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laure_frompariswithbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
alejandracromer's review against another edition
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
themelleh's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thank you to the publishers, Emma Alban and Netgalley for the Arc. This is my 100% honest opinion!
I have been anxiously awaiting this book since I devoured More Than A Best Friend. And when I tell you I was so close to throwing hands with my partner and anyone else who got in my way while reading… Not only do we get more of Bobby, we get to meet the scrummy Viscount Demeroven.
Was my heart in my stomach from about the halfway point? Maybe. Did I cry? Definitely? Was the ending the most wibbly, satisfying, happy-tear filled kind? Yes.
This is the only kind of period romance I want going forward. Queer and happy.
I have been anxiously awaiting this book since I devoured More Than A Best Friend. And when I tell you I was so close to throwing hands with my partner and anyone else who got in my way while reading… Not only do we get more of Bobby, we get to meet the scrummy Viscount Demeroven.
Was my heart in my stomach from about the halfway point? Maybe. Did I cry? Definitely? Was the ending the most wibbly, satisfying, happy-tear filled kind? Yes.
This is the only kind of period romance I want going forward. Queer and happy.
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia and Alcohol
julsmarshall's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Sweet and funny, this follow up to Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend was a delightful read. While I may have preferred the first one to this one due to all of the unnecessary angst (just have a conversation!), I especially enjoyed seeing the characters from the first book remain in the mix and seeing everyone’s happy conclusion.
adventuresinpages's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
5.0
I think I loved this even more than the first book which is really saying something because I rated that highly too. The initial tension between Bobby and James, Bobby not understand James' disinterest was really anxiety, James thinking Bobby was a second son who floated around without a care.
I loved James so much. I'm also an anxious little bean and heavily related not only to his panic attacks, but his general anxiety day to day. I loved the way he grew as the story went on and that his anxiety never left, but that he would remind himself he's no longer alone and there are people who love him dearly who want to be there for him.
I do wish we got a bit more of Bobby openly expressing his insecurities with James, but I loved how he actively turned to his family when he was feeling down.
While this story had real stakes, it never felt like too much and it was so easy to root for James and Bobby, but also for the family.
That epilogue really got me. I'm never a crier with books, but it got a couple happy tears from me 🥲
Thanks NetGalley for the eARC and Libro.FM for the ALC copy.
I loved James so much. I'm also an anxious little bean and heavily related not only to his panic attacks, but his general anxiety day to day. I loved the way he grew as the story went on and that his anxiety never left, but that he would remind himself he's no longer alone and there are people who love him dearly who want to be there for him.
I do wish we got a bit more of Bobby openly expressing his insecurities with James, but I loved how he actively turned to his family when he was feeling down.
While this story had real stakes, it never felt like too much and it was so easy to root for James and Bobby, but also for the family.
That epilogue really got me. I'm never a crier with books, but it got a couple happy tears from me 🥲
Thanks NetGalley for the eARC and Libro.FM for the ALC copy.
rhidee's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
bekacrook's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I loved Bobby and James and this story. There was a genuine plot around Ravenson and his blackmail and how this could be catastrophic for both men and their families built in around the development of their relationship. I liked that they didn't get on at the start because James appeared short and rude and bought out the worst in Bobby. But that there was more to it than that, the relationship James has with his stepfather explained the lack of belief in himself and the way he struggled in social situations. However it was nice to see him grow and develop confidence and a backbone and then reap the benefits by becoming a true member of a family he wanted to be a part of. Bobby's backstory was also interesting, his uncertainty about where he fits in his family and society as a second son and how that influenced his view of affection and thus got him involved with Ravenson.
The level of support from the Havenford family was devine, it was all encompassing and genuine. There was genuine worry but happiness for Bobby and James. It was lovely to see Gwen and Beth again and see the continuation of their story. The epilogue was absolutely lovely, it felt like a really settled family and was ideal for all of them.
Really well written book, such an engaging and easy read.
The level of support from the Havenford family was devine, it was all encompassing and genuine. There was genuine worry but happiness for Bobby and James. It was lovely to see Gwen and Beth again and see the continuation of their story. The epilogue was absolutely lovely, it felt like a really settled family and was ideal for all of them.
Really well written book, such an engaging and easy read.
harrizillah's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
rashellnicole's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for letting me read an e-ARC of You’re the Problem, It’s You by Emma R. Alban! This book releases on August 27, 2024, so there’s still plenty of time to pick up the first book in the series, tear through it, and then preorder a copy of this book.
Bobby Mason is the second-born son in his family and with that comes a lack of responsibility for family and political affairs and never being able to measure up to his older brother. He takes it in stride, though, by acting like nothing ever bothers him and trying to find ways to make his voice and opinions count for something. James Demeroven, however, is the newest Viscount of his estate and, for all intents and purposes, appears to have an extremely easy life. He is involved in political decisions, listens to his stepfather about what a disappointment he’ll always be, and he simply tries to fly under the radar at all times. Naturally, these two hate each other, even though there is a simmering attraction just below the surface.
When a night out for both men includes a stop by a discreet social gathering in a safe space for men who are attracted to other men, they’re both unwittingly roped into a future stag night for one of the engaged attendees. This whirlwind of a night just might shift each man’s perspective of the other, though their situations are, understandably, complicated. Their situation only grows more complicated as a simple crush quickly develops into something more after their cousins, Gwen and Beth, continue to come up with reasons for their families to spend more quality time together - both in public and private.
While I personally enjoyed Gwen and Beth’s story a little more, Bobby and James have a wonderful story of their own that will make readers laugh and cry and rage as the enemies-to-lovers and miscommunication tropes are ABOUND in this installment. I found the ending predictable and, even though I wasn’t a big fan of this choice, I understand that the time period in which it’s set would’ve made it impossible for each queer couple to legally be together. These characters are making the best of impossible situations and I do love that for them.
Bobby Mason is the second-born son in his family and with that comes a lack of responsibility for family and political affairs and never being able to measure up to his older brother. He takes it in stride, though, by acting like nothing ever bothers him and trying to find ways to make his voice and opinions count for something. James Demeroven, however, is the newest Viscount of his estate and, for all intents and purposes, appears to have an extremely easy life. He is involved in political decisions, listens to his stepfather about what a disappointment he’ll always be, and he simply tries to fly under the radar at all times. Naturally, these two hate each other, even though there is a simmering attraction just below the surface.
When a night out for both men includes a stop by a discreet social gathering in a safe space for men who are attracted to other men, they’re both unwittingly roped into a future stag night for one of the engaged attendees. This whirlwind of a night just might shift each man’s perspective of the other, though their situations are, understandably, complicated. Their situation only grows more complicated as a simple crush quickly develops into something more after their cousins, Gwen and Beth, continue to come up with reasons for their families to spend more quality time together - both in public and private.
While I personally enjoyed Gwen and Beth’s story a little more, Bobby and James have a wonderful story of their own that will make readers laugh and cry and rage as the enemies-to-lovers and miscommunication tropes are ABOUND in this installment. I found the ending predictable and, even though I wasn’t a big fan of this choice, I understand that the time period in which it’s set would’ve made it impossible for each queer couple to legally be together. These characters are making the best of impossible situations and I do love that for them.