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tofugal's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Lex Croucher continues to cement themselves as one of my favorite authors. I was thoroughly amused by this queer-friendly, regency romance loosely inspired on The Sound of Music. And I do mean LOOSELY. There are only two children, no nuns, no singing Do Re Mi (or anything else), and the vast majority of the characters are a-holes. Lovable a-holes, but still. While Captain Edwards did give off Captain von Trapp vibes, his reluctant governess was the polar opposite of Maria. Emily, snarky and not a fan of children (or most adults for that matter), secretly has a heart of—well, maybe not gold, but possibly silver or brass, impersonating her much-closer-to-Maria Augusta von Trapp ill sister since she needs money to pay for a doctor.
I enjoyed the witty dialogue, found family, and excellent gay, bi, and trans rep. However, the romance aspect wasn’t as compelling to me as the other platonic relationships, and I honestly could have done without it. This wasn’t really a swoony sort of love story, but more of a begrudging admission of romantic feelings in spite of one’s better judgment.
Readers who want to be swept off their feet by friendlier characters may prefer Gwen & Art Are Not in Love, which is my favorite Lex Croucher book.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual harassment and Homophobia
howeonearth's review
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Grief, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death
Minor: Death of parent, Dysphoria, Racism, Sexual harassment, Homophobia, and Transphobia
abitbetterbooks's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
God. WOW. I loved this book and devoured it in a matter of days. I simply could not put it down.
I assume everyone is tired of me raving about Lex Croucher’s books by now and I’m hardly an unbiased opinion, but damn. They really do deserve it.
While this book didn’t quite gut-punch me the way Gwen & Art Are Not In Love did, it was a textbook-perfect Regency romance: precocious children, a hunky closed off sea Captain, a crew of diverse and lovable staff, and of course, our Hot Mess Express heroine who really has a heart of gold under her prickly exterior.
I think a few things are going on in Trouble that make it special, a step above. First, the discussion and focus around chronic illness (especially in Regency times) was incredibly important and refuted and highlighted harmful stereotypes around chronic illness, especially for young women.
Second, the discussion of power, class, and privilege felt very grounded and real. Emily’s reservations around Captain Edwards, and all of Fairmont House generally, felt achingly human and actually addressed inequality in a way that didn’t feel completely flippant. There were many moments where ideas of “womanhood” and “femininity” were called into question and pushed back against this pervasive Western idea about women always being in the domestic sphere; the reality is that poor women have always had to work hard to survive
Third, Lex’s take on historical diversity is always refreshing and needed. The focus on gender and sexuality in this one made my heart sing and was such a beautiful reminder that queer and trans people have always existed, even when it wasn’t so easy to see us.
I assume everyone is tired of me raving about Lex Croucher’s books by now and I’m hardly an unbiased opinion, but damn. They really do deserve it.
While this book didn’t quite gut-punch me the way Gwen & Art Are Not In Love did, it was a textbook-perfect Regency romance: precocious children, a hunky closed off sea Captain, a crew of diverse and lovable staff, and of course, our Hot Mess Express heroine who really has a heart of gold under her prickly exterior.
I think a few things are going on in Trouble that make it special, a step above. First, the discussion and focus around chronic illness (especially in Regency times) was incredibly important and refuted and highlighted harmful stereotypes around chronic illness, especially for young women.
Second, the discussion of power, class, and privilege felt very grounded and real. Emily’s reservations around Captain Edwards, and all of Fairmont House generally, felt achingly human and actually addressed inequality in a way that didn’t feel completely flippant. There were many moments where ideas of “womanhood” and “femininity” were called into question and pushed back against this pervasive Western idea about women always being in the domestic sphere; the reality is that poor women have always had to work hard to survive
Third, Lex’s take on historical diversity is always refreshing and needed. The focus on gender and sexuality in this one made my heart sing and was such a beautiful reminder that queer and trans people have always existed, even when it wasn’t so easy to see us.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Alcohol, Death, Death of parent, and Ableism
Minor: Sexual harassment
ladyfaceplant's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Lex Croucher is my favourite author. There’s something about their writing style that’s very soothing and charming to me and they write romance so well. I intentionally knew very little about this book going in (though I preordered it of course) because I knew I’d like it regardless and I was right. Though the protagonist certainly thinks she’s unlikeable , she might be my favourite of all of Lex’s regency protagonists so far. There’s something about her complete refusal to be nothing but completely pragmatic in the face of love that I find really charming. The kids and staff are also wonderful; there’s nothing better than a good found family. As usual, I read this book far too quickly and find myself considering starting again immediately, simply because it just felt so good to read. Very much recommend this and every other book by this author.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Violence, Classism, and Chronic illness
Minor: War, Dysphoria, Sexual harassment, Homophobia, Outing, Death of parent, and Terminal illness
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