Like in Love with You

 

Emma R. Alban
Avon, 2026 (Paperback edition)
400 pages

Disclosure: This review is based on the paperback review edition provided by the publisher and publicly available bibliographic information. The assessment applies a set of objective criteria—plot coherence, characterization, pacing, prose/style, structure & point of view, thematic depth, originality, and accessibility—for a numeric scoring approach (1–5) with evidence-based justification, followed by an overall appraisal and practical recommendations.

 

Overview

Like in Love with You fuses Regency-era social wit with sapphic romance in a rivals-to-lovers arc that unfolds amid Bath’s social seasons and genteel competition. Emma R. Alban crafts two young women—Catherine Pine and Lady Rosalie—whose sharp banter, evolving attraction, and strategic maneuvering against their mothers’ matchmaking schemes illuminate themes of autonomy, femininity, and truth-telling. The novel marry Regency conventions with contemporary sensibilities around LGBTQ+ romance, making it a buoyant, high-spirited read that also invites reflection on performance, power, and genuine connection.

 

Objective Criteria and Scores (1 = poor, 5 = excellent)

 

1. Plot Coherence: 4/5

• Evidence: The central premise—two rivals entangled in a scheme that spirals from revenge to romance—retains a cohesive through-line through wit, social maneuvering, and mutual discovery. Some plotting devices hinge on the historical setting’s social rituals, which can feel familiar, but the trajectory remains engaging and well-structured.

2. Characterization: 4.5/5

• Evidence: Catherine and Rosalie are vividly drawn with distinct motivations, vulnerabilities, and flaring chemistry. Supporting figures—their mothers, suitors, and circle of Bath society—are lively and meaningful, though a few minor characters could read a touch more dimensional to deepen the shade around the central romance.

3. Pacing: 4/5

• Evidence: The book maintains buoyant momentum with brisk dialogue, social scenes, and flirtatious confessions. Occasional verbose social gambits slow tempo momentarily, but the pace recovers as romance and plot intensify.

4. Prose & Style: 4.5/5

• Evidence: Alban’s voice sparkles with witty wit, period-appropriate rhythms, and accessible language that still honors Regency flavor. The descriptive and comedic textures support both romance and social satire effectively.

5. Structure & Point of View: 4/5

• Evidence: The alternating perspectives between Catherine and Rosalie underpin the lovers’ evolving dynamic and give readers insight into both viewpoints. The structure supports a dual-voiced romance, though some readers who prefer a single focal lens may miss a tighter through-line.

6. Thematic Depth: 3.5/5

• Evidence: Themes of autonomy, appearance vs. reality, and the performative aspects of social class are embedded through witty banter and romance. While entertaining and thoughtful, the deeper social critique sits more in the backdrop than front and center.

7. Originality: 4/5

• Evidence: The blend of Regency romance with explicit sapphic romance and modern sensibilities yields a fresh take within historical romance. The enemies-to-lovers setup is familiar, but the dynamic is given new life through character voices and gender/identity layers.

8. Accessibility & Inclusivity: 4.5/5

• Evidence: The book is welcoming to a broad readership, with clear narration, humor, and inclusive romantic storytelling that centers two women’s experiences and agency without sacrificing period flavor.

Additional Practical Criteria

• Readability / Engagement: 4.5/5 — Sharp dialogue, humorous precision, and heartfelt moments maintain high engagement throughout.
• Re-readability / Depth: 4/5 — Re-reading rewards spotting social nuances, foreshadowing, and the clever repartee that underpins the couple’s connection.
• Book Club Potential: 4/5 — Strong character arcs, witty social critique, and a satisfying romantic payoff provide ample discussion material about gender, class, and queer love in historical settings.

Aggregate and Overall Rating

• Mean score across objective criteria (eight categories): 4.06/5
• Rounded overall rating: 4 out of 5

Assessment Summary

Like in Love with You delivers a bright, romantically satisfying Regency-era story that blends sharp social satire with an earnest, affectionate heart. Emma R. Alban excels at banter, character chemistry, and period detail that feels both affectionate and accessible to contemporary readers. While the plot leans on familiar Regency conventions, the sapphic romance and modern sensibilities give the book a distinctive glow. It’s a joyous pick for fans of historical romance who crave witty courtship, vivid settings, and a romance that centers two women’s agency and growth.

 

How I would describe Like in Love with You:

• A sparkling Regency romance that blends sharp wit, rivals-to-lovers tension, and a tender sapphic love story.
• Emma R. Alban crafts two compelling heroines whose banter and depth of feeling rewrite the rules of Bath society.
• A lush, character-driven historical romance with modern sensibilities, balancing humor, heart, and high-stakes social games.
• The perfect mash-up of Northanger Abbey wit and contemporary queer romance, with a heroine’s journey toward autonomy and authenticity.
• A fresh voice in Regency romance that respects period detail while celebrating queer love and self-discovery.
• A delightfully witty page-turner that proves rivals can become the truest kind of partners.
• Rich social texture, sparkling dialogue, and a romance that feels earned rather than accidental.
• A book club favorite for discussions on reputation, gender roles, and the power of choosing your own path in love.
• A swoon-worthy, deliciously executed romance that will leave readers grinning and sighing in equal measure.
• A standout addition to historical LGBTQ+ romance, offering both escapist pleasure and thoughtful character growth.

• A witty, sapphic Regency romance that pairs sharp social satire with a heartfelt, earned romance.
• Regency wit meets modern heart: two rivals, one undeniable love.
• A contemporary reimagining of Regency romance that foregrounds female agency, queer love, and social performance.

Bibliographic Note

Like in Love with You. Emma R. Alban. Avon, 2026. Paperback edition. 400 pages. Language: English. ISBN: 9780063428775.

Rating: ★★★★4.06 / 5

 - Prairie Fox 🦊📖