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Don't Want You Like a Best Friend
by Emma R. Alban
Don't Want You Like a Best Friend drops you into Victorian society with a delightful, subversive twist. Meet Beth, an anxious debutante desperate to avoid a dreaded marriage, and Gwen, a seasoned socialite with zero interest in matrimony. Their brilliant plan? To Parent Trap their widowed parents, hoping to secure their own futures and escape the marriage market. What unfolds is a charming, witty romp filled with laugh-out-loud schemes and unexpected tender moments. You'll find yourself completely invested as Beth and Gwen navigate societal expectations, family drama, and the utterly inconvenient, undeniable spark that ignites between them. This is for readers who adore historical romance with sharp dialogue, a heartwarming friends-to-lovers arc, and a refreshing queer perspective that feels both authentic and utterly joyful. It’s a wonderfully engaging read that leaves you smiling.
10 Books similar to 'Don't Want You Like a Best Friend'
If Don't Want You Like a Best Friend charmed you with its witty dialogue and heartwarming queer historical romance, you'll find much to adore in these recommendations. Many share Alban's knack for sharp-tongued protagonists navigating restrictive historical settings, whether they're orchestrating elaborate schemes or simply trying to find their place. We've curated titles that echo the delightful friends-to-lovers dynamic, the joy of forbidden love blossoming against the odds, and the clever, often humorous, ways characters subvert societal expectations to forge their own happiness. These books promise more of that satisfying blend of historical charm and authentic emotional connection.
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by Sophie Irwin
Like Alban's work, this novel features a sharp-witted protagonist navigating the social rigors of the Regency era with a hidden agenda. It captures the same delightful blend of historical charm and subversive humor while focusing on the high stakes of the London Season.
This book shares the queer historical romance focus and the 'opposites attract' dynamic found in Alban's writing. It balances a sense of adventure with deep emotional intimacy and explores the class tensions inherent in the Georgian era.
by Freya Marske
Set in the Edwardian era, this sapphic romance mirrors the 'Parent Trap' style meddling and secret-keeping seen in Alban's debut. It features a vibrant cast of characters and a central relationship that blossoms under the pressure of societal expectations.
by Olivia Waite
Fans of the sapphic historical romance in 'Don't Want You Like a Best Friend' will appreciate the tender, intellectual connection between the leads here. It shares a similar focus on women carving out their own spaces within a restrictive historical setting.
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As a classic of sapphic historical fiction, this novel explores the same themes of finding love and independence against the backdrop of a society not built for it. It resonates with the same sense of longing and resilience found in Alban's characters.
by Erica Ridley
This story features a master of disguise and a wallflower, echoing the themes of hidden identities and social maneuvering. The tone is similarly lighthearted and romantic, focusing on characters who feel like outsiders in the ton.
by Freya Marske
While it includes magical elements, the core of this book is a high-society historical romance with a heavy emphasis on secret-keeping and forced proximity. It matches Alban's work in its witty dialogue and slow-burn romantic tension.
Readers who enjoyed the themes of hidden queer love and navigating public perception in a historical context will find this deeply moving. It shares the 'behind the scenes' feel of Alban's narrative regarding social reputations.
by Emma Denny
This historical romance captures the 'found family' and 'forbidden love' vibes perfectly. Like Alban's book, it focuses on the emotional journey of two people falling in love while trying to escape the paths their families have laid out for them.
by Malinda Lo
Though set in a different time period, this novel shares the same intense focus on self-discovery and the stakes of sapphic love in a restrictive society. It mirrors the 'coming of age' and 'first love' elements that make Alban's book so relatable.
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