Queen B’s Decree: I have to admit, I didn’t adore this one as much as I did its predecessor Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend. So much of the story was basically a long miscommunication that could have easily been prevented had any of the characters just talked?? But of course, it’s Victorian England—we don’t discuss our problems!
I did love Bobby though. Supportive and loving of his family, he even gives James too many second chances (IMO). I enjoyed their relationship, watching it evolve, but I did really want a little more grovel and apologies than I received.
What I really appreciate about this series is the realism. Not the dialogue or banter, because a lot of that feels modernized, but the societal pressures they all have to deal with. The fact that multiple characters feel like they have to hide their true selves just to survive (literally at times in Bobby’s and James’ cases). I adored the ending and their workaround.
Overall, this was a fun and cute story but I didn’t feel hooked like I did with the first.
Book: You’re the Problem, It’s You by Emma R. Alban
Series: Mischief & Matchmaking #2
Genre: Historical
Plot Devices/Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, LGBTQ