Maybe period pieces just aren’t for me because this was boring. I didn’t find the romance all that enticing and the solution for how they end up together isn’t romantic at all either. At some point i forgot this book wasn’t YA and the spicy scene was kind of unexpected and honestly could have done without.

I adored everything about this book. A sapphic Bridgerton with a parent trap subplot and a political side plot to allow women to divorce bad husbands? Sign. Me. Up. I loved the dual POV for Gwen and Beth and watching their relationship unfold. There’s a lovely cast of characters and the story is so delightful. I was very emotional about the characters and their journeys! If you like breaking the mold, women’s right, sapphic romance, best friends to lovers and historical romance I highly highly recommend.

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC!

Don't Want You Like A Best Friend is a fun, whimsical, sapphic historical romance full of hijinks, emotional ups and downs, and two happily-ever-afters you can't help rooting for. The descriptive nature of the clothing and environment of gave an honest yet humorous look into how difficult a women's everyday life could be during this time period. The characters are quite lovable from the two heroines to their extended families, I became invested in each unique relationship. The epilogue is intriguing enough that I am excited to see where the story goes in the next book in the series and can't wait to see these characters on the page again. The title with it's contemporary reference really captures the whimsy of the book, however, at times, I found myself pulled from the plot with some contemporary dialogue I wouldn't expect from a historical fiction book. Overall, I would recommend this book for historical romance fans as it is a refreshing approach to the genre, one that I have been eagerly anticipating and I am excited to see where the story goes in the sequel as well as any other novels Emma R. Alban will publish.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I loved our parents trapping main characters. I also enjoyed reading about their relationships with their parents. Emma wrote beautiful descriptions of the surroundings. I always get a little sad when reading LGBTQIA+ historical romance knowing that the couple will never be able to love each other openly. In the end of the story there are mentions of an idea that could give them the life they want together so I suspect we will be able to read how that turns out in the next book.

Definitely one of the best queer historical romances I've read so far, and I cannot wait to read the next in the series! Alban constructs lovable characters to root for. I plan to recommend this to anyone who inquires about historical and/or queer romance books.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: January 9, 2024

A sapphic faux regency romance in a contemporary voice, this had all the right pieces but left me yearning for more. I found myself more interested in their parents relationship than their own, and I often couldn’t distinguish between the two MCs.

Lesbian romance in a regency setting, with a smattering of matchmaking thrown in? This book checks all the boxes for me!

I found this book to be witty, fun, and surprisingly thought-provoking. I quickly fell in love with Beth and Gwen, and the side characters of their parents and friends were just as dynamic. Once I got settled into the book, it felt like I was watching a favorite TV show, full of life and good dialogue and depth. As Beth and Gwen struggled to find a way to foster their romance in a world where same-sex relationships weren’t even heard of, I wanted to cry with them, knowing that this was a reality for countless queer people throughout history. The author depicted this heartbreaking situation so well.

In addition to its well-written characters - which is always a win in my book - the book shows the uglier side of the regency era without hesitation. Though other media set in this time period (i.e. Bridgerton) clearly shows how women are dependent on men for security, this took a deeper turn, covering abuse, neglect, and the ramifications of divorce. I especially appreciated the attention that the author gave to day-to-day problems, like navigating hoop skirts, dealing with heat exhaustion at outings, etc. (Remind me to never try a hoop skirt!) This level of detail made the story so much more real for me.

The only drawback for me was the writing style, which took a bit for me to get used to. Personally I struggle with present-tense writing, and the first few chapters felt choppy to me. After the first quarter of the book, it felt like the author hit her stride, and the writing felt more natural. I’d urge anyone to keep going if they struggle with the writing style, as I did! Additionally, the parent/stepparent dynamic wasn’t my favorite solution to the MC’s romance (I much prefer what happened in the epilogue!) but I definitely didn’t get any incest-y vibes as other reviews have mentioned.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. This is my honest review.

I honestly was wary going into this book because I've read so many cis straight white historical romances in my younger years and they all have a very similar formula. However, this one surprised me completely, in the best of ways. Gwen and Beth meet under fairly normal circumstances at the start of the season during the opening ball. They become fast friends (no instant physical attraction here but more of quick friendship chemistry) with the plan to help eachother during the season. Then they notice something odd between their parents (both are widowed).

After their parents split, draging each daughter off in a hurry for the night, both women discover that their parents used to be friends (with maybe something more brewing) when they were younger. Beth's mother broke Gwen's Father's heart and then married for money and security. But the love was real, and still there under years of denial.

This is a slow burn romance, but also the kind that I felt was truly friends to lovers. They don't skip the in-between, they even both have moments of discovery, that their reluctance to marry men, or even feel attracted to them, is because they are both lesbians. There is also a focus on the parents, their awful situation and how much the daughters care about their happiness. It doesn't take away from the central love story between Beth and Gwen but actually enhances it. They care so much about them that I became wholly invested as well.

The villian is very villiany, but in a subtle way at first (until it's not so subtle at all). The supporting characters are lovely and well developed too.

This book made me pine, cry, ache, and love so so very deeply. 1000% 5 stars, I cannot wait for the second one! I also read the audio in addition to this galley once it released and OMG that was fantastic too.

Emma Alban's "Do What You Like a Best Friend" is a captivating and delightful love story that enchanted me from beginning to end. This novel seamlessly weaves together elements of sexual tension, dynamic character relationships, and a heartwarming narrative about love and liberation.

The connection between the two main characters, Beth and Gwen, is established effortlessly from meeting at a debutant event. The chemistry between them sizzles with a perfect balance of authenticity and passion. What sets this novel apart is the romantic tension and the depth of the characters' personalities and challenges.

With her calm attitude towards societal expectations, Gwen's character provides a refreshing perspective on love and relationships. The contrast with Beth, who is pressured to marry for financial stability, adds layers to the storyline. The exploration of their struggles and desires enhances the overall depth of the narrative, making it more than just a typical love story.

The ending is a true highlight, wrapping up the story with a perfect blend of resolution and anticipation. The seamless transition into the following story is a testament to the author's skill in crafting a series. It left me eagerly anticipating the next installment, a mark of a truly engaging read.

The love story presented in "Do What You Like a Best Friend" is not only heartwarming but also empowering. It celebrates the authenticity of the characters and their journey to finding love on their terms. Emma Alban has created a romantic and socially relevant world, making this novel a standout in the genre. If given the chance, I would gladly forget this book to experience the joy of rereading it for the first time. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a beautifully crafted love story.

This was an incredible cozy, romantic historical romance between two young debutantes on the ton for their seasons. I love regency romance, although, I'll be a stickler to note this isn't regency, or at least the clothing they wear (huge hoop skirts!) indicates that this is later in to 19th century.

Beth is out for her first season in London with a grim prerogative--engage a husband of a certain wealth and standing, or doom herself and her mother to pennilessness, as they have been left nothing by her cruel father. Whereas Gwen is the carefree daughter of a wealthy single father who flirts with debauchery and scandal. Gwen befriends the wallflower Beth and her plan to help her snare a husband morphs into something new--a plan to match together their parents, former lovers who fate drew apart. The plot is kind of like a sapphic parent trap (except they're not siblings, ew), and a lot of scandal and hilarity ensues.

I like the tone and whimsical humor of this book, that still felt grounded in the regency setting. It's definitely a light read that I would think is appropriate to older YA audiences/new adult--it does have a little bit of sex, but I think thats becoming more accepted for teenage audiences nowadays.

Loved the vibes, very cute setting and concept! The ending was interesting, but I'm very excited to see what will come of the second book and how their story will progress as a subplot!

Thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager and Netgalley for this copy in exchange for my review.

Parent Trap meets Bridgerton are the four words that got my interest peaked with this story. Gwen and Beth, neither truly wanting to find husbands, decide to set up their widowed parents to wed one another. They find they have two problems: 1) Their parents hate one another and 2) Gwen and Beth begin to fall for one another.

Over all the story was good, the middle got a little slow and dragged on, but it was nice to read a queer historical romance. The ending hints at another story and I am curious to see where this goes.

This book was everything I didn’t know I needed. This is The Parent Trap meets Bridgerton but queer. I loved Beth & Gwen’s relationship as it went from friends to lovers.

I’m really excited to recommend this book to everyone I come across.

This was so good!! I loved the characters and found it so hard to put down. I really enjoyed the love story within this and cannot wait for the sequel. It was just so much fun to read, I am so happy I read this!

A sapphic Victorian romance with a very contemporary feel.

I loved the premise of this book so much, ‘Bridgerton meets Parent Trap’, and the prospect of the second chance romance between the parents was intriguing. Unfortunately the book didn't quite live up to my expectations, as I prefer historical romances to feel a little more grounded in their era.

However, this book will appeal to anyone who loves a good historical rom com and isn't too fussed with historical accuracy. Beth and Gwen’s friends to lovers romance is filled with sweeping balls and elegant picnics, wrapped up with modern touch.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Avon for the opportunity to read this early.

Cute historical sapphic romance set in 1857 London season. Beth is debuting for the season in a desperate rush to find a husband, her father has passed away and she and her mother are about to be destitute. Gwen is on her third season and has absolutely no interest in marriage, but a chance meeting at a ball leads to Gwen and Beth form a fast friendship. But apparently their parents hate each other, or is there something else going on? And when that fast friendship starts something more, will everything work out?

I really enjoyed this story and love the fact that it wasn't another regency romance. I love historical romances, but regency can be overdone. Given that this is 1850's there are so many mentions of hoops and the large skirts that dominated the fashion scene for two decades. I did appreciate the attention to detail about the clothing and setting. There is quite a lot of drinking to the point of sick, which I think was over used, but it did point out how the characters used it to cover up their feelings and their spiraling when things went south.

Recommend if you liked the plot The Parent Trap (2 kids getting their parents together), and liked the clothing of Gone With the Wind, but make it queer.

AHHH!!! i loved this! I loved this! i loved this!!!! the fact that this is a sapphic historical romance. i die. its everything i've ever wanted.

This was such a fun unique premise. Beth and Gwen are two young debutantes who have zero interest in finding a husband. one night they meet at a ball and a friendship forms. they decide the best way to get their respective parents off their backs is to set up Beth's mom and Gwen's dad. except Beth and Gwen didn't plan to fall for each other instead.

everything about this was *chef's kiss*
- it's dual POV
- beth ang gwen relationship arc was swoony as hell
- the relationship between their parents!!! omfg i did not expect to cry but not gonna lie, a tear or two might have escaped.

ugh i'm obsessed and in love!

A sapphic historical romance about two girls who, instead of focusing on finding their own matches this season, decide to play matchmaker to their own parents. And the result? They fall for each other.

I was so so SO excited for this story. There's nothing I love more in my sapphic romances than friends to lovers. This one, however, left me feeling unsatisfied. I'd like to clarify there was nothing inherently wrong with the story. And that should tell you that I am extremely neutral regarding this book.

I wanted so badly to be sucked in, but I found the pacing to be a bit off, feeling rushed and extremely slow at times. And the chemistry was lacking so fucking much!! More than once, Gwen goes on and on about all these character traits and qualities about Beth that she loves that we don't see on page even once. They have all these off-page conversations that they refer to as the reason they love each other but I never saw that chemistry on page. I thought I was crazy for not seeing the chemistry but once I saw that love confession not even 50% of the way into the story, I knew something was off. Because there's no way this book starts with them as strangers and they're already in love by 50% in. Or at least... confessing that love so soon. Maybe I'm just a sucker for a slower burn, or maybe I wasn't paying enough attention but there was more on-page tension between the parents than between our two main characters. And that's so disappointing!!

I also found that the two main characters were practically indistinguishable from one another. I don't know if that's excessively harsh but I simply could not tell you much of a difference between them besides Gwen was bolder and Beth was more reserved. I think this was due to the lack of difference in tone across the character's POVs. It's third person but despite that the chapters were differentiated by each character's POV and they were practically the same to me.

And because I'm annoying.... why did this book read like a contemporary? The prose and the dialogue both felt very contemporary and anachronistic. I don't need super historically accurate dialogue, but I think this book could've been transplanted into a contemporary setting, and not that many changes would have to be made to the dialogue.

I think Alban has some serious promise here. And I just wish the chemistry had been there for me. I think I may give the next in this series a chance if I have the time because it might have just been this story that wasn't working out but I do think that's not necessarily a fault of Alban's writing just the pacing, structure, and plot of this specific book.

Didn't work for me but seems a lot of people loved it so definitely give it a chance if it sounds like a story you'd love!

There is a LOT to be said for books that are exactly what they are advertised as--in this case, a sapphic Bridgerton meets Parent Trap--and while the modern language and some of the writing could be awkward at times, this was a fun romp that delivered on its promises, and managed to be both heartfelt and hot while never taking itself unduly seriously. I'll be recommending to readers who enjoy historical queer romances by Olivia Waite, Cat Sebastian, Adriana Herrera, Freya Marske, Erica Ridley, and similar authors.

The sapphic historical romance of my dreams!

Gwen and Beth were DELIGHTFUL. I love how their story goes from being friends, to queer awakening after a secret wine cellar kiss, to falling deeply in love as they try to play matchmaker to their parents! It’s like getting two love stories in one. I think it would be great for readers who are new to historical romance and maybe haven't enjoyed them in the past. As a seasoned historical romance reader, this book has landed in my top 5 historical romances of all time, easily!