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hmgauthier 's review for:

More Than a Best Friend by Emma R. Alban
3.0
emotional hopeful sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Huge thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an e-Arc in exchange for an honest review!

This book wasn’t what I expected at any point. I expected more of a rom-com but that likely was misreading/understanding on my part. 

I liked a lot about the book: the premise of a sapphic Victorian novel, numerous Taylor references, the fabulous found family with Gwen’s cousins, all the layers to the clothes, wine cellar scene, Mrs. Stelm and Mrs. Gilpe. 

I struggled with a few things in this story. I wish the story had as much fun/romantic pining to sad pining (which bogged down my read). I wish the build up to Gwen and Beth getting together was a little more. I wasn’t as invested in them as I wanted to be when it happened. Honestly, the story of the girls parents was so interesting and I was so invested I would have almost rather read that story. Keeping track of everyone and all the titles was tricky. Also, the parent trap aspect of this romance really lost me a bit, it felt weird especially with how the book ended…

I wanted to love this, it was cute but nothing fantastic.