A Sapphic Regency romance? Yes, please. This book is a delight, I truly enjoyed reading it. All the characters were fun, there was a never a dull moment and the ending was perfect.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the E-ARC of this book.

A little bit regency, a little bit gothic, a little bit Little-Women-but-make-it-queer. Be still my heart. The characters are complex, the atmosphere intense. It’s hard not to be entranced right alongside Eddie as she’s first drawn into the chaotic web of her favorite poet, which only makes the tension more palpable as her infatuation with her glamorized ideal of a creative life keeps her oblivious to the reality of Nash’s world.

And then there is Rose. Sweet, practical, deceptively placid Rose, whose faith in Eddie never wavers, and who always sees to the heart of things, perhaps because she has so much practice keeping her own heart hidden. I loved being surprised by her strength throughout the book. It’s the best kind of agony watching them fumble their way to one another.

Besides being one hell of a love story, this is also a story about found family and queer joy. You will probably see the twists coming, but their unfolding is so satisfying nonetheless.

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Eddie Miller and her younger siblings live an unconventional life. Her parents love her and her siblings. Eddie and her best friend Rose Li spend their days outside, often climbing up to Eddie's tree house and not taking life seriously. Rose however, begins changing, and in Eddie's opinion, not for the better, as Rose begins dressing up, attending various gatherings, and generally leaving Eddie behind. Or so Eddie thinks.

Then, to Eddie's shock, Rose becomes engaged to what Eddie thinks is a horribly conventional man who is just too dull for words. Unlike Eddie's hero, poet Nash Nicholson.

Eddie is ambitious and knows she wants something very different from her life, other than a husband and children. Eddie has wanted to be a writer for many years, and when Eddie gets a chance to spend time with Nash, she's completely bowled over, convinced the man is a genius and a better poet than Byron.

Nash is immediately intrigued by Eddie, and invites her to his family home so she can spend that time writing her book, with the extra incentive that he'll promote her work to his editor. Eddie convinces Rose and her new fiancé to go with her, as Eddie's chaperones, and Eddie sees this as an opportunity to achieve her dream, and to convince Rose that her fiancé is a dullard.

That things don't turn out is not a surprise. The Nicholson family home is a crumbling wreck, Nash and his wife have a number of friends already staying with them, and there is a constant drunken party underway. Also, Nash is constantly inebriated, he's mercurial and he seems to ooze drama (many things are broken during Eddie's attendance at the house).

Eddie ends up learning a LOT during her time away from home. Eddie starts out incredibly self absorbed, shortsighted, insensitive, and obnoxious, all of which makes her frequently unlikeable. At the same time, this book is about Eddie's journey from a person totally wrapped up in herself to a person that is a little wiser, much more clear on what she wants and who she is.

I will admit that while I had a hard time, often, empathizing with Eddie, I loved Rose immediately. Even though we only see Rose from Eddie's often jealous and immature perspective, we learn that Rose's family is originally from Hong Kong, her father is helping other Chinese immigrants settle in England, and Rose, though on the surface conventional, is actually very astute about the limitations Society imposes on her, and how to get around these to find a way to be happy. She is much more mature and honest about who she is, and what she is prepared to do to live safely in Society.

Returning to Eddie, it takes many shocks, including part of a roof coming down and a betrayal or two, for Eddie to wise up about who Nash really is and what he wants from her (Rose saw through him much, much earlier, unsurprisingly). So, while I didn't really like Eddie, I could deeply appreciate her yearning and desperate grasping for a different, better life than what was expected of her. And though she makes many, often stupid mistakes during the course of this book, I came to really enjoy this latest book from Lex Croucher. The story is funny, infuriating, then funny, and finishes in a warm, loving and lovely place.

Thank you to Netgalley and to St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.

Regency romance but make it queer! I loved this book and the slow, unfurling manner in which Edith (aka Eddie) comes to realize she’s in love with her best friend Rose. Like Reputation, this novel is full of “bad behavior” by regency standards, and delightful young women who do a lot of growing up and finding themselves through a series of hijinks and absurd situations. I really enjoyed it and was rooting for Eddie and Rose the whole time.

Hmm... not really for me. I couldn't get into the writing, and I didn't really connect with the sense of humor. I can see why people would like this, but unfortunately, not my style. I kind of wonder if this might had worked better as a first person because emotions just seemed pretty detached from Eddie.

This one had a very Bridgerton type feel, if Penelope ended up in love with Eloise! We meet Eddie (aka Edith) and Rose, who have been best friends since they were very young. They have reached a time in their life where they have to start thinking of prospects for marriage, and their life becomes a series of balls and awkward conversations with men. Rose is enjoying the balls and the men and is ready for marriage. Eddie, however, hates every minute. She doesn’t want a man and marriage, but instead dreams of becoming a favorite author. Rose meets a man which leaves Eddie feeling lonely and left out. At this point she meets the infamous Nash Nicholson, a poet who she has admired. Nash invites Eddie, along with Rose and her suitor to his Estate for a holiday. Eddie’s time with Nash was frustrating to me. It is clear from early on that Eddie is in love with Rose, although it took her a while to realize. Eddie and Rose skirt around their feelings a lot. I adored Eddie and watching her grow throughout the story. And the ending was … perfect! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for and ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.75 stars*

this was such a fun, heartwarming sapphic historical romance! eddie and rose are childhood best friends and made a pact when they were younger that they would never marry. when rose gets engaged to an older man and eddie befriends her author idol nash, their friendship and feelings for each other get tested.

i really loved the interactions and dynamic between eddie and rose, but my only issue is that i wish there were more of it! a lot of the story centers around eddie's dreams and ambitions of becoming a published author and the romance is a bit more of a side plot. i wish there were a bit more of an equal weight on both storylines, but i really loved the way they were each wrapped up in the end. rose was such a lovely character and she always put eddie in her place when it was necessary (as a true friend/partner should!). i didn't love this one as much as i loved reputation but i still really enjoyed it!

DNF at about 65 %

A huge thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Griffin for my advanced copy of Infamous!

I had to DNF. I just couldn't suffer through this any longer.
I really enjoyed Lex Croucher's previous release Reputation. I gave that one 4 Stars ✨ and I definitely recommend it if you want to give this author a try.
This book just bored me.
The only character I cared about was Eddie.
Eddie is my one positive takeaway from this book.

Oveall- A major disappointment.

✨ Please note that I mean no disrespect to the author herself or to any reader who has read Infamous and enjoyed it ❤

I just could not get myself to be fully invested in this story. While the premise was good, it just was not for me. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

3.5 ⭐️

I liked this queer/ historical romance! It wasn’t a favorite but I did enjoyed my time with it!
In this story we have Eddie (known as Edith) who has a childhood best friend named Rose, and they promised each other they would never marry.
A few years pass and Eddie took the promise personal but Rose didn’t, which causes a rift.
Eventually Eddie meets Nash who’s her favorite poet ever and Eddie wants to become a writer so Nash takes a liking to her even though Nash is married, so the two become friends slash under his wing.
Eventually later on when it’s near summer Rose and her fiancé, Nash and his wife, along with Eddie go to a island, and of course some stuff happens, I mean come on it’s a island! So much drama and feelings unfold.

My opinions/ spoilers:
I didn’t like Eddie’s character AT ALL she has no redemption slash character development and I get she’s young but I felt like her character could’ve been more better!

I hated Nash with a burning passion like the dude is married and try’s to get on Eddie and then steals her work!? What is that bull! And Eddie just lets it be to run out like I get it you know she can make other works but that was her first, fight for it!!

I also couldn’t really care about the plot?? I felt like Rose and Eddie should’ve worked out with their emotions and feelings together since they were childhood friends you know? But the romance with the bed and talking should’ve happened before.

I do hope others read this book and find it their cup of tea, but it was not my cup of tea story wise.

Historical LGBTQ+ Romance
⭐️ 4/5
🌶️ 2/5

Quotes:

- I am quite determined to do exactly the opposite of what the world wants from me.
- I am not interested in bickering with you when there is cake to eat instead.”
- “What do you mean? You don’t have lots to offer! You’re wonderful!”
- It was real. Undeniably so. It always had been. She wasn’t going to mistake it for anything less ever again.

Review:

This book is set many, many years ago when people road in carriages and definitely didn’t dare to admit they liked someone of the same sex. This is the story Eddie (Edith) and Rose two best friends who like to practice kissing with each other. Eddie longs to be a writer and Rose just longs to be with Eddie though Eddie is so clueless and doesn’t understand her feeling towards Rose at all. Eddie then meets her favorite writer Nash who takes an interest in her and promises her dream of being a published writer he will make come true. Things get a little odd when this very married gentleman starts to push himself on Eddie. Though you find out his intentions weren’t good or to benefit Eddie. She’s left to choose between leaving her dream or the love of her life.

Bridgerton Vibes

Tropes:
- Romance
- LGBTQ+
- Period Piece

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.5 - I did not immediately love the book as I wasn’t positive where the storyline was going, but by the end I could not stop reading to find out the next part of Eddie’s story. The writing flow was impeccable and so easy to read through. The vibes from the book were more like the “Dickinson” adaptation on Apple TV to me, which I adored every second of. The naïveté of the main character made the reader want to root for her even more than a typical protagonist that you want to see succeedingly happy. If you love a good period drama with a few wild characters, you will definitely love this book!

Very fun and very funny! I wasn't sure if I would like it at first because it was historical gays and I was worried about all the homophobia but I over worried! Loved the book!

Infamous is a refreshing and utterly irreverent parody of Jane Austen's works. This satirical take on Austen's classic novels is a breath of fresh air, offering a unique perspective on the traditional themes of love, marriage, and societal expectations. The witty and clever writing style of the author makes this book a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good laugh and a fresh take on classic literature. With its bold and unapologetic approach, Infamous is a true gem that will leave readers both entertained and enlightened.

In perfect time for the #transrightsreadathon this week, Lex Croucher’s sophomore novel “Infamous” published yesterday. Their first book Reputation came out last year and was Bridgertons meets Mean Girls, and admittedly remains on my TBR still waiting to be read. 😅

This book has wonderful diverse representation
❤️A non-binary bisexual MC
🧡A British Chinese Lesbian Best Friend
💛Valentine, a non-binary side character
💚A Black side character working in the abolition movement in England
💙Written by a non-binary author

This PG regency romance’s plot could be labeled New Adult as it really showcases the 22 yo MC Eddie’s journey of growth into adulthood. This book caused high tension for me as the reader, as at time’s Eddie’s naïveté and blind trust in others, left me waiting as the reader for the other shoe to drop.

This story features in my opinion a true villain of a character who doesn’t get the comeuppance they deserve, so the ending was dissatisfying to me. Not enough however, to have me read more by the author or to be thankful for something fresh and different in the historical romance genre.

Thanks to @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.


CW: Cheating on a spouse; Violence (vague and off screen); 2 dubious consent scenes

Infamous follows Edith “Eddie” Miller, a young, aspiring writer, and her best friend Rose. The two have always done everything together, but when Rose suddenly starts talking about getting married after their debutante ball, Eddie is left horrified.

When Eddie then meets the charming, famous poet Nash Nicholson and he invites her to his Gothic estate in the countryside, Eddie reluctantly accepts, believing this could be her chance to forget about Rose and finally finish her novel in the depths of eccentric artists.

But Eddie soon realises that the world of the famous literary icons she wants to be part of isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

I think we, as a society, do not appreciate clueless characters enough. There, I said it. Eddie is such a fun character to follow because, even when you can see her getting lost in her writing and her own dreams, you also see what she’s missing out on and what’s happening around her, which makes for hilarious moments. She is so focused on her novel and trying to forget about Rose (while their lives very much intertwine the more she tries to think of something else) that it takes quite a while for Eddie to realise that there’s more to Nash and his behaviour.

The best part of this book is of course Eddie and Rose’s friendship. Rose’s and Eddie’s dynamic is so enjoyable to watch. Whenever Eddie puts her foot in her mouth, you can just count down the seconds until Rose will appease everyone. Though Eddie takes a while to question why she’s so horrified by the idea of Rose getting married, the lingering loyalty and kindness between these two ladies is always present and wholesome.

There’s of course quite a bit of drama in Infamous. From drama surrounding their friendship to…other feelings as well as unusual parties and loads of alcohol, eccentric artists who do things they shouldn’t.

All in all, if you’re looking for a fun, chaotic and ultimately heartwarming story, then Infamous will make for a wonderful time!

As a 22 year old writer, relatable. This was a fun RomCom with an adorable friendship turned romance. I have minor qualms, but overall a fantastic story.

I thoroughly enjoyed Reputation, so I was thrilled about the opportunity to read this book, which takes place in the same Regency universe but features new characters.

Eddie has adored her best friend Rose since they were girls, and doesn’t understand why Rose wants to ruin everything they have by marrying boring old Albert. She’s thrilled to meet her literary icon Nash Nicholson, and even more thrilled when Nash invites her and Rose and Albert and various other eccentric personalities for an extended house party.

Without giving too much away, things are not as Eddie expected and over the course of this extended stay, friendships are tested and boundaries are crossed and Eddie realizes that there is a vast difference between idealistic and realistic.

This book had me hooked from the beginning. Basically, you have two complete fools who are too dense to realize that the other friend is in love with them. Yes, despite the “kissing practice”, neither thinks the other is serious about her adoration. It’s just practice, after all, not anything serious. But watching them stumble toward their Happily Ever After is simply delightful.

I would absolutely recommend Infamous. You don’t have to start with Reputation, but you really ought to read it as well, because it’s just as wonderful. As much as I loved Reputation—and I did, 12/10 would def recommend—I think I love Infamous a smidge more. I already have a paperback copy, and I’m going to be adding the Audible edition as soon as my credits roll over. I am already looking forward to Croucher’s next book!




I received a digital copy of this book from St. Martin’s/NetGalley

A Regency-era queer romance (romcom? romcom-adjacent?) that stars Edith (Eddie) and Rose, lifelong BFFs who practice kissing in Eddie's treehouse and do everything together. But... life comes between them when Rose decides to get married and Eddie gets caught up with a hedonistic poet dude while trying to write her book. Misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and chaos ensue.

I was so into this book when I started it - Eddie and Rose are funny and smart, and I love a bit of Regency-era ladies behaving outside the social norms - and I loved how it ended, but the middle felt too meandering and long for me, and I sort of lost track of what was even happening.

That said, I am super excited to read Croucher's future books, especially their upcoming YA debut, Gwen and Art Are Not in Love!

(3.5 rounded down)

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book I read by Croucher, Reputation which was a fun twist on the historical romance genre and had a biting but irreverent tone I found refreshing, but also very fun. I was really excited for Infamous and it delivered in a lot of ways while also leaving me a bit flat in others.

Infamous focuses on the friendship between two girls, Rose and Eddie who grow up together but as they grow up, find that they are at somewhat of an impasse. Rose seemingly wants to fit in to society, get married and get invited to parties. Eddie has grander aspirations in her mind including writing her own novels. I really liked the relationship between the two girls although Eddie at times is very selfish and self-centered in a way that is purposefully grating but becomes somewhat difficult when you are in her POV the entire book.

My favorite part about the book are the other characters and relationships. Eddie's family is unorthodox and delightful and the friends Eddie makes along the way are queer and fun and frustrating in the best ways.

Eddie and Rose find themselves in the poorly kept manor house of Nash, a married poet who has designs on Eddie while also promising her to pass on her words to his editor. Nash is the perfect type of charming jerk and I enjoyed the literal cult of personality he cultivates.

This book was at times frustrating but mostly fun and while I'm not sure it has a ton of plot to it, the diversions it takes both slow down the book but also make it special. The main point of the book is the relationship between Rose and Eddie which develops beautifully and has a delightfully clever HEA that is worth pursuing.

Thank you so much to St. Martins publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.