Scan barcode
A review by rashellnicole
You're the Problem, It's You by Emma R. Alban
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.