3 Stars I was so excited for You're the Problem, It's You after loving Don't Want You Like a Best Friend, but sadly, it fell flat for me. I'm hoping that, as the title states, it's me, I'm the problem, and that others love this story.

I'm not a fan of the miscommunication trope, which immediately put me off of James and Bobby's story. There's not only miscommunication, but a frustratingly complete lack of communication between the two for a good chunk of the novel. So much of the conflict could've been avoided if they had simply talked to each other for once. The three stars are for the ending. I loved the lavender marriage and the epilogue was perfect.

3 Stars I was so excited for You're the Problem, It's You after loving Don't Want You Like a Best Friend, but sadly, it fell flat for me. I'm hoping that, as the title states, it's me, I'm the problem, and that others love this story.

I'm not a fan of the miscommunication trope, which immediately put me off of James and Bobby's story. There's not only miscommunication, but a frustratingly complete lack of communication between the two for a good chunk of the novel. So much of the conflict could've been avoided if they had simply talked to each other for once. The three stars are for the ending. I loved the lavender marriage and the epilogue was perfect.

Tin-eared, historically inaccurate, unreadable.

"James nods and looks back down at his plate, the crumbs of his scone too closely resembling the shambles of his life." Bathos always bodes ill. (And if the line was meant to be funny, that also bodes ill.)

"In and among the greenery, everywhere he looks, there’s a nice young lady sitting artfully on a bench, or daintily splayed on a picnic blanket ..."

A young (Victorian! I checked the ad copy repeatedly; the setting is supposed to be 19th-century England) lady daintily. splayed. on a picnic blanket. Even nowadays, it would be a challenge to splay oneself daintily.

"... it's a shame Aunt Cordelia is so heavy with child and won't be attending most of these events. She's a right laugh."

Yes, that's definitely how a member of the Victorian upper classes would have characterized a witty person.

" ... Gwen, who's practically doing calisthenics to warm up."

Female member of the Victorian upper classes. At a garden party. Practically doing calisthenics. I ... don't think so?

"He needs to really suss the man out first."

Google Ngram viewer records no published instance of "suss out" before the 1940s. Granted, the usage may have been in oral use before then, but it doesn't appear in "Passing English of the Victorian Era," so.

A viscount is addressed as "Viscount." All you have to do is Google to discover that the proper form is "My lord" or "Your lordship." (I'm not sure the commoner in this exchange would be the one to offer a handshake, by the way, but let it pass.)

"Let's go out, get some air, yeah?" Again, upper-class Victorian person, yeah?

I've read any number of fanfics whose authors are more attentive to historical and social accuracy, and let it be noted that fanfic writers aren't getting paid for their work.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC.

Alban has crafted a truly enjoyable romp through the Victorian Era with this MM Loving delight! The previous novel set this one up very well, and it was even more enjoyable than Don't Want You Like A Best Friend! James and Bobby (and their crew of meddlesome friends and family) are an absolute delight!

I enjoyed this book even more than the first book in the series (Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend), but it did contain heavier themes than I was expecting.

Bobby is a second son who wants to matter and contribute, while James expects to be a disappointment as the new viscount. Despite James and Bobby’s cousins being best friends and trying to encourage friendship between the two men, James and Bobby clash during all their interactions. However, when Bobby and James are both targeted by extortion and blackmail from the same person, they realize they must work together to protect themselves and their families.

I loved seeing Beth and Gwen (the protagonists of the first book in the series) being happy and in love! This book is arguably an inter-connected stand-alone, but it also felt like a continuation of the first novel in certain ways. I would recommend reading that book before starting this one, since there are a lot of side characters. I thought the characters felt well-rounded and loved the inclusion of side characters with stories of their own.

I thought the author did a great job of conveying the social and political world James and Bobby are a part of. Part of that social and political context is the fact that men can be imprisoned for same-sex physical intimacy. This becomes relevant to the extortion/blackmail portion of the plot in a way I found stressful to read about at times. (This is just personal preference; I often like my romance novels more escapist.) The extortion/blackmail is one of the heavier themes I wasn’t expecting based on reading the blurb on the back cover. The other heavier topic involved to the dangers associated with pregnancy, including child and maternal mortality. I wish there had been a content note at the beginning of the book, because I imagine this content could be difficult for some readers.

Highlights:
-antagonists to lovers
-supportive friends & family members
-Achillean Romance

I think I was just not the audience for this particular book at this particular time.

The enemies to lovers trope came off too strong for me. I get uncomfortable when the love interests have a really strong vitriol for one another. And in this particular story one of the love interests just kept doubling down on his hurtful treatment of the other and that is a deal breaker for me. I can forgive an incident where someone says or does something hurtful because they were flustered or upset or didn't know something. But the repeated cruelty was too much for me. Life is too short to read books that make you unhappy.

I think this book would be great for people that love a strong enemies to lovers dynamic, appreciate really flawed and damaged characters, love the historical London setting with gentleman's clubs and Parliament. It had a great setting and good atmosphere, and I was interested to see what would happen.

You're the Problem, it's You is a captivating story of dueling personalities set in an aristocratic society. Ever the underdog, Bobby Mason burns with the desire to prove himself, while James Demeroven, burdened by the weight of expectations, prefers to stay in the shadows.

Their fiery interactions, filled with tension and unspoken attraction, kept me glued to my seat, and I read this in one sitting. The beginning was a bit messy, especially with the miscommunication, but it made up for it in the end. I loved the passion throughout the book - the level of emotion was just intense. Each kiss, each touch, each brush was just magnified. I was such a sucker for this couple. This story is a rollercoaster of emotions that will pull readers into a world where love and rivalry are two sides of the same coin.

You're the problem, It's you by Emma R. Alban was such a wonderful historical romance. I am not even a huge historical romance person but this was such a delightful read. Such loving characters and a fun plot line!

You're the Problem, It's You is a delightful historical romance following Bobby and James very soon after the events of Don't Want You Like a Best Friend. You get to see a lot of Gwen and Beth from the first installment throughout this book, and I loved the way that both couples were able to find a HEA! I wasn't a huge fan of the villain arc, as spoiler blackmail spoiler isn't my thing, but overall I greatly enjoyed this story and recommend it! Plus - the cover is just absolutely adorable. Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC!

I have not read the first book in the Mischief & Matchmaking duology (which I will be correcting immediately), but I didn't find it at all difficult to read this book on its own. I picked this on a whim from NetGalley, and I am so very glad I did. I absolutely DEVOURED it. I love regency novels with a twist or new take on complicated situations. This novel absolutely delivered! It was funny, touching, spicy, and hopeful all at the same time. Everything that I look for in a romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this ARC!

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.