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A review by actual_hobbit
Don't Want You Like a Best Friend by Emma R. Alban
funny
hopeful
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? N/A
4.0
Lesbian romance in a regency setting, with a smattering of matchmaking thrown in? This book checks all the boxes for me!
I found this book to be witty, fun, and surprisingly thought-provoking. I quickly fell in love with Beth and Gwen, and the side characters of their parents and friends were just as dynamic. Once I got settled into the book, it felt like I was watching a favorite TV show, full of life and good dialogue and depth. As Beth and Gwen struggled to find a way to foster their romance in a world where same-sex relationships weren’t even heard of, I wanted to cry with them, knowing that this was a reality for countless queer people throughout history. The author depicted this heartbreaking situation so well.
In addition to its well-written characters - which is always a win in my book - the book shows the uglier side of the regency era without hesitation. Though other media set in this time period (i.e. Bridgerton) clearly shows how women are dependent on men for security, this took a deeper turn, covering abuse, neglect, and the ramifications of divorce. I especially appreciated the attention that the author gave to day-to-day problems, like navigating hoop skirts, dealing with heat exhaustion at outings, etc. (Remind me to never try a hoop skirt!) This level of detail made the story so much more real for me.
The only drawback for me was the writing style, which took a bit for me to get used to. Personally I struggle with present-tense writing, and the first few chapters felt choppy to me. After the first quarter of the book, it felt like the author hit her stride, and the writing felt more natural. I’d urge anyone to keep going if they struggle with the writing style, as I did! Additionally, the parent/stepparent dynamic wasn’t my favorite solution to the MC’s romance (I much prefer what happened in the epilogue!) but I definitely didn’t get any incest-y vibes as other reviews have mentioned.
I found this book to be witty, fun, and surprisingly thought-provoking. I quickly fell in love with Beth and Gwen, and the side characters of their parents and friends were just as dynamic. Once I got settled into the book, it felt like I was watching a favorite TV show, full of life and good dialogue and depth. As Beth and Gwen struggled to find a way to foster their romance in a world where same-sex relationships weren’t even heard of, I wanted to cry with them, knowing that this was a reality for countless queer people throughout history. The author depicted this heartbreaking situation so well.
In addition to its well-written characters - which is always a win in my book - the book shows the uglier side of the regency era without hesitation. Though other media set in this time period (i.e. Bridgerton) clearly shows how women are dependent on men for security, this took a deeper turn, covering abuse, neglect, and the ramifications of divorce. I especially appreciated the attention that the author gave to day-to-day problems, like navigating hoop skirts, dealing with heat exhaustion at outings, etc. (Remind me to never try a hoop skirt!) This level of detail made the story so much more real for me.
The only drawback for me was the writing style, which took a bit for me to get used to. Personally I struggle with present-tense writing, and the first few chapters felt choppy to me. After the first quarter of the book, it felt like the author hit her stride, and the writing felt more natural. I’d urge anyone to keep going if they struggle with the writing style, as I did! Additionally, the parent/stepparent dynamic wasn’t my favorite solution to the MC’s romance (I much prefer what happened in the epilogue!) but I definitely didn’t get any incest-y vibes as other reviews have mentioned.
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism and Domestic abuse