I struggled getting into You’re the Problem, It’s You, but flew through the last half. Bobby and James were incredibly antagonistic to each other throughout the first part of the book, and it made it really hard to root for them. And the villain was really hard to read because of how terrible he was (in a non-fun way).

I felt like this book struggled to find the charm and heart that made the first book so delightful. I loved the ending (and was thrilled when I was correct about where it was all headed), so I’m definitely glad I read it.

A huge thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts are my own. 3.75/5

I adored this book. This is the second in the Mischief & Matchmaking duology and I enjoyed this one even more than the first in large part to the lovability of the two MMCs. While they have some clear misunderstandings in the beginning those only increases the angst between them and makes the resolution so much sweeter. The found family in this book is heartwarming and the acceptance is something to applaud. I also really loved how this book tied the overall world and story together. You cannot help but leave this book with a smile on your face.

Highlights:
Historical Romance
LGBTQIA Rep (MM)
Meddling Found Family
Angsty "Dislike" to Love
One Bed

Favorite Quote: "It's the world that's wrong, not us"

"I should have said something ages ago, mad it clear. I will love whoever you choose to love, and I will treat them like family just the same."

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this advanced copy. My opinions are my own.

"You're the Problem, It's You" by Emma R. Alban is a wonderfully crafted queer Victorian romance that expertly balances the tension of an enemies-to-lovers dynamic with the sweetness of genuine connection. As a follow-up to "Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend", this novel doesn’t disappoint, offering readers a beautifully paced and emotionally resonant love story.

The story centers around Bobby Mason, a second son hungry to prove himself, and James Demeroven, the newly titled Viscount who has spent his life trying not to disappoint. From the moment these two clash, their chemistry is undeniable—filled with the kind of sharp, witty banter that makes you root for them even as they seem determined to stay at odds. The progression of their relationship feels organic, a refreshing change from the often rushed romance plots. Instead of instantly falling in love, we get to witness their gradual understanding and appreciation of one another, making their eventual connection all the more satisfying.

Alban does a fantastic job of capturing the atmosphere of a queer Victorian romance. The societal pressures and dangers faced by queer individuals during this time are handled with care, adding depth to the characters' struggles without overshadowing the joy and sweetness of their relationship. There are real obstacles for Bobby and James to overcome, yet these challenges don’t dampen the moments of happiness and love that shine through.

One of the highlights of the novel is how Alban infuses the story with genuine queer joy, despite the historical context. It’s a delight to see Bobby and James navigate their feelings amidst the backdrop of Victorian London, with all its expectations and constraints. The involvement of their meddling but well-meaning cousins adds a layer of warmth and humor to the story, making the romance even more endearing.

This is a great continuation of the world Alban introduced in her previous novel. It’s a story that doesn’t rush its characters but allows them the space to grow, both individually and together. While the plot might not be groundbreaking, the execution is superb, making this a thoroughly enjoyable read for fans of queer historical romance. If you’re looking for a romance that is both heartfelt and infused with historical authenticity, this book is a must-read.

A queer Victorian romance that is delightfully sweet and joyful!

James Demerovan inherits a viscountcy, and heads to London for his first season out on the ton. He quickly becomes acquainted with Bobby Mason, and they must juggle societal expectations & responsibilities while butting heads and falling in love.

This book was a great follow up to Don't Want You Like a Best Friend. The progression of the boys' relationship felt natural instead of them instantly falling in love like I sometimes find in romance novels. It didn't feel rushed, but rather like I got to see them actually get to know each other, and watch their feeling grow. Alban expertly handled what a queer Victorian romance might have looked like. There were very real fears and obstacles that had to be faced, but that didn't take away from some very enjoyable moments of genuine queer joy.

4.25/5 stars

Thank you so much to Avon and NetGalley for an eARC of this book! I’ve been provided a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! It had the same level of fun and enjoyment as the first one in the duology while also touching on completely different topics and exploring a different aspect of queer relationships in historic times.

This book follows Bobby Mason, cousin to Lady Gwen, and James Demeroven, cousin to Beth Bertram (formally Beth Demeroven). Bobby has always felt inadequate, as the second son, watching his father and now his brother go off and do things of importance, and as a queer man, all he wants is to contribute to something that matters.

James Demeroven has just stepped into his title as Viscount Demeroven and is doing nothing with it. Cowering behind his step father and the men of his past, James is adrift, but while using an air of confidence to hide his feelings, he makes an enemy out of Bobby Mason, his crush from school.

So, a little confusing right out of the gate, but still an amazing book to read if you’re looking for something a little more romance than historical fiction and a little more silly than serious.

I found this book to have a lot less of the struggle and heartache of <i>Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend</i> which is very accurate for the time because it was a lot simpler for men to be queer than for women, but this book still touches on a lot of serious topics and conversations.

This book is pretty heavy on the miscommunication trope but not to the point where I found it annoying, especially given the plot of the book. All the characters responses and reactions to things are very reasonable for their characters and it makes them feel so much more real.

The romance is also lovely. We go from an enemies-to-lovers to reluctant allies to so much more and watching both men evolve as the book goes on and how their relationship evolves with them was absolutely amazing. I loved it.

The only complaint I had about the first book that I also have about this one is the names are a bit silly all around, definitely not a book to go for if you’re looking for historical accuracy, but a wonderful book nonetheless.

*Received as a free ARC*
I've been excited to read this since I finished the first book. I was not disappointed! More of the same snappy wit and historicism. Bobby and James were just as much fun as Gwen and Beth. I'd happily read more, but the ending reads to me as a solid conclusion. Heartily recommend!

When I read the first book of this series, I found myself more drawn to the the adult background romance rather than the main romance at hand because I was bored. Unfortunately, it's much the same case with the sequel.

I see what another reader might like this book, but it didn't take off for me, and I chose to DNF because I couldn't stay bored for 400 pages again..

This is a spicy Achillean historical romance. It is the sequel to the sapphic book Don’t Want You Like A Best Friend. This book follows James and Bobby, relatives to the previous books couple. They went to the same school together, but didn’t interact and James had a crush on Bobby. Now as adults they are being blackmailed by an old classmate and must work together to defeat their enemy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the opportunity to read and review this book which I am giving 3 1/2 stars.
The main aspect of this book that I really enjoyed was the main couple. I enjoyed both of them as their own characters and I enjoyed them as a couple. My favorite part of this book was the character James because he was just such a nervous mess most of the time. He struggled with a lot of fears and social anxieties and doubts about himself and where he could find happiness, and I really enjoyed watching him overcome those struggles and learn to trust himself and the other characters around him. I have included the link for my video post for this book already and I will recommend this book to fans of MM historical romances.

Thanks so much to the publisher and Netgalley for an e-arc of this book!

My book club read the first book when it first came out, and I loved it. I was so excited to get an ARC of the second one!

We were introduced to Bobby and James in the epilogue of the first book, and I was so excited to see how Alban would handle the Lavender Marriage trope—and I think she slayed it!

Bobby was such a kind soul who was really struggling mentally as the book began, and I felt for him so much as he tried to find his place in society as a gay second son. His relationship with Beth and Gwen, as perhaps their greatest champion, was such good gay/lesbian solidarity, and I Loved it!! James was a more complicated character who was initially complicit in society but grew so much as a person.

Gwen and Beth's attempts to set them up were so cute and funny, and I really liked how the book flowed with the different events of the season.

The blackmail plot kept the book interesting and complicated, creating much-needed tension.

Finally, the epilogue was amazing, and I loved how children were teased throughout and actually came to fruition.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this title.

Historical romance is typically not my thing, however, I have enjoyed both books in this series. I think maybe liked this one a tiny bit more. This is probably a little closer to a 3.5 stars if I'm getting specific. I liked the couple a lot. This was a really quick and easy read. I thought the spicy scenes were really tastefully done. I did find myself losing interest a little throughout the middle of the book, but overall, I had a fun time reading this one.

This one wasn't as good as Don't Want You Like a Best Friend. The main characters, conflict, and villains were just not as well written as the first in this series. This one didn't measure up for me. Sadly, the concept and message were better than the execution.

DNF at 30%

This is such a bummer because I loved Don't Want You Like a Best Friend, but I am just not having a good time reading this one. Maybe I'm just not meant for hate-to-love, but it just feels so mean? The very, very few times Bobby and James have had a moment up to this point, it's been quickly interrupted by one of them saying something rude, Beth and Gwen seem to always be arguing, and I'm just not having fun. Also, this villain makes my skin crawl, and I don't even like villains in romance to begin with. Maybe I'm the problem, but I think I'm going to just let the epilogue of speak for itself and consider it a standalone

This is my second 'the highly anticipated sequel isn't quite as good as the first' review in just a few days. It's still quite good, but I Loooooooved Don't Want you like a Best Friend and it was everything I want in a romance, so finding that this one didn't really deliver that was a letdown.

The biggest problem here is the miscommunication and lack of communication. Bobby and James can't get through a sentence before they devolve into hurling insults at each other. Jame repeatedly runs away (literally) at the first sign of danger.

Now, the running away I can forgive because James has some serious PTSD going on from his Stepfather's bullying. But it also made him very frustrating as a character. When he finally did manage to stand his ground and stand up for himself though, that was very satisfying.

They also go from enemies to friends to "in love" very quickly. Gwen and Beth were more convincing as a couple because less time was spent on miscommunication and more on developing their bond.

I did enjoy how everything resolved and how they were able to find a solution to their problems. And how much support they found from their extended circle. That was amazing.

Still. It could have done with cutting some of the beginning miscommunication and spending more time on developing their feelings for each other. It would have made the payoff at the end feel more satisfying and earned.

*Thanks to Avon for providing an early copy for review.

While I loved the sweet sexual awakenings of the first book, the angsty established queerness of this one was DELICIOUS. James is so concerned about image, while still hesitantly exploring his options as a queer man when he is thrust into this world of being a viscount that he never expected to be a part of. Meanwhile Bobby is struggling with the lack of clear purpose that comes with being a second son. The two end up at each others throats, even if they both angstily notice the other's attractiveness before it comes to head with a frustrated and flustered kiss. I loved watching these two dance around each other, from not being able to stand each other, to a tentative friendship, to being romantically involved.

Like the last book, I *adored* the found family aspect. Watching both James and Bobby find purpose and place in this little motley group of friends (them, Beth, Gwen, Albert and Meredith) highlighted how the communities you surround yourself with can make or break one's happiness. The ending in particular was SUCH a sweet wrap up.

Perfect for fans of enemies to lovers, found family, and historical romances.

I really liked this book. It was quite slow for me personally. The chapters were also a bit longer than I would prefer making the book feel even slower. But I loved the banter between the characters and I love that everyone got their happy ending. I don't know if I'd recommend it. But it is a sweet read.

3 stars.

I really enjoyed the first book in Mischief & Matchmaking but I’m kind of disappointed by this one. The romance wasn’t written as well as the first, they just suddenly become head over heels for each other after randomly kissing. There was barely any time spent on getting to know the new side characters and we hardly saw James getting to know Beth and Gwen, especially Gwen. I wish Beth and Gwen was in it more and the book actually showing them actively trying to play matchmaker for Bobby and James.

I did not like James, he really annoyed me. He was rude and judgmental so often and most of it was just brushed off without addressing it. His character arc was also done poorly. James also near constantly refused to take accountability for his own actions and behavior, blaming everything on others. It’s always his stepfather’s fault, Ravenson’s fault, society’s fault, never James’s own fault for how he behaves or treats others. The one thing he did try to take accountability for all the other characters wouldn’t let him, saying it wasn’t his fault. It was so frustrating.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. I thought this book was alright. The romance was missing and I didnt like the two main leads. The side characters were great though!

Bobby and James... what were y'all doing?! But also, I love them. Crush (one-sided) to enemies to friends to lovers. The journey these two went on to find one another in the chaos, I loved it. I had read the first book in the series, and while this can be read as a standalone, it's a lot easier to understand the family dynamics and characters if you've read Don't Want You Like a Best Friend. Highly recommend if you enjoy historical romance with some spice. Also, a bit of a slow burn, but it was worth it to see how they finally accepted their love. Third act breakup happens as well, so fair warning!

*I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Author Emma R. Alban has created a Victorian gay romance involving a young Lord and a handsome sort of rich kid. They hate each other, then they don't. Sound familiar? The trick here is that the author sets the story among nobility in a Victorian age. Her challenge is to make it all believable. I'd say she does. The beginning of the novel was rocky for me, and the epilogue unnecessary. But the heart of the novel is delightful. Who knew gays could get married way back then?
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Very cute and full of all the fluff that I needed right now. I absolutely had such a blast and it filled my heart so much. After reading the first book I was foaming at the mouth to read this following book! Thank you NetGalley and publishers for this arc