I loved both books in this series. They both tore at the heart strings and absolutely crushed me at some parts. I wish we could have more books like this with such good endings.

"The enemies-to-lovers queer Victorian romance follow-up to Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend, in which a young lord and a second son clash, but find themselves thrust together again and again by their meddling cousins."

As this was a follow up and seemed set up to have direct ties to the first book, I read that first and my goodness both books so sweet and romantic and swoony! Bobby Mason and James Demeroven are seemingly opposites from the stilted conversations, accidental insults, and near shouting matches when they first meet. Despite all that, they keep being drawn together and cannot keep their eyes off of one another. Little does either suspect, their well meaning and slightly devious cousins have matchmaking plans for them all.

I read book 1 and 2 back to back and let me tell you, the romantic angst, the swoony love, the pinning of people to walls, all of it was so good! I did find the second book a bit more heart wrenching because the toxic masculinity is real and that much more potent when a character takes a stand. If you're looking for happy endings and some blush inducing queer romance, Emma R. Alban does a bang up job!

Emma R. Alban delivers with another heartfelt, emotional, and delightful romance. You're the Problem, It's You gives readers a deeply satisfying sequel to Don't Want You Like a Best Friend with characters you fall in love with all over again. An enemies-to-lovers story that offers a candid approach to the struggles one faces when accepting themselves and allowing love into their life against all odds. The found family and unconditional love found within this novel is just as heartwarming as the romance itself. The varied cast of characters and playful hijinks brings a positive and uplifting tone to a subject matter that can often be harrowing. Presenting deeply relatable adversity that many queer people face through their lives, Alban offers a hopeful and meaningful historical romance that shows anyone can have their happily-ever-after.

In nineteenth century Britain, loving who you love and being “found out” would probably ostracize you from family and society but could land you in prison or even get you the death penalty. This is the reality of the newly named James Viscount Demeroven. He’s overwhelmed by his new responsibilities and living under the thumb of his despicable stepfather. Now James is in London for the session of Parliament feeling like a fish out of water and to add to his anxiety, this long ago schoolboy crush second son Bobby Mason seems to be everywhere he goes. Through a tangle of family connections, James and Bobby are thrown together with their relations…Bobby’s older brother Albert and his wife, their Aunt and Uncle and cousins Beth and Lady Gwen. James and Bobby seem to be complete opposites but underneath they are caring, empathetic young men who want to belong to a family and live in a loving relationship. Beth and Gwen love each other and, under the “protection” of their parents/aunt and uncle will never be forced into sham marriages. Is this something that James and Bobby can achieve if they can get over their anger and fear to see that they belong together? A great story about making your own family and finding love, security and acceptance.

A wonderful follow-up to the first book in the series. Thoughtful, funny, and an absolute hoot to read.

A regency era queer romance. Not-quite-enemies to lovers. Jame and Bobby and their family were all a delight. Probably should have come with some trigger warnings around how homosexuality was treated in the era and that it is portrayed realistic to the era. Ultimately, this is a true romance with a HEA, yet I can see folks coming to this wanting a more modern take on the relationship.

I think I liked "You're the Problem, It's You" even more than "Don't Want You LIke a Best Friend"!! It was fun, campy, and perfectly cozy queer historical fiction!

While overall this book was fine, it took me longer than I expected to actually get into it. A lot of the beginning had to do with events that happened in the previous book and while typically explanations of previous events are appreciated, they just made this book confusing. It may have been due to the nature of naming conventions of the time period, but I almost needed to draw a relationship map to keep the names straight. The book picked up about a third of the way through and I enjoyed it for the most part, but the whole storyline with Raverson felt a bit clunky. I know he was the main antagonist of the book and the ending was satisfying, but it didn't really flow throughout the book.

The dual POVs really helped the story progress. It's always tough not really liking the main characters from the beginning but having both perspectives helped to build an understanding and appreciation for both characters and why they made some of the decisions that they did.

I quite enjoyed the first book in this series (duology??), which sets up this sequel at the end. This was not as much of a hit for me, which is disappointing, but there’s still much to like.

The good - Gwen and Beth are back and great supporting characters in this one. Same for Albie and Meredith. It’s a little long but it is a quick read.

My biggest issue is that Bobby and James have almost nothing but miscommunications for the first half of the book. Then, when they do give in to their attraction, they’re almost immediately torn apart again, but a third act break up that should have been so easily avoided!

I also thought the conflict with Raverson was a bit too mustache-twirly. He’s so obviously a villain it was hard to care much about that aspect. And by the end I felt like it was so convenient the way everything came together that I was beyond annoyed.

I think it’s a nice closing to this sweet series, but definitely reads more YA than I was hoping (especially considering the spice!)

3 stars for me. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

We catch up with the characters from Don't Want You Like a Best Friend while also falling in love with two new characters Bobby and James. They are two young men that were acquainted with each other from their time in school that are trying to find their way in the world. The dangers of being in a relationship with each other during that time period, misunderstandings and their individual emotional turmoil makes for a rather moving story of two people that are connecting despite the circumstances that they find themselves in. Sweet, emotional, and moving in equal parts it's a truly engaging read that kept me turning the pages.

I love the cover! First time by this author and i will read more.

I am not a big fan of spice but it really was not too bad. Some of the book seem to drag and some of the characters felt like they were not developed throughout the book.

This book was not good not bad as i did enjoy it.

Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.

While not my favourite, I think this is a fun duology and of course I always enjoy a good lavender marriage.

Emma R. Alban's second novel is no sophomore slump. Her follow up novel is as captivating and enjoyable as the first! Perfect for fans of KJ Charles and Lex Croucher.

This was a perfectly fine romance! The spicy scenes were good, but I thought the book as a whole gave too much focus to the other characters, which made the main relationship feel a little underdeveloped.

I fell in love with this book! You're the Problem, It's You by Emma R. Alban is about Bobby Mason, a second son, and James Demeroven, a new Viscount, who oppose each other even when their family wants them to get along. Bobby and James' relationship throughout the narrative is a rollercoaster full of hate, love, fear, and danger.

Bobby and James' relationship isn't the only one to love in this book. The family dynamics are my favorite part of the book. I laughed, cried, and cheered with the family. The relationship and dialogue between the family were witty, fun-loving, and sentimental. No matter what was thrown at the family, they would get through it together.

I adored both characters, even if I sometimes wanted to scream at them. Bobby loves his family with everything, but he is tired of being overshadowed and wants to do more than attend events. James is cautious and smart, but he feels the pressure of trying to undo the mistakes of his uncle and stepfather to bring a good reputation to the Demeroven title. Both characters are brought down by society's dislike of homosexuals, and eventually, others try to use who they are against them. This forces James and Bobby to work together to protest themselves and their family. Throughout the book, Alban does an amazing good with character growth and development with all the characters without changing who they are at the core. I look forward to reading more books by Emma R. Alban.

A new viscount who has secrets he's trying to keep finds himself facing off against his past school boy crush and the very man who gets under his skin, a handsome and open man who was asked to babysit him. James Demeroven has just inherited the title of Viscount from his father, despite suffering from anxiety, a terrible ex who is keen to blackmail him, an abusive step father, and meeting his only other family members he never knew he had, James is having a bit of a time. James is meant to be spending time with his aunt and his cousin, two people. who's home he essentially took and who had been cut out from the family but now that he's inherited the title he wants to get to know them and that means spending time with them... and spending time with Bobby Mason. Bobby Mason is the second son, he's always second best and feels like he doesn't contribute anything, so when his uncle asks him to babysit and help the newcomer in their circle to make connections and fit in with the society, he reluctantly says yes.. but every attempt to be friendly ends up in coldness as James just can't seem to convey his words or thoughts well. Bobby wants to be friends but James is intent on arguing. Bobby and James can't stand one another and yet when Jame's ex threatens to blackmail their family and extort money, both of them will have to work together to stop him and protect their families before it's too late. This is the sequel to the first book, but unfortunately this one just wasn't as good as the first one. I loved Gwen and Beth, but Bobby and James just did not work for me. They didn't feel like they had any chemistry and I just wasn't all that invested in their relationship after everything. I really enjoyed the first book but this one just didn't work for me. I really wished it did, but I just did not have as much fun with this one as I did with the first book. If you are looking for a opposites attracts/ dislike to lovers, give this a go maybe it'll work out better for you than it did for me.

*Thanks Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager,  for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

You’re the Problem, It’s You by Emma R. Alban is a celebration of found family, and I absolutely loved it. Bobby Mason is a second son who feels directionless. Lord James Demeroven feels overshadowed by his past and stepfather, despite having his title. James carries an unrequited crush on Bobby from his school days into the new season, but his imagination regarding Bobby Mason is quickly replaced by a less than favorable first, second, and third impressions. Despite this, Bobby is asked to help James make connections and friends during the season - but why is he always so prickly? A true strength of this book is the cast of characters around Bobby and James - Gwen and Beth, the main characters in Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend, are equally fierce and mischievous. Bobby’s older brother, Albie, is the kind of sibling we all should hope for and Prince, Cunningham, and Thomas Parker make for an interesting cast of characters. With a little Mischief & Matchmaking perhaps James and Bobby could be more?

Emma R. Alban's novel, "You're the Problem, It's You," takes readers on an enthralling journey of complex characters, simmering tensions, and undeniable attraction. The story revolves around Bobby Mason and James Demeroven, two individuals at odds with each other yet undeniably drawn together. Alban's skillful portrayal of their relationship creates a dynamic and captivating narrative that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. Bobby Mason, tired of being underestimated and overshadowed, yearns to make a meaningful impact in a world that seems content with mediocrity. On the other hand, James Demeroven, burdened by a history of disappointment and underachievement, prefers a life of anonymity and low expectations. The collision of their personalities creates an explosive dynamic that ignites the story with tension and sparks. Alban masterfully crafts Bobby Mason as a character who is unapologetically bold, reckless, and charismatic. His larger-than-life presence contrasts sharply with James's introverted nature, making him a blazing comet in James's otherwise dark and subdued world. However, this stark dichotomy also serves as the root of their conflicts. Bobby's exuberance and penchant for rubbing James's failures in his face threaten to dismantle the fragile safety James has built around himself. The novel delves deep into their intricate relationship, skillfully exploring the thin line between love and hate. Alban captures the palpable chemistry between the characters, leaving readers eagerly anticipating their every interaction. The author's ability to portray their complex emotions and simmering attraction adds depth and intensity to the narrative. Beyond the captivating romance, Alban weaves an intriguing subplot involving extortion and threats against their families. This external threat forces Bobby and James to find common ground and work together, leading to unexpected character growth and development. The suspenseful elements, combined with the magnetic pull between the protagonists, elevates the story to new heights, keeping readers engaged until the very end. Alban's writing style is immersive and evocative, painting vivid scenes and breathing life into the historical backdrop. The Regency era setting comes alive through her meticulous attention to detail, transporting readers to a world of lavish balls, societal expectations, and secret trysts. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and authentic, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading experience. "You're the Problem, It's You" is a captivating and passionate tale that will leave readers enthralled. Emma R. Alban's adept storytelling, compelling characters, and skillful blend of romance and suspense make this novel a must-read for fans of historical fiction. Prepare to be swept away by the tumultuous journey of Bobby and James as they navigate their way through love, conflict, and self-discovery.

What a delight! I had so much fun with Alban's first romance in this series, and I was waiting on the edge of my seat for the series conclusion -- and it did not disappoint!

I really enjoyed (yet again) the film-like qualities of the book. Sometimes books can lean out of the novel realm into the screenplay realm in a way that's really noticeable and bad, but Alban skillfully strikes a balance that gives the reader the best qualities of both writing styles. I felt very visually and emotionally aware of what was going on in the book, which made it all the more captivating. (Altho I did feel the villain was a bit cartoonish.) The main characters are messy and go through a lot of growth to end up together, and it feels really well-thought out -- they're not properly enemies (moreso rivals), but the work they go through to get to the end of the story is really rewarding.

I also really loved that both the books in this series (and especially this one) emphasize how important it is to have family (whether by choice or birth) to support you. It's something that I feel is missing from a lot of queer romance, and I adore when I find them. So if this is also one of your fav tropes/themes/whatever, definitely give this one a go.

Overall, I had a very fun time with this book, even if I didn't love it QUITE as much as the first one. Strongly recommend checking out this series, and I cannot wait to see what Alban writes next -- definitely a new pre-order author for me!

This has a lot I should have enjoyed, but it did not end up working for me. I thought the setup of a historical lavender marriage between friends was charming, but there were too many plots and it was difficult to keep track of the status of everyone’s relationships with each other. I also found a lot of the emotional beats inconsistent. It’s a fine sequel and it was fun to see Gwen and Beth again and I could see how this could really be up someone’s alley. Unfortunately that someone is not me. I hope it finds its audience.