Set in the Regency Era, this book is a YA take on Bridgerton, and reading it was SO MUCH FUN. 4.5/5 💫 Many, many thanks to Zaffre Books for sending a free review copy my way!

⚠️ Trigger warnings (collected from author's website so that I don't miss anything): Drinking, drug use, grief, domestic abuse, sexual assault, mentions of homophobia and racism.

After watching Bridgerton, I have been obsessed with historical romance. So, when I stumbled upon this book, I knew I HAD TO read it ASAP. I am so happy that I wasn't disappointed by it - all the characters added a lot of drama to the book, and I loved reading it with my whole heart. I am a huge fan of Mean Girls, and the reflections of the movie in this book were immaculate. I kind of regret not reading Pride and Prejudice before this, because I read some reviews which said that they loved how the book was kind of inspired by the book's main characters. :( (needless to say, I have to read P&P soon) The central romance was developed so perfectly throughout the story. :') I really appreciated how we could see how Georgina learned about the ways of the world through different unexpected situations - even though things became hard for her sometimes.

This book was a package of everything I love in fictional stories. I can't recommend it enough! <3

If your a fan of Jane Austen and coming of age movies then this is the book for you! The best way I can describe it is: gossip girl, meets Bridgerton, meets mean girls and I am totally here for it🤭

Lex Croucher is well and truly a 21st century Jane Austen and did an amazing job at making this book fun, heart wrenching, beautiful and also scandalous🤭 The writing style is truly addictive and it was such an easy and wonderful read!

One of the things I loved most about this book is that it wasn’t a boring historical romance novel. It truly captured the reality of the time and that created some very dramatic and shocking scenes that I did not see coming!

This book truly had me laughing out loud a lot and it takes a lot for me to laugh at loud when reading! A wonderful take on YA regency and I definitely recommend to all of my followers as I know you will all love it🥰

DNF

Honestly, I was so excited for this book because I love historical romance (and have done for years) and I love Gossip Girl/Mean Girls etc., but I just found it *so" slow. I expect that it does pick up but to be honest I just wasn't enjoying it enough to carry on, which I am sorry about. That being said, I really liked the Austen references! I might try it again at some point because I don't think it's bad, it just really wasn't working for me at this time.

(Note: I did also try the audio which is narrated by Bessie Carter. I thought she was great, but the audio didn't grab me for me to continue in that format)

We know life as a 16 to 24 year old can sometimes be tough, so we've created How to navigate life as a young adult and beyond: a survival guide in 42 brilliant books, full of recommendations that will inspire you, give you life skills, or make you happy! And don't forget to nominate yourself to win £1,000/€1,200 of National Book Tokens (ask your family and friends to nominate you, too!), so you can choose the books that are right for you.

Reputation by Lex Croucher

A classic romcom with a Regency-era twist, for fans of Mean Girls, Bridgerton and Jane Austen.

Abandoned by her parents, middle-class Georgiana Ellers has moved to a new town to live with her dreary aunt and uncle. At a particularly dull party, she meets the enigmatic Frances Campbell, a wealthy member of the in-crowd who lives a life Georgiana couldn't have imagined in her wildest dreams.

Lonely and vulnerable, Georgiana falls in with Frances and her unfathomably rich, deeply improper friends. Georgiana is introduced to a new world: drunken debauchery, mysterious young men with strangely arresting hands, and the upper echelons of Regency society. But the price of entry to high society might just be higher than Georgiana is willing to pay...

I’m in two minds about this book. There are modern themes of drinking, drugs and peer pressure which are dressed up in a regency style frock. For anyone expecting this to be similar to Bridgeton would be sorely disappointed. The story did build to be considered entertaining after a very slow start but overall it wasn’t for me. The characters are pretty irritating and it was an effort to finish.

Thank you Netgalley

A light read that was fun and quick. I found some parts overly long and felt like it could have been edited back but overall a good, enjoyable read

Thank you to NetGalley and Zaffre for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is like the mean girls aspect of OG Gossip Girl meets Emma meets The Great and I fucking loved it. If you don’t like somewhat unlikeable main characters – or at the very least, easily led astray main characters – you probably won’t enjoy this, but of the joys of the novel (would we call it a joy?) is seeing how easily Georgiana gets swept up in her new and exciting social life. This was such an enjoyable and fast-paced read which brought drama and wit without trivialising some of the deeper themes it included.

Obviously, this book requires a little suspension of historical accuracy, but not in ways that I personally found annoying and I would definitely check the trigger warnings but overall this was a solid 4/5 stars and I’d definitely recommend.

Am I the only one unsure as to what age group this book is aimed at? At times it felt quite childish and immature and then at other times it felt quite dark and disturbing! It didnt quite fit the mould on either.

In all honesty it just wasnt for me, it was definitely more gossip girl than historical fiction, mainly because there was nothing 'real' about the way these girls lived compared to the 'Bridgerton' time in history

I don't think I liked any character and I REALLY didn't like the gloss over of racism and sexual assault including references to rape.

It just wasn't for me, I didn't like it at all BUT i think it's going to be a marmite book, you'll either love it or hate it.

Thanks to netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for the ARC.

This book was a wild ride. I loved all the drama, gossip and scandal. The characters were really interesting and engaging. I loved the regency elements and thought it was well researched. Definitely would read more by this author!

Reputation is being pitched as Bridgerton meets Mean Girls meets Jane Austen, which completely captures the essence of this fabulous Regency-era romcom. If you’re looking to fill a Bridgerton-shaped hole in your life, I highly recommend Lex Croucher’s debut adult novel!

Reputation follows sweet and naive Georgiana, who find herself mixing with some highly questionable characters from the upper echelons of society after moving to a new town to live with her aunt and uncle. Packed full of wild parties, drunken debauchery, enigmatic socialites and lavish attire, Reputation is a whirlwind of a book - I absolutely raced through it! A riotously funny, witty and dazzling read, with moments of real drama and jeopardy.

Was this just me? I think this may have been just me. I really, really wanted to like this book. I had such huge expectations going in. I had the whole love affair that this book and I were going to have outlined in my mind. But Alas.

This book wouldn’t exist without Bridgerton (The Netflix show… as apposed to the books.) Bridgerton made the regency era smouldering again, what with the ‘I burn for you’ and the sleeves being rolled up *swoons* don’t get me wrong. I love and live for this genre and I had a wonderful January chomping my way through as many Regency Romances I could lay my grabby hands on.

And then this came along. I’m not going to harp on about the historical inaccuracies. No one picked this up to learn about Regency England.. and if you did. Step away and grab an Austen book – but honestly. I enjoyed nothing about this. I’m sorry world. But it’s a massive no from me. I finished it – Just. But I’ll be honest I skimmed.

I’ve even tried to figure out why, I’ve read the reviews. I asked friends (friend didn’t enjoy it either) maybe I’m too old?

If anyone has a reason let me know, otherwise I’ll be here. Chilling in the minority.

To be posted on my social media sites this week.

Book Review | Reputation by Lex Croucher

⭐⭐⭐✨✨(3.75/5)

[ad • review copy]
Received via NetGalley.

TW: rape, drug use

When Georgiana arrives at her aunt and uncle's for the summer, she is expecting to have a dull time. At a party, she meets Frances and knows that her luck has changed. As she makes her way into France's good graces, Georgiana is invited to balls, parties and gatherings that will make this a summer to remember. But is the life of the upper classes as easy and fun as it first appears? And is this a taste of the life that Georgiana wants to live?

Set in the Regency period, Reputation feels like a combination of period drama and modern YA. This is a novel filled with parties, drink, drugs and sex that will show you themes in a way that we are used to discussing through more modern novels. Some of the themes explored include race, sexuality, wealth, female friendships, and sexual assault.

The title of this novel is perfect as I think that the idea of a reputation has a couple of different ideas in the novel and makes for some interesting thoughts.

When I began reading this novel, I was unsure about the mixture of regency and modern, but I think that this was interesting and makes this an enjoyable read. If you are looking for something more historical, then this may not be the read for you, but if regency fun is your thing, then step this way.

As with any period drama, this novel has a romance plot with a rather dishy love interest. I particularly enjoyed the banter between Georgiana and Thomas and really liked reading the letters between these characters. For me, this romance plot was well done and I really enjoyed it.

Although I really liked the romance of this novel, friendship takes a more central position in the novel in my opinion. Georgiana makes some interesting decisions regarding her friendship choices, and she will have to reflect upon her choices later in the novel. Questions arise about Georgiana's decision to make high profile friends, and her friendship with Frances is really tested at the climax of the novel. This plot was unexpected to me, but I found it very interesting and liked how Georgiana's character developed because of it.

Linking to this, I feel that Georgiana has a good character arc throughout the narrative, and I think seeing her go on this journey is what endeared her to me. Croucher creates a complex character who makes mistakes and feels close to modern teenagers as she wishes for popularity, amusement, and love.

The ending of this novel was quite good, although I felt that I was missing a bit somewhere, and I liked that the end of the novel made for quite a cyclical structure.

If you're looking for some regency fun, then check out Reputation.

Georgiana has just moved in with her aunt and uncle, after her parents decide to move towards the coast for her mothers health. In her new home, Georgiana is desperate to meet people her own age, go to real parties, and truly live. Then she meets Frances, daughter to the very wealthy Campbell’s and the subject of most of the village’s gossip. She pulls Georgiana into her life, through wild parties, unchaperoned holidays, and raucous lunches filled with drugs, alcohol, and her closest friends. And Georgiana, for once, starts to feel like she belongs. She even sets her sights on the handsome Mr Hawksley, though she can’t help from keep making a fool of herself in front of him. The thing is, when it comes down to it, Georgiana starts to realise she might not belong as much as she thinks.

First off, I was so hyped for this book. I’ve followed Lex online for a while now, and became hugely excited when she first announces her book. It is so easy to fall into the world of this book, but also to fall straight in love with it.

I loved the writing style. I found it swept me up immediately, and had the formalness of regency era/Classic literature, but without the difficulty to read and follow. It was fun and light, and full of quips. Lex’s writing and Georgiana’s character are funny and witty, making me laugh out loud. The Mean Girls references were funny and really made me appreciate the story Lex was trying to tell.

Georgiana as a character is great to read. Like I said, she’s funny and sarcastic, but she’s also rude, short, and insensitive at times. She’s desperate for acceptance and admiration, entirely relatable and unavoidably likeable. She has her flaws (and there were times I was nearly shouting at the book because of what she did), but don’t we all. The give and take of her friendship with Frances was was compelling and almost intoxicating to read. I loved how it took centre stage in the book, the possibility of a romance between Georgiana and Mr Hawksley coming second. It was still gripping and interesting to read, but I loved how it wasn’t the main focus.

In general, I loved everything about this book. The pacing was great, every character was a joy to get to know, and I would happily spend days in Georgiana’s presence. I absolutely can’t wait for Lex’s next book to come out so I can revel in her humour and writing once more.

It’s been so long since I read something where I raced through the ending while also being desperate to read this book forever. I would love to read more of Georgiana’s capers, and I cannot recommend this book to everyone enough! I gave it 5 out of 5 stars.

I LOVED THIS BOOK! It's one of those reads I still find myself thinking about months later, excited for what Lex is going to do next. I'm not usually a regency fan, but Reputation is an accessible and contemporary introduction to the genre, and will definitely lead to me seeking out more books that are similar. So great!

This was super fun! Absolutely loved this different interpretation of Regency romance - with crazy parties etc. Not a history expert but of course things like this must have happened behind closed doors. I loved the crazy friendship group that Georgiana falls into - all quite believable characters some of whom are lovable and some less so. Also absolutely loved Betty who is absolutely not crazy or cool but is such a wonderful friend. I also liked that this dealt with some quite heavy themes, so that although the book is very readable and comical, it also has depth. Will definitely be keeping an eye out for more by this author.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with this one, but I was intrigued and had to read. A huge fan of both Bridgerton and Fleabag, which the promo materials likens it to, this definitely ticked some boxes, but I wasn’t sure how such a blend would pull off in novel form.

It’s very much a hybrid form, set in the Regency era but with very relevant, modern issues; alcohol, drugs, sex, consent, and peer pressure being just a few, but they’re not just plonked into a historical era, they are placed carefully amongst the protocols and etiquette of the time. Even the language is very Austen-esque and really well done.

The main character, Georgiana – a young woman without many prospects is thrilled to be taken under the wing of Frances Campbell. Dazzlingly rich and influential, she and her friends open doors for Georgiana, introducing her to wild parties, men, excesses of alcohol and drugs.

I did feel in terms of maturity it was often more Mean Girls than Fleabag, and would liken it more to a coming of age type story in many respects. Whilst Georgiana isn’t particularly likeable throughout most of it due to the choices she makes, I must admit that I saw an awful lot of my younger self in her and this did endear me to her. Much of the time I felt rather motherly towards her and wanted to sit her down with a cup of tea for a chat!

There are darkly comic moments throughout, and it’s a VERY entertaining read, one I found that I binge read when I picked it up. It was so easy to quickly get into that I found myself dipping in and out throughout the day. A fantastic holiday read, that whilst it many not be life altering in the reading, it is an absolute ton of fun to read!

Croucher's debut novel is a joy to behold, and Reputation truly lives up to its author's own, from their strong social media presence, culminating in a brilliant blend of caustic wit and companionable energy. Georgiana is a believable and complex heroine who any reader will quickly be able to engage with - even when her choices veer towards the tad ridiculous. Her swiftly-formed summer friendship group rather intentionally leans into the likes of the Heathers or Mean Girls trios of stage and screen, however, a solid queer kick to this trope keeps it fresh and ironically up-to-date for a tale set in the early 19th century.
Croucher has previously penned a decent survival guide for young people, You're Crushing It, but this first foray into fiction is compelling and genuinely enjoyable to read. I chose to devour it within an afternoon, blasting the Pride and Prejudice (Joe Wright, 2005 of course) soundtrack into my ears, however, I would highly recommend savouring each page not only on first read, but all future re-reads, which I'm sure is in the cards for anyone who pick up this brilliant book. An almost irritatingly clever homage to Regency-era writers, the author successfully avoids treading too closely in the genre's footsteps for originality's sake. The love interests (and disinterests) are intriguing and well-rounded characters who play their parts well, without falling into the trap of acting solely as catalysts for Georgiana or her friends often questionable behaviour.
On this point, the novel deftly deals with issues of alcoholism and sexual assault, and though it does not shy away from these subjects, neither does it consume the plot or explain away the complexities of the relationships between the characters, friends, foes and all which lie in-between. The tensions which can arise, particularly in intense friendships, is depicted with great clarity and is a wonderful strength to Croucher's style.
I look forward to reading whatever they pen next, and in the meantime, I will be hoping and prepping for my own whirlwind summer of card games and laughter (albeit sans the emotional turmoil!). Many thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Zaffre for providing a reading copy in exchange for an honest review. I had been looking forward to this for some time and the results did not disappoint.
This book, in my opinion, is perfect for confident readers aged 16+, but readers should be aware of references to death by suicide, sexual assault and substance abuse before turning the pages.

Pride and Prejudice meets Mean Girls in this contemporarily written period piece. Croucher's debut novel sparkles with wit and charm while tackling big topics which have faced young people throughout the eras (tw: sexual abuse, alcoholism and drug use).

It's easy to see which characters align with the iconic characters from the likes of Mean Girls and Heathers, but this doesn't make them two dimensional. Each of the eligible young members of society have their own demons to battle, as well as their own sense of humour. Georgiana, our protagonist, goes on a huge journey throughout the novel, while we see ringleader Frances struggle with maintaining her position in the hierarchy. I adored the chemistry between Georgiana and Thomas, as well as the inclusion of characters of colour (who participate in high society!) as well as queer characters. I do wish a little more time was spent on how Frances feels about her heritage, as a black woman, as though there was one moment where she touches on slavery, it felt skimmed over - a moment to tick off rather than weaved throughout.

Croucher's novel is such fun, with a colourful array of characters. It's not pretending to be *completely* historically accurate, and balances a contemporary style of writing while still hitting all the beats of a period novel, including some excellent letter exchanges.

I received this digital copy in exchange for an honest review, thanks Zaffre Books.

Trigger Warnings: drug use, sexual assault, off-page rape

I could picture myself devouring Reputation lying on a sunbed in Greece, but instead I finished this sitting in my usual butt-shaped dent on the sofa. For me, this book encapsulates the beach read with its fast pace and effortless storyline, it’s mean girls repackaged as a regency drama and I’m not ashamed to say I loved it.

Reputation is just plain fun but definitely doesn’t follow your usual regency era rules, the girls move around unchaperoned and face a surprising lack of consequences for their actions. The plot also has undeniable similarities to Mean Girls and Bridgeton, (knowing how long it takes to get a book down the publishing pipeline this was likely finished before the TV show emerged), but I’ll admit that these similarities played to my taste. The plot, rather than revolving around school, follows the social events that Georgiana, Frances, and their friends attend so due to this they do spend most of the book inebriated. It probably won’t be the soft period romance your expecting to come from writing about this time period, but I have to say I loved the slightly darker twists and the way Croucher dealt with them.

Georgiana is just interesting enough as a character to pull the plot along, but the romance pales in comparison to her chemistry with her charismatic new friend Frances. I honestly found myself pausing at points to try and figure out if they were both going to run away together, but instead, our protagonist falls for a man. Honestly, despite being described as a rom-com it really didn’t feel like it was the focus of the plot, instead we explore Georgiana’s obsessive and rather toxic friendship with Frances and the dynamics within their social circle. Reputation feels more like a coming of age story about a girl finding her footing in the world, and about how she comes to challenge the world around her to change.

My one gripe I suppose, and it is a rather large one, is that none of the other characters get any substantial backstory or development. Georgiana’s love interest Thomas especially fell victim to this and he ends up feeling rather bland, but if I’m being honest all the characters apart from Georgiana and Frances feel a bit like props. All of them have a backstory that’s hinted at or some sort of personality trait that’s mentioned but never explored, and it’s shame as the social dynamics between that friendship group could have been more impactful with three-dimensional side characters. The time period actually suffers from this issue too! Every once in a while the characters will mention the King or they’ll all be piling into a carriage, but you could lift them out of the regency era and pop them into the modern-day and it would be difficult to tell the difference.

All in all, this book is a whole lot of fun but if you’re looking for your typical regency romance don’t look here. It tackles some hard-hitting topics with sensitivity and compassion but really only scratches the surface of its own potential.

Recommend: If you’re looking for a fun and easy read, but don’t mind an author playing fast and loose with historical accuracy then this should be perfect.

I would like to thank netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the modern feeling of this and the diversity.