Jess is a journalist who’s struggling to prove to her boss that she’s good enough to keep her job. So when an opportunity to interview a famous artist who is also known as a bad boy falls into her lap, she knows she needs to use to prove to her boss that she is good enough.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

But things don’t quite go to plan. Xander decides that he will do the interview with Jess if she poses as his muse for his next collection of artwork. In Italy. So Jess has no option but to follow him there.

Here Comes Trouble is a very short and quick read. With less than 200 pages it felt at times the relationship between the two was rushed and it would have been nice for it to be drawn out more. I liked Jess and how well her body image issues were written but I wasn’t a huge Xander fan.

Thank you Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Christy McKellen for this advanced reader copy of Here Comes Trouble in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a fun and quick read. I had a hard time getting into the book and connecting with it until closer to the end, where I was a lot more invested. I thought both main characters had interesting character arcs as they were both overcoming issues from there past. I wish it got to dive into that a little bit deeper, but I think with it being a novella, it was limited on how much it could go into that. Overall, it was an enjoyable book but a little hard to connect to.

This was a short read that was hard to get through in the beginning. There wasn't any chemistry between Jess and Xander and I'm not sure that it was entirely due to the fact that this was an insta-love. The restaurant scene with the chair shenanigan was absurd. I had to pause reading for a while after that scene.

But halfway in, I slowly started getting invested because they finally talked about themselves and became actual characters. I felt the nervousness and lack of confidence Jess had about her body. I saw the facade and the air of fame that Xander put up to prove his worth. The way that they both saw through each other's insecurities but wanted to love on each other to reassure them was touching. They found comfort in each other. On top of that, Jess had a good character arc which I appreciated. Seeing her slowly gain confidence about the way she looks to herself and to others made me happy.

I almost wished there was no third act break up because this book is short. But there was and it was exactly what you would think would happen. Then, the ending was super abrupt and it threw me off. I literally yelled out, what?! I wanted to see people's reactions to the exhibition. I wanted to see Jess being confident in front of others, shielded by Xander's love. It was kind of hard to imagine the final piece looked like which was a bummer too.

The story centers around Jess, a journalist whose dedication to professionalism is as unwavering as her sensible shoes. Her mission: to land a tell-all interview with Xander Heaton, the bad boy artist whose reputation precedes him like a hurricane warning. McKellen expertly establishes the central conflict. Jess is a woman of rules, and Xander seems determined to break them all. The author cleverly uses this clash of personalities to create a palpable tension that crackles from the page. You will be immediately invested in seeing how long Jess can maintain her composure in the face of Xander's intoxicating charm and blatant disregard for boundaries.
The portrayal of Xander is particularly well done. He's not simply a "bad boy" cardboard cutout; he's a complex individual hiding behind a carefully constructed facade. The glimpses we get of his vulnerability, hidden beneath his provocative exterior, are what make him truly compelling and understandable, even when he's being infuriating.
The core of the story lies in Jess's internal struggle. McKellen skillfully showcases her protagonist's journey from rigid professionalism to a more liberated and adventurous spirit. Jess's decision to break her own rules, driven by a potent combination of attraction and journalistic ambition, feels both believable and exciting.
Overall, Here Comes Trouble is a fun and engaging read. It's a story about embracing the unexpected, taking chances, and discovering that sometimes, breaking the rules can lead to unexpected happiness. If you're looking for a steamy romance with a charming bad boy and a strong-willed heroine, this book is definitely worth picking up.

Jess is a.journalist writing and article and interviewing had boy artist Xander. I liked the setting on Lake Garda and how it was told from both points of view.

“𝗛𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝗺 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗵𝗲𝗿.”

Rating: 2.75/5 ⭐️⭐️✨

Pub Date: 3/9/25

Thank you @netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a decent insta love HEA romance in a short story.
I’m not a fan of insta love, but putting my bias aside, it was easy to read and enjoyable.

The setting was great, and I did love the ending and how Xander professed his love.

This was a good palate cleanser read.


#herecomestrouble

3 maybe 3.5.
I liked this book, they had some strong chemistry which I liked.
I also liked that she wasn't this incredibly confident beautiful women, whilst she was beautiful she was in her shell and that is more realistic.
I think the reason I didn't rate it higher was it lacked depth for me, there wasn't too much back story, but this is part of the fact it's a novella. This is a great read in between heavy books!

Not My Cup of Tea, But I Appreciate the Chance

I went into Here Comes Trouble with an open mind, especially since I had previously read Best Mistake Ever by the same author and found it to be a nice, enjoyable read—though not quite a 4-star for me. Sadly, this one didn’t work as well.

💭 What Didn’t Work for Me
The biggest struggle for me was the lack of chemistry. Jess and Xander’s relationship developed so quickly that I never felt the tension or emotional buildup I crave in a romance. Their dynamic leaned more toward surface-level attraction than deep connection, making it hard to get invested in their love story. I also had a hard time with some of Xander’s choices, particularly how he handled Jess’s vulnerabilities. It made it difficult to root for them as a couple.

🎭 What Makes This Book Stand Out
I will say that the book tries to explore themes of self-worth and artistic expression, which could have been really compelling with more depth. The Italian setting was also a highlight—it provided a nice backdrop for the story.

📖 Who Might Enjoy This Book?
If you like fast-paced, dramatic romances with a bit of spice and don’t mind insta-love, this might be worth checking out. It has all the elements of a guilty pleasure read, even if it wasn’t for me personally.

✨ Thank you, Boldwood Books VIP and NetGalley, for the ARC! While this book wasn’t my favorite, I’m always grateful for the opportunity to read and review. 😊

My final rating: 2.5 / 5 stars

In Here Comes Trouble, Christy McKellen weaves together a delightful, fun romance laced with a charming blend of humor and sentiment. The life of two obstinate heroes clashes in what promises to be unlike personalities, spinning a thrilling story of dynamic twists and turns and an entertaining match. Their very first hatred fuels the development until undeniable chemistry finally takes hold and personal development ensues with unintended bonds. McKellen's skill in adding humor and sensitivity to the narrative makes readers stay engaged throughout. The characters in this book are a standout, with McKellen realizing them through honest and genuine descriptions. The heroine, whose spicy personality is contrasted with that of her love interest, who is more reserved, goes through tremendous development as she unravels her emotions and faces her history. The romantic interest, however, shows vulnerabilities and hidden depths that make their own journey just as interesting. Supporting characters bring texture to the story, providing moments of humor and poignant interactions that add warmth to the story.

The author is a good writer with both humor and wit in her writing, as dialogue does not seem forced and is teeming with energy. Her descriptive writing brings out the lively environments and emotions with ease, delivering an effect that creates a strong sense of reality while reading. The lightheartedness of the story is balanced by moments of reflection, and this makes the story enjoyable to read while conveying deeper issues. At its essence, Here Comes Trouble is a book about self-discovery, vulnerability, and the power of love to change us. McKellen grapples with the concept that growth is frequently achieved by moving beyond the boundaries of what makes us comfortable and embracing transformation. The novel also speaks to the value of trusting others and opening oneself up to being fully seen, making it an emotionally impactful read.

The writer uses biting wit, engaging character development, and expertly timed plot turns to craft a story that is not easily forgotten. Alternating points of view enable readers to see into the minds and hearts of both protagonists, deepening their appreciation for the dynamics of the story. Symbolism, especially in the form of shared experiences and turning points, provides an added layer of depth to the story. The plot of the novel moves along at a quick and interesting pace, with a well-balanced sense of momentum that keeps the action moving forward. McKellen writes the book well, moving back and forth between humorous and emotionally charged episodes in a manner that feels natural and well-rounded. The book is very readable, with McKellen's straightforward and simple writing style making it appealing to a broad reader base.

Here Comes Trouble is an amusing romance filled with humor, warmth, and a touch of drama that makes for a very satisfying read. Christy McKellen's skill at writing real characters and compelling stories comes through, making this a strong contender in the contemporary romance genre. Though there will be those who find some parts predictable, the depth of character development and the beguilingness of the writing are more than enough to forgive. I would strongly suggest Here Comes Trouble to romance readers, especially those who like to read about strong-willed females, quick-witted repartee, and a good balance of humor and emotion.

I recently finished reading this book and I must say, it was a captivating and refreshing experience. From the moment I started the book, I was hooked by its grounded and relatable portrayal of romance.
The plot is incredibly realistic, which is something I truly appreciated. The love story unfolds at a pace that feels true to life—there are no unrealistic twists or melodramatic moments that often plague romantic novels. Instead, the characters face real-life challenges, personal growth, and emotional struggles that anyone can relate to. The story touches on themes of trust, vulnerability, and the importance of self-discovery before fully opening up to someone else.
What stood out most to me was the character development. The protagonist evolve throughout the book, and their emotional growth is depicted with such care. Their flaws, strengths, and vulnerabilities are portrayed in a way that makes them feel like real people, not just characters on a page. It’s rare to find a romance where the characters' emotional journeys are as important as their romantic connection, and [Book Title] does this beautifully. Their interactions felt authentic, and the relationship built naturally over time, making it all the more rewarding by the end.
This book made me reflect on my own experiences and left me with a sense of hope that love can grow in the most unexpected ways. It's a novel about finding love not just with someone else, but also with yourself. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romance that feels real, with characters that are fully realized and a plot that keeps you invested from start to finish.

Bad boy, celebrity artist meets no-nonsense, rule-following journalist and they share a week (?) in Italy as he tries to find his muse and she tries to get the inside scoop…

This story has a good premise and could have been a lot of fun if it were longer and the characters were more developed- as it stands they felt quite flat and the romance felt forced.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the e-ARC.

Here Comes Trouble was a fun, quick read featuring a playboy artisit struggling to find inspiration for his new exhibition and a young journalist hoping to impress her boss with an amazing article on the artist. Overall the book was entertaining - since it is a short novel-I don't think I connected as much with the characters and their relationship and the resolution seemed rushed. Thanks to Boldwood and NetGalley for the chance to read this novel.

3.5
This was a short and cute story to read in almost one sitting!
The story is well written, funny and easy to engaged to. Xander and Jess were nice characters and I had a great time enjoying their bander. A super light reading to feel happy and disconnected from everyday problems.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I enjoyed this modern romance, which is full of conflict and spice and explores some serious issues with emotion and sensitivity. Jess is a driven young journalist needing a big story and a unique angle to boost her career. Xander is a successful artist with a playboy reputation who needs his next exhibition to satisfy his critics. It's a contemporary romance with opposites attract and forbidden romance tropes. Despite their differences, Jess and Xander have a definite connection, and as they begin to connect emotionally in romantic Lake Garda, their similarities draw them together. I like the emotional journey the couple experiences, the passionate romance, and the dramatic, romantic conclusion.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Christy McKellen for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Here Comes Trouble was a quick and enjoyable read. I liked getting to know Jess and Xander and following their time at the villa. Their chemistry was evident from the start, though I expected Jess to be more hesitant given Xander’s bad-boy reputation and her past relationship struggles. Their connection developed a bit faster than I anticipated.

I also wished they had ventured outside the villa more to explore the setting, but that may just be personal preference. Additionally, the editor’s demand for insider knowledge to publish Jess’s article felt a bit extreme, and her surprise at Xander’s artwork seemed somewhat out of place.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, but certain aspects didn’t fully come together for me.

The bad boy meets the shy, usually overlooked girl. He's deeper than he looks, she's spicier than she seems. Together they bring out new parts of each other and their love story ensues.

My only issue with this book is how quickly the end came together.

I would have liked it to be a little more fleshed out. I definitely recommend anyway!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for access to this ARC!

The characters in this book were not relatable to me. I did not sense any chemistry after 20% and did not even particularly like the characters. I DNF'd at that point.

This was my first book from this author and I really enjoyed it. I loved where the majority of the book was set in Italy and I feel like books that have a good setting read so much better. I loved the character development throughout the book as sometimes this can be rushed but not with this one. I would of liked the book to last a little longer as I did find the ending a little rushed but overall I am looking forward to reading more from this author. Overall, a really nice and quick page turner if you are in a reading slump or in need of a palate cleanser.

The book tried to do too much in too short of a time. Everything felt rushed so I didn’t comment with the characters.

It's a cute novella, but I feel like it was lacking a little in every aspect because of the books short length.
With just under 200 pages, there wasn't enough room for character development, a build-up to their relationship, or any opportunity for the reader to fully connect to the characters and their story. Everything was just a little too fast-paced.
I didn't hate this book at all, I still liked it. I saw the potential, but I do think that with another 100 pages or so, this could have been a more enjoyable and convincing read.
There was chemistry present between the characters, but it only felt like lust rather than love between these two - which is a shame.
Overall, it's an ideal read if you're looking for something short and spicy, but it definitely would have been better as a full-length novel.

Thank you, Netgalley, for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.