Sandy Barker offers the reader the most delightful and fun romance in every book! The book as a whole is nuts with one man having 3 fiancés! Oh, the stories he tells to each. Despite this all happening, the women easily become quick friends and unite against their fiancé finding a creative way to get back at him. All the while, there is a new love story that developing; one which has its own quick start . The banter, the delightful experiences and the ever increasing intense draw makes this book a wonderful read!

The Ever After Agency series is so charming. Even though the book is part of a series, it remains a standalone. As always, I adore the characters and what happens in the book. It is a fun, entertaining and a great addition to the series.

The fifth and final (for now) installment in Sandy Barker’s “Happily Ever After Agency” series finds Poppy Dean, in her all Australian glory, not acting as London’s top matchmaker, as she has heretofore, but as an avenger, a love avenger, as it were. I Knew You were Trouble begins with Kate being approached by a very tall, very hot, and very Dutch stranger - Willem - who then proceeds to blow up her life in a decidedly un-Dutch and certainly un-British way. The Thor look-alike drops the bomb that Kate’s fiance, Jon, is also engaged to his sister, Adriana, who resides in Amsterdam. Kate’s initial reaction is dubious, as would be expected, until Willem, a cybersecurity expert, provides her with a full-on dossier of iron-clad proof of her fiance’s philandering ways. As Kate, buoyed by her cousin / bestie Margot and a few bottles of vino, combs through her whirlwind romance with Jon, she realizes she willingly ignored more than a few red flags about her (not a) pilot fiance. To add insult to injury, Kate matched with Jon through an agency, not Poppy’s, though she was simultaneously a client with her while she engaged a rival matchmaking company - Perfect Partners, who clearly didn’t vet this con artist. Thus, Poppy, who narrates alongside Kate, is drawn back into the mix (as are all her coworkers, whom we’ve come to know and, at times, love - looking at you, Ursula) as Kate approaches her not looking for her real happily ever after but some good ol’ fashioned revenge. While Poppy initially balks, she is inevitably drawn into a scheme that not only calls upon her expertise as a former psychologist and current matchmaker but also requires her to go undercover to reel in Jon once it’s discovered that there’s another woman in the mix, Lucia, Verona-based artist and soon-to-be unwitting fiance number three.

After experiencing chemistry with Willem at their initial meeting that has Kate asking “Jon, who?”, she takes him up on his plea to come to Amsterdam - in person - to prove to his sister, who’s in denial, that she not only exists but has been conned by Jon as well. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Willem looks like Chris Hemsworth and has a protective (i.e. alpha) streak and has been deemed, by the charmingly outspoken Margot, as the one to get under to get over Jon’s deception. So, straight-laced project manager Kate, who clearly PLAYS BY THE RULES, finds herself on a train to Amsterdam, her cousin in tow, to confront Adriana. After her initial disbelief, fiance number two decides she wants in on a revenge plan and Kate, acting in a decidedly un-Kate way, finds herself on the phone with Poppy, putting an Oceans 8-inspired revenge plan in motion. For his part, Willem is decidedly against going down the revenge route (men!) and spars with Kate over it. She, however, tamps down her lust and holds her own against the large and, again, hot!, Dutchman, heating things up even more for all their sparring, which, as we romcom aficionados know, is straight-up foreplay.

When Poppy et al at the Happily Ever After Agency realize that Jon has a third fiance to be in the wings, the revenge plot - and Kate’s fledgling feelings for Willem - is kicked into overdrive. Rushing to Verona to save Lucia from falling prey to Jon’s, well, Jon-ness, Barker treats us to both forced proximity and an almost-one-be-trope as Willem’s Airbnb booking provides fodder for Kate’s libido and our romcom-aginations (just go with it). Alas, Lucia has closed her gallery without warning, how very Italian!, and Kate and Willem are left to their own devices. The more she gets to know him, however, the more Kate realizes that her feelings are larger than lust, and she starts to head Poppy and Margot’s warnings that IT’S TOO SOON to be experiencing such strong emotions about her fiance’s other fiance’s brother. Especially as she’s, ya know, still technically engaged to the lying bastard whose pilot cover story makes all his time away wooing other women (a number that now includes Poppy playing an Australian non-profit manager to rope Jon into the revenge scheme that involves him donating a huge chunk of money to a charity that he’d be appalled by, if he only knew) quite easy to do.

After more plotting and lusting (and plotting over how to be okay with lusting while fresh off a completely farcical engagement), Kate and Willem find themselves in Verona, the redux, when they have a mere 24 hour window to convince Lucia, who’s returned home, that Jon is the bastardo that he is. Poppy and her team, however, realizing Kate’s feelings for Willem might not be the knee-jerk rebound reaction they initially warned her away from, have revisited the forced proximity from their first weekend in Verona and upped the ante by deleting their reservation for a second room. Yup. One bed trope. For real this time.

After easily convincing Lucia that Jon is a conniving manchild and that she should come to Amsterdam to meet fiance number two, Willem makes a move on Kate and oh how those floodgates open. Kate, living this new daring life in which seducing a modern-day Norse, okay, Dutch, god, is par for the course, makes her move and it pays off. For both her and the reader, as it were. Granted, Barker’s spice-level is more on the paprika side (seriously, why do recipes even call for this maroon imposter?) she ups her game, as it were, with a still relatively chaste sex scene that confirms that the chemistry between our MCs runs both ways. When the two leave the hotel, holding hands (swoon), lest they run into Jon and ruin the whole Ocean’s 8 revenge plot, Willem invites Kate back to Amsterdam so they can continue their round of sexual Olympics they began in Verona. And here, dear reader, is where the inevitable dark moment occurs.

After Adriana, who, heretofore, had been keen on Kate, is clearly more than chuffed that her fiance’s first fiance is fucking her brother (alliteration!), and Kate gets her own bombshell revelation that cousin Margot has been more than friendly with the jilted gorgeous Dutchwoman (Dutchess?), Kate has a meltdown. A decidedly un-British, meltdown in which she essentially declares that she’s just using Willem for rebound sex. In. Front. Of. Him.

Alas, though it’s the death knell for what was shaping up to be Kate’s HEA, she realizes that her newfound sisterhood with Adriana, Lucia, and Poppy, who’s alter-ego Penny has pulled off the honey trap and convinced Jon to part ways with that extravagant sum, which is really just a drop in the bucket for someone like him: not a pilot or geologist or art enthusiast or any of the other personas he’s adopted to juggle his three (and counting) women but a spoiled trust-fund baby. All is right with the world when Kate, speaking on behalf of Lucia and Adriana and, to a lesser extent, Poppy, lays into Jon and he realizes that he’s not only been outed but had, now having to donate over a million pounds to an arts (gasp!) charity for the next decade. Or all would be right, however, except for that whole Willem probably hates her and she’ll never find love again thing. Though she lost her man, she gained a sisterhood and a new sense of self, which, at the end of the day, is probably worth more than experiencing nightly sexual gymnastics with a Marvel hero wannabe.

And thus ends Barker’s five-book cycle.

Kidding, of course. After Kate realizes that she should be on a flight back to Amsterdam rather than toasting with the ladies, she literally runs out of the London hotel and smack into a broad expanse of chest that belongs to none other than her very own Thor (in a callback to their meetcute in the first chapter). Barker doesn’t string us along much more than she has to, which is a nice reprieve given how most of her earlier books in the series have seemed to, and Kate and Willem confess their feelings, get their shared HEA, and have a whole bunch of hot sex (that we’re told about, at least) in their epilogue. And Poppy, having successfully matched a couple after all, finishes her own arc that’s been building over the past few stories, is finally pregnant, bringing her own HEA to an end, for now, at least. Let’s see if Barker’s really done with her antipodal matchmaker. For my money, which, granted, isn’t much, I wouldn’t say no to another heartfelt romance featuring a cast of characters who’ve been fleshed out enough to feel like friends you’re okay saying goodbye to even if you really hope that you’ll see them again in the not-so-distant future.

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

2 stars - but this was entirely my fault. I walked into this book not knowing that it was number 5 in a series, so I went in with a disadvantage of knowing none of the characters, history, or backstory. So I was immensely confused for the better part of this book.

With that being said - the writing was fine, but the book would have greatly benefitted from a dual POV. Also, the use of swearing and the amount of it was just not the vibe.However it was a quick (albeit confusing) read but it went by fast!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

In 'I Knew You Were Trouble', Sandy Barker presents a charming and laugh-out-loud romantic comedy revolving around shattered trust and sweet revenge. Kate Whitaker's faith in love is shattered when Willem, a breathtakingly handsome Dutchman, shows up with the shocking news that her fiancé is also engaged to his sister.

Overwhelmed with anger and unexpectedly attracted to Willem, Kate agrees to go with him to Amsterdam. What starts as a gesture of support quickly turns into a wickedly wicked scheme to get revenge on the duplicitous fiancé. As Kate enters the world of revenge, she finds herself unexpectedly falling in love with Willem.
Barker skillfully weaves together humor and warm moments in a swift and entertaining tale.

There is undeniable chemistry between Kate and Willem, and their banter creates another level of charm in the story. Readers will be cheering for Kate as she finds her courage and love in the most unlikely of places. 'I Knew You Were Trouble' is a highly entertaining read, ideal for readers who love Sophie Kinsella and Emily Henry, and a cracking addition to Barker's genre of witty and escapist romantic comedies.

I absolutely adored I Knew You Were Trouble. I will always read a Sandy Barker book, and this one was no different!
Revenge over a cheating fiancé and getting to know the other woman's brother just a little better? Yes, please!
The banter was spectacular.

I Knew You Were Trouble
By: Sandy Barker
Review Score: Four Stars

Boogie’s Bulletpoints
•The last in the series!
•A fun revenge plot
•Beautiful European Locations
•Only One Bed

———

I Knew You Were Trouble was kindly provided by Boldwood Books. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy this wonderful book!

I feel like Sandy Barker’s books are constantly underrated, and I Knew You Were Trouble is no exception! I have loved the Ever After Agency Series, and I am bummed this is the last one.

Kate is surprised to learn that her fiancé, Jon, actually has a second fiancé. And who she learns it from is Willem, brother of fiancé number two (honestly, what a fun plot twist from the get go).

Kate decides to get revenge, and the team at the Ever After Agency helps make that happen. No spoilers, but there is more to the story than you would expect, and the ending is so satisfying. I loved seeing the evolution of friendship and love, all against the backdrop of such beautiful locations!

I really enjoyed this book. Sandy Barker is an auto-buy author for me, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

I Knew You Were Trouble is a rom-com novel, the 5th in the Ever After Agency series. It took a while for me to get stuck in and get used to the characters and their roles within the plot, however from the 40% mark I was hooked into the story! I really enjoyed Kate and Willem’s story and I also loved going back to Poppy and Tristan too.

The book was cute, but a little cliche/boring. I almost DNF'd in the beginning when the FMC said the MMC looked like Thor. The MMC on the cover looks nothing like Thor, so it felt very disconnected.

Book Review: I Knew You Were Trouble by Sandy Barker

Sandy Barker serves up a fun mix of humor, heart, and a sprinkle of revenge in I Knew You Were Trouble, the latest in her Ever After Agency series. This romantic comedy follows Kate Whitaker, who finds out her fiancé isn't exactly the guy she thought he was. Cue the self-discovery journey and an unexpected romance that blossoms between Kate and Willem, a character who brings a new perspective to her life!

The story kicks off with Kate learning from the swoon-worthy Willem that her fiancé is also engaged to his sister. The turn of events sends them on an adventure across Europe to confront the truth.

One of Barker's strong skills is her ability to create visual settings and show genuine female friendships. Kate's relationship with her cousin, Margot, is a highlight, offering both laughs and a deep emotional connection. I Knew You Were Trouble is filled with witty banter and laugh-out-loud moments, making it hard to put down.

The romance between Kate and Willem moves pretty fast. Some people may want more time for buildup and tension. Plus, a few side stories could have used more development to enhance the overall experience.

I Knew You Were Trouble is a cute read that embraces resilience, love, and the unexpected twists life throws our way.

This is the first book I’ve read by Sandy Barker and it won’t be my last!

This was a fantastically fun, flirty, and fast read leaving me wanting more!

What would you do if a handsome stranger showed up on a Friday night saying he has something to tell you? And what would you do if the handsome stranger told you he knows your fiancée - because your fiancée is engaged to his sister!

This was full of delightful banter. AND…it doesn’t get any better than hopping to various European countries while losing yourself in a terrific romcom!

The book is an easy four star read and one that led me to add the other four books in the series to by TBR.

Book 5 in the Ever After Agency series is available to read free for Kindle Unlimited members!

Thank You NetGalley, Sandy Barker, and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read this sweet and spicy romcom in exchange for a review.

Thank you Sandy Barker and Boldwood Books to allow me to read this ARC via NetGalley.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Vibes: ✈️💼💘🌍🎶
Rating: 3.00 ⭐
Tropes: travel romance / opposites attract / friend's brother / found family / cheating ex

Firstly, while I originally was interested in reading this book for the Taylor Swift reference in the title, it is a little deceiving as the "trouble" is not the mmc that the fmc is interested in.
I did enjoy the connection between all the women seeking revenge on Jon.
Lastly, while I do enjoy the dual-POV, I prefer them to be individual chapters, it was confusing as the perspective changed halfway through a chapter.
Would recommend for a funny and entertaining read if you can overlook that, though !

I would firstly just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my kindle, in return for my honest review.

I Knew You Were Trouble is actually book number five from five, from the ‘Ever After Agency’ series.

It is billed as the brand-new, funny, sexy and sweet romance with the tag line - don’t get mad.get even and is full of witty banter, swoonworthy moments and is actually just pure escapism.

I was pulled in to this book right from the very beginning and it did not let me go again until i had turned every page and devoured it all.

I do love a book that covers many tropes and this one had plenty that I absolutely loved! There was enemies-to-allies-to-lovers, only one bed(which I love love love!), forced proximity, sweet revenge, opposites attract, broody protector hero, slow burn and the wonderful will they, won’t they!

This book was wonderful and i thoroughly enjoyed everything about it. It was a laugh out loud romantic comedy and the very surprising places that we end up finding love…

I will not lie, I struggled to get into this book and enjoy it. I found it to be quite far fetched and a bit unbelievable in the way the FMC character responds to the news of her fiancé’s infidelity and even a random man showing up at her door. The book was a good way for me to rest and reset my brain though after some back to back heavy reads

A fun read

I haven’t read anything by this author before and when I realised this was book 5 I was a tad hesitant, but boy am I glad I read this one. While you could tell there were other stories referenced in this, I didn’t feel I needed to read them to understand this story.

The characters are relatable and their romance was incredibly sweet. The friendship between Kate and Margot is one of the best vibes I’ve read.

I loved the romcom banter but some of the POV switching did confuse me at first but it didn’t take me out of the story, just needs defining more for clarity.

Overall I enjoyed this book and will be going back to read the rest in the series.

🛌 One bed
❎ Will they/won’t they
✅ Forced proximity
😈 Revenge plot
🛶Set in Amsterdam

Plot: 💜💜💜💜
Characters: 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
Spice: N/A
Writing: ✍🏼✍🏼✍🏼✍🏼
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC.

I wanted to love this book, especially because it is set in Amsterdam and I recently moved here, but i wasn't even able to finish it. This book just didn't do it for me. I can't recommend it. Others may enjoy it but it wasn't my cup of tea.

I have never read a contemporary adult romance where there was little to no romance and the story was told from dual POV from two women who were NOT romantically involved. I do not understand why the author seemed to feel we needed to hear half the story from Poppy’s POV. This was a very, very odd choice.

I chose this book based on the title, but it was misleading. The only thing that was trouble in this situation was ME having to read this truly baffling and unromantic romance story. It apparently is #5 in a series, and honestly I do not feel that it can act as a stand alone. With the author continually throwing past characters into the main plot I felt lost and very confused. It was an unusual way to do this, as most authors tend to just drop past characters in as cameos and not 50% of the plot. If the other POV had been from the MMC’s perspective I think it could possibly be called a romance. As it stands I feel this book is best labeled as contemporary women’s fiction.

Thanks NetGalley and Boldwood books for the free ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

Kate Whitaker discovers her fiancé's shocking betrayal—he's engaged to multiple women. Teaming up with Willem, the brother of one of his other fiancées, Kate embarks on a whirlwind journey across Europe, seeking revenge and perhaps finding unexpected romance along the way. This is a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy.

Going Dutch
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 April 2025
In this fifth Ever After Agency book, Poppy and the regular cameo cohort are on board to help Kate with something unusual; a revenge plot.
Kate has been with hi-flier Jon for six months and is recently engaged to him, despite the fact her cousin Margot detests him.
One evening, she has a stranger - an attractive one - Willem De Vries, turn up at her door.
She meets him at the pub and is faced with evidence that shows her long-distance fiance is also engaged to Willem's sister Adriana.
And Willem wants Kate to go to Amsterdam and help him prove Jon's duplicity to Adriana.
After much alcohol and sobbing with Margot, she agrees.
Though it wasn't Poppy that matched Kate with Jon, she wants her to know and that's how the agency gets involved.
This is a fun, international, city-hopping rom com that feels like a Shakespearean comedy of errors at times with all of the shenanigans and the amount of people who get involved in making sure Jon never treats a woman the same way again.
And of course, with Margot in tow, Kate spends more time with Willem and can't help but be attracted to him.
This one was great fun, it's of planning, regular characters like Marie and George on board as well as Tris and Saffy, whilst also moving the Poppy narrative along.
There's a HEA at the end a bunch of new potential clients for the agency.
The chemistry between Kate and Willem sizzles and I love the fact there are multiple LGBTQIA+ characters in this het rom com, not just the token couple.
I loved this as much, if not more, than the others

good romance and finding out that a guy ends up engaged to 3 women and how they all find love and end up catching him.