Tried my best to keep up with this one. My fault for not realizing it's book #5 in a series! Eek - whoops. Overall, however, the POVs were quite confusing as they fit in a minor character from the previous books, which is great, but it didn't make sense in this story. Also, there were some sensitivity issues.. while it didn't harm me much (I'm not Dutch), I do have several reader friends who are and there were some insensitive sayings throughout the book (see other comments that likely explained the sayings -- again, I'm not Dutch, so they didn't bother me much, but as a reader pal, it bothers me when pals get bothered). Overall, not the worst book I've ever read, but also not the most fleshed out and easy to follow along -- again, my fault coming in at book 5, but it's all good. Thanks for the opportunity to read, Boldwood Books & Sandy Barker!

I liked the girl power vibes in this book.
I thought there could have been a little different of a reaction from one of the girls rather than them all so easily accepting it but it was nice to see everyone making a plan together.

Not For Me!

DNF 40%

The overall plot deals with the FMC finding out her fiancée has another fiancée and that he is not at all who he claims to be. Now, that would have been a great get revenge or overcoming pain story but that was not what it was up until 40% .

The FMC receives the news about the betrayel from the other fiancée brother and then immediately starts fantasizing and lusting about him. This woman feels apparently no pain or hurt aside from a brief " I cried" episode. Then it's back to lusting, and imagining the other guy. The Innuendos and mentions of "between her legs" was a lot.

Also the cussing gets quite annoying. One huge thing is the use of a Dutch cuss words which is 100% NOT okay at all. Even in the Netherlands it is looked as a grave cuss words so to have it thrown around and then mistranslated was a huge miss.

Overall, I tried to finish it like 4 times but I just couldn't, I felt annoyed and I wasn't invested at all.

This was a story with both a sweet romance and revenge all wrapped up with a bow.
Kate is a go-getter and really wants revenge on her ex-fiancee. While plotting her revenge she finds her HEA.
A fun, fast and enjoyable read.

Thank you netgalley for the eARC!

A huge thank you to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Sandy Barker for the early arc!

I did enjoy this story however I wasn’t aware it was part of a series and so I got a little confused with all the name drops that happened.

This book was lots of fun, lighthearted and entertaining and with great characters and a cute little romance.

I definitely would read this again once I’ve read the whole series!💝

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for granting my request to read this e-ARC and provide my honest opinions.

I read 'Someone Like You,' the fourth book in the Ever After Agency series, and I really liked it, so when the chance came to read the last book in the series, I jumped on it.

I think this has to be said at least once, Dunn, you weasel, what is wrong with you, who do you think you are to string different ladies along like that! Why propose to different ladies over the countries. What is your problem, Dunn Weasel-- now that that's part is over.

Kate, I felt for you, but I also thought the revenge was a tad too unnecessary. Willem was charming and a good person for telling you that your fiancé was a two-timing weasel. I felt the attraction between Willem and Kate, but there were a lot of things to consider before getting into a relationship, but I'm so glad it all worked out. I also thought that the title was a little misleading.

Overall, this was a good read; thank you once again for the e-ARC.

This is the second book that I've read from Sandy Barker's 'Ever after' series, and although it was an enjoyable enough story, I feel as though it could have been better.

The premise for this one intrigued me the moment I read it. I love a good revenge story, but for me, that aspect of the story was a bit of a disappointment.

I liked that the book took place in different cities, and I liked Kate and Margot's 'sisterly' bond and thought their relationship and bond was well defined. However, the romance with Willem didn't hold much substance for me, and I'd have liked more of a build-up of chemistry between the pair.

I feel maybe this book would have worked better as a standalone instead of being part of this series as Poppy's role in this one for me just didn't work and wasn't especially needed.

All in all, I did like the book and would read others from this series and author.

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed catching up with Poppy and the ever after team in this latest instalment. I loved the new situation and the strong women who fought back but were also recognisable. I loved the way Sandy Barker includes their inner thought and the wrangling that we all do inside our own heads, questioning our decisions and talking ourselves in and out of things. I found this story empowering we should all give ourselves regular life checks to make sure we are living and not just existing. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book

Oh Sandy Barker, I knew you were...one of my favourite authors already, and now I've read this latest (and last) instalment in the Ever After Agency series I'm even more convinced!

Sandy Barker manages to combine humour, romance, female friendships and brilliant locations in every book, and this one is no exception. I really enjoyed the Amsterdam setting, and as always it was great to catch up with Poppy, the character who links all these stories as the elite matchmaker. But the revenge plot is the main event here, and it doesn't disappoint.

Kate thinks she's engaged to the perfect man - until swoon-worthy Willem turns up on her doorstep with shocking news; her fiancé is also engaged to his sister! What follows is a gorgeous, romantic, funny escapade around the canals of Amsterdam, as the pair attempt to teach the cheat a lesson. Yes of course they end up falling in love in the process - it would be massively disappointing if they didn't! But it doesn't matter that we already know the end destination, when the journey there is so much fun. Barker's trademark witty dialogue really flows, and the romance is slow burn but utterly convincing and very, very satisfying.

A fitting end to a series that's been brilliant, romantic, escapist fun, and exactly the sort of read we need at the moment.

**ARC Review: *I Knew You Were Trouble* by Sandy Barker**

If there’s one thing Sandy Barker knows how to deliver, it’s a wildly fun, laugh-out-loud romantic adventure—and *I Knew You Were Trouble* is no exception! This latest installment in *The Ever After Agency* series brings us an irresistible mix of heartbreak, revenge, and unexpected romance that will leave readers grinning from ear to ear.

### **The Story:**
Kate Whitaker had love all figured out—until a very handsome stranger, Willem, arrives at her door with some *disturbing* news: her fiancé isn’t just hers. He’s also engaged to Willem’s sister.

Blindsided and furious, Kate agrees to accompany Willem to Amsterdam to break the news to his sister. But what starts as an awkward mission of truth soon transforms into something far more tempting—an *extremely* satisfying plan to get even.

As Kate and Willem navigate fake dates, devious schemes, and the undeniable pull between them, the question remains: is this just a revenge plot, or could it be something real?

### **What Makes It Special:**
💔 **From Betrayal to Empowerment** – Kate’s journey from heartbroken fiancée to confident, revenge-seeking queen is an absolute delight.
✈️ **A Whirlwind Amsterdam Adventure** – Romantic canal rides, cozy cafés, and a touch of European magic make for the perfect setting.
🔥 **Slow Burn with Sizzle** – Willem is not only the perfect partner-in-petty but also *exactly* the kind of grumpy, brooding hero we love to fall for.
😂 **Hilarious and Sharp-Witted** – Kate’s inner monologue and the playful banter between her and Willem are top-tier entertainment.

### **Final Thoughts:**
With its mix of sweet revenge, sizzling chemistry, and a heroine reclaiming her power, *I Knew You Were Trouble* is pure rom-com gold. If you love stories about getting even, falling hard, and finding love in the most unexpected places, this one’s for you!

📖 **Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars)**
A hilarious, empowering, and swoon-worthy romance that proves the best revenge is living (and loving) well!

An enjoyable novel that is the latest instalment in the Ever After Agency series. Kate Whitaker has always believed in love, but when handsome Willem appears on her doorstep and drops a bombshell that her fiance is also engaged to his sister, her beliefs start to waiver. Should she get mad? No she should get even. This is a fun romcom. It has great characters and the plot unfolds well. It’s a tale of sweet revenge but also new love. Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for the chance to review.

What prompted me to apply for this book was mainly the title (huge swiftie here!) The description was also really interesting, really different from what I’m used to read. Though, I don’t think this book should be marketed as a romance. The encounter with the romantic interest was cute and exciting, but throughout the book, I didn’t see anything romantic: without spoiling, I’m just going to say that it’s a really slow slow burn… and I didn’t see any of the « frissons » the FMC talks about.
The plot and twists really dragged on. No hate here, just that the repetitions of discussion or events really was boring. I’m not a writer (and couldn’t ever be), but dialogues repeating the discussion/event we just read was really annoying.
Overall, I liked the idea and the story, which is why I give it 3 stars, but I’m not convinced about the romantic part. It’s really just a « girl power » book about women getting revenge. But I didn’t see the point of Poppy’s povs… I didn’t find it necessary to understand the whole picture.

📖 I Knew You Were Trouble – Sandy Barker
💖 Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the early copy!

The Ever After Agency series delivers another unmissable rom-com, and I Knew You Were Trouble is packed with betrayal, revenge, and an unexpected romance that will have you swooning. If you love Taylor Swift-inspired chaos, slow-burn attraction, and a little bit of justifiable revenge, this book is for you!

💍 THE STORY:
Kate Whitaker is a firm believer in love—until a gorgeous stranger named Willem shows up on her doorstep with a bombshell: Kate’s fiancé is also engaged…to Willem’s sister.

How did she miss the signs? The constant traveling? The suspiciously extravagant engagement ring? The postponed dates? Suddenly, Kate is seeing all the red flags she ignored before. And while heartbreak is inevitable, fury comes first.

Determined to expose Jon for the lying, cheating pilot he is, Kate agrees to accompany Willem to Amsterdam to break the news to his sister. But what starts as a simple mission turns into something far more complicated—especially when Kate and Willem find themselves entangled in a revenge scheme that’s a little too fun.

And the biggest surprise of all? Kate’s broken heart doesn’t stand a chance against Willem’s quiet charm, piercing blue eyes, and unexpected allure. Because sometimes the best way to get over someone… is to get under someone else.

🔥 TROPES:
✔ Cheater Gets What’s Coming – Nothing is more satisfying than a well-executed revenge plan.
✔ Grumpy x Sunshine – Willem is brooding and reserved; Kate is fiery and ready for payback.
✔ Slow Burn Romance – The tension builds deliciously before it all explodes.
✔ Forced Proximity – A trip to Amsterdam definitely brings them closer together.
✔ Just One Bed? – Let’s just say things get interesting.
✔ Europe Escape – Travel, romance, and finding yourself in a new city? Yes, please.

✨ WHAT I LOVED:
💖 A Fresh Take on Revenge Romance – It’s fun, clever, and never too over-the-top.
😂 Sharp-Witted Banter – The dialogue is hilarious, fast-paced, and full of chemistry.
🌍 Amsterdam Setting – The canals, the romance, the city’s charm—it all adds to the magic.
🥰 Willem Is a Dream – Stoic, thoughtful, and completely swoon-worthy.

💙 FINAL THOUGHTS:
Sandy Barker delivers a sharp, witty, and unexpectedly heartfelt romance with the perfect blend of revenge, redemption, and slow-burn tension. If you love a “getting over heartbreak in the best way possible” kind of story, this book is an absolute must-read!

Immediately stopped reading when a very inappropriate Dutch word was used. Ouch.

NL reader checking in!

This book could have very much used a Dutch beta reader or at least a sensitivity read with a hotline to a person from the Netherlands.

Some small inaccuracies that annoyed me (it is Mr De Vries capital D and not Mr de Vries; the Dutch do not say “ja” every other sentence; there are excellent surfing opportunities here; also kind of strange to have the FMC’s POV and a POV from a minor character) but the moment “kanker” was used as a equivalent to “asshole”? Absolutely no.

Using cancer as a swearword is very much frowned upon and while it might be used, it was used in the wrong way in this book and it very much turned me off this book and honestly also the author.

There are SO MANY better and more eloquent swearwords that could have been used to describe the two-timing fiancé!

Do better!

Really too bad because I liked the idea of this book set in Amsterdam.

DNF at 22%.

Thank you to Boldwood Books for inviting me to read this book. I received an ARC of this book (thanks!) and these are my own opinions.

Thank you NetGalley & the Publisher for the ARC read!

This was such a good and fun book!
I love when girls get some revenge! I enjoyed Sandy's writing and plan to go back and read the series!

The Ever After Agency series is absolute gold!! Not only do I love reading about their latest clients, I want to work there and be friends with everyone in the book. There's never an unpleasant character to hate. This latest instalment brought us to Amsterdam and Verona so it's great escapist reading as well as entertaining. I hope we meet many more clients at the agency!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

This book had me laughing out loud. I loved how these ladies came together! I laughed till the end. I am so glad they got their revenge! I also love how love was found along the way. It was my first time reading this author. I plan on going back and starting the series from the beginning!

There’s a lot to love it’s not just a romance, it’s about love and family, loss and healing, learning to live again and accept.
Aside from that it’s pure escapism and I loved the characters, though sometimes I found them infuriating at times, but it all comes together and they’re well developed and their actions make sense as the story goes on.

Oh my goodness, this was such a fun read! I knew it would be because I’ve followed this series right the way through and Sandy Barker is one of my favourite authors. Her style is so easy to read and her humour is great. I particularly loved the Amsterdam setting of this one too. I’m sad that this is the final instalment of the Ever After Agency series. I’ve loved the different romance storylines and also seeing the matchmaking play out through Poppy’s role, which has added an extra layer of interest for me over more standard romance novels. The idea of an agency like this fascinates me. I want a job there! It’s another solid five stars from me.

This is book five and the final in the Ever After Agency series. I jumped in at Book 4
and haven’t chance to go back to the earlier ones yet but had no issues with following along in the series. Kate is happily engaged to Jon, who she met through Poppy Dean from the Ever After Agency. She receives surprise visitor one day when the very attractive Willem comes to tell Kate that her fiancé is also engaged to his sister. Kate, Willem and Poppy get together to seek revenge on Jon and reveal to fiancé number 3 that he is leading multiple lives.

This was a fun read, with some very entertaining scenarios as the crew set up their revenge. I particularly enjoyed Kate visiting Willem in Amsterdam and him showing her around and introducing her to Dutch culture and her character growth and friendship/ banter with best friends and cousin Margot. Told from Kate and Poppy’s points of views I would have also liked to have had Willem’s to round out the story. A fun and fitting end to the series.