This was a delightful read, and surprisingly exactly as advertised. Beth and Gwen are both on the marriage mart (Victorian times, not Regency, though without the mention of hoop skirts I'm not sure you can really tell the difference) and would both rather skip the whole affair. When they realize their respective single parents have romantic history, they decide to set them up together. Not only for their own happiness, but also because it would take the pressure off their own marriages. This book really doesn't take itself very seriously, so I can only describe what happens next as "shenanigans ensue."

This is a really fun strangers to friends to lovers as well, with the girls meeting and becoming friends throughout the book, which is honestly one of my favorite tropes. Unlike Bridgerton, it's not a full on romp. Things are pretty PG for most of the book - there's really only one steamy scene. Nevertheless it's a very enjoyable book and a solid debut novel.

My only complaint is that I felt we could've gone a bit deeper into the characters. I would've liked more on page banter, more emotional moments, and more back story into the characters- that really would've put this book from "solid debut" to "wowza" for me.

Don't Want You Like a Best Friend by Emma R. Alban is the queer Bridgerton rom-com you never knew you needed.

Synopsis:
It’s Beth Demeroven’s first season, her only chance to find a husband to secure her and her mother’s future. Beth must find a proposal by the end of the season or risk homelessness, since her father left them nothing upon his untimely death. Gwen Havenfort, on the other hand, is entering her 4th season, with hopes of ending it without a match again. After all, she got a pony last year and hopes her father will provide a racehorse as a consolation this time around.

Gwen takes Beth under her wing at the first ball of the season and the young women become an inseparable duo, realizing that they mean more to one another than any man ever could. But the ton could never accept such a scandalous pairing. Realizing their parents missed their own opportunity at a love match, the girls hatch a plot to pair them off. That way, they’ll never have to go their separate ways. But we’ve all seen Parent Trap a time (or ten), and know things often go awry when meddling in the love lives of our parents.

My Thoughts:
What really drew me to this book was the description: Bridgerton x Parent Trap – count me in!

I adored the characters in this book. Both girls and their respective parents have such sweet and caring relationships that still feel real, and not over the top. I wish we got more interaction with the rest of the cast, like Gwen’s cousins and Meredith. That said, I am excited for the second book the author has set up that looks like it will involve them to a greater extent.

It also felt a bit lacking in what we got of Lady Demeroven and Lord Havenfort, since we see it through the POV of either Gwen or Beth. What we did get kept me eager for their next interaction or crumb of info about their past.

As for Gwen and Beth, they are lovable goofs fighting for what they want in a world where women are second class citizens. The culmination of their relationship, once they realized their feelings, felt rushed, but the slow-burn and chemistry before had me in tangles – a blush here, holding a hand there, hoop skirts always in the way and no idea how they felt until it all fell into place.

The book was somewhat predictable but not overly so, often leaving me smiling or giggling to myself at the shenanigans throughout. It also felt a bit slow in the middle but picked right back up at the end. It is a quick, cute read for anyone looking for a lighthearted, sapphic Victorian romance. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoyed Bridgerton or doesn’t often read historical romance, like myself, and wants to dip a toe into the genre.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐, 2/5 🌶
Content Warnings: Physical, emotional, and domestic abuse, sexism, sexual content.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon HarperCollins for providing this e-ARC. All opinions within this review are my own.

I will be posting on GoodReads and StoryGraph 2 weeks before the publish date. I will post to Amazon on the publish date.

I received this digital ARC free from NetGalley, thank you. This is a great read, with a good plot, excellent romance, and well-developed characters. I truly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the rest of the series!

Hear me out: Turn on the fairy lights, queue up “Dress” by Taylor Swift, and get yourself a good array of tea pastries - these are the prime conditions for reading this adorable and swoony sapphic romance.

I ate this entire book UP! When it was pitched as "Parent Trap" and "Bridgerton" I was admittedly skeptical, but oh boy this book DELIVERED.

The dynamic between the leads was fun and captivating - I adored that we got to watch these two from their very first meeting to falling in love. Gwen, bold and charismatic, was a perfect counterpart to Beth, timid and amiable. Together they were sometimes a bit of a disaster, real idiots to lovers representation, ya know? (Beth and Gwen had 3 braincells between them and 1 of those brain cells was mildly intoxicated at all times…but we love them anyways). But they always had the best intentions and through their, admittedly poorly organized mission to get their widowed parents together, they come to confront what matters most to them and what is worth fighting for.

I also must add that the whole cast of this book was really delightful and I am SO thrilled that there are hints to a future second book following Beth and Gwen's cousins!

This book was unexpectedly one of my top reads this year and I very much recommend it if you’ve ever watched "Bridgerton" and thought “man, I really wish there were sapphics here.” (Is that not a thought we’ve all had at some point? It can’t just be me.)

Special thanks to Netgalley and Avon for the ARC - I am leaving this review voluntarily!

Being that The Parent Trap was my favorite movie growing up, it's no surprise that I absolutely loved this book. From start to finish it was a fun read and I instantly grew to like the characters. When it comes to historical fiction I always look for accuracy in fashion and social customs so I loved that this author really knew what they were talking about but still managed to keep it entertaining for the reader. I liked that the story wasn't entirely predictable and still had some twists, will definitely be recommending this book when it releases!

What an amazing queer twist on the usual Victorian romance! I enjoyed this a lot, and the Parent Trap aspect was also enjoyable!

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager, Avon, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book!

I am a lesbian, and a glad one at that-- that was, admittedly, the only reason why I'd requested the book. Sure, the title threw me off a little, but maybe that was the only modernism.

It wasn't. It felt as if it was a cosplay of the vaguely mentioned time period (implied throughout the political background, passing a specific Act) and the languages, thoughts, attitudes, and jokes seemed to be all very twenty-first century. There seemed to be little effort of making it feel like the era and it might as well have been window dressing or roleplaying.

I felt as if I was forcing myself through the book, unfortunately. I found myself more interested in the parents getting together than the girls themselves which is.... kinda feels like a betrayal, but we;'re lesbians, we all like to see parents doing well.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books for providing me with this e-ARC! When I initially requested this book, I had no idea what I was diving into. The allure of a Parent Trap twist in the plot and a queer romance were the driving forces behind my interest. Apart from that, my knowledge about Regency history, ballgowns, and intricate etiquette was practically nonexistent.

The story kicked off at a leisurely pace, marked by an unusual past-present tense dynamic that left me a bit perplexed. However, my fascination with the LGBTQ plot involving Gwen and Beth remained steadfast. Around the 25% mark, the narrative took a compelling turn. Romance blossomed, a touch of smut was introduced, and the complexities of genealogy and family connections became clearer.

As the plot thickened, the engaging banter and storyline held me captive, often keeping me awake past 2 am. I found myself yearning for more of the witty exchanges. Surprisingly, I developed a preference for Beth over Gwen. Despite the slow start, the book proved unputdownable.

What truly captivated me was the underlying conflict, so much so that I almost overlooked its resonance with contemporary LGBTQ rights issues. The author skillfully delved into challenging subjects, particularly family dynamics. This book is a must-read, even for those not typically drawn to Regency romances.

I will probably say more on my bookstagram post.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for giving me an eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

There’s a tweet circulating the internet that says something along the lines of how sometimes shows use gay characters to get people to watch them, because otherwise the show would be too boring to watch. The author of the tweet calls this form of gaybaiting, “gayboring.” That was how I felt about this book. There were certainly angsty lesbians in it, but I wouldn’t say there was much else. The setting was hard to keep track of, because some scenes lasted for ages and some lasted barely a page before we were at a different party at some other wealthy nobleman’s home. And, it’s possible that I’m just American and this isn’t a valid criticism, but all of the English slang seemed very overdone and distracting. I will say, if you’re looking for lesbian Spice, this book definitely has it— it’s one of the few things it does have. I just… I had high hopes this book would have more story in it than just sad lesbians pining for each other and intermittently trying to get their parents together.

the beginning of this book was a little slow and honestly a little hard for me to get into but that might have been bc I was reading only like 2 or 3 minutes at a time but once their relationship really started to develop and toe the line from friends to lovers I was hooked and by then I was able to read for hour long periods so it worked out great. I love that you see them meet on page and you can see their transition from strangers to friends to lovers. the epilogue? 10/10 and I really wish the arc had a teaser in the teaser section and not just a header because I wanted to stay longer in that world. I think the writing style flowed well and I can't wait for it to come out so I can get a physical copy.
favorite quote:
are you being stalked by a disgruntled, diseased chicken?

This was a really cute sapphic historical romance! Although I did feel this book was entirely too long, it should have been about 100 pages less. I feel like there were two separate stories written: Beth and Gwen’s romance, and the “parent trap” aspect of them getting their parents together. The focus was constantly being pulled between the other, and I did feel like this took away from the story as a whole. That said, I am glad to have read it! I would recommend if you want to read a sapphic historical romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Overall this was a fun book but it felt like it was trying to do a lot of things and I’m not sure it did them all well.

First, the good: the main sapphic couple was very sweet, the romance was built up at a good speed & it was very easy to root for them to be together. Both POV characters were enjoyable while being different enough that most of the time, I could tell which POV was which. There were a few times it got muddled but on the whole, I liked the relationship. There is open door spice and it is written in a comfortable, positive way.

The costumes: well described and true to the appropriate time period for the most part. I can tell the author did some research on what was stylish at this time.

The less great: the parent trap situation. It was a little awkward because you have a whole extra romance happening, with a history and character arcs, but no POVs in that relationship. Instead everything is filtered through their daughters, which has a slight ick factor. The scene where both couples (again, daughters and their PARENTS) are sitting around feeding each other oysters in suggestive ways was…. weird. The parent trap is inherently cutesy and making it a romantic premise with the goal of two step sisters being able to date each other was just on the edge of being fine vs being slightly weird at times. The epilogue makes it seem like the whole setup will end up being unnecessary/temporary anyway so I guess that’s less ick (sort of) but also kinda deflates some of the tension.

The political background plot: this very much tied the story to a particular time and I think maybe that was a bit of a mistake. The way it is written—the morality, the sensibility—is more Regency than Victorian. That’s where the bridgerton comp comes in. But it’s not set in the Regency Era and this plot constantly reminds me of that fact. It also felt a little over the top and heavy handed.

Definitely a unique and interesting book and I’ll look forward to what this author puts out next.

I need more of this series immediately. Beth and Gwen meet at the first ball of the season and become fast friends. They decide to set up their widowed parents in an effort to get out of having to marry themselves. The plan backfires when they fall in love with each other and see no way out.

I love every character in this book. And would read a whole story about Mrs Gilpe and Mrs Stelm… I don’t even mind that it’s supposed to be 1850s and they use modern language and mannerisms because the story was so immersive. The angst made me cry myself

Beth has one season to find a husband but at her first ball she meets Gwen, who is on her fourth season and has no plans to marry. Beth’s mother’s and Gwen’s father’s reaction to each other clues the girls into their parent’s history and a plan hatches to get their parents together. As they spend time together sparks begin to fly between Beth and Gwen, but Beth knows her duty and becomes engaged to a man she feels nothing for. The pair must figure out how they can be together.

I was super excited when Avon sent me an early ARC of this book. I adore the cover and as a Swiftie the Taylor Swift lyric had me intrigued. I was honestly expecting there to be a lot more Taylor Swift references peppered into the book (like Alexandria Bellefleur does so effortlessly), but found maybe one or two unintentional ones, which is likely going to mean some super Swifties are going to pick this book up and feel like the marketing lied to them, and this book deserves better than that. As a Swiftie who isn’t a Gaylor I was honestly glad to find the book wasn’t T.S. / K.K. fan fiction.

I will say I was instantly disappointed when I started the book and found it was written in third person present tense, which is my absolute least favorite tense. It’s clunky, unnatural, difficult to read, and I find it nearly impossible to feel a deep connection with the characters because it feels like everything is bing told instead of shown. It honestly reads like a movie script. In another tense this book would have been one I flew through in a single sitting, but instead it dragged on for days and I was able to very easily set it down even in the midst of the most exciting parts of the book. I get that present tense is “in” at the moment, but third person present is just not an enjoyable reading experience for me.

I did like both Gwen and Beth. I enjoyed their Parent Trap plot and loved that their parents supported the girls in their own ambitions and their relationship together. I am always intrigued by how historical authors of queer romances find a way for the couples to be together. I like how this book resolved that plot point and hinted at a more permanent solution that may appear in future books in the series. I liked that the love scene was on the page and was happy it took place about half way through the book rather than having to wait for the end like in so many books recently. I liked that the characters were messy as it made them feel authentic. The book did use anachronistic language for much of the dialogue which I can see being a major issue with a lot of historical romance purists. As someone who enjoys shows like Dickinson that modernizes period pieces, the casual nature of the language and some modern vocabulary wasn’t a big detractor for me but was noticeable. I am looking forward to seeing where the next book in this series takes us.

Thank you to Avon for the gifted copy and Avon and Netgalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

“only bought this dress so you can take it off” (i was definitely waiting if there would be a scene that alluded to this line and there was indeed). i can do a whole separate talk on the sapphic coded of taylor swift “dress” but that for a different day.

the book follows gwen and beth trying to their single parent together but also leading to feeling they developed for one and another. the book follows the conflict of sacrifices for etc. overall it was a sweet cute fun read. based off the epilogue im likely to read the next book to see how everything continues to play out.

my only few critiques is there some repetitiveness and i’m just here like “oh here we go again” *roll eyes* so i definitely found myself skimming some sections. also i have no clue why i thought they were like 16 or 17, i’m not sure if just their dialogue or actions. it wasn’t till after the scene i went back to search whether it ever mentioned their age (which i believe 20)

I loved this little Victorian-esque queer romance. It touts a Bridgerton vibe, which is true to some extent, but more so it fits into period piece romance with a lovely queer romance element. And in this case, romance is actual love, not just spice, which I really enjoyed. (FYI, Bridgerton is a lot spicier than this book.) I loved the characters - Beth and Gwen are perfect, Beth's mother is a quiet badass, Gwen's father is a loving, doting, understanding father with his own love story, and I just really enjoyed the world and the friends and the connections. I immediately searched for other books or upcoming books by Emma R. Alban when I finished - I will be on the lookout for more by this author.

This book wasn’t what I expected at any point. I expected more of a rom-com but that likely was misreading/understanding on my part.

I liked a lot about the book: the premise of a sapphic Victorian novel, numerous Taylor references, the fabulous found family with Gwen’s cousins, all the layers to the clothes, wine cellar scene, Mrs. Stelm and Mrs. Gilpe.

I struggled with a few things in this story. I wish the story had as much fun/romantic pining to sad pining (which bogged down my read). I wish the build up to Gwen and Beth getting together was a little more. I wasn’t as invested in them as I wanted to be when it happened. Honestly, the story of the girls parents was so interesting and I was so invested I would have almost rather read that story. Keeping track of everyone and all the titles was tricky. Also, the parent trap aspect of this romance really lost me a bit, it felt weird especially with how the book ended…

I wanted to love this, it was cute but nothing fantastic.

A wonderful debut novel that gives readers exactly what they want-a good dose of angst, intimacy, and wholesome young love! Alban does a beautiful job of conveying the tumultuous, intense, and terrifying yet beautiful feelings that come with first love and coming to terms with your sexuality. The pacing feels a bit rushed as the initial first kiss and their first ~intimate~ scene did catch me a bit off guard. However, I also appreciate that many historical romances have such a slow build with almost too much yearning and this felt much more truthful to the whiplash of young romances (especially considering Gwen and Beth are not teenagers). I appreciated that while there was some realistic elements of what it was like for queer people at the time, there were lots of supportive and acceptive family, friends, and an older, happy queer couple as a model. There is enough homophobia and queer tragedy in real life and Alban was able to provide some historically accurate queer representation while also keeping the story light enough to still be a very fun read. The setup for the next book in this series was perfect and I can't wait to read it too!

I thought this was a delight for Emma R. Alban’s debut novel. This new adult historical romance is told in dual third-person limited, present-tense POV of Beth and Gwen. Beth’s father passed, leaving her and her mother without any money so they must secure a husband for Beth before the season is over so they can secure housing and protection in society. Gwen’s father has made a name for himself as a bit of a rake in society, and doesn’t mind that Gwen is on her third or fourth season without properly securing an engagement. After Gwen and Beth meet, they strike up a friendship and realize their parents shared an elusive past, and they hope to get them together to avoid having to be in society to find a husband again. They both harbor romantic feelings for the other, and must contend with a society that will not allow them to marry.

I do wish the build up to the actual steamy scenes had a bit more tension, longing, and angst because it felt like it came out of nowhere in the first scene that they kissed. I absolutely believed that Gwen and Beth cared for each other as friends, but I would have really enjoyed a few more moments of longing looks that lasted a bit too long to be “friendly,” or a few more brush of their hands and having the young women feel a bit flustered. A few more scenes of both characters questioning their feelings towards the other would have helped me to know that the kiss was coming, and that their relationship was building up towards this! I did believe the connection towards the end, but I felt like Beth’s feelings especially could have been more fleshed out.

Regarding the subplots of the bill being voted on and the parents getting to know each other again/their second chance romance, I thought it was intriguing enough but it sometimes felt a bit disjointed or out of place. Overall, I had an entertaining enough time and I will continue the series of interconnected standalone romances!

steam rating: 2/5

representation: while there are queer couples, the entire cast is white

cw: sexism, misogyny, intimate partner violence and emotional abuse (past, described, off-page), death of a parent, society is not affirming or open regarding queer couples so we do meet a couple who must remain *discreet* though they are life partners

What a debut!! It reminds me of why I always love trying debuts. I found a new favorite author. I loved the writing, the characters, ADORED the plot oh my god. I am so so happy and thankful I got to read this early. Sapphic masterpiece.