Trouble

I have read many of Lex Croucher's previous novels so when I got the go ahead to read this book, I was super super excited. It did not disappoint and I feel it may be one of the best novels I have read of Lex Croucher's previous past novels.

We meet wonderful (yet not so) character Emily, who takes her sister Amy's job post of being a governess in a beautiful home as Amy is unwell and can not start her new job. Emily has never been a governess, nor likes the children she is there to teach/care for.

Trouble is full of very interesting characters and Emily takes the biscuit. I love Bridgerton and that genre and I just love this novel so much. I was enchanted by Emily and the numerous characters that we meet in this novel.

If you love a very well plotted novel that will keep you reading until the early hours in the morning then this will be right up your street.

Thanks to Netgalley, Lex Croucher and the publishers for allowing me a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

A fun, fresh, fabulous regency romp - the perfect holiday-reading book. I devoured this in two greedy sittings and went on a rollercoaster of emotions. As always, Lex has crafted an unputdownable adventure where the characters are flawed and relatable, and you are rooting for them to make it to their happy ending - and that happy ending may look quite different from what you'd usually expect in a romcom, but it works so well. Deeply satisfying, compelling, chortling-on-the-plane kind of funny, this is a book you don't want to miss.

Thankyou to Netgalley and Bonnier Books for the ARC.

I'd been seeing Lex Croucher's books around for quite a while and had previously read and enjoyed Gwen & Art Are Not In Love, so when I had the opportunity to read Trouble (the blurb sounded right up my street!) I jumped at the chance.

This was my first "adult" book of Croucher's and I was drawn in by the plot that is basically a re-telling of Jane Eyre (one of my favourite books) but with an LGBTQ+ and more modern spin on it. Our heroine is not some meek and mousey governess; instead she is prickly, abrupt and doesn't even like kids (you had me at hello!).

In modern versions of period stories, it can often feel like you're being bashed over the head with LGBTQ+ themes and that they're almost shoe-horned into the plot and it feels completely unrealistic. Croucher does this in such a subtle and empathetic way that you just fall in love with all of the characters and nothing ever feels like it's been done to tick a box. I suppose that's the benefit to having an actual queer author writing these stories!

Without giving too much away, it was particularly refreshing that our heroine doesn't have a complete personality change over the course of the novel as she discovers her feelings. She's still abrasive at times and can seem harsh to those unfamiliar with her, but underneath that spikey exterior is a big heart that was always there. Perhaps I found her particularly relatable because I saw a little of myself in her?

If you need any encouragement to read this novel, let me tell you that I immediately picked "Infamous" from my TBR shelves after I finished "Trouble" as I needed more Lex Croucher in my life!

Emily Laurence is not exactly the first person you would think of to look after your children (or your eightieth). Which is why she *wasn't* who Fairmont House hired to be its governess. But when her sister Amy, the real candidate for the role, falls ill again and family funds look tighter than ever Emily decides that she will go in her place, without telling Fairmont the truth – that she's definitely not Amy and definitely not the person they’ve been writing to. After all, it’ll be an easy job. She can get in, fool everyone, maybe pocket a few valuable trinkets to sell, and, in true Emily style, definitely not get attached to anyone. Definitely not the defiant but witty Aster, the sweet and desperate for love Grace, and DEFINITELY not Captain Edwards, their father. Rich single dads aren’t exactly Emily’s type. No matter how good they look without a shirt on.

Lex has done it once again. They’ve written a historical romance with laugh out loud moments and a fun, modern sensibility. Every new release by Lex becomes my new favourite of theirs, and Trouble was no exception. With really thoughtfully done chronic illness representation (which is a rarity in contemporary fiction, never mind historical) as well as lots of excellent queer and trans characters, a romance to swoon for, and heart-warming found family energy, it’d be very difficult not the fall in love with this story. Lex is a talented writer, and they just keep on getting better (and funnier). All the stars.

This is the first Lex Croucher book I’ve read and it introduced some interesting concepts which were new in a fiction book to me. The characters were complex and likeable and the story was a nail biting tale of whether or not it would be discovered that the governess was not Amy but her sister Emily. Entertaining.

Another brilliant historical romance from the wonderful Lex Croucher. If you've loved their other books I have no doubt you'll love this one too.
Where Infamous and Reputation were wonderful romps, this was a smaller, more intimate affair. Each book the author writes the characters get better and better.
It made me laugh, smile and happy-sigh.
- found family
- queer characters
- self acceptance
- chronical illness rep
- by-the-sea
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free eARC of this book in return for a honest review.

Trouble has all the hallmarks of Lex Croucher's previous works. It is historical with a modern rom-com feel to it, it has seamless queer representation, and of course it is full of hilarious, colourful, witty characters that are ever so flawed, but more loveable for it.

Lex Croucher has honestly cemented themself as an 'auto-buy' author for me, and I don't often love a lot of real world historical fiction. I'll admit I read the premise of Trouble and thought that whilst I was sure I'd like it, I wasn't going to love it as much as their previous works. I was so wrong! Reading about the characters of Fairmont House was a joy.

Recommended for anyone who enjoyed the author's previous books, and anyone looking for historical fiction that's full of sass.

Holy crap I loved this!!

Just taking the premise of the whole thing and I am in love. Emily’s sister, Amy, is sick and can’t go to her new governess job. Oh but they need the money, mostly to help Amy get better and yeah Emily definitely hates children and knows nothing about being a governess but she can pretend and lie and cheat her way through it, right?!

Aah! But, enter one super enthusiastic 14-year-old Grace and one grumpy and unresponsive Aster and top it all off with hot (even hotter without his shirt, right Akia?!) single dad Captain Edwards, argh. Everything about this made me so happy.

The storyline throughout is so cute and I sobbed a lot. But in classic Lex style, I was laughing throughout! All of the other characters, particularly everyone that worked in the house just hold such a special place in my heart and I could give each an essay on why I love them so.

I obviously need to shout out the representation in this book. Honestly any book with a bi character makes me happy and we have so much more lgbtq+ rep in this. Plus there is normalising of chronic illnesses, which especially in a regency book seems kind of unheard of?! And I loved how much class and wealth was touched on in this book! I think a lot of historical romances just have oh no, we’re of different classes we can’t ever be together and then they get married 8 pages later. But I LOVED how it was discussed in this and became so much more of an open topic!

Oh and I need to make it clear that handsome Captain Edwards is a captain of the navy, incase you are like me and have been seriously binging any kind of naval or set on a ship book recently! That just really added nicely to the overly hotness effect for me

So obviously I’m just a little bit obsessed, but it’s fine and I’m probably going to be fine 😄

I love historical romances but they are often hit and miss with the author just relying on the odd corset to keep their reader interested but this book is an exception with decent storylines and enjoyable characters

This book was completely and utterly delightful. I read the entire thing in essentially one sitting, smiling the entire time - and I say essentially, because I’m not sure if getting up to happy-pace around the room because the characters you are obsessed with are KISSING and FALLING IN LOVE, etc., counts in making it more than one sitting - and if it does, then I suppose I read it in about five sittings (this book resulted in a lot of happy-pacing).

A spiky, determined faux-governess of a heroine, a pair of unruly yet lovable teen wards, a cast of utterly delightful servants acting as a wholly charming found family, wonderful representation, a gorgeous windswept coastline for a setting - and a swoon-worthy, well-written romance. As always with a new Lex Croucher novel, my hopes were high - and Trouble more than delivered, it’s been my favourite yet!

When her sister Amy falls ill, Emily Laurence steps in to take her place in her newly appointed position as governess to the two daughters of Captain Edwards. The problem is that Amy was the polite, kind sister with all of the teaching experience, and while Emily is fiercely loyal to her sister, she is barely civil to anyone else and only has experience of working in a mill. Her plan is to pass herself off as Amy for as long as she can, and hopefully nick some valuable family heirlooms while she's there to keep her own family from bankruptcy. But she hasn't factored in the brooding and handsome Captain Edwards or his daughters - Grace who is determined to love Emily and Aster who keeps threatening to murder her.

'Trouble' is yet another irreverent, period romp from Lex Croucher. Imagine Jane Eyre, but if Jane was a lot less self-righteous and lot more light-fingered...an absolute delight to read!

From the very first page it was very clear what kind of book this was going to be: one that makes you snort and smile, one that's hard to put down. In fact, I only put it down to get a few hours of sleep before picking it right back up after turning off my second alarm.

That being said, this book was not all laughs and smiles; I was even taken aback a bit at the start. I had expected a lighthearted romcom with airy, untroubled (although sassy) characters. This was not that kind of story. These characters could never be described as airy or untroubled (though plenty sassy), I wouldn't even exactly call them likeable (and I don't mean that in a bad way). They were complex and prickly and difficult. They had difficult relationships, with themselves and with each other. In fact, this book really focused on relationships all throughout: relationship between siblings, between parents and their children, between staff, between classes and also between people and themselves and their bodies and identities. This book had a full cast of diverse characters and their stories and identities were woven into the story so naturally yet earnestly, it was clear that this was something very important to the author's heart.

I really enjoyed my time with this story, the only reason I couldn't quite give it 5 stars was that I would have liked the relationship between Emily and Captain Edwards to have been fleshed out just a tiny bit more. They barely had any interactions up to the 50% mark — and I do understand that that time was spent establishing Emily's relationship with Grace and Aster (their dynamic btw, 10/10) — I just felt that that caused the romantic aspect of the story to fall a tiny bit flat.

Overall, a great book and I'll definitely go check out Lex Croucher's blacklist now. Their writing is fantastic and I can't wait to read their other stories.
🌟🌟🌟🌟

Thanks to Bonnier Books and Netgalley for the ARC.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of 'Trouble' by Lex Croucher.

'Trouble' is the latest Lex Croucher historical romance and honestly? As much as I did enjoy it, it didn't spark as much love in me as Lex's previous two did. But it still keeps in the same format of great writing and intriguing characters - I'm excited to see who's next for Croucher.

Two books by Lex Croucher in the space of mere months - we don't deserve it! I'm genuinely struggling to put into words how much I enjoyed this book, unputdownable doesn't do it justice. I loved Emily and the ensemble cast so much, they really felt like friends I'm now bereft to have left. So funny, witty and warm - reading this is akin to getting a really great hug. Charming, escapist and a total joy.

Absolutely loved this! Like a sexy, queer, inclusive Sound of Music. Lex Croucher has such a fun style of writing, and she does so well at creating well rounded, realistic characters who you genuinely become invested in. I would read anything she writes!

I read this book in a less than a day and it's easily one of my favourites. The characters all feel real and well-rounded and they're all incredibly interesting in their own way. I particularly enjoyed the development of Emily and Aster, but I did love them all!

This book felt like it had a bit more romance than their other 2 regency books which I loved because the relationship was great at the love interest was SO good.

Lex Croucher has easily become one of my favourite, auto-buy authors over the past couple years!

Another novel by this author that I dearly enjoyed - I particularly liked Emily the protagonist in this one, who is spiky and guarded and earns some great character development without losing any of her unique personality. The ensemble cast is great as ever, and I especially enjoyed the relationship between Emily and the kids, and the warmth between all the characters. I also enjoyed Emily's internal criticism around class and her dislike of displays of wealth, and the continued inclusion of diversity within the characters - whether that be race, queer identities, class or disability. If you've liked Lex's other books you'll enjoy this one I'm sure.

Lex Croucher is becoming a firm favourite author. Having read previous novels, as soon as this was released,it was added to the list of titles I wanted to read.
Reminiscent of Jane Austen, the novel opens with protagonist Emily who is pretending to be her sister (Amy). She is on her way to become a governess, this would be fine if she actually liked children or if she knew how to teach - instead, she is there to clean out the family - all for a good reason of course. Amy is unwell and needs medical help.
Emily's charges - sisters - rebellious Aster and kind-hearted, pleaser Grace keep Emily on her toes - particularly Aster and never mind their father - Captain Edwards - who Emily initially mistakes for a stable hand.
Fairmont House also has a staff who prefer to go by their forenames, they like to gossip and drink in the local ale house.
With some laugh-out-loud moments, the novel leaves the reader wanting more. Will Emily be found out, who is the stranger in the pub wanting to know all of the gossip regarding Captain Edward's dismissal from the navy and what secret is Aster hiding?
A recommendable read.

Lex Croucher has earned their spot as an automatic-buy author. Trouble is both hilarious and heartwarming! I fell in love with Emily and Captain Edwards even when they were arguing with each other (or…especially so??). I want to be part of this book’s adorable and funny found family. Can I have another one, Lex? Please and thank you.

Yet another amazing Lex Croucher book. I love this author. This is the second time they have gotten me out of a slump, making me laugh and long to read more

I just love the way Lex Croucher writes - historical fiction with a modern twist, with brilliant characters throughout.
Emily has been dealt a difficult hand in life and has had to work hard to survive. She is prickly, stubborn, argumentative and grumpy, but will do whatever it takes to take care of her ailing sister Amy, even pretending to be a governess, despite the fact that she doesn't like children one bit. But Emily finds something unexpected when she goes to work at Fairmont house. She finds friendship, herself, and also love.

This was a little slow to start but once the story got going I couldn't put it down. Gripping with lots of emotion and laughter thrown in.

As is becoming a habit with Croucher's work, I absolutely adored Trouble. The tale is chock-full of a well-formed cast of characters - each individual and with their own well-rounded personalities. I had too many favourites to name them all. There's wonderful character development here as well, both for prominent and side characters. Of course, as it's a Lex Croucher novel, it also had me chuckling out loud at a fair few points. I was left with a wonderful cosy feeling upon finishing this, and had a brilliant time getting there.

I’d only read the first couple of (impactful) sentences but I already knew I was going to enjoy Trouble - and I did, greatly, but perhaps not for the reasons I first thought.
After reading the blurb, I believed I had a good idea of what was to come (I was thinking Bridgerton-esque) and I sat very comfortably in that knowledge for a good few chapters.
Then, without giving anything away and spoiling it for you, there were some unexpected surprises.
While Lex Croucher’s latest book is set in Regency England, with some of the airs and graces of that society, it also felt thoroughly modern (in a good way).
This book is lively, exciting, funny, emotional and unexpected.
Prickly Emily is a wonderful character; desperate to play the villain but her big heart gets in the way.
The members of the Edwards Family soon endear themselves to the reader, even troubled Aster, and the rest of the supporting cast have so much personality they probably all deserve their own stories - I know I’d read them.
A big part of me wished I was in a book club so I could discuss the 'reading group suggestions' at the end.
I haven’t read any of Lex Croucher’s other books but I will be doing so now.

Another great addition to Lex Crotchet’s canon. If you liked the previous books you will definitely like this one. Regency adventures with a sprinkling of romance perfect light hearted read.

Although of a similar tone and nature, this was slightly different in concept to Croucher's other regency romances, though I adored it all the same.
Croucher is certainly one of my all-time favourite romance authors, and 'Trouble' does not disappoint. There are so many elements woven into this novel, but not once does it feel as if any of them have been forgotten or underutilised. I absolutely loved Aster's development and storyline, as well as the swathes of personality afforded to the side characters--Oliver made me actually laugh out loud multiple times.
The romance itself was beautifully developed, and I loved the relationship and the gentle coaxing of it.
I completely fell in love with this--as I have all of Croucher's novels--and I cannot wait for the world to get to fall in love with it too.

I started reading Trouble the same evening as I requested it, which I almost never do and which proves just how in the mood I was for a regency romance. In some ways this was my favourite of Lex Croucher's novels and in some ways it wasn't – it tells the story of Emily, sent to work as a governess at a mansion, who catches the eye of the owner of the house, the taciturn Captain Edwards. The only catch is that Emily isn't supposed to be there at all: she's turned up instead of her unwell sister Amy, and no one knows her real identity (and complete lack of qualifications). It's quite difference from Lex's previous books, in that the characters are older, poorer and aren't in 'society' anywhere near as much, but this is such a fun, bingeable book, with some truly brilliant supporting characters that I absolutely need spin-offs for (Akia the maid and Oliver the valet, pls!!) There's loads of great dialogue and witty quips and I just really liked it.

I have absolutely loved all the books in this series by Alex Croucher and so have our readers. I can’t wait to delve into this one as well. I will certainly share my full thoughts soon, but I love the dialogue, storylines, and vibes of these books. It’s like gossip girl mixed with Bridgerton, Such smart enjoyable books. Highly recommend.

Such a unique book, I loved the plot, and oh my god the characters were so amazing!! I definitely will be recommending it!!

thank you to netgalley for this book!

4.5 stars

“and when it comes to love . . . you know. the heart wants what it wants. and the heart is also terminally stupid. a dangerous combination.”

Emily’s sister is sick, so she takes over her job (and identity). unfortunately the job is a governess, and Emily is not a fan of kids. but when they, and their dad, start to grow on her, what will happen when they find out who she really is?

this book was amazing! Emily was such a fun character, as where the side characters. I loved the children, how Grace acted so old for her age and wanted to be seen as more than just sick, and Asters storyline was so well done and heartwarming. the rest of the staff were the type of people you immediately want to become friends with, and I loved seeing the Captain trying to grow closer with his kids.

the queer rep was so well done. both the mc and the li are bi, and despite the time period it’s not seen as a big deal amongst the main cast. their is also side gay and trans characters!

one thing i would have liked is a bit more romantic build up, but the annoyances to lovers vibe was great! highly recommend

I had such a fun time reading this. Devoured it on the train in one sitting.

I've seen some of the hype around Croucher's previous books but this was my first of theirs. And I will be definitely picking up the others!

When Emily's sister falls ill, she accepts a governess position for Captain Edwards and his two children. The only catch? She has to assume her sisters identity, has no experience, nor any particular fondness for children. What could possibly go wrong?

Grumpy x Grumpy romance where the main character doesn't have a drastic personality transplant during their growth in the book.

A diverse cast of characters was fab especially in a regency based romance. I particularly enjoyed the LGBTQ+ themes! Neither of which felt tokenistic.

If you're a fan of Bridgerton or The Sound of Music this one's for you!

Thanks to Lex Croucher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

It’s a little under a year since I read @Lex’s first book and, honestly? They just keep getting better. Compulsively readable, hysterically funny, and touchingly relatable casting genuinely human characters who are clearly more than a little Neurodiverse chafing against the stifling manners of regency England.

I loved this story - think Jane Eyre meets Bridgerton, but more difficult eldest Child than mad wife in the attic plus it’s forty years earlier and with a supporting cast who are comedy gold. Oliver in particular is a total sass master.

The book is full of brilliant moments, touching, tender, hilarious, and heart wrenching. You sympathise with all the characters except Charles, some one boil him in a pot, From Emily and her spiky defences determined to be the villain as she tries to save her sister, Aster a 16 year old so prickly, hugging a cactus would be less intimidating, Grace the exact opposite of Aster, and of course the handsome, dark, and brooding widower, Captain Edwards.

This is well worth the afternoon you’ll need to read it.