Truth be told, I really struggled with this novel. The general plot and story really appealed to me as a reader, but once I began, I struggled to finish it. The story felt very slow and not very engaging. I love the LGBTQ+ rep in an era that it did not exist and I want more stories like this to continue coming. At the end of the day, I think that the idea and story have so much promise, but I was not the right audience.

I have been dying to read YTPIY since I read Alban’s debut, DWYLABF, and it did not disappoint. YTPIY is described as an “enemies-to-lovers queer Victorian romance…in which a young lord and a second son clash, but find themselves thrust together again and again by their meddling cousins.”

This book, while providing a cozy and sappy HEA worthy of a fairy tale, also broke my heart and put it back together again. Alban delves into topics like toxic masculinity, sexuality and queer relationships in the Victorian era, abusive fathers, and found family. The internal conflict within each of the main characters, along with the difference in their lived experiences and world views based on their own realities, felt real and poignant, and Alban’s portrayal of found family left me delighted and utterly satisfied. Beth and Gwen are back and better than ever, and it was so gratifying to see all four of them get their happy ending.

Overall, this book is slightly slower to get started than DWYLABF, and it has plenty of syrupy sweet moments that might be a turn off for some readers, but it captivated me in the best possible way.

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

Once I figured out all the characters and their various forms of address it was easier to read. Perhaps reading the first in the series would have helped, but I’m not sure it was necessary. I enjoyed the story, although I did wonder why it took them so long to figure out a convenient way to solve their problems.

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this one. I liked Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend-enough that I was eager to find out what happened with everyone in this sequel- but I found the pacing quite slow at some places. Given some of my hesitations with the first book, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed You’re the Problem.

I will start off with my only critique- there is a lot of miscommunication and misunderstanding in the beginning, the nature of which did make the story drag a little for me at first. But around 35% it picked up and kept me fully engaged and interested for the remainder of the time!

I love these characters! They are so well developed, and you really feel their highs and lows alongside them. The progression of the romance in this book is so lovely as the two main characters go from antagonists to begrudging allies to friends to lovers. Their insecurities and doubts pulled at my heart and their eventual joy was contagious.

The found family aspect, the unconditional love and acceptance this group of people has for one another was everything and more. Every relationship in this book was so well done- from the main romance, to the friendships, to Bobby and his brother, and so on. The side characters are delightful and Meredith Mason should be in charge of everything, always.

Overall a super cute read! Would definitely recommend for lovers of historical romance.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for the arc!

I must admit it took me a bit longer to get into this one compared to the first one, but I ended up loving it just as much. Bobby and James' story was full of funny, tense, heartfelt, sensual, and sad moments. I also loved how much their cousins, Beth and Gwen, were featured in this story. This book also made me even more of a Meredith fan. She's awesome.

While I think the plot of the Medical Act discussed some important topics, I must admit it went into too much detail. The pace of the story was affected by the politics of it all.

Apart from that, I really enjoyed the banter, the pining, and (understandably) the anxieties surrounding a relationship like theirs in that period. It was so much fun to read, especially the second half. I was giggling and kicking my feet because they were so damn cute, but also tearing up because of how much I felt for them. If you liked the first one, you will love spending more time with this crew.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for providing a review copy. This book comes out exactly one month from today, August 27th! I already pre-ordered my physical copy and can't wait to add it to my collection.

This review is also posted on Goodreads! Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this ARC for free!

I really teetered on the DNF line for a good 40% of the book, I’m not gonna lie. I’m very glad I’m extremely stubborn though because I did very much like the rest of it! I can’t stand the miscommunication trope to begin with, but I feel like in this case it was dragged out immensely and I had a very hard time getting through it. That being said- I loved the little spicy moments, I loved the found family aspect, I love Bobby that sweet little cinnamon roll, I love the girls, and I loved the ending. I do recommend this to anyone who likes the miscommunication trope and the rivals to lovers trope. The cover art is absolutely gorgeous and I feel like I would for sure purchase this to have the duology physically.

Overall, I’d say it’s a good 3.5 stars for me.

I loved the first book in this duology so I was pleasantly surprised how much of a page turner this one was, too. I loved how the characters from the first book weren’t just background for the new couple but continued to develop through this book as well.
The family situation was a bit…odd to get over but understandable given the situation and the time period.
Both books do a tremendous job of handling some really complex family issues, like parental abuse and recovering from it, that I admired as well.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Avon for allowing me to read this early!
I was not a huge fan of the first book but really wanted to give the second book a try. Unfortunately, I did not find it any better. The writing itself is pretty solid but the story felt repetitive and unnecessary at points. I was really hoping this would be another queer romance series I could fall in love with, but sadly have to pass.

You're the Problem, It's You was a highly anticipated read on my TBR list this year, so I was very excited to get my hands on an ARC. I enjoyed the first book a lot more, but that’s usually the case with most duologies. I give the book 3.5 stars overall.

If you enjoy reading about found family and queer historical romances, definitely give this book a shot!

Bobby and James’ story was filled with moments of tenderness and vulnerability (even amongst their miscommunication). I also loved seeing their dynamics with the other supporting characters. Even though I wish we had seen more meddling, mischief, & matchmaking by Beth and Gwen, their romance from the first book in the series carried over nicely and it was really satisfying to get to see how their love story had progressed since the last social season. I also loved the lavender marriage solution. (I had been rooting for this since the previous epilogue.) Personality-wise the "husband/wife pairs match up really well and they have amazing friendships. I thought it was so cute that after Beth got seasick while sailing that she and Bobby collectively decided that “the Masons don’t sail.” I just love queer friendships!

While I liked the story overall, I didn't rate it higher for a few reasons. I felt like the plot was a little wishy-washy or clumsy at times. The pacing just felt off. The switch from enemies to lovers happened too fast. Also, the main antagonist of the book was almost unnecessary in my opinion. He disappeared for a good portion of the book and mostly remained in the background not really impacting much.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon for the arc!
I absolutely adored the first book in the series, and I am really bad to say that the second book was thoroughly enjoyable.

Would I say this enemies to lovers? No I would not, but the romance is still spectacular. The tension between Bobby and James is just so good. It is definitely less enemies delivers and more just miscommunication and misunderstandings between them that lead them just to not like each other. Every single romance in these books, whether there would be the main characters or the side characters is so perfect!
Now one of my only complaints about this book is that I do think some of the characters had moments and scenes where they were acting really out of character or their character switched how they were acting at a certain point kinda randomly.
I would definitely say there are some differences between the books generally, I would say in the vibes. The first book definitely focuses more on this beautiful and sweet romance between Gwen and Beth with a little bit less outside plot stuff happening. This book while it does have an absolutely spectacular romance, incorporates a bit more of the world outside of the romance and a more realistic view of the romantic possibilities. I actually think that was a real bonus for the book as it makes it a bittersweet and beautiful romance while still representing that this was a reality for many people in history.

"You're the Problem, It's You' is the lovely conclusion to this queer historical romance duology, one that ramps up the drama, the heartache, and the deep emotions of finding a soulmate even when the whole world is against you.

It's another fiery enemies-to-lovers dynamic, but unlike the heroines from book one, Bobby and James have to be infinitely more careful of their inclinations. Once it's clear they can't keep their hands off each other--since it's less believable in their society for men to be that close--there is no hiding from the 'ton' (as the women do going out as 'companions') especially when a past paramour blackmails them. Love how their relationship being riskier is highlighted a couple of times. If Beth/Gwen were found out, the worse that would've happened is they'd be cast out of society. But for men to be found out, would've meant jail or worse. So even though at certain points Bobby feels like he's not being supported as much as Beth/Gwen, it's more that his loved ones are afraid of the severe consequences if he is discovered. The high risk is also the main cause for James's panic attacks. It's beautiful to see them both grow and deal with this inevitable fact in their own ways.

Another interesting point is Bobby and James are both from respectable families, but still from different "levels". While James is a viscount and the head of family, Bobby is only a second son, a spare and untied to any sort of important responsibility. Think Benedict Bridgerton *wink wink*. This detail never becomes an issue between them, but it was an interesting part of both men's inner conflicts. Bobby doesn't just feel cast aside for being a queer man, but also cast aside for being the spare, the one no one expects to be responsible or even interested in helping out with family affairs. Nothing is further from the truth, and I loved the nice resolution Bobby gets after speaking with his brother. James can't deal with the pressure of leading on his own, especially while his stepfather keeps putting him down at every turn. It takes a breaking point to show him that no matter the risks, together is better than apart.

I saw the solution/ending coming from a mile away--It's not that hard to put two and two together (quite literally) when they all want the same. But it didn't detract from the surprises that cropped up during the ending chapters and all the way through the epilogue. If you like stories about queer found families who fight and carve their own space in a world that is against them because there's no way they're giving up on their HEA, then this duology will charm and delight you.

DNF @26%

The miscommunication in this book was too much for me to handle. They could have just had one conversation and fixed everything.

Super cute Victorian Queer Romance! I am on a personal mission to read every sport in romance form and this one checked off croquet off of my list! If you love enemies to lovers, this one is for you!

I hadn’t read “Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend” so this was my first book by Emma and I really enjoyed it! There were a few moments where I was a little confused by the characters and the names; at times they would use first names and other times last names and sometimes nicknames and I understand certain dynamics between characters call for that but I found myself focusing a lot on trying to figure out who was who and who had what relationship with whom. Also (and this might be a me thing) I had to concentrate on characters having the same names, like fathers and the sons, but that’s probably me just not reading a lot of historical romances

Overall I really enjoyed the found family, the enemies to lovers, the banter and the themes throughout this book!

Full disclosure, I received this as an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was really drawn in by the synopsis, cover, and title, but regrettably this was a DNF for me. I normally LOVE enemies-to-lovers, but I just did NOT care for James. It's hard to read a book when half of the time it's from the POV of a character I don't really care about. Also, I don't mind a well-done 'miscommunication' trope, but all their interactions just seemed forced without anything between them. Ymmv as I don't normally read period romances, but this just wasn't for me.

3.5 Rounded up!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the story overall and following James and Bobby as they navigated society and getting to know one another. I loved their angry kisses and their banter and the dynamic with them and Gwen and Beth. Unfortunately I felt like this story and characters were slightly less developed than the first book and that the ending felt predictable/not scary because of the way this book was set up in book one.

I was so excited to go into this sequel. I will say it dragged a little in the middle for me but I still think it was a beautiful queer romance.

E-ARC generously provided by Avon in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much!

Compelling, frothy, and containing a Bridgerton-esque queer romance that’s impossible to not root for, You’re the Problem, It’s You is an excellent bookend to this delightful duology inspired by the music of Taylor Swift.

I haven't flown through a book like I did with this in a while!

James Demeroven has recently come into a title and power despite his feelings of powerlessness and lack of interest in politics. Meanwhile, Bobby Mason longs to make a difference in the world but lacks any authority or influence. Neither can stand each other, yet both are searching for companionship and love in an era that won't allow them to love who they'd like.

I loved this book! The family ties might be uncomfortably close for a romance but I really appreciated how ride or die this family is for each other. the family relationship also allowed this story not to become a total gay tragedy. As much as the homophobic societal pressure and criminalization is needed in historical queer romances to create believability, angst, and conflict, it is so refreshing to see these characters be given a safe space in the Victorian era.

The enemies-to-lovers dynamic worked out well because both men had a real reason to dislike the other but the sexual tension and personal similarities were still obvious from the start so the switch to friends didn't feel forced.

The resolution with the main antagonist was probably the weakest element and a little cartoony, but if I imagine it like a rom-com movie scene it's forgivable. Perhaps I am just bad with names (especially when Victorian titles and customs are involved in how characters address each other) but a relationship chart with characters' names and how they're related to each other would've been so helpful for me.

It also took me a little while into reading to realize that Beth and Gwen clearly had gone through their own story before the events of this one. I will definitely be going back and reading more about their romance. Gwen especially was an absolute delight to read about and I need to know more!

This is such a fun follow-up to Don't Want You Like a Best Friend, and I was glad that Beth and Gwen are still characters throughout. It did make me want a book about their parents even more than before, though.