A review by tofugal
Trouble by Lex Croucher

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.
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