You're the Problem, It's You - A Novel

The enemies-to-lovers queer Victorian romance follow-up to Don't Want You Like a Best Friend, in which a young lord and a second son clash, but find themselves thrust together again and again by their meddling cousins.

"That man is, without a doubt, the absolute most obnoxious...

Bobby Mason is sick of being second best: born the spare, never trusted with family responsibility, never expected to amount to much. He's hungry to contribute something that matters, while all around him his peers are squandering their political and financial power, coasting through life. Which is exactly why he can't stand the new Viscount Demeroven.

...insufferable...

James Demeroven, just come of age and into the Viscountcy, knows that he's a disappointment. Keeping his head down and never raising anyone's expectations is how he's survived life with his stepfather. To quiet, careful James, Bobby Mason is a blazing comet in his endless night, even more alive than he was at Oxford when James crushed on him from afar. But Mason is also brash and recklessly unapologetic, destined to shatter the fragile safety of James's world. Worst of all, he keeps rubbing James's failures in his face.

...hottest man to ever walk the ton."

They can barely get through a single conversation without tensions boiling over. Neither Bobby nor James has ever met a more intriguing, infuriating, infatuating man.

If only they could avoid each other entirely. Bad enough their (wonderful but determined) cousins Beth and Gwen keep conveniently setting up group outings. But when an extortionist starts targeting their families, threatening their reputations, Bobby and James must find a way to work together, without pushing each other's buttons (or tearing them off) in the process...

Rezension:

"With the latest deftly fashioned addition to her Victorian-set Mischief & Matchmaking series, Alban gives readers a fiercely romantic, splendidly sensual romance. This love story not only delivers memorable moments of wit and whimsy (a game of Spot the Scion, anyone?), but also, with great grace and incredible insight, perfectly captures the inexplicable joy that comes from finding a place where you belong and a group of people who love you just the way you are." - Booklist (starred review)

"This found family story showcases the unconditional love between the varied cast of characters while playful hijinks bring a positive, uplifting tone to a subject matter that can be harrowing. A heartwarming enemies-to-lovers romance." - Shelf Awareness

"Come for the Bridgerton vibes, stay for the fun!" - Book Riot

"A wonderful tale of mischief and matchmaking, You're the Problem It's You, on sale Aug. 27, is a touching story of two men learning how to live their trut h in a society." - Dallas Voice

"Alban skillfully captures James' emotions, including his absolute yearning for Bobby, in this wonderful depiction of found families and their power to heal." - BookPage

"The chemistry between the two catch[es] fire in a well-drawn and compelling way. ... Alban hits the final mark with a historically accurate possibility for everyone's HEA. ... [A] charming queer historical romance." - Kirkus Reviews

"Fans of the series will enjoy seeing the reluctant heroes maturing and taking responsibility thanks to unconditional love from supportive members of their family." - Library Journal

"Emma R. Alban is a fresh, distinct new voice in the genre and her debut gives us all the top tier wit, spice, and swoons we love in a historical romance. One to watch!" - Evie Dunmore, USA Today bestselling author of Bringing Down the Duke, on Don't Want You Like a Best Friend

"Sweet, angsty, and ingeniously subversive, Don't Want You Lik e a Best Friend will have you turning the pages and rooting for Beth and Gwen to finally get the happy-ever-after they both deserve. A delightfully refreshing historical romance!" - Amalie Howard, USA Today bestselling author

"Equal parts swoony, nail-bitingly emotional, and sizzling, Don't Want You Like a Best Friend sweeps readers off their feet in a wholly new and exhilarating dance. With beautifully rendered setting, whip-smart banter, and a cast of characters that are so easy to love, Alban cements herself as an instant voice to watch in queer romance." - Carlyn Greenwald, author of Sizzle Reel