A review by heathers_books
You're The Problem, It's You by Emma R. Alban

emotional lighthearted slow-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? It's complicated

3.5


The drama, the yearning, the self doubt and never relenting fear of becoming the very thing you hate. I ate this book and what it served me right up BUT I did leave some crumbs.

James and Bobby were equally frustrating and captivating to watch dance around each other in this book. The push and pull between them made me want to take little voodoo dolls of them and make them hug or something (a sentiment I’m sure Beth and Gwen relate to). The big bad of this book (namely the man blackmailing our duo) fell a bit flat to me but still I felt the stakes for these two rise. And though I ADORED Jame and Bobby together, I do wish we could have seen them falling for one another more clearly. Really give me that desperate pathetic yearning that Gwen and Beth got to experience, ya know? 

This being the second of a duology I must admit it was difficult to jump into having had some time passed since reading the first - This is a duo meant to be read together lest you spend a great deal of this book going “who is that?” and “what is their title?” or even “Oh - I did not realize that was the same character - why do people of the Ton have so many different names for one person!?”. Once I’d given myself a refresher it was incredibly rewarding to revisit my favorite characters from “Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend” and see how they were faring this next season! 


All in all, this little found family that Alban brought to life has wormed their way into my heart. I’ve been charmed by each of them and though I’m sad to see them go, I am so grateful to have their stories concluded in such a beautiful way that did justice to the individual characters and their stories. 

As a final note: The first of this series was titled with Taylor Swift lyrics and this one is as well … I see your play on “Anti-Hero” and I raise you “Long Story Short”. Do with this information as you will. 

Special thanks to Netgalley and Avon for the ARC - I am leaving this review voluntarily!