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A review by melireadsromance
You're the Problem, It's You by Emma R. Alban
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
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.
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.