In Schwartz's captivating novel, My Kind of Trouble, conwoman Harmony Hale returns to Brookville, California, with a vendetta against the corrupt mayor who stole her father's music-streaming algorithm. Harmony's plan involves selling a nonexistent music festival, but she needs the cooperation of Preston Jones, the autistic librarian and piano teacher who owns the potential festival site. Preston is a well-developed character with a complex inner life. His portrayal of autism is both authentic and empathetic, showcasing the challenges and strengths of his condition. Harmony, on the other hand, is a charismatic and cunning protagonist who defies expectations. Her determination and resilience are admirable, despite her questionable profession. The romance between Harmony and Preston is a slow-burn delight. Their initial clash of personalities is gradually replaced by a mutual respect and undeniable chemistry. The steamy scenes in the stacks add an extra layer of spice to the narrative. The story's musical theater influences are cleverly woven into the plot, particularly with Harmony's con being a gender-swapped homage to 'The Music Man.' The themes of community, redemption, and the power of music resonate throughout the novel. Overall, this is a winning combination of romance, suspense, and social commentary. Schwartz's characters are relatable and engaging. Romance readers and musical theater fans alike will find much to love in this heartwarming and entertaining novel.

This was a fun book. I enjoyed Preston's point of view. Harmony was not always a likeable protagonist.

A curvy conwoman + a sexy neurodivergent librarian = loads of steamy and sweet chemistry! Harmony is a very successful conwoman but she doesn’t run an average con. She is all about sticking it to the a-holes of society and saving the voiceless. All of her cons have culminated in the biggest con yet where she attempts to take down the man that ruined her father. She just needs to help of the local librarian to do it. Preston is a 27 year old autistic librarian who is raising his 10 year old younger sister who is also on the spectrum. He is absolutely fascinated by this vivacious and persistent woman but he can’t let himself be distracted as he is trying to stop his library from being overhauled by the homophobic, racist and book banning wife of the mayor.

I loved the representation of neurodiversity of the hero and the representation of a body positive plus sized heroine. Harmony helped Preston become more assured of himself in his community and Preston helped Harmony realize that she could be loved for exactly who she was. As a reader, I have trouble with a book premise centered around a lie (probably for the same reason that I can’t enjoy Disney’s Aladdin-stop lying to Princess Jasmine, Aladdin!!) because the inevitable unveiling of the truth stresses me the *You Know What* out, but Schwartz does a great job pulling the reader in. Harmony was a master of a people/situation manipulator and I loved watching her work. Because her cons are always centered around giving the jerks their comeuppance, and she gives back the majority of the money to the people that were harmed by said jerk, she was really someone that we could root for. I absolutely loved her! I also adored Preston and watching the townspeople come around him to silence the very loud but very small population of “haters.” It was such a relevant story point in our current climate and it was very well done. AND, the twist at the end?! *Chef’s Kiss*

Thanks to Alcove Press for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

*I know we're not rating the formatting but the formatting for this book was not great. A lot of the dialogue lines between characters ran together so it made it challenging to read at times. Just FYI*

I had the privilege of diving into an advance copy of this charming romance novel. It's a delightful, quirky twist on The Music Man, with the roles reversed. Picture a plus-sized conwoman as the fearless female lead, exuding confidence and swagger, and a nerdy librarian serving as the male counterpart, endowed with musical talent, autistic traits, and an irresistible charm. 🎶📚

The storyline is a joyful ride. Harmony's knack for deception injects just the right amount of drama into the blossoming romance between her and Preston, the endearing librarian.

What truly shines in this book is its exceptional representation. From the sensitive portrayal of autism to LGBTQIA+ and body positivity themes, the narrative skillfully navigates various aspects of identity and relationships. Preston's journey, in particular, is heartwarming to witness as he learns to embrace his own worth and kindness, despite the challenges he's faced.

Harmony's body positivity is celebrated authentically; she's portrayed as confident, proud, and undeniably sexy without the need for a drawn-out narrative. Their dynamic as a couple is both adorable and spicy, with playful banter and moments that set the pages on fire. 🔥💑

The supporting cast is equally well-developed, enriching the overall reading experience.

I devoured this book in a single sitting, thoroughly enjoying every moment spent with these characters. It was my first encounter with L.A. Schwartz's work, but it certainly won't be my last.

In "My Kind of Trouble," Harmony Hale, a seasoned con-woman with a vendetta, finds herself in Brookville, California, on a mission to right a wrong. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Preston Jones, a nerdy librarian with a heart as vast as his book collection. Their unlikely encounter sparks a tale of love, trust, and unforeseen twists in this charming small-town romance.

Schwartz's debut novel is a rollercoaster of emotions, blending romance with revenge in a narrative that grabs hold of you from the start. Harmony's sharp wit and Preston's unwavering kindness create a dynamic that keeps you invested, rooting for their unconventional love story.

What makes this book stand out is its clever reimagining of the classic Music Man story, offering a fresh perspective that appeals to both romance aficionados and fans of musical theater. 🎭

"My Kind of Trouble" takes readers on a captivating journey through the unpredictable twists of love and redemption. With its blend of charm, humor, and steamy romance, it's a must-read for anyone in search of an original and immersive literary escape. Bravo, L.A. Schwartz! 📖👏

I absolutely loved this story!!! It is such a unique plot with lovable and diverse characters! Preston's whole character was so funny and so lovable and so incredibly special to read. Not only is he a loving and deeply caring brother but he's also so deeply, loving and caring with Harmony once they become close. And Harmony was such a special character to read - she's known some in deep pain her life, and has channeled it into revenge. Meeting Preston & Lacie and finding true home, connection, and long lasting love gives her a beautiful, well deserving happily ever after.

Overall this is just a truly funny, beautiful story filled with so much love and acceptance, while not glossing over the crueler parts of life. The honest representation of being a librarian in this closed minded world, being neurodivergent, and “different” (not my word) in any way is handled honestly and tendered lovingly with the main characters. Thank you for the arc!!!!

3.5🌟
I love the way Preston was not even ready to look at Harmony in the beginning 😂, it was so funny.
I wish there was more chapters with just the two of them because their banter was refreshing.
Preston is autistic but I love how he cares for his sister.
I felt like Harmony was delulu in so many instances but I still love how tips and tricks on how to manipulate humans were infused in here POV.

Although I enjoyed the plot, I felt like the story dragged in the middle.

Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC.

This is probably one of my favourite books this year so far. It’s a literary weighted blanket (if you know you know). It’s got characters you can’t help but love and a plot that allows you to just go along for the ride. Not to mention a little bit of spice.

Harmony Hale is a con artist. A modern day Robin Hood, if you swap the bow and arrow for a bold red lip. She only cons the worst of the 1% and always gives back to anyone she may hurt along the way. But when she goes after that one person she’s always had her eye on she gets more than she bargained for…

Enter our per spectacled librarian, Preston, who does everything he can to be the best human he can in a world that doesn’t always play fair. And while Preston may not always know the right thing to say he’s about to show Harmony how putting down roots isn’t all that bad.

Was it a little tropey at times? Sure. But if you’re looking for an easy read where the spexy librarian softens the heart of a curvy grifter this one’s for you.


Link to be added later when posted.

healthy relationships in books are so underappreciated but this book really did that!! it is all i could ever want in a romance novel (i mean, autistic librarian x fat conwoman?? hello???) it is fun and sweet and sexy and i LOVE it with all my heart!!

I love the confidence that con artists have to have that they can go into new towns and just take everyone for a ride. I guess that’s where the name comes from… Harmony really had everyone eating out of her hands, though I wasn’t all that impressed by her. Maybe due to the fact that I was in on the con so didn’t fall for her charms. Preston on the other hand, he is precious and needs to be protected at all costs. He was so sweet and I loved his passion for his work and the fight he had about keeping libraries diverse. Really putting his body on the line for the cause.

Thanks to #NetGallery and publisher for a copy of this book.

Genre: Romance MF
Format: Digital
POV: Dual
Tropes: small town, light grumpy sunshine, conwoman, autistic MMC & side character.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ /5
Age suggestion: 18+

This was SOOOOOOO cute! I had a great time with these characters and highly recommend to anyone looking for a little escapism.

Thank you NetGalley, L.A. Schwartz, and the publisher for this ARC of My Kind of Trouble in exchange for my honest review.

My Kind of Trouble was just the book I needed this week. It has the perfect ingredients for an upcoming best seller. The author hooks you from the very first page and doesn't let you go. I love how the MFC, Harmony, is curvy and the MMC, Preston, is autistic. These are qualities that are not often seen in romance novels. Let me tell you, the writing was beautiful. The way that I could easily visual every aspect of this book was exceptional.

If you like to smile and have your heart warmed this is the book for you.

Harmony Hale, pretending to be a big city, musical executive, who specializes in festivals rolls into town with one thing on her mind: revenge for the man who ruined her life, the town Mayor. The job is simple, 1. Convince said mayor to agree to hold this festival, which promises cash inflow to the town and many job opportunities and then at the last second pull out and take all his money. 2. Sweet talk the owner of the land that she needs to lease to hold this fake festival. With ease, Harmony finds the owner, a local librarian named Preston. Nerdy and Hot - this should be easy.

Preston, the autistic local librarian meets Harmony, a vigilante con woman.

Preston spends his days taking care of his younger, also autistic sister, and arguing with the local conservative moms about the book she is allowed to put on display. He does not have the time of the patience for this red headed beautiful, curvy woman who is eager to have a conversation with him - probably another conservative mom that wants to yell at him. He is determined to dodge her at every corner.

With persistence, Harmony wears him down and they start spending time together, planning the "festival". Will Harmony be successful in her con against the man behind all her childhood oppressions, or is there something else in store for Harmony?

I will always support books about plus size and nuerodivergent characters. Kudos to Schwartz for writing a story that was both a respectful and fulfilling read.

Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

i didn’t really like this book if i need to be honest. i think it’s cute the story was just not for me.
3.25/5

The narrative is both engaging and emotionally resonant, featuring characters that are vividly drawn and genuinely relatable. The protagonist's journey is marked by a well-paced plot that holds surprises and twists, keeping the reader hooked from start to finish. The writing style is fluid and evocative, making the scenic descriptions and character emotions palpable. Overall, this book is a perfect pick for those who enjoy a heartwarming yet thrilling tale

I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC of this adorable romance. A fun quirky re-telling of The Music Man, with the roles reversed. This book has a plus-sized conwoman FMC who oozes confidence and swag, and a nerdy librarian for the MMC who is musical talented, autistic and adorable.
The plot line of this was lots of fun. Harmony being a conwoman added the needed drama to this otherwise adorable building of a relationship.

The representation in this book was done incredibly well, the handling of autism, LGBTQIA+, body positivity etc. This story was such a positive and powerful representation of a healthy relationship. I loved Preston, his inner voice was so relatable and I loved the way he was choosing to raise his sister with kindness and compassion unlike his father did with him. Truly loved seeing his confidence flourish throughout this story. The representation of Harmony’s body was done so well, it just existed. There was no drawn out narrative about it and I loved that! I loved that she was allowed as a character to exist in that body and be proud, confident and sexy! As she should be👏

They made an adorable couple, and had me giggling at their playful teasing of each other. The spice was great too, I really enjoyed seeing the shy lil Preston come out of his shell!🔥

The side characters in this story were all well fleshed out and added to the overall enjoyment of reading this book.
I read it all within the space of a day as I was just having so much fun with them I couldn’t put it down. This was the first book I’ve read by this author but certainly won’t be the last!

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing this book, with my honest review below.

My Kind of Trouble was so much fun, with a charming con woman with a heart of gold in Harmony and a legitimately good guy in librarian and music teacher Preston. I loved the characters in this book and Harmony’s growth as she realizes what is important to her and those wanting the best for her, separate from her plot for revenge. There were some interesting topics at play here, and I thought the depiction of autism was especially well done, extending to not only the experiences of someone with autism but also how those around them, when being supportive and decidedly not, can impact them.

This was overall a light read but with its addition of some more painful topics it balances out well.

Ella es una estafadora.
El es un bibliotecario .

Harmony quiere vengarse del hombre que le robó a su papá y para eso necesita estafar a todo un pueblo entre ellos se encuentra Preston quien está desesperado por tener más dinero para darle todo lo que necesita durante sobrina. ¿Harmony dejara a un lado su venganza por amor o lo perderá todo?


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for and honest review.

This was such a lovely grumpy cinnamon roll x sunshine romance that I could NOT put down! The healthy relationships, beautiful representation of autism, and body positivity made my heart smile 😊 I loved how well the pacing was, the way the conflict was solved and that there was no unnecessary third act breakup. This was such a fun romance that I’d recommend to everyone 💕

Sometimes a book just isn’t for you.

This author hit a trigger of mine really early on. I was far enough along to say that I think the writing is strong. The characters are likable and the pacing is good. But the author has very strong negative opinions about something that is important in my life and I wasn’t going to be able to connect with this book.

3 stars for neither a negative or a positive review.

After reading and enjoying this author’s debut novel, A Prayer for Vengeance, I was so grateful to have the chance to read an early copy of her first foray into adult romance.

The book had everything that makes my romance-reader AND theatre-geek heart sing. Every little Music Man easter egg made me smile (Trouble with a capital T, for one example of many). Even though Music Man has been a part of my brain for ¾ of my life, this book is still enjoyable for anyone who can’t recite lyrics from memory. The characters were so wonderfully developed and true individuals inspired by, but not copy-and-paste versions of their counterparts from the musical. The tension of the *main conflict* had me stressed right up until the end…not in an unpleasant way, but in a way that kept me invested and worried about my treasured characters up until the end.

Finally, as a fellow ND parent of ND children (though a different diagnosis), I absolutely loved seeing some of our struggles represented on page. Some trauma is discussed related to being an ND person in an NT world, but never in a way that feels overwhelming. Happy endings for all that deserve it and sweet justice for those that don't!