📚 r e v i e w 📚
trouble - lex croucher

will i read anything lex puts into the universe? yes. will i enjoy it? yes. do i think ya’ll should read this? yes.

at this point lex croucher is an auto buy author for me - i have yet to read a book by them that i haven’t liked and trouble is no exception. like lex’s other books, trouble is tender, hilarious, heartwarming and full of delightfully sassy characters you can’t help but love even if they are a bit on the morally grey side.

also like their other books, trouble is diverse without taking you out of the regency setting. finding out that we have a bisexual character, a trans character and a gay character all of which are unabashedly themselves was just joyous. none of them felt out of place or like they were tokens, it’s honestly so refreshing and i am desperate for lex’s next project.

basically, grab yourself a copy of trouble when it comes out later this month.
thank you to @netgalley for the early copy.
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this is the third book in the authors regency series and i have to admit, i was worried that it was going to start getting a tad repetitive... but i will stand here holding my hands up and say i was completely wrong.

the trope of fake identity (did i just make that up...) is one of my favourites and fact that emily is so different to her sister brought such a level of humour to this book. i loved all the characters in this book and they all had their own story so it didn't feel like there were any filler characters.

my favourite thing about this series is how topics that would be skirted around in that time era (e.g. sexuality, gender, class) are addressed in the manner that we do so today. it allows you to remember all these voices of the past that have been lost to what then was the cultural "norm".

This was my first book by Lex Croucher and initially I thought I knew exactly where this books was going - I was a little wrong!

The whole book focuses on relationships but not just romantic ones. It focuses on relationships with themselves and the various people around them, including siblings, parents and staff.

Initially I didn't love any of the main characters in this book but eventually they grew on me, the side characters were always great. I think most of the main cast of characters were prickly and standoffish and hostile and this made them unlikeable. But I do love a redemption arc in a story.

I loved the queer representation, even though I hadn't expected this - and I'm not sure the reactions would have been quite the same in the time period the book was set in, but I think it was done really well.
I hope people back in the regency era did have understanding and open minded staff, family and friends as the ones portrayed in this book.

I do wish the relationship between the 2 MC were fleshed out a little more, they barely had any interaction in the first half of the book. But I loved the relationship building between Emily and the 2 daughters.
I also loved how the staff manged to wear down Emily's spiky edges gradually.

All in all an enjoyable regency (with modern themes) romance and would recommend.

I have yet to read a Lex Croucher book I haven’t loved, but this might be my favourite one yet!

I was OBSESSED with this book. I read most of it in a public space grinning manically to myself, hoping no one noticed or tried to make conversation with me so I wouldn’t have to stop reading. I came to care so much for the characters by the end because they felt so real and present, and I was desperate to know that they all got their happy endings.

The main character is cynical, reluctant governess Emily, who is determined to dislike everyone in her new position, make some money, steal some valuables, and get out of there. Despite her best efforts, her two charges come to rely on her in their own way, and the rest of the household start to consider her one of their own.

I loved the relationship between her and Captain Edwards. She is not interested in even the idea of him, and even though her opinion on him changes, she is just as determined to not be romantically interested. The development of their relationship, and the way they understood each other, was incredibly gripping to read.

One of my favourite things about Croucher’s books is how they write diversely, but without sacrificing historical accuracy. In this particular book, the two main love interests are both bisexual, and there is also a gay character and a transgender character. I found the trans character’s storyline particularly moving, as he realises why he has always felt out of place and is greeted with love and acceptance from those around him. There is no pretending that it will be easy, but instead the characters find a way to create a life that fits them.

I loved this book so so much, and I know it will stay with me for a long time – and chances are, I will be revisiting it before long. It’s another success from Lex Croucher for me!

I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.

4.5 ⭐️

This was just a fun time. Whenever I start a book by Lex I feel pretty sure I'm going to be thoroughly entertained, and it has so far been true every time. From the three I have read, Trouble may be my favourite, followed by Infamous, and then Reputation.

This is the story of Emily, who is starting a position as a governess despite hating children (and pretty much everything and everyone, except her sister). I just loved how our prickly main character remained that way throughout the whole book, she didn't suddenly become a different person after falling in love.

Some aspects of the plot were a little predictable, but nothing that hindered my enjoyment, and there was still a lot of surprises there too. The humour might not be for everyone, but it really works for me.

A wonderful plot and an absolute joy to read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a review.

Lex Croucher is 100% an auto buy author for me.

Their style of writing is witty, energetic & fast paced but packs a punch.

Emily Laurence is the new governess, taking over the role from her ill sister, but Emily hates kids, and is a far cry from her sweet and caring sister.

She’s full of deceit and feminist rage and is determined to get out of there as fast as possible (once she’s made some money, and possible ‘inherited’ a few things too!) but Fairmont house, and all it’s people begins to draw her in!

All of the characters in this were simply Devine. So well written with such depth I felt myself falling for them like they were my own family!

The queer rep in it was also fantastic. MC & side characters each had their own little relationships woven into the story which I thought was so well done.

Another absolutely corker from Lex, and if you haven’t read any of their work, I strongly suggest you do!!

Anything Lex Croucher writes I will read. They are fast becoming a favourite romance author of mine and I adore the historical setting with a contemporary feel (the comparisons to Bridgerton are accurate especially with Reputation)

This was another wonderful story with a vast array of intriguing characters.

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.

I think I wanted this to be slightly different than it was. I had imagined Bridgerton with a bit more bite, but it didn't quite live up to the hype for me - a perfectly fine regency romance, but not a particularly memorable cast of characters other than Aster and no real stand out plot lines other than a great portrayal of chronic illness.

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.