though Emily is not at all suited to be a governess, off she goes.
Emily is sort of horrible and not at all in the market for friends, but that is what she ends up getting. She also ends up loving her charges and falling for their father, Captain Edwards. Of course much drama ensues before these two can even think about getting together. There's a bit of "Sound of Music" vibe going on her but without the singing. And Emily is no delightful Fraulein Maria.
This novel was great fun as all Lex Croucher novels are. Love, forgiveness and found-family are amongst the themes.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audio e-arc.*

Was this review helpful?

I don’t normally read historical fiction but I really enjoyed this! There were moments I was really frustrated with Emily for refusing to accept that anyone would enjoy her/love her, but overall I really loved all the characters and loved the LGBTQIA+ representation that was in the story (though I was so surprised it was there!)

Was this review helpful?

Trouble is an absolutely hilarious and adorable historical romp, with just the right amount of stakes.

Quick summary:
Grumpy sister has to go and pretend to be her sunshine sister, because she’s ill, at her new job where she is going to be a governess to two children. The issue? She doesn’t like children… or well, anyone really. Hijinks ensue.

I loved Trouble and found myself eager to get back to it every time I had a second to listen. The narrator was fantastic and really added to the story, so I’m so glad I got to listen to the audio.

The characters were nicely rounded and felt realistic - they’re not all great people: they’re sarcastic and petty and they lie and cheat; but I loved them all dearly.

The main couple is M/F but the key cast contains a stated bi character, a trans character, a gay character, and an implied pan/bi character. There are also two characters with disabilities/long term illnesses, so I really enjoyed the variety of representation.

Overall, I adored Trouble and I can’t wait for more Lex Croucher romcoms! If you loved Gwen and Art are Not in Love I would highly recommend this, and if you haven’t read it then I would recommend both!

Was this review helpful?

When the first scene in a book hooks you, you know it'll be a good one! Emily and I share quite a bit of similarities and I found myself really loving her more and more as the book progressed. I think there could've been more build-up of the romance overall, but I did love the way the characters interacted with each other. SUCH a different time and way things were handled and done back then truly intrigues me!

Definitely will recommend to those who love this era, want some romance, scheming and some laughs- while this is definitely a cute romp, there are heavier elements that create the back-story of the characters and why they are the way they are. Also a little coming of age, LGBTQ+ plot line that I really enjoyed with a character who constantly has the best sarcastic and snarky response to every. single. thing.

*The narrator SEAMLESSLY shifted from character to character while allowing the reader to differentiate between each of them, and also really giving depth and emphasis to the over-the-top reactions of our dear Emily.

Was this review helpful?

Such a fun queer Regency rom com that sees Emily filling in as a nanny for her sister when she falls ill. The catch? Emily doesn't give one hoot about the charges she's supposed to oversee and is only there to gain some money and possibly whatever extra 'trinkets' she can snatch without anyone knowing. Good on audio and possibly my favorite of the series. I love how Lex Croucher upends traditional gender roles in her zany historical romance stories. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

Was this review helpful?