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relin's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Very silly premise that is followed through in an enjoyable way! Characters all have delightfully human problems and concerns they are navigating.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Sexism
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Violence, Physical abuse, Lesbophobia, Drug use, and Alcohol
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Incest, Death of parent, Medical content, and Alcoholism
While in the premise, parent trapping their parents is cute, it does also make them step sisters in a romantic relationship with each other.its_vendetta's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
AWWW!!! I loved it!! Such a good read! The plot was so well written and I was on the edge of my seat through the entire book. I loved the characters as well they were so interesting and even the side characters felt well thought out.
If you want an amazing historical romance filled with queer joy and amazing characters this book is for you. One of my favorite sapphic romances I've ever read and definitely my favorite historical romance!
I can't wait to read the sequel that is coming out in August!!
If you want an amazing historical romance filled with queer joy and amazing characters this book is for you. One of my favorite sapphic romances I've ever read and definitely my favorite historical romance!
I can't wait to read the sequel that is coming out in August!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Misogyny, and Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Infidelity, Pregnancy, Vomit, Alcohol, Death of parent, Homophobia, and Classism
period accurate sexism and classism (1800s)abitbetterbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-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? No
4.75
A near-perfect book for me, and an outstanding debut from Emma R. Alban.
I was enjoying listening to this book from the outset— great audio narrators, writing that’s the perfect mix of descriptive and quippy, and a Parent Trap style set-up ruse in a Regency setting made for a great but subtle draw.
It was about 60% of the way in when I was well and truly hooked, and this book took it to the next level. The heartbreak and tension in the story, with a few little surprises to round out the ending, really got me.
While I knew the romance had to have a happy ending, it was really hard to see how it all might work out for our heroines. It felt real and the issues of women’s rights in particular (as it pertained to the Marital Causes Act, and status / relationships in general) were an ever-present and moving concern. I loved how Gwen grew enough to ask others for help and tend to her relationships with her cousins, and Lady Demeroven’s arc was beautiful as well.
2024 really is the year of the sapphics!!! If you want to laugh, cry, fist pump, and clap your hands and squeal in your car, I’d highly recommend listening to Don’t Want You Like A Best Friend.
I was enjoying listening to this book from the outset— great audio narrators, writing that’s the perfect mix of descriptive and quippy, and a Parent Trap style set-up ruse in a Regency setting made for a great but subtle draw.
It was about 60% of the way in when I was well and truly hooked, and this book took it to the next level. The heartbreak and tension in the story, with a few little surprises to round out the ending, really got me.
While I knew the romance had to have a happy ending, it was really hard to see how it all might work out for our heroines. It felt real and the issues of women’s rights in particular (as it pertained to the Marital Causes Act, and status / relationships in general) were an ever-present and moving concern. I loved how Gwen grew enough to ask others for help and tend to her relationships with her cousins, and Lady Demeroven’s arc was beautiful as well.
2024 really is the year of the sapphics!!! If you want to laugh, cry, fist pump, and clap your hands and squeal in your car, I’d highly recommend listening to Don’t Want You Like A Best Friend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Alcohol, and Vomit
Moderate: Misogyny, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Homophobia, Sexual content, Pregnancy, and Death of parent
sarasreading's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
This book was really sweet and I liked all the characters and side plots, which I can't always say about a romance. It was fun and funny, interesting and sweet. There were some aspects that didn't fully land for me, or that I couldn't suspend my disbelief for, but it was still a lovely read and I'll definitely read the upcoming books in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Sexism
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Classism
starglitters's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Sexism
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Death of parent, Homophobia, and Pregnancy
luunacy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This was a cute romance story. Just fluffy enough, though I could have used a little more steam. I look forward to reading the sequel this fall.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Death of parent, Sexism, and Domestic abuse
toa's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse, Sexism, and Death of parent
blewballoon's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I had high hopes, and really enjoyed this! At first I felt like maybe it skewed a little too young. It read as more YA than I remember the Bridgerton books being, but I either got used to it or it matured as the story went on. I really enjoyed how the parents story intertwined with the girls, and once I realized how it had to resolve I was glad to see it finally happen. The audiobook narrators were excellent. I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series for sure.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Alcohol
Minor: Death of parent, Vomit, Homophobia, Pregnancy, Domestic abuse, Sexism, and Misogyny
saukittome's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, and Alcohol
Minor: Sexism, Pregnancy, Violence, and Alcoholism
cloreadsbooks1364's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
A historical sapphic romance? Named after a Taylor Swift lyric? I had quite high expectations for this one!
Gwen and Beth were such well developed protagonists! Gwen was shameless, proud, confident, with a large sense of humour. Beth was shy, polite, gentle, with a fun side too of course. They went so well together!
A large plot point was the girls trying to pair up their parents, both very strong characters. I really enjoyed their opposing personalities.
The background characters were all very well developed also.
The romance between the protagonists was very well-written, not forced. I'd like to remind you that this is an adult book, so don't expect it to be YA in terms of romance.
The historical setting seemed good to me, though I honestly don't know enough to comment on it.
I really loved this book, and highly recommend it!
Queer rep:
Sapphic protagonists
Gwen and Beth were such well developed protagonists! Gwen was shameless, proud, confident, with a large sense of humour. Beth was shy, polite, gentle, with a fun side too of course. They went so well together!
A large plot point was the girls trying to pair up their parents, both very strong characters. I really enjoyed their opposing personalities.
The background characters were all very well developed also.
The romance between the protagonists was very well-written, not forced. I'd like to remind you that this is an adult book, so don't expect it to be YA in terms of romance.
The historical setting seemed good to me, though I honestly don't know enough to comment on it.
I really loved this book, and highly recommend it!
Queer rep:
Sapphic protagonists
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Addiction and Alcohol
Minor: Sexual assault, Pregnancy, and Domestic abuse