The Thing About Trouble

Crystal Lake #1

by Juliana Stone

Cam Booker learned the hard way that commitment and love aren’t for him. Fresh out of a relationship that nearly saw him go to jail, he’s focused on building a life and building his business. But when he suddenly finds himself responsible for a motherless five-year-old, his world is turned upside down. What does he know about caring for a little girl? On top of that, his newest client, the notorious widow Banes is definitely the kind of trouble he doesn’t need.

But the thing about trouble? It always has a way of finding him…

Bluebell Banes hides behind a cool façade of disinterest and money. She’s knows what the locals think of her—the Vegas showgirl hit it big when elderly David Banes married her. But they don’t know the pain she carries, or the past she’s running from. They don’t know the desire Cam Booker stirs in her, or the yearning his little girl evokes. The man has her thinking of things she shouldn’t be thinking about. Forbidden things. Hot things. Complicated things. Blue doesn’t do complicated. It’s too much trouble and there are too many risks.

And the biggest risk of all is something she’s guarded for years. Her heart…

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Fiction, Ebooks

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 22, 2018

About the author

Juliana Stone is also known as J.A. Stone.

USA Today bestselling author and 2015 RITA® winner JULIANA STONE fell in love with books in the fifth grade when her teacher introduced her to Tom Sawyer. A tomboy at heart, she splits her time between baseball, books, and music. When she’s not singing with her band, she’s thrilled to be writing young adult as well as adult contemporary romance—books that have garnered starred reviews from Publishers Weekly & Booklist—from somewhere in the wilds of Canada.

Reviews

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/14/2019)! 🎁

[Whit · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Had no idea how much time had passed and I somehow missed this series. While reading the BAD BOYS of CRYSTAL LAKE series, this book had been announced, 2018, but had not been published. So I am now making yet ANOTHER adjustment to my TBR list. lol!!!!!
Sweet! Emotional! Suspenseful!
Loved this journey with Cam and Blue, but sweet Tawny grabbed my heart and didn't let go. So glad that Cam and Blue fought against those small town gossip creeps and found peace in the midst of the chaos.
I admit I had my doubts that this could all work out, especially after Blue was tricked into signing all those documents. Reminds us to examine why we seem to always, be in such a hurry to believe the lies of our enemies. Awesome writer and awesome story!

[Paganalexandria]

06/21/20 currently free in The Gift of Love boxset
https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Love-Boxe...

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh Crystal Lake

Loved all the previous books about Crystal Lake and am so glad there is a spinoff now. Ms. Stone writes wonderful characters and gives them so many feelings that I am just sucked into her world. This is what a good book does for me. Cam, Blue, Tawny were wonderful characters and I loved their HEA.

[Amanda Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out my full review at Bookcase and Coffee:

https://bookcaseandcoffee.com/review-...

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate writing a bad review and I’ll try to include helpful criticism because I have read three different series written by this author and I know she can write a better story than this one. I enjoyed Cameron and Blue’s sudden and budding relationship with adorable 5 year old Tawny and I fell in love with the little girl’s antics. She’s a ray of sunshine in an otherwise so-so story that could have been so much better. I liked Cameron and Blue’s characters on the surface but I didn’t feel an emotional connection between them because neither one shares their past, Blue rarely shares her emotions and I was totally frustrated that Cameron’s back story was featured in his brother’s book in another series but it isn’t mentioned in this one. Instead of tackling those juicy topics so I felt an emotional attachment to Blue and Cameron the story is filled with mundane everyday moments that took the place of great character development. The couple had a physical attraction but they didn’t have an intimate emotional relationship where they revealed their fears, hopes and dreams. Sadly, when Blue’s full backstory is finally revealed in the last several chapters the dramatic impact that would have made their story compelling falls decidedly flat. If you truly want to experience the full range of emotions Juliana Stone is capable of creating, I urge you to read her Barker Triplets series because this one does not reflect her exceptional writing skills.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Fantastic book!! I love seeing this series continue. Great characters who are flawed, real, and loveable. The way Cam just accepted Tawny into his life melted my heart. Blue and Cam are great together making this a must read.

[Ann Lorz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a while since I've read anything by Juliana Stone. I enjoyed what I read but I will admit that her writing didn't pull to me then. I picked The Thing About Trouble to read because I couldn't get into anything, and I wasn't sure what I felt like reading.

I'm so glad that I did. I ended up really enjoying The Thing About Trouble.

Right away I knew I loved Cam. Right off the bat something about him just drew me in. He comes off as a very hard-working great guy. Anyone who's good to his elderly next door neighbor has to be a good guy. Add in that he's willing to take in a child who just lost her mother, and you can see a good person.

I loved how sweet he was to the little girl. He didn't really have a clue to what he was doing and since child wasn't his you'd understand if he didn't want to be there for her, but he did step up and bring her into his life. Total hero!

Bluebell comes off as someone you won't want to know. She seems like a woman who goes after old men for money. As you read the story and get to know her, you'll see a whole new layer to her.

So much is going on in both their lives that you'd think they couldn't take more on, but it all worked. Together they worked so well for each other. They brought out the best in each other and really helped one another. They because a wonderful family.

I'm so glad I decided to pick up this series and start reading it. I ended up buying the whole series and I've been reading them. Sometimes it's good to go back and read one of those authors that at the time might not have pulled at you. You never know what can happen.

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[Brenda Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cam Booker, never expected coming home one day and realizing that his whole life would change. When an unexpected little girl entered his life. A Mother dying wish was for Cam to take care of her, give her a better life than what she had. BlueBell Barnes, had everything she wanted, home, money, but was she happy? The moment that Cam Booker started her new landscape, she could feel that attraction. Blue, didn't trust many and love even less, but when a little five years old Tawny, cross her path, something in her change. Could she fight her past, to finally have that happiness she always wanted and to never be alone again. But when her deceased husband son, threats finally collide with her happiness, will she give up everything to protect them. Everyone deserves to be happy, we cannot judge our past and the decision we make we can only learn from them and move on, and believe in yourself that we could have that happiness. Will Cameron fight for her, or will he believe that Bluebell Barnes is nothing but trouble.

[Deb Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Thing About Trouble is a fantastic contemporary romance by Juliana Stone. Ms. Stone has provided readers with a well-written book. The characters are outstanding and so stinking lovable you want them to move next door. Cam is ready to start a huge project when the 5-year-old daughter of his ex is dropped in his lap. Blue is living in the home of her husband, trying to carry out his wishes after his death...in spite of her stepson giving her a hard time. Blue and Cam's story is packed with drama, humor and spice. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more from Juliana Stone in the future. The Thing About Trouble is book 1 of the Crystal Lake Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

[Cherye Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trouble x 3

I love reading books where it makes your emotions go in every direction. Love. Hate. Anxious. Furious. Murderous. Happy. Sad.
I know they have mood stabilizer drugs for that, but that doesn't help in making this a fun read.
Blue has some pretty horrible people in her life. Mom. StepDad. Stepson (grrrrr).. The ladies in town that gossip. Yet she is able to overcome it and have her happily ever after. Good read .

[Clarie Giselle Speights · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

This book was an easy read and I liked how they took the time to allow their love to blossom rather than jump into things right away. What I didn’t like was the poor editing. There was some other issues besides their blossoming relationship that I felt was written well enough and realistic rather than drawn out and unrealistic. What I wish is that Bluebell had more strength. But otherwise a good read.

[Earlyn]

Amazing read!!!

I received this alone for free and date I say this will not be last time I read anything this author puts out. The story line was so well thought out, the characters were realistic, the only thing I wished I could have read was Cash's confrontation of Edward. After all he put Blue through I would've enjoyed his comeuppance. Would definitely recommend this book and the author. Now on to the next book!!!!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! What an engrossing story! Cam and Blue had everything going for them and against them. Somethings I took from this story: 1) everyone has a past, some of them more painful than others, 2) everyone deserves happiness, 3) everyone deserves to be loved.
Cam, Blue, Tawney and others were such neat characters and Crystal Lake sounded like an amazing place. I loved the family support! Really enjoyed this story, which I read from The Gift Of Love Boxed Set.

[June Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 stars for this new series by Juliana Stone.

I have read the Crystal Lake series by Juliana and would recommend it to everyone who likes steamy romance, friends and family. The characters are believable and easy to like and the storylines are well developed and keep your interest from the beginning til the end.

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohmigod...a new Crystal Lake series begins!

Lordy—what an amazing read! We’ve all fallen in love with the whole Crystal Lake series of books, and now we get even more. You’re going to love this first book...it’s got something for everyone: kickass storyline; characters you love and love to hate; some interesting twists and turns; and a totally terrific HEA.

[Christine Jalili · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional read.

I loved this book. Loved his both Cam and Blue fell for each other and how close they became with Tawny. Will they become a family? I cried over the sacrifice Blue made. It’s a very touching book. Loved how they adopted Tawny and it’s a great happy ever after. I highly recommend this book.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cam has the bad boy reputation and his life is transformed when Tawny arrives for him to look after, will he be able to stop his old ways and put Tawnys needs first.

Bluebell has recently lost her husband and she is fighting to keep Davids wishes alive but his son is determined to ruin all of this%

Cam is working on a project at Blues house how will they react when their paths cross.

[Lisa Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

I get a little confused, my fault cause I haven't looked at her timeline, about the Crystal Lake books. I recently finished the first Blackwells of Crystal Lake (also very good) but Nash wasn't married and was just buying the bar. I guess I better look more at her books cause I really hope Poppy has a story and Cash better have one, too!

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good story, unfortunately it took me way too long to finish because I kept getting really frustrated that the author felt the need to constantly refer to people by their full name! One chapter about drove me crazy when Cam was talking to his mother and every other sentence mentioned her by first and last name. It was too much!

[Pam L · Rating 5 out of 5]

What trouble???

Wow,you do not disappoint Juliana Stone. Loved seeing Can growing up and falling in love! Loved meeting Tawny and Blue. Now let's keep this series moving. Let's hear more about Crystal Lake!!!
When is the the next book due!!

[Casey Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A most enjoyable offshoot to the Blackwells of Crystal Lake. Lots of emotions, good intentions and a few histories of bad decisions- which makes us human. Family keeps us together but can also tear us apart. You have to decide how best to deal with them.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful!

A beautiful story about finding a family of your own! I loved Cam, Blue, and Tawny together. So many scenes that pull at your heart. This book had such a somber, yet hopeful feel to it for me. Just hit me right in the heart.

[Jen Durand · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unicorn Cupcakes

I really liked the story. There were scenes that made me smile. Tawny sounded like a cute kid and there was a lot of emotional depth. I rated down two stars only because I found myself checking out every few pages.

[Meluvbooks2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok read

Ok read. Very slow start, but it gets better. wanted more of the back history of Blues past and I was left wandering about her stepfather. Absolutely loved Tawny and Cam.

[Ronie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing novel!!!

This novel will make many everyday emotions seem trivial when faced with so much traumatizing events in life and the choices made by each character. It"s worth every star rated!!!

[Melanie R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good romance

I enjoyed the story. It was a quick read and the characters were well developed and editing was quite good. There weren’t any issues that pulled me out of the story as can often happen when the editing is not up to par.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an easy read and I liked that it didn't jump into the romance right away. I think it could have benefited from a little better editing. Some parts of the story either needed to be developed more than they were or taken out altogether. Overall, a quick good read.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I wasn’t sure about this book. It didn’t grab me straight away. However, I soon became very hooked and just had to see how it all turned out. There were so many things to want to see right in this. I was delighted with the ending of this one.

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading about Crystal Lake and its people ❤️

Cam was awesome, I loved how he cared for Tawny. Without hestitation, just love for a little girl, who wasn't his own. Blue had a hard life, so I'm glad she got her HEA and a family.