Trouble from Abroad

by Rachel Kellar

Dr. Preston Jett is older, grumpy, and my new boss, so he is probably the last man who should be helping me with my bedroom bucket list. Right?

When I accepted to be a babysitter for an emotionally broken doctor and nanny to his daughter, I thought it would be an easy gig.

New country, new job, new me.

Which is why I wrote the list. All the things I wanted to try in the bedroom, but had never been brave enough to ask for. As a curvy woman with more fantasies than confidence, I figured writing them down was safer than saying them out loud.

I planned on engaging a professional to help, but now, my new boss is standing in front of me, offering to be my "teacher".

I should turn him down because who knows what chaos sleeping with my boss will cause. But every whispered word from his lips makes saying no feel impossible.

So I say yes.

I mean, how much trouble can I get into?

464 pages, ebook

Expected publication June 11, 2026

Reviews

[Monique Costella · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

A broad series --->
Trouble from Abroad
By Rachel Kellar

Release Date: June 11, 2026

🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

*Secret Relationship
*Found Family
*Age Gap
*Curvy FMC
*Single Dad & Nanny
*Grumpy/Sunshine

"Prince charming exists, and he's inconveniently hot."

This book starts off with Mia being picked up at the airport by her ex-boss's girlfriend. She has come to New York to be the most overpaid nanny this city has ever seen. Her new boss - Preston who is a surgeon was recently divorced and his world has turned upside down and needs help. His college sweetheart left him weeks before she was due to give birth. The baby wasn't his or so he was told in the note left upon her departure. She also left their 6 year old daughter behind. He needs more than a nanny he needs someone to put his life back together. He is currently taking some time off as being a surgeon to mend and renovate his house.
When Mia finally arrives at his house she is greeted by sheets of plywood, pipes a sink and a shower head. She double checks the address and looks up ok this is right. A moment later a strong silhouette fills the doorway that has her fantasizing about sexy plumbers. He gives her a tour around the old house like a flight attendant and adds that there is only 1 working bathroom in the house that they will be sharing since he just screwed up the plumbing in his room. He notes that the basement used ro be his wife's yoga studio but now is turned into a gym and a library. Mia's face lights up at the word library and is intrigued. They end up going to a super fancy dinner that night and Callie ends up showing up. After the dinner she takes Mia for a bar hop and they get absolutely hammered. They go back to Preston's place and are giggling in the kitchen and chatting. Mia starts blurting out secrets how she wants to hire an escort to help her bump the awkward out of her and help her become more confident. Callie is sitting there shocked and says why don't you just do it with Preston? Little do they know that Preston is easdropping on this entire conversation in the stairway. The next morning Preston can not get this out of his head and he tries to avoid Mia at all costs. Will Mia blur the lines of her job as a nanny and get messy with Preston or will she hold back and stay professional?

My favorite quotes:

"I finally get someone to help out, and she turns out to be chaos in curls."

"I'm having second thoughts about his grumpiness. Sometimes, it's almost funny. Borderline adorable, actually."

"I want to be your tutor, Miss Thorne." He pauses to let it sink. "Don't hire a stranger. Pick me instead. Let me show you how good I can make you feel. Make me another color-coded spreadsheet, better yet, a list, this one with everything you want to learn. I'll be the best sex instructor you'll ever find."

This is a delicious, sexy read. Mia flys all the way from London to New York City to be a nanny. Little did she know Preston her new boss would look like a GQ model and have her drooling. She gets caught up in staying professional or having him teach her a few dirty lessons. Class is in session and this is a book you'll want to devour. Who knew being a nanny could be so much fun.

[Sara Profeta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Kellar did it again!
After the amazing Boss Abroad, I had high expectations for Trouble Abroad, and it completely blew me away.
What makes this book an absolute masterpiece is how human, grounded, and realistic it feels. These aren’t over-the-top characters; they are everyday people with relatable insecurities, deep thoughts, and genuine emotions.
The dual POV is perfectly written, offering a vulnerable, realistic look into their inner worlds without any unnecessary drama.
I was incredibly refreshed by the role reversal in how emotional vulnerability was handled.
Preston is a highly successful orthopedic surgeon, but he is a major Green Flag MMC. He is a heartbroken single dad trying to navigate his 6-year-old daughter’s trauma and his own life, after his wife's betrayal. Seeing a male lead admit his emotional wounds and actively seek professional help and therapy was profoundly moving.
I also absolutely loved the plus-size/curvy FMC. Mia is an incredible woman. Smart, capable, fiercely independent, a woman who wasn't just a millionaire's assistant, but the one who made the very most of every successful day he had. Υεt beautifully human when facing her own body insecurities. These insecurities about her body are so relatable, and seeing her being so fiercely loved was incredibly empowering.
So we have a gorgeous silver fox and a mature 28-year-old woman.
Their chemistry was absolutely incredible, and the development of their relationship was wonderfully paced and beautifully thought out. The witty banter is top-tier, and while the book is definitely high on the smut/spice scale, the plot is so strong and heartwarming that every single page is worth it.
When it comes to the smut, this is an easy 4.5-5 chili-pepper read!🌶️ It is bold, creative, and far from repetitive. Preston delivers some dirty talk that readers will absolutely love and blush at.
The dialogues weren't just funnυ. They were incredibly smart and sharp, which is so rare nowadays.
If I had to find one tiny flaw, the ending dragged a bit and felt a bit too sweet and "rosy" for my personal taste, but readers who live for an ultra-sweet HEA will absolutely love it.
A beautiful mix of humor, heavy steam (so tasty), and pure heart!

Thank you, Rachel, for giving me the privilege to read this amazing book early. You have a brilliant mind, and you’ve officially made me a lifelong fan. I cannot wait to see what you write next! ❤️

[Jamie Tuckwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚 BOOK REVIEW 📚

Trouble From Abroad - @rachelkellarauthor

There aren't enough words to describe how much I enjoyed this book. I've been a big fan of Rachel Kellar ever since her debut novel Boss Abroad and so I've been so excited to see what she was going to do next. And boy has she delivered. She has treated us to a beautifully, tender love story with all the deliciously dirty spice and talk that we got a flavour of in her first book. This was perfectly executed and it was addictive. I just couldn't wait to keep turning the pages.

For all the curvy girls out there that have insecurities about their body and hide away, Preston is for you. He saw her for who she was and embraced and worshiped her to show her exactly what she deserved. This swoony doctor will have you melting through the pages as he is so caring and loving. But between the sheets he is one dirty talker to satisfy all your needs.

Mia is hired to be a Nanny for Preston's daughter, Lily. Preston is going through a hard time as he tries to come to terms with his separation. He's taken a leave of absence from work and is stuck in a rut. When Mia enters his life, his whole world tilts. Suddenly he is sparked back to life and he can't get her out of his head. When he overhears Mia discussing her smexy wish list. He offers to step into the role.

I really loved the vulnerability of both of these characters and I loved the mental health aspects within this book. Mia found it hard to trust and Preston was putting steps together to put his life back on track. Together these two brought out the best in one another and the relationship with Lily was the sweetest to make them the perfect family.

It was fun catching up with Liam and April again because if you've read Liam he is not someone you will ever forget. I cannot wait for Calista's book as that promises to be a fun read. But for now it's Mia and Preston's moment and they deserve all the love as this was a special, special book. These characters have embedded themselves in my heart and I can't stop thinking about them.

[whatmrsdobbsreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ARC Review – Trouble Abroad by Rachel Keller
Tropes: Single Dad/Nanny • Age Gap (43 & 28) • Spicy Lessons • Curvy FMC • Dirty-Talking MMC • American & British
Mia and Preston’s very first encounter had me hooked instantly. From that moment I already knew this book was going to be for me. And let’s be honest — the tropes alone had me desperate to get my hands on this ARC. Single Dad? Age gap? Dirty-talking MMC? I was already sold before I even turned the first page.
This book is an absolute dream for spice lovers, but underneath all of that chemistry and tension is a love story that completely stole my heart. Because while yes… DAYM 🥵🔥 the spice absolutely delivered, it was the emotional side of this story that really got me.
Watching Mia slowly heal the wounds Preston and Lily carried was beautiful to read. She didn’t just fall in love with Preston — she became part of something bigger. Seeing the walls come down, watching love grow and seeing them become the family they never knew they needed absolutely melted me.
One of my favourite moments was when Mia and Preston faced mocking comments while out together. There was no hesitation, no embarrassment — just immediate instinct to protect and stand up for each other. Those little moments spoke volumes and showed just how deep their feelings were becoming.
And then came the scene that shattered my heart — Preston sitting Lily down and explaining that her mummy wasn’t coming back. That moment hit me right in the chest. It was raw, emotional and one of those scenes that stays with you long after you finish reading.
Preston completely won me over. Protective single dad, older MMC and that filthy mouth? Rachel Keller knew exactly what she was doing.
Spicy, emotional, heartwarming and full of love — Trouble Abroad was so much more than I expected and I loved every second of it. 📚🔥💛

[Chelsey Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars*

✨️ Curvy woman
🦄 Adorable kid
✨️ Charming MMC
🦄 Single dad x Nanny
✨️ Kinks and spice
🦄 Teaching and learning to love yourself
✨️ Banter and hilarious moments
🦄 He crawls

This was one of those romcoms you read and legit laugh out loud. The main characters are easy to love and understand why they work so well.

The MMC Doctor Preston Jett has went through a horrible thing as soon as his wife leaves him and their child. He has support from Callie, April, and Liam to push him to be the man and father he needs to be. They bring in the FMC Mia to help him with structure and be there for Lily and Preston.

Lily was helping plan her bday party and that was honestly fitting for anyone who has such drastic difference in taste. It embodied my skeleton riding unicorn inner self 😂

- “Can I have cake pops that look like eyeballs? Just like Halloween?”
“Actually, unicorns, mermaids, and fairies. Uh… Fart noises too. And manatees. And slime. But the slime has to have glitter.”

Now, on to how sweet and genuine Preston was. He didn't take too long to cave and go for what he wants. He was a throughly caring man that said some swoon worthy things to really nail down the green flag book boyfriend.

“We don’t have to decide on anything tonight. I just wanted you to know where my dreams lie. Even when I’m awake. And they’re yours for the taking.”

Mia was such a caring woman who put everyone first and didn't feel truly happy in her body. By the end of this book she was well worshiped and you see her completely come out of her shell.

The only reasons I would say i wasn't a 100% satisfied was
1. the wife that ran away was left as an unknown factor.
2. The mention of Mias brother was left as a huge question mark.

[Flippenpageswithlisa . · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Boss Abroad, If Rachel Kellar writes it, I’m reading it. Trouble Abroad  gives us the truly dynamic  Preston and Mia, a single dad/nanny romance with banter, spice, and a whole lot of heat
While Grumpy Preston’s all “I’m fine” while drowning, Mia crashes in with chaos, curves, and zero filter. Add in the spicy lessons and well perfection..

Mia is cute, sassy, and trouble in the best way. Preston is grumpy on the outside, but all soft underneath, especially for his adorable daughter Lilly. He’s a little broken, and Mia walks into their lives planning to help them heal. What she doesn’t expect is that they’ll heal her too.

Mia struggles with parts of herself, especially her curves, but Preston sees exactly who she is the woman he craves. What she calls “too much,” he calls “the perfect handful” (his hands only tho)
He pulls her out of her spiralliing negativity and proves she’s worth everything. The way he believes in her.. ahhh my damn heart doctor.

While her list will leave you a mess,in the best, most delicious way, his list will heal us all, I swear that man was making me swoon at every page.

The banter....Spicy.
The tension....Agonizing.
The way he looks at her like she hung the moon.... Melt-worthy.

Mia’s inner monologue is unhinged She’s hilarious, roasting herself while somehow still trying to sort everyone else’s life out , I loved her and I really loved her relationship with Lilly. That party was truly the oddest most adorable combination of things..

Callie is the epitome of “ride or die.” Real, funny, and always in your corner. She is crass, loud and has your back always. already can’t wait for her happily ever after.

[PleaseGoAwayImReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, I loved this SO much! I didn’t think this could surpass Boss Abroad but I was wrong— Mia and Preston are everything.

One of my favorite things is how the author writes awkward moments: you cringe with embarrassment for the character while also sweating a little at the delicious tension, but then find yourself cackling at the description of the scene and the banter / witty dialogue that reliably follows. I found myself chuckling or reacting out loud many times while reading, which just makes the experience even more enjoyable.

Mia is an amazing human being with a huge heart and capacity for love. She’s sarcastic and just so funny. Preston , while initially a bit of a grump, is also a stellar human being . His concern for others, the way he loves his daughter, Lily, and even how he tries to protect Mia from himself and his situation speaks to his character. That alone would be enough in a book boyfriend, but he’s also hot, generous in a variety of ways, and a ridiculously delicious dirty talker which just tips him into unicorn territory. Throw in the fact that he’s so down bad for Mia and… sigh. Chef’s kiss.

I loved the chemistry between Preston and Mia. The yearning, the tension, the physicality… it was all so darn hot. SO hot. And the real emotions between these characters on top of all of that just made everything even better.

If you like single dad, age gap, strangers to lovers, found family, a protective MMC, a hilarious FMC, witty banter, real emotions, wonderfully spicy scenes, dirty talk from both main characters , and a HEA then you will probably love this just as much as I did.

[Nicoletta Tompros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Single dad x nanny romance with a GRUMPY surgeon MMC?? Yeah… this book had me in a chokehold immediately. 😮‍💨🖤

Preston is so painfully grumpy and emotionally closed off at first, but underneath all that?? This man is soft in the most devastating way. Watching him navigate heartbreak, fatherhood, and his daughter’s trauma while still trying to heal himself honestly hit me hard. And the fact he openly goes to therapy and works through his emotions?? GREEN FLAG ENERGY 👏🏻

And Mia?? I adored her.
She’s smart, independent, funny, and fully a boss in her own life, but also struggles with insecurities that felt so real and relatable. I loved the way Preston saw every single part of her as beautiful — especially the parts she struggled to love herself.

The chemistry between these two was INSANE.
The banter? Top tier.
The tension? Agonizing.
And the mouth on this man??? AHHHH 😭🌶️

But what really got me was the emotional depth. Mia walks into Preston and Lilly’s lives thinking she’s there to help heal them, but somehow they slowly heal parts of her too.

And PLEASE… the letter he wrote to her??
I genuinely cannot recover from that.

Also Lilly completely stole my heart and every scene with the three of them together had me melting.

✨ Single dad x nanny
✨ Grumpy x sunshine
✨ Curvy FMC
✨ Silver fox MMC
✨ Emotional healing
✨ Protective doctor MMC

This was my first Rachel book and it absolutely will not be my last because WOW. 📚

[Priscilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

BETA/ARC Read

This book from beginning to end had me wanting more of these characters. The way Rachel writes is like no other. Its unique and humorous in a way that keeps the reader engaged and captivated to its characters. This story is full of humor and analogies that make this book even better.

We meet our Main Characters in the last book. Preston and Mia couldn't be more opposite from each other. Preston is a well-established surgeon that is going through the rut in his life. His life left him, and on top of that, the child she was pregnant with isn't his. He chooses to take the bottle to drown his sorrows and not think about what his life has become. However, he does have a beautiful young daughter that needs him and yet doesn't have the mother figure to help guide her. Preston happens to be April's (who book one is about) boss and she finds the perfect person to come help Preston with the daughter and get the house in order while he tries to get his life together. Mia comes from London to stay for a few months and from the moment she steps into Preston's life, it becomes chaotic. Mia is the one person, Preston, did not know he needed.

Overall, this book is an AMAZING summer read. HIGHLY recommend if you need a "feel good" book to get out of a slump. Also, who doesn't like an Age Gap Romance!

[kirahreads_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐀𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥 𝐊𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫
𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘦: 𝘑𝘶𝘯𝘦 11𝘵𝘩
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

And the Queen is back with another banger of a book! If you don’t hear from me I’m currently in mourning that I finished it.

This book has been a long anticipated read for me. I knew Mia and Preston were going to be the couple for me from the short snippet we seen in Boss Abroad. They didn’t let me down.

This book is hilarious, spicy and totally heartwarming. I giggled, almost died mid drink from laughing, kicked my feet and smiled from start to finish. The banter is next level!

Mia is a sassy queen who is trouble in the BEST way. She struggles with parts of herself and we got to see her journey of self love through the book. Preston is a softie wrapped up in a grumpy exterior. His life has gone to shit and he’s standing in the wreckage when trouble turn up on his doorstep ready to step in. Neither wanted to fall in love but here we are.

This duo and their lists. Hers… well it is definitely guaranteed to leave you needing a cold shower. His list, well I cried because that man is perfect.

And I can’t forget to mention Lily. The real main character of this book. Oh I just want to snuggle her.

I’m ready for a re read and I’ve only just finished. This book is 100% a must read. 5 stars isn’t enough.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trouble From Abroad by Rachel Kellar was everything I want in a romance, emotional tension, addictive chemistry, and the kind of age-gap dynamic that keeps you completely hooked from start to finish. From the very beginning, the connection between the characters felt intense, magnetic, and impossible to ignore. The push and pull between them had me flying through chapters because I needed to know what would happen next.

The spice in this book was so well done, steamy without feeling forced, emotional without losing the tension. Every scene added to the chemistry and relationship development, which made the romance feel even more consuming. Rachel Kellar knows exactly how to build anticipation and deliver moments that leave you blushing and completely invested.

Beyond the romance, the characters felt layered and authentic, with emotional depth that made the story hit even harder. The pacing was perfect, balancing angst, vulnerability, and passion in a way that kept me fully engaged the entire time.

If you love age-gap romance with emotional intensity, incredible chemistry, and top-tier spice, this book absolutely delivers. Huge thank you for the ARC, this was such an addictive read and one I’ll definitely be recommending.

[Kogi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again the single dad did it bonus points that he's a Silver Fox. Anyway the growth and utmost respect the characters' had for each other was essentially what pulled me in . I of course felt bad hearing my Doctor going through heartbreak for a woman who actually cheated bro goodriddence . The family and bonds being formed within the friend group are exactly the type of people need in their corner to anchor you when are low and celebrate you even during small milestones I love this so much that this silver fox is now part of my God tier book men.
Having ARC copy of this book makes me extremely grateful for the opportunity to read it and ik and hope it will be treasured and loved just as I've come to love the characters and the story at whole.
Thank you and definitely an immediate reread when I'm Lily.

[Inge Mosch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel definitely is THE queen of smut for me! This is only her second book, and I’ve been waiting so impatiently for it, but wow… she absolutely delivered. This book was AMAZING, and the spice? So, so, SO hot!

The single dad x nanny trope always gets me, and this one was done incredibly well, especially with the addition of such an adorable and sassy little girl. I loved Preston and Mia so much! There were so many moments that had me squealing because you kind of see what’s coming, and then it actually happens in the best and funniest way possible, without ever feeling too predictable.

The list, the teaching, the doctor kink… I ate up every single second of it. I genuinely loved this book from start to finish!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give me a book with a thick girl FMC all day evey day! Mia has some real insecurities about her appearance, but as she spends time with peers and the MMC, you see those insecurities start to fade. This author tells it like it is for a lot of us thick girlies, and I ate that up. When you find someone who loves you inside and out, like Dr. Preston, it really does help build the confidence and squash those insecurities. I loved this book through and through. You'll laugh out loud, feel the feels with both MCs, and walk away with your HEA. Highly recommend

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew!!! This book made me giggle and swoon! This is the first book I've read from Rachel Kellar and it certainly won't be my last!! Preston is a single dad trying to get his life together after his wife walked out. Mia was hired to be his nanny, to help get him back on track after his life fell apart. Preston and Mia... together are 🔥!! I just love a good single dad x nanny troupe!! I enjoyed the plus size FMC rep, Rachel did a really good job with this in the story. Definitely recommend if you like single dad, he falls first, doctor x nanny, age gap, grumpy x sunshine.

[Felicia Pijoan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and let me just say… Daddy Preston 😮‍💨👏🏼

He listens, pays attention, says what he means, and means what he says! And when that man falls? Oh, he falls HARD for Mia.

Mia was everything Preston and Lily needed, but they were also everything Mia didn’t realize she needed too. Watching Mia and Preston heal each other was honestly so beautiful 🥹 Easily one of my top 5 reads of 2026!!

[Zsuzsanna Csonka-Bonevacz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came for the spice and stayed for the sweetness. I was not prepared to melt on the spot multiple times while reading. I don't know who was the sweetest, Preston or Lily? Don't get me wrong, there are tons of spicy moments in this book, but the total cuteness of the Jett household absolutely balances it out, and this book becomes the perfect steamy, cuteness-induced rom-com, guaranteeing you a brilliant time while reading.

[Samantha Bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Rachel Kellar for sharing her 2nd book. This is a very easy and bingeable book to read, and follows characters introduced in the 1st book - but could be read as a standalone. I love Rachel Kellar's books as they are uncomplicated, fun and will just make you laugh whilst your toes are curling. A great spicy rom-com, and super sweet story.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

After devouring Boss Abroad, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book, and it didn’t disappoint. The banter and chemistry between Preston and Mia is off the charts. Rachel Kellar is quickly becoming one of my absolute favorite authors. If you love witty romance with incredible tension, you need to read this! — Thank you Rachel for the ARC!

[Latisha Gokey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me laughing giggling and omg all in one
Read this book in under 24 hours
Talk about a daddy and doctor kink
Mia comes to help a friend and be a nanny for a surgeon who's gone thru as lot who would have thought they fall for each other and the little girl Lilly seems sooo sweet loved this book has a happy ending

[LILIAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Kellar!!!!!!! Preston Jett has my heart. That man can do no wrong. I was not so patiently waiting for him since I read Boss Abroad. It was so worth the wait. The chemistry from the initial time Mia and him met was felt.
From the hotel to the office this book has the spice and the love we look for.
(I’ll give a thorough review in the next couple of days)

[Jas's booktok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review...
Such a cute story. Age gap, single dad, nanny... quite a bit of spice. The chemistry is intense from the very start. Found family of the best kind. Add to your TBR...

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
3.5-4 🌶️

Full review soon!