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The Trouble Series #2

The Trouble with Flirting

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An alternate cover edition can be found here.

Labelled a nerd for most of high school, Livi sees her first year of university as a chance to redefine herself. She can finally enter the popular crowd and maybe even land herself a super hot boyfriend. But Livi’s about to discover that the price of popularity may be more than she’s willing to pay, and that what—and who—she wants most has always been right in front of her.

332 pages, Paperback

First published September 5, 2014

52 people are currently reading
447 people want to read

About the author

Rochelle Morgan

8 books78 followers
Rochelle Morgan is the contemporary romance pen name of author Rachel Morgan. When Rachel isn't writing about fantastical magical worlds like Creepy Hollow, she steps into her contemporary romance shoes and writes about first love, embarrassing moments, cute kisses, and memorable characters figuring out their place in the world.

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5 stars
136 (28%)
4 stars
191 (40%)
3 stars
118 (25%)
2 stars
21 (4%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
Profile Image for Rachel Morgan.
Author 51 books1,836 followers
September 12, 2014
I had a lot of fun writing Livi's story, and I hope you have fun reading it!
Profile Image for Nancy❤The❤Bookaholic.
1,177 reviews142 followers
November 21, 2014
Received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was much better than the first in this series. Though this book is in a series it could be read as a standalone. The heroine wasn’t annoying and there wasn’t OTT drama. I will say that I wasn’t sure who the hero was in this book at first. I kept on thinking it would be Lucas but I was wrong.



Livi has an open mind about starting university. She’s determined that her university years will be way different then her high school. She was branded a “nerd” in high school, so she wants to break away and be seen as more. She gets accepted in the “in-crowd”. In hopes of getting the attention of Jackson, a fellow peer in one of her lecture, she allows her new friends to change her appearance. Livi has been pampered and shelter from the real world. So when she’s living with her best friend, Adam, and cousin, Lucas, she finds out quickly how much of a “princess” she was. She makes many mistakes and it helps her grow and realize that what she was searching for has always been right in front of her.



This is a very relatable story. There’s real-life struggles that every person starting college away from home encounters. There were a lot of errors in this book. All the apostrophes were open quotation marks but I think this would be corrected in the final released version.
Profile Image for Mandy.
1,559 reviews233 followers
October 31, 2014
I liked this book but I just didn't love it. I found the heroine to be an incredibly frustrating main character. There were some things that were very obvious that she was completely oblivious to. I didn't like some of the decisions she made. I really liked Adam. I love the slow build-up in this story but really wish that I would've been able to like Livi a little more. I did really enjoy this authors writing and look forward to reading more of her books!


**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Ruby Rae Reads.
346 reviews75 followers
January 12, 2019
Thanks a million to the author, Rachel, for sending me your book!

This book. I really needed it. I needed a fluffy contemporary I could escape into, a book that I could mindlessly read. I finished the entire thing in a day. It isn't the most mind-blowing book, and I didn't like Livi at all until right at the end, but I had a soft spot for Adam. Livi was being so extremely stupid and the kind of girls at school that I tremendously dislike, she does improve 3/4 into the book though. I must say, while I really enjoyed the book, the reason my rating is low is that I feel like there wasn't a giant 'plot', no conflict really, nothing really stood out. But I enjoyed the character dynamics and the university setting, especially since it's South African and in Cape Town. The dialogue is a bit cliche, but the whole story is and it didn't matter much because that was something I was expecting. It was overall a fun book and I think I'm definitely looking forward to the next two in the series.
Profile Image for Katherine Paschal.
2,293 reviews63 followers
December 19, 2014

Livi is starting her first year of college after taking a year off after high school. She has turned her image around, trying to shake the band geek/nerd persona she had before. She knows she wants love and friends, but what is she willing to do to get them?
I was expecting to get a new adult romance when I started reading this book, but I feel like it was more of a coming of age/growing up story. Livi learns about herself and what she really wants out of life, which just so happens to be a particular person, but that felt more like a side note. I had a hard time getting into the story and felt no strong desire to read it when I had free time. This may seem kind of harsh, but I feel kind of blah towards the book. It was not terrible; I just did not find it very interesting or compelling.
Personally, I did not care for Livi. She was so incredibly superficial! And yes, she goes through a change, blah blah, and learns to value what is right in front of her. But seriously, she was so stuck on how attractive or cool someone was that it was overwhelming to me. She was kind of a user herself, choosing people to be seen with to help her reputation. She so desperately wanted to be accepted as cool herself, but would hide away her friends because she was embarrassed of them. She still acted like she was stuck in high school.
Also, I felt like the story jumped around a bit and time passed in random ways with no real pattern or plot. For example, she was in the middle of moving in, then she was meeting friends at school, and then it was two weeks later and she was going to the beach. Yes all those things can happen, but there was no real transition, so I was not quite sure I followed.
The love interest I had no idea was the “love interest” for a very long time. Livi had crushes on so many “hot” guys in the book, I never expected this person to even be in the running and I felt like the book did not really set up their relationship. Together they had a lot of awkward interactions that I am sure were suppose to be funny to the reader, but I just found them to be plain awkward.
I know I am sounding harsh, but I did not really care for the book. It was just ok to me and not something I would read again. I am sure that there are other people who will really enjoy the story; I just was not one of them.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Angie Taylor.
Author 8 books50 followers
September 18, 2014
For a hopeless romantic, or if you like staying up way too late reading, or, if you love the slow falling in love romance, this is the perfect read. Another fantastic day-at-the-beach read! I'm not the hugest fan of the cover, because I think it makes it look like the book is fluff. But it's not! Once again, Rachel Morgan has written a fun, romantic read, that is well written, cleanish, and has a great message. I would describe this book as a coming of age story, as a young, first year college student, tries to find out who she wants to be, and how she wants to live her life, while hoping to leave behind her high school reputation. Finding what is most important to someone, can be a challenge, and I loved Livi, in all her confusion to find herself. And I thoroughly loved Adam, and his shy guitar skills! My favorite scene was Adam trying out his cheesy pick up lines on Livi. Totally laugh out loud funny, while at the same time creating that little knot of anticipation from excited romantic tension. Another great read Rachel Morgan!

p.s. current favorite sci-fi series- Lego Star Wars Yoda Chronicles
Profile Image for Raven &#x1f5a4;.
315 reviews
October 18, 2021
yes. this one was really good. like over the top just amazing. friends to lovers isn't my favorite trope tbh, but idk this one really grew on me. I loved Adam and Livi's chemistry. I also loved Adam's character, he was just a really well written character. After the last page, I literally wanted more of them. Of the whole book honestly. they didn't get serious until the end but I still love them all the same. these characters really grew on me. this whole book was a masterpiece.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Melissa Delport.
Author 62 books318 followers
July 14, 2017
Another sweet addition to the Trouble series. I must admit, Livi grated my nerves and I wanted to slap her for the most part, but I adored Adam and I'm intrigued to find out more about Andi, so on to book 3!
Profile Image for Stephenee.
1,869 reviews47 followers
September 12, 2014
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. *

I have read both of the author's previous books in this series and loved them, however, I think that I may love this one just a bit more (and possibly the next one even more, but hey, what can I say other than they are amazing). The author's words just flow and the story line is one that I think almost anyone can relate to. I feel like the author's description of both the characters and the setting make the reader feel as if they are a part of the book. You can easily picture the college campus, the moldy bathroom and even the vibe of the music from the cafe as you are taken away to Cape Town with your friends, Livi and Adam, Gross Cousin Luke and even Jackson. While you are with them you feel yourself wondering when Alivia and Adam will figure things out, when she will realize that there is no reason to change and at times you will even feel the anger that is being played out. The story has a steady flow, the banter between characters is something that you could hear anywhere and the relationships that evolve, develop and fall apart really strike a chord with the reader.

This could be read as a stand alone story, but to really appreciate the writing, characters and settings I would recommend picking up the other 2 stories that go along with this one. It is like spending time with old friends that you haven't seen in a few weeks as this book continues with their lives. I can't wait until the old gang (Livi, Adam, Sarah & Logan) get back together in one book to see/read their friendship as it evolves (hint, hint Rachel). So, the other important things in the story, the writer does come from another country so some words are spelled differently or referred to in a different manor, but it does not detract from the story, nor is the reader confused by it in any way. The author does a great job of making sure the reader can understand and appreciate the story no matter where they are. I love how the author can bring it all together for everyone to enjoy.

This is a must read series for any and all book lovers, especially if you enjoy a realistic story that doesn't involve a rich bachelor chasing after a girl, or characters being tied up to enjoy themselves. This author brings you a realistic story, characters and situations that people of any age can enjoy and appreciate. Make sure you add this to your TBR list as well as the previous books so that you don't miss out on some amazing books. Already looking forward to book 3 in the series, I hope that the author doesn't make the reader wait too long!

***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***
Profile Image for Roxanne.
850 reviews58 followers
April 2, 2015
Thank you to Netgalley and Mark My Words Book Publicity for the ARC!

You know, I think many people can probably relate to Livi's character - I know I certainly can! Growing up nerdy can be rough, but it's always tougher if you're self-conscious about it. That's why I love the age my daughter is at right now. She's ten, and she's a proud nerd! She's comfortable with who she is and what she likes, and I wouldn't have her any other way! I just hope she holds onto this confidence throughout adolescence...

Anyway, back to Livi! She's a nerd, but she's not proud of it. She's embarrassed of just about everything about herself, including her musical ability, which is a real shame. Moving to a new city to attend university, Livi is excited to reinvent herself, and honestly, what is wrong with that? A new hairstyle, new clothes and makeup, and a more outgoing attitude - what could go wrong? Haha! So much, indeed! That scene on the beach? Yep, been there, done that! Poor Livi, her antics had me giggling many a time!

But it's not all fun and games. Morgan doesn't shy away from some of the more serious topics facing the college crowd today. It was great to see Livi's growth as a character as she stood up for herself on more than one occasion, and how she eventually became more comfortable in her own skin.

There is a bit of a love triangle, but before all you triangle haters cross this book completely off your list, let me say that in this case, it seems to work. I won't give away more than that, but yeah, I thought this aspect of the book was quite well done.

Did I mention the setting? I was surprised and delighted to find that this series is set in South Africa! How cool is that? I immediately Googled the University of Cape Town, and ohmigosh it's so beautiful! And so unique in the world of New Adult.

So, definitely enchanted by this series and excited to get my hands on whatever Rachel Morgan comes out with next.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,323 reviews7 followers
January 24, 2015
Light-hearted and easy to feel a connection with this book!  I think most girls and maybe guys (not a man, sorry y'all!) want to re-invent themselves sometime in life.  Maybe college, high-school, new job, etc.  This book takes that idea, adds some romance, funny scenes, tender moments, issues that many young adults face and creates a story that I loved!

Very effective in creating this world that Livi lives in through descriptive words, dialogue and other characters.  Her humorous situations and internal thoughts resonated with me and my concerns when I went to college.  I further enjoyed this story because it is not just a one level romance story for the YA audience.  Rachel takes this story and shares some good lessons on issues that many face today; fear of fitting in, being yourself, the potential prevalence of drugs and alcohol in group settings, choosing your friends wisely, etc.  Though I will admit, it is the ending or the interactions between Livi and her best friend/roommate that were the clincher for me enjoying this book.

Only after I read it and started researching the author, books, etc. did I find out this was #2 in a series.  It most certainly can be read as a stand alone, though after reading it I was intrigued by the summaries of the other books in the Trouble series as well!  This is a quick, easy and very enjoyable read!  If you like YA books that can have teachable moments with light romance this one is for you:)  Full review at www.meghanvarner.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Once.
2,344 reviews81 followers
March 7, 2015
Livi sees starting college as a fresh start. She'll no longer be labeled a "nerd" like in high school. So she ditches her superhero inspired t-shirts and opts for trendier threads. She stuffs her violin out of view and decides it's "not her thing" anymore. And, she succeeds with the friendship of Allegra and company. But, maybe choosing popularity over her true self might not be the smartest choice.

For the most part I truly enjoyed The Trouble with Flirting. I definitely chuckled a lot and I absolutely loved Livi's sarcasm. Sarcasm is my native language. It was a fun and fast read with light drama and dilemmas.

The only thing I will say is it was never extremely clear to me who the love interest would end up being. There's popular guy, Jackson. Who started off adorable. His arc is probably the most believable in this story. Then "gross" Luke who is introduced and shocks Livi with how hot he has gotten. I needed more Luke! Then Adam. Oh my giddy heart! Adam is so incredibly swoon worthy. I would read this book over again just for him!

Anyway, Livi was very irritating at times. "GIRLFRIEND CAN'T YOU SEE WHAT'S RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU?" Is what I kept yelling at the book. Her character development was great! I'm glad she finally opened her eyes and accepted herself for who she is meant to be.

Overall this would be a good book to pick up over spring break for a quick read! It is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone. Cute Adam, and Livi's sarcasm are totally worth it!
34 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2015
I liked the first one in the series a ton, so I was excited to read this one. Sadly, I liked the first one better than this one for a couple reasons. The first and most important is that the cover would appeal to teenage readers and the content is too much for teens, in my opinion. There are incidents of drug and alcohol use, groping, language, and making out. I was expecting something a little tamer from the description of clean, contemporary romance. I guess clean is relative. The first book in the series was clean, so I was expecting something along those same lines. Guess not. It went a little farther. While the story line was pretty good, there wasn't as much humor as in The Trouble with Flying. I do like that it takes place in Africa and I can learn a little about their customs and ways of doing things. I also like that it's a story of trying to find where you belong and learning to be and love yourself for who you are, not molding yourself into what you think others want you to be. I'm still trying to decide if I'll read the next one in the series. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Katie Goldman.
2 reviews3 followers
September 16, 2014
Yet another stunner from Rachel Morgan. I eagerly await each new book from her and am never disappointed or let down. Somehow each one is better than the last! I cannot wait for the next one and will re-read the previous ones in the meantime - I need to get my Rachel Morgan literary fix! I recommend this book to everyone, whether you think you're a fan of young adult romance or not. Personally I've always considered myself to not be a fan of this genre at all, but Rachel Morgan proved me wrong. Give this series a try - you won't be disappointed!
17 reviews
February 19, 2015
This book is short and sweet with likeable characters. I felt like Livi and Adam were well-developed and progressed emotionally and mentally throughout the book. The storyline was a bit expected and cliché, but since it was well written, I didn't mind as much. I don't love the book, but I don't hate it either. What it boils down to for me is that I feel it was too cliché and lacked real substance. It's a great book for a quick, enjoyable read, but don't expect more than that.
Profile Image for Kathy.
2,741 reviews5,981 followers
September 15, 2014
Fun

Review to come..

Content: Some mild language, innuendo and one scene where a guy attempts to force himself on a girl at a party
Profile Image for Caroline.
122 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2019
** Book received in exchange for an honest review **


It's the first book I have read by Rachel Morgan and I've already downloaded book one to read more in this series. I think her writing is so refreshing and different in the sense that it's written how it is - if that makes sense.


Livi has had a life like many people can relate too - the nerd/weird one/geek.... you know all the names for not liking whats 'in' and when she heads to university with the goal of being accepted.

Luckily for her, it works and the 'IT' girls embrace her and essentially changer her. Now, i'm all for change but only if it's what you want - like hair, clothing. I tried to change once for my ex and you know dress how he thought was acceptable - down right boring! The my little pony t-shirts came back, skinny jeans and pumps. Sorry pal, accept me as I am or I'm out!..... which is why i'm now single lol.


As Livi 'changes' and gets more and more involved with being one of the popular kids and having a boyfriend - Jackson, someone who moved away from Durban and forgot his old friends (inc Livi) - her real friend, the one she lives with, Adam soon makes a point that she isn't the person she once was.


It's easy to forget the real you behind the mask of clothes and make-up.


And if i'm honest sometimes it takes that one night, one moment for you to realize what is important. Drugs and handy boyfriends ARE NOT important and in that moment, Livi see's what is wrong.

Life isn't about being popular, it's a bout being accepted in your own skin.


Not only does that little lightbulb moment occur, but one also does for her feeling about Adam. A guy who has always been there for her, loved her as herself. Never wanted her to change and deep down cares for her in a way that neither of them see coming - or try and ignore.


I'm so looking forward to reading The Trouble with Flying and I hope that there's a book about Alegra, I don't know why but I see her with the prince... just a gut feeling.
Profile Image for Kristina Applegate.
118 reviews4 followers
October 9, 2024
*I received this book free for an honest review.*

When I first started reading I found it very hard to enjoy the main character, Livi. It may have been that I didn’t read the first book in the series, I don’t know if that would have a better lead into the characters that were being introduced or if they are completely fine to read on their own. However, that being said, somewhere along the line of reading the first page and finishing the book I fell in love with the characters. I stayed up late and finished the book in one setting, my poor children were neglected, and they were probably wondering why I had a goofy grin on my face when poor “Princess Clumsy” seemed to be even clumsier around Adam or the fact that the two nerds were falling in love. It was a great way to finish a book. Warning Spoiler: I was a little frustrated when Carl came into the picture near the end, he was a jerk and my happy mood was spoiled for the brief minute that he was brought back into Livi’s life. But I was happy that her and Adam could make up and be a happy, loving, nerdy couple.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sara.
1,029 reviews18 followers
September 11, 2018
Cute fun book. I read The Trouble with Flying a few years ago and bought the rest of the series, but just now got around to reading the second book. They aren’t connected though and can be read separately.
Live is on her way to college and wants to change who she is to popular. She changes how she dresses, and hides her violin under her bed so she can be friends with the popular girls. She fears if they knew the real her, the her who loves music and Star Trek and Harry Potter, that they won’t like her because she’d be nerdy. It takes a few months but she eventually learns through experiences at college that she likes who she is and should be true to herself, with some new clothing still of course. And she falls in love with the guy that’s been there all along.
I loved the romance and the awkwardness and the flirting. It was sweet and fun and real. Recommend to everyone.
Profile Image for Valentina Silva.
231 reviews3 followers
June 11, 2021

Me gustoooo muchoo.
Este libro no puede ser mas tierno. Ame a Livi y Adam, me encanto que fue un romance que se dio lento, me permitió disfrutar mucho más llegando el final.
Me gusto mucho más que el primero de la serie.
La forma en la que escribe la autora hace que no quieras soltar el libro, me encantaron las partes en aparecen los emails y por supuesto chille en muchas ocasiones.
La verdad es que luego de terminar el libro me siento un poco vacía, me hubiera encantado leer más sobre la relación de los protagonistas, de hecho no quería terminar este libro.
Es muy probable que siga leyendo más de la autoría y el resto de la serie porque hasta ahora no ha decepcionado.
Lo recomiendo mucho para quienes quieran comenzar a leer en inglés porque es bastante fácil de entender y una lectura muy ligera.
Profile Image for Candy Laine.
Author 7 books8 followers
September 19, 2017
This book is the second in the series but can easily work as a stand alone. It's Sarah's friend Livi's book. Livi is on a mission to lose the nerd status that plagued her in high school when she goes to college. Adam is trying to explain to her that she doesn't need to change herself and forget about her old hobbies like playing the violin.
Of course things get even more messy when Adam breaks up with long distance and long time girl friend Jenna. Can Livi forget her need to be with the in crowd long enough to actually be there for her best friend when he needs her? Of course she can deal with that.
What she and Adam both didn't count on dealing with is their crazy attraction to each other...Now the question is, will they act on it? Or do they prefer to be in the friend zone forever?
Profile Image for J.M..
Author 12 books218 followers
February 15, 2020
I'm really enjoying this series, and I loved many aspects of this book--the characterization, the heroine's character arc, the hero, the humor. I docked a star only because at times the "sweet" romance got overly sensual for my taste. Otherwise . . . well, I could relate to this wacky, driven, confused heroine. Critics sometimes say characters like Livi are acting 14 instead of 19, but in my opinion, the author totally pegged the naive, self-centered, and often ridiculous choices of many young adults (Voice of experience, here). Not to mention the potentially self-destructive choices of many others. Some things never change . . .
But this story has a happy ending! I'm happily reading book 3 now . . .
Profile Image for Ann.
1,036 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2019
I dare to say that everybody at some point in life has felt the need to change themselves to fit in to a group. Watch a movie that the hot guy loves. Or go to a club where everybody goes. Or move to a different town/job and start new.
Livi sees the start of university as her opportunity to change herself to be more popular. But in the end, she realises that it's not so important what others think but more to be true to yourself.
I liked livi, she's funny although not very mature for her age. Adam seems to be more level headed and I wonder if he really will ever loose those worried thoughts her has in the end....
Profile Image for Meg.
46 reviews
May 18, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I still like the first one slightly better, but this one is great. I loved the slow burn romance, the cafe, the nerdy references, the friendships and relationships, and most of all the main characters growth. My only problem was that when she finally ends up with the right guy they go more physically than I would like from a clean contemporary. And I would have liked more resolution with some of the side characters, but that could happen in some of the other books. Overall, a great read. xx M
Profile Image for Mella aka Maron.
1,150 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2020
I know that some people didn’t like this book because of Livi or the more intense scenes, but I really enjoyed it!

I like Livi. She’s a different heroine, someone who’s trying to figure out what she wants. I don’t mind that she’s a bit crazy and a bit silly. And Adam was a great male lead; he was always there for Livi, just like a prince should be for his princess.

The side characters were a bit underdeveloped but I figure in a plot line where we move to different characters every book, that’s going to happen. Maybe they’ll get more time later or maybe not.

I’m excited to keep reading!
Profile Image for Lily.
402 reviews29 followers
August 5, 2020
Read this in all one sitting and absolutely adored it. I’m obsessed with the storyline and the authentic pull of the characters. I wish there could have been more solution with the dad and Livi, but other than that, I truly enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Annabelle.
38 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2017
I'm such a sucker for girl-and-guy-best-friend romances like these! So adorable.

I loved how it was set in Cape Town.
194 reviews2 followers
October 19, 2018
Didn’t love it didn’t hate it. It was mostly clean. The main character was annoying, but she did grow and come around at the end. Loved Adam.
107 reviews3 followers
January 1, 2019
I absolutely loved it! As soon as the story ends, I miss the characters. The friendship between Sarah, Adam, and Livi will last a lifetime. Once again, the messages in the story are ones we can 
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