2.5 ⭐️

If you like found family this book is for you. The way this cast of characters supports each other is excellent. I loved the two girls. They're direct opposites of each other but make for an entertaining pair.

The comedic value in this book really got me. Aster drunk on the beach was a shining point that had me laughing. Oliver and meera's constant bickering and the group joking about her and the grocer were nice moments.
The book had its sweet moments, too, like how they all rally around to help aster and the haircut moment .

As far as the romance goes, it felt a little stilted. They don't really interact for a good chunk of the book, and then suddenly, after a few arguments, they're in love. But they're still really wooden in their interactions. But the captain certainly learns to understand grand gestures.

I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to netgalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

What I usually like about Lex Croucher's books is that they bring diverse representation into their books without it feeling anachronistic to the time period. However this fell somewhat short for me in "Trouble" because literally nobody cares about the conventions of the time at all, which makes me wonder what the point is of setting it in a specific historical period, since it doesn't add anything to the story. It also means that there's no real tension - secrets come out, meh, nobody's fussed. It makes the plot into a very one-dimensional governess/employer romance. which is a shame because the two main characters aren't as interesting as the cast of supporting characters - the heroine particularly difficult to like. Reputation and Infamous were both so much better.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books for this ARC!

I really enjoyed this book - it felt like the queer representation many are looking for in Bridgerton. The way the characters were developed throughout the story was intelligently done, and the LGBT+ storylines were well received. It struggled slightly with pace at the beginning, starting off fairly slow, but the second half made it worth it. Would recommend (4/5).

after looooving reputation & infamous i was exciting to read this, as usual lex manages to really bring the time period to life, with intricate details around the clothing, furniture and general life which i loved getting lost in! i did want a LOT more with the romance though - was such a slow burn and whilst i love enemies to lovers i just wanted a bit more!!

I FINALLY got around to reading this one and I’m so glad I did. I’m a big fan of Croucher’s writing and I love a period romance so this was my cup of tea from the start. It was a quick and funny read that I sped through. I’m always excited for the next release.

I enjoyed my last period romcom from Lex Croucher and I liked this one even more!

The story follows Emily as she takes a governess job that she is ill-qualified and ill-suited for, because her sister is chronically ill and her family poor. She goes in with nefarious intentions and is surprised to find a quirky and accepting little found family that aren’t prepared to dislike her just because she thinks they should and no matter how hard she tries to convince them to. It was actually Meera, Akia, Joe and Oliver that really made this story and made me want to keep reading more – Emily is a bit of an adorable idiot!

There’s plenty of diverse representation, in terms of gender, sexual orientation, disability and race, and the story explores identity and how we can limit ourselves when we try to fit into a box of our own or others’ devising. In fact, there are quite a few really touching moments as the characters struggle with themselves. And, of course, there is some sweet and spicy romance too.

If you love Jane Austin and/or Jane Eyre but want modern sensibilities and diverse characters, or enjoy The Sound of Music but would have liked to see Maria get support from the Von Trapp household staff, then this is the book for you – a light entertaining read that touches gently upon darker issues but always with warmth and hope.

This is easily my favourite Lex Croucher novel to date. With a heroine who has a bit more about her - and a light fingered touch - and the big burly grumpy I-have-a-lot-of-feelings-but-can't-speak-about-them love interest, this story has a bit more heart and charm to it. The characters both feel much more realised, the settings more vivid, and the stakes a lot higher for both Emily and Captain Lawrence. This is the smarter and more sassy regency romp I was looking for and Croucher definitely delivered. I've recommended this one a lot since finishing and look forward to their next instalment.

Emily's sister is unwell, in order to provide for her family, she decides to take her place as the new governess at Fairmont House. The only problem is that she has no experience teaching and, more importantly, hates children. She lies, cheats, steals and curses. She's nothing like her refined and demur sister, but surly she can maintain her cover in order to make a few months wages and pocket a few family heirlooms to pawn along the way? Not-so-unfortunately for her, she's caught the eye of the brooding widower Captain Edwards and along with his children and loveable servants. Soon she finds her walls slowly starting to crumble....

While this is a fun regency romance, don't expect historical accuracy. It plays fast and loose with the period's social conventions but, as with most of Lex Croucher's books, it's fun as hell!

I loved Emily's biting wit and no-nonsense attitude, however, I found myself more invested in her relationship with the children than the illusive captain. I didn't find their relationship very convincing and this took me somewhat out of the story.

I love Lex's books and Trouble is no exception. Packed full of great tension, spiky characters, this is another fun and engaging romp

When her sister falls ill, Emily steps in to take her position as a governess to the two daughters of hot single dad by the coast. With a plan to take what she can and not form attachments so the family don’t know she’s not who she says she is, Emily finds herself in too deep.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Lex’s writing. All of her characters are so real and always have such fun and relatable mannerisms and banter with each other. I love the sarcasm and the friendships that form and I think that is what I love lost about her books - how it feels like these are conversations and quips you would have with your own friends.

I loved Emily and even when I was shaking my head at her, I was rooting for her. She’s funny and self deprecating, reckless and stubborn and I loved seeing her journey throughout the book. While not the strictest historical fiction, I’m personally not at all bothered if there are phrases or the like which weren’t around at that time. I think it helps immerse me in the book and feel like I know and love these characters dearly.

Such a good book, incredibly fun but I also had a little cry! And I also love how Lex makes a pointed effort to make her historical fiction diverse, but in a way that even thought it ‘wasn’t historically accurate or historically accepted’ it doesn’t matter in these books!

This regency romance bought to us by the Queen of regency herself Lex Croucher was utterly delectable. With relatable characters and an ultimately heartwarming story I found this latest instalment unputdownable. I genuinely think I’ll be a firm fan of Croucher’s writing forevermore and this they are instantly an auto-buy author for me.

Is this an m/f romance and includes children (two of my least favourite things to read about)? Well yes, but it’s Alex Croucher so of course I had to read it!
It’s actually very queer and the children are teenagers, so it was all more bearable than I thought.
Emily’s sister Amy has fallen sick and doesn’t seem to be able to shake it off. So in order to not loose her new job and the money she earns as a governess and to maybe get more money in from the rich peoples house, Emily jumps in and pretends to be her sister. Only she never worked with children before.
Lex Crouxher has a way of writing imperfect, unlikable characters, but still making you understand their motives and where they’re coming from so you can’t help yourself but love them no matter what.
I completely understood Emily’s behaviour and her actions, she is poor and afraid for her sister, angry about her circumstances. I really love that Lex Croucher includes the difference in class and society in a lot of their books and this one’s main focus was on it. I loved to see the house staff, it reminded me of watching Downton Abbey (one of my absolute favourite shows) and how everyone in the house acts so differently to what they’re expected to.
It was fun to experience Emily slowly starting to like them all and become part of the family.
I honestly have to say I didn’t feel the romance in this a lot. They had too few interactions and conversations for me to actually even ship them or to feel them falling in love. It was much more focussed on the interaction with the children in my opinion.
The ending was a little too over the top dramatic for me and I wish Emily would have just spoken out about her doings earlier, because it really wasn’t an unsolvable problem.
All in all this was fun, but not my favourite Lex Croucher.

Really enjoyed this - Lex Croucher's writing Is so fun and zingy and witty. Only downside is that I wanted more from the central romance (although there's a lovely side one).

A boring book with flat characters and zero chemistry.

When new governess Emily arrives at Fairmont House, she must pretend to be something she is not…her sister!
As Fairmount House draws her in, Emily becomes entangled with the family in ways she never could have imagined.

This is the second book by Lex Croucher I have read and unfortunately it is the second book that I have found to be extremely dull.

The characters lack depth, the relationships lack chemistry and the plot lacks intrigue.
Despite a promising premise, it is poorly executed and ended up feeling like a slog to get through.

"Trouble" by Lex Croucher is a witty and relatable exploration of familial relationships, growing up, friendship, and self-discovery. Croucher's writing is sharp, capturing the humor and awkwardness of teenage life via two of our younger MCs with authenticity. The characters are vividly portrayed, each navigating their troubles in a way that feels genuine and endearing. The novel's blend of humor, heart, and a touch of mischief creates a compelling narrative that resonates with readers. "Trouble" is not just a romance of coming-of-age story; it's a delightful journey that encapsulates the essence of both, making it a highly enjoyable read for anyone seeking a mix of laughter and heartfelt moments.

I absolutely loved this book! Very the sound of music vibes, great love story and characters you can really get behind

I absolutely adore Lex and their writing and Trouble was no different! This was their first adult romance I've read and I really enjoyed it, I really loved the characters and will definitely read more in the future

A very different slant on Regency romance. Emily takes on a governess role for her sick sister, even though she has no experience of the role and isn’t very fond of children. The family and staff at Fairmont House are definitely not what she expected. Emily adapts slowly to being Amy, and also to Captain Edwards, her new employer. A very interesting and different book.

I am torn with this book, as it was a fun read set in Regency England, but there was NO historical accuracy at all with so many modern ideologies woven into the story without question, which detracted from the time period it was meant to be set in.

Whilst I understand why the author felt it was the right plot choice, for me if it is set in the past then there should be markers of the period and then social issues can be addressed through that lens, which in the end would have made it stronger.

That aside, it was a pretty well-worn trope - a poor governess goes to work in a big house and ends up falling on love with the widowed master of the house.

I couldn't work out if this was a YA, but the bad language would suggest no, but it didn't feel quite like an adult book. As I said, I am torn and would give it 3.5 out of 5.

A unique storyline with strong characters that have big personalities. After taking over the role of governess on behalf on her sick sister, we see a softer side to our heroine Emily, as she slowly begins to relish her emotions, and realise that she can find love after all.