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midnightbelles's review
emotional
funny
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? Yes
3.0
This was okay. I honestly think historical fiction/romance isn’t for me but story wise this was interesting (although their new family tree is wild). I was really into the first 1/3 of the book but once I got to the middle I got a little bored and sped through the rest of the chapters just to see how it ended. I loved the ending though and the epilogue made me really want to read the second book to see what happens between Beth and Gwen in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Alcohol, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Homophobia, Addiction, Misogyny, and Toxic relationship
letopotato's review against another edition
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Whew. That was the first time I've shed a few tears because of a book in a few years. Apparently I have a thing for regency/historical romance now. And lesbians.
I usually don't read romance, but I've tiptoed around this one long enough. I only bought this book because of my above-mentioned guilty pleasure and because of the intriguing interwoven plot. And the lesbians, of course.
There's no suspense as to how the book ends, obviously. It's a romance, they're meant to get together. But for the first time, the how, the when and the why has actually kept me on the edge of my seat – I needed to know how Beth & Gwen would manage it! At some points I was almost convinced they wouldn't, this being the 1850s and them being very lesbian and all that.
I can't say how historically accurate this book is – probably not very? Many characters were rather supportive of the main couple, which works great for the story but otherwise is...very unlikely. It didn't matter much to me, because it's still a cute feelgood story. Not very realistic or in-depth, but it hasn't destroyed my suspension of disbelief.
If you want to be invested in the fate of two loveable girls and their shenanigans on how to get their cool as fuck parents together, reading this is the best choice you'll ever make.
I usually don't read romance, but I've tiptoed around this one long enough. I only bought this book because of my above-mentioned guilty pleasure and because of the intriguing interwoven plot. And the lesbians, of course.
There's no suspense as to how the book ends, obviously. It's a romance, they're meant to get together. But for the first time, the how, the when and the why has actually kept me on the edge of my seat – I needed to know how Beth & Gwen would manage it! At some points I was almost convinced they wouldn't, this being the 1850s and them being very lesbian and all that.
I can't say how historically accurate this book is – probably not very? Many characters were rather supportive of the main couple, which works great for the story but otherwise is...very unlikely. It didn't matter much to me, because it's still a cute feelgood story. Not very realistic or in-depth, but it hasn't destroyed my suspension of disbelief.
If you want to be invested in the fate of two loveable girls and their shenanigans on how to get their cool as fuck parents together, reading this is the best choice you'll ever make.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol, Classism, Domestic abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Pregnancy, Vomit, and Death of parent
dalek_caan's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
4.75
This was such a a cute fluffy read, and a great standalone even though there is a sequel I fully intend to read. I absolutely love the characters and the drama.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Vomit, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Pregnancy
booksdogsandcoffee's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.5
An adorable lighthearted Victorian era romance. That feels like a season of Bridgerton mixed with the scheming of the parent trap. I thought the overall relationship and friendships were fun to follow along with during the novel. And am very excited for how the ending of this book sets up for the next!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Sexual content, Misogyny, Sexism, and Alcohol
Minor: Toxic relationship and Domestic abuse
quiltsandtealibrary's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend by Emma R. Alban has stolen my heart away!
This book has swiftly secured itself as a favorite for 2024- the audiobook features dual narration for both Beth and Gwen and both ladies are the perfect voices for both girls!
This sapphic regency romance X parent trap mix had the most perfect scenes, most believable and unique moments of love between multiple characters , and thee most satisfying HEA that I have read in months.
This is such a well written, lovely, gorgeous debut and I’m looking forward to the second book in the Mischief & Matchmaking series!
Spoiler?
Conversational awareness piece here:
The claim that this book is glorifying or show casing incest is a mega leap and extremely queerphobic. The girls NEVER knew each other growing up, do not call each other sister romantically, and this is a book of its time: it’s regency. They cannot marry one another like they desire too and this is the next best thing.
The epilogue is another example of them trying to work with the world they are in to potentially appease society/not draw attention to their queerness, live happily ever after together, and maybe help another queer couple live happily ever after all at the same time.
Please stop letting comphet normality ruin this book for you and stop looking at it thru a straight view point.
Spoiler?
Conversational awareness piece here:
The claim that this book is glorifying or show casing incest is a mega leap and extremely queerphobic. The girls NEVER knew each other growing up, do not call each other sister romantically, and this is a book of its time: it’s regency. They cannot marry one another like they desire too and this is the next best thing.
The epilogue is another example of them trying to work with the world they are in to potentially appease society/not draw attention to their queerness, live happily ever after together, and maybe help another queer couple live happily ever after all at the same time.
Please stop letting comphet normality ruin this book for you and stop looking at it thru a straight view point.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Minor: Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
viselik's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I think it's a lovely book with some good relationships between Gwen and Beth and their parents, which was a significant highlight, but I will say I didn't like the whole getting their parents together and them getting together as a couple. Even more so, considering Gwen and Beth's parents had a fling many years before the story happened, meaning it's a second-chance romance for the parents, and that's a trope I do not like.
I also found the middle bit a tad boring, and the marriage to another man section was dull, as I found it primarily predictable, although entirely accurate for the period with the misogyny. I find this an issue with romance books in general, though, as I tend to get very bored with either the 2nd or 3rd act breakups, as they generally get back together by the end of the book anyway.
I immensely enjoyed the ending, though, as I found it suitable for the book but kept it open enough for the sequel books from Beth and Gwen's story to follow. I am also curious where this could go and whether Montson will return in future books.
I also found the middle bit a tad boring, and the marriage to another man section was dull, as I found it primarily predictable, although entirely accurate for the period with the misogyny. I find this an issue with romance books in general, though, as I tend to get very bored with either the 2nd or 3rd act breakups, as they generally get back together by the end of the book anyway.
I immensely enjoyed the ending, though, as I found it suitable for the book but kept it open enough for the sequel books from Beth and Gwen's story to follow. I am also curious where this could go and whether Montson will return in future books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol and Misogyny
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Death of parent, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Vomit
stardustandrockets's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book was everything! I absolutely love the hijinks Gwen and Beth come up with to get their parents together so they don't have to get married themselves. Not realizing they're both queer until it's too late, this was an absolute joy of a book. Mixing my love of historical romance, queer discovery stories, and badass ladies.
The cast of characters was great. Aside from the main duo, Albie was a stand-out to me. Same with Meredith. They were both so accepting of Gwen and Beth and probably realized they had a thing for each other before they did.
I absolutely adored this book and cannot wait to read the sequel!
This book was everything! I absolutely love the hijinks Gwen and Beth come up with to get their parents together so they don't have to get married themselves. Not realizing they're both queer until it's too late, this was an absolute joy of a book. Mixing my love of historical romance, queer discovery stories, and badass ladies.
The cast of characters was great. Aside from the main duo, Albie was a stand-out to me. Same with Meredith. They were both so accepting of Gwen and Beth and probably realized they had a thing for each other before they did.
I absolutely adored this book and cannot wait to read the sequel!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Grief, Homophobia, Sexism, Alcohol, Classism, and Sexual content
Minor: Violence, Death of parent, Drug use, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Pregnancy, and Toxic relationship
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