This book was fun from cover to cover! Harmony, a fat sort of "robin hood" conwoman (with a secret heart of gold) comes to town to exact revenge on the man who ruined her father's career, and in the process, accidentally falls for the stern librarian who doesn't seem phased by her one bit. Our male lead, Preston, is fighting for inclusion and representation at his small town library and doesn't want to be bothered by this new larger-than-life woman who rolls into town and won't seem to leave him alone, until, that is, that he finds himself drawn to her and unable to get his mind off her!

With secret identities and hidden motives, you know there's an inevitable third-act break up, but this was handled in such a way that didn't frustrate me as a reader, made my heart ache a bit, and challenged both characters to grow, giving us a satisfying character arc for both leads! It was sweet, sexy, and full of heart.

Fat-friendly? Hell yeah! My Kind of Trouble gives us positive fat representation in our female main character and representation of autism spectrum disorder in our male main character (as well as his sister). While I can't speak to the authenticity of the autism representation, I can speak as a fat woman. It was refreshing to have a female main character living in a fat body who is confident, savvy, sexy and secure in her relationship to her body. When I read romance featuring a fat lead, I love when the author shows them as sexy and desirable - not fetishized for their fatness, not desirable *despite* their fatness, but seen as whole and human and body size wasn't a focal point, it simply was. I appreciate books that give us essentially a "fat-normative" society, rather than making fatness a thing to overcome or a thing to fetishize.

Title: My Kind of Trouble by L. A. Schwartz

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

Release date: October 8th 2024


If you're in the mood for a delightful, laugh-out-loud romance, "My Kind of Trouble" by L. A. Schwartz is a must-read! This debut novel is a perfect mix of charm, wit, and heart, making it an absolute gem for fans of romantic comedies. This book had me laughing, smiling and awing throughout.

In "My Kind of Trouble," Harmony Hale bursts into the quaint town of Brookville, California, fuelled by a vendetta against the mayor who destroyed her father’s life. As a seasoned conwoman with a knack for schemes, Harmony’s bold and confident demeanour contrasts sharply with the town’s order and routine.

Enter Preston Jones, Brookville’s nerdy and protective librarian. He’s dedicated to his job, his library, and caring for his selectively nonspeaking sister with unwavering devotion. Preston’s serious and grumpy exterior meets its match in Harmony’s vibrant and unapologetic personality.

From their first encounter, sparks fly between Harmony and Preston. Their dynamic crackles with tension and humour as Harmony’s quest for revenge intertwines with Preston’s commitment to his community. As their relationship evolves from mutual irritation to a steamy attraction, readers are treated to a delightful blend of wit, charm, and unexpected romance.

The dynamic between Harmony and Preston is electric from the get-go!. Harmony’s larger-than-life personality clashes perfectly with Preston’s straightforward, no-nonsense approach to life. The chemistry between them is sizzling, and watching their relationship evolve from mutual annoyance to undeniable attraction is pure entertainment that had me giggling.The Grumpy/sunshine trope is executed to perfection, making their banter and growing affection all the more enjoyable.

What really sets this book apart is its depth. Oh the feels! Schwartz handles themes of autism, responsibility, and personal insecurities with sensitivity and realism. Preston’s struggles with book challengers and his dedication to his sister add layers to his character that make him incredibly relatable and endearing. Similarly, Harmony’s journey from seeking revenge to finding something real and meaningful is beautifully portrayed.

The plot, which centres around Harmony’s scheme to sell a nonexistent music festival, is both hilarious and heartwarming.

"My Kind of Trouble" is a cute, funny, and thoroughly enjoyable read. The realistic portrayal of medical themes and personal insecurities adds depth to an already fantastic story. If you love a good romance with plenty of laughs and heart, this book is definitely for you. Highly recommend!


Thank you to The Publisher Alcove Press ,The Author L. A. Schwartz & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

What a captivating book. I was intrigued by the cover and the description and once I started reading, I knew I was going to love this book. I can see my patrons loving this book as well so I'm excited to share it with them in October!

Unfortunately, I just have no memory of reading this, so it just probably wasn't for me since it wasn't very memorable.

I genuinely enjoyed this one. Admittedly I just couldn’t connect with the FMC… I just found her generally unlikeable, but that’s ok! If anything, it speaks to how great the rest of the story was that I was rooting for her! Loved the authentic autism representation (both for child and adult), LOVED the community library struggle representation. Can’t wait to read more from this author in the future!

This book was so great! I have not read a music man retelling and I had so much funny reading it. It was very unique and it had great representation.

This book is a sort of retelling of the Music Man. I thought it was decent but not amazing as the FMC kind of annoyed me. I enjoyed the humor, the charm, and autism representation.

I love the representation in this book. It’s amplify small town romance though I got annoyed with how much she was getting people’s hopes up.

I had a really hard time with this one. I understand that Harmony is supposed to be a conwoman with a heart of gold. But this gave me so much anxiety throughout the entire read that she was getting the hopes of an entire town up and constantly pestering a man with autism for her own purposes.

On the plus side, we do get some solid messages about the importance and necessity for libraries and the lifeline they can be for people within communities. There was also great queer rep within as well.

Preston was a top notch book boy friend. He and Lacey were the only reasons I didn't DNF.

2.5/5

Is it just me of are healthy relationships hot AF?

This retelling of "the Music Man" is very well done. Being a musical theatre fan I was a little unsure if this was going to disappoint and I really think that this is so well done.

I love that there is so much diversity in this book, it makes people feel seen and represented.

"My Kind of Trouble" by L. A. Schwartz is a delightful, steamy romance that pairs a clever conwoman with a lovable, nerdy librarian. Harmony Hale, on a mission to avenge her father, targets Brookville's mayor with a fake music festival scheme. She needs Preston Jones, the town's autistic librarian and piano teacher, to pull it off.

Preston is all about protecting his library and caring for his sister, so he’s skeptical of Harmony and her flashy smile. But when she offers to help save his youth programs, he starts to see her in a new light. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their journey from suspicion to affection is full of humor and warmth.

Schwartz’s storytelling is engaging, with plenty of twists to keep you hooked. The characters are well-developed, and their personal growth adds depth to the romance. Harmony’s transformation from a revenge-driven conwoman to someone capable of love is heartwarming, and Preston’s balance of responsibilities and newfound feelings is touching.

If you enjoy fun, quirky romances with a bit of spice and a lot of heart, "My Kind of Trouble" is a must-read. It’s a perfect blend of humor, charm, and unexpected love.

Thank you NetGalley, Alcove Press and L.A. Schwartz for allowing me to read the ARC of "My Kind of Trouble" in exchange for an honest review.

A very enjoyable, sexy small town romance.

A curvy conwoman comes to a small town with the idea to seek revenge, and along the way she falls in love with an autisic librarian while she keeps stringing along her web of lies.

I want to say beforehand, I liked the represantation of autism, very close to reality, showing not only the study book cases of it.

I overall did really enjoy the story, I loved the chemistry between the main leads, and I did absolutely adore the confidence our heroine was walking through life with.

I have never read a romance before that has left me kicking my feet while also sweating nervously. The leading couple complement each other so well. The author also did an incredible job of writing them both as well-written, likable characters when they stand alone. So, when they finally start developing feelings for each other, you are shouting from the rooftop with excitement for them. Not to mention they were a perfect mix of very cute and incredibly sexy. But, as I kept reading, I kept wanting to put the book down. Not because it wasn’t good, but because I was terrified for what might have become of the two lovebirds. As someone who knows romances usually have a happy ending, it still hurt to see the characters having to deal with the fallout of the novel’s super excitable story/conflict. With all that being said, there is still so much to like about this story, I would recommend it a thousand times over.

In general, this is your run-of-the-mill cute romance book. It's solid but not necessarily out of this world. There are a few plot lines that get dropped that I wished it had circled back on. It gets an extra star, though, because it has some really good representation. The main love interest is autistic, and it's so refreshing to read an autistic character who isn't based fully on stereotypes.

Thank you NetGalley, Alcove Press and L.A. Schwartz for allowing me to read the ARC of "My Kind of Trouble" in exchange for an honest review.

A very enjoyable, sexy small town romance.

A curvy conwoman comes to a small town with the idea to seek revenge, and along the way she falls in love with an autisic librarian while she keeps stringing along her web of lies.

I want to say beforehand, I liked the represantation of autism, very close to reality, showing not only the study book cases of it.

I overall did really enjoy the story, I loved the chemistry between the main leads, and I did absolutely adore the confidence our heroine was walking through life with.

If you look for a lovely read with a happy ending, this is your jam.

I really enjoyed this book and the way the main character grew to see that getting revenge wasn’t as good as actually building something positive. Great autistic representation and wonderful arguments against book banning! A cute romance with lots of small town character charm.

My Kind of Trouble by L.A. Schwartz
Rating: 3.5/5
Release Date: 8 October 2024

Harmony Hale, a seasoned conwoman, has made a career out of selling deception and fleeting encounters across California. Now, she's set her sights on Brookville, with a vendetta against its wealthy mayor—the man who destroyed her father's life by stealing his music-streaming algorithm. Harmony's plan? Execute her trusty con of peddling a non-existent music festival. But to pull it off, she needs the cooperation of the man who owns the potential festival site.

Preston Jones, an autistic librarian and piano teacher, is constantly battling against those trying to shut down his library programs. He's the sole caretaker of his selectively nonspeaking little sister and must concentrate on safeguarding his job. Romance isn't on his agenda, especially not with the bold festival promoter aiming to turn his land into "Coachella North." Preston sees the world in stark contrasts, and he views Harmony—charismatic and alluring though she may be—as nothing but trouble.

Yet, when Harmony offers to help him rally public support and preserve his youth programs, Preston begins to question whether this hustler with a hidden kindness could be the person he's been searching for. As their relationship heats up amidst the library stacks, and with Harmony's con reaching its climax, she faces a crucial decision: pursue revenge and flee once more, or embrace the unexpected happy ending that awaits.

L.A.'s writing exudes a special charm, and witnessing the unlikely romance between an autistic librarian and a confident conwoman was truly heartwarming.
Seeing these two characters find comfort and connection in each other warmed my heart.

The representation in this book was executed exceptionally well, encompassing themes such as autism, LGBTQIA+ identities, and body positivity with sensitivity and authenticity. The portrayal of a healthy relationship was incredibly uplifting and powerful. Preston, in particular, resonated deeply with me—his inner struggles and journey towards self-confidence, as well as his nurturing approach to caring for his sister, were both relatable and heartwarming.

It was refreshing to see Harmony's body representation handled so naturally, without unnecessary focus or commentary—she simply existed in her body with pride, confidence, and allure, as she rightfully should. The supporting characters were well-developed and added depth to athe story, enhancing the overall reading experience.

This may have been my first encounter with this author, but it certainly won't be my last.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Alcove Press, and the author, L.A. Schwartz, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

A rare 5 ⭐️ review from me but I really enjoyed this gender swap homage to “The Music Man” Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

✅ A curvy FMC
✅ Realistic Autistic representation
✅ Non ableist approach to disability
✅ Diverse characters
✅ Romance with the right amount of spice

Other than the book being very predictable there really was nothing to complain about with this book! I read it in a few hours because ai couldn’t put it down. I enjoyed reading autistic characters who were not simply defined by a stereotyped quirk or being stuck only in their needs. It also showed representation of two autistics who had similarities but also differences which was refreshing.

I loved how it tackled the very real issue of parents trying to ban books with queer or POC characters and why it’s so important to have them available to those who want to read them. It also had the cheeky references to classic books which get a pass from such people despite content that would make their toes curl if they actually opened a book.

I can’t wait for this book to come out . I have put it in my calendar to remind me when it does so I can continue to tell folks about it.

While it’s probably in the Romance or NA genre officially, older YA readers would be very content reading it if they are of the age to handle some light spice.

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

From page one, Preston captivated me. The excitement of having a character with autistic representation was amplified when I realized he had also been forced into masking. As a neurodivergent reader, I found this incredibly meaningful. L.A. Schwartz portrayed Preston as believable, relatable, and utterly adorable. His care for his little sister, his advocacy for the town’s teenagers, and his general kindness made him the Clark Kent superhero of this book—no cape required.
Harmony is funny, witty, and incredibly smart. She uses her talent for manipulating men to earn money and support those hurt by one man's greed. She's a modern-day, plus-size, female Robin Hood. Her deep care for people, immediate defense of a bullied teen, and quick research into autism when she learns about Preston and his sister are commendable. Despite her initial deception, she strives to be honest with those around her.
Preston’s younger sister, Lacey, is the epitome of adorability. She loves the stars, struggles to make friends, and is selectively mute. The author’s nuanced portrayal of female autism makes Lacey one of the best characters in the book.

Other notable mentions include Nina, Alice, and Will—each wonderful in their unique ways.

Too often, authors attempt to represent various minorities, disabilities, and sexualities without genuine understanding. L.A. Schwartz, however, excels in this area. From meltdowns and stimming to representing sapphic relationships, the author does not disappoint. The portrayal of cis people advocating for trans rights, changing minds about sexuality and beliefs, and the gentle, kind representation of plus-size women are all noteworthy. Preston teaches Lacey to embrace her autism and advocates for her passionately. Harmony is unapologetically herself, embracing her looks, body, and sexuality despite others' judgments. The teenage characters' exploration of first love and LGBTQIA+ challenges in a small town is heartwarming and skillfully done.

I am obsessed with this storyline. The anticipation of Harmony outsmarting the antagonist and finding love kept me hooked. The interactions between Harmony and Lacey, and Preston reading to the children, were highlights. Every scene and sentence felt purposeful, contributing to the book's engaging narrative. The creative premise, impeccable characterization, beautiful writing, and constant twists make this book worth every penny.

This book is definitely 18+, with mature themes and scenes. Preston’s strong sense of right and wrong was evident from how he treated Lacey, ensuring consent and respect in every interaction with Harmony. Their chemistry is palpable and butterfly-inducing. Preston’s admiration for Harmony, comparing her to a Rubens painting, and his focus on her beauty and smile, were delightful. Harmony’s attraction grew as she got to know Preston personally, adding depth to their relationship.

The first kiss scene was phenomenal, filled with detailed, realistic emotions. Their subsequent encounters, particularly in the library, balanced sweetness and spice perfectly. The realistic portrayal of intimacy, emphasizing emotional connection alongside physical, was refreshing.

In conclusion, this has been one of my favorite reads of the year. If I had to recommend one romance book that combines all these elements, it would be this one. I preordered a physical copy almost immediately after finishing the ebook.

📚 My Kind of Trouble
⭐ 4/5
🌶️ 2/5
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💌 REVIEW:: I loved everything about this book! It was so good, where do I even start? The characters, Harmony and Preston are so cute! I loved the representation in the book. Preston having autism was described so perfectly. Harmony, as a con woman was so interesting to read about. The way she uses her charm to trick people, eventually to get her revenge from the BAD GUY.

Preston and Harmony were so relatable throughout the book. Preston, specifically, was so adorable, kind, believable and relatable character in the book. He cares about his specifically mute sister so much and advocates for the teenagers in the town and that just shows how big his heart is.
Harmony, was so witty, funny and smart and she used her charms so cleverly to trick people and earn money AND give back to the people affected by one single person's selfishness. She was hooked on Preston from the first chapter and she cares so deeply for everyone around her that she started learning about autism as soon as she knew Preston and his sister have it.

The representation in the book was absolutely amazing!! Apart from the plus sized FMC and autism representation, we got to see so many other ones too. The way the author described everything - all the things people struggle to understand in their real lives was really descriptive and I loved every minute of reading it. 💕

The chemistry between Harmony and Preston definitely have me butterflies and found myself giggling and smiling most of the book. The book is definitely a 18+ age rating but the fluffy, cutesy moments was more enjoyable for me. 🤧