Like in Love With You

Alban (You’re the Problem, It’s You) continues to playfully evoke modern themes through a queer historical lens in this sapphic Regency romance. Bookish and talented Catherine Pine moves with her family to Bath and is thrust into the same social season as wealthy, beautiful Lady Rosalie Tisend, the daughter of the woman her mother has despised since she “ruined [her] entire life” 25 years earlier. Rosalie’s mother pushes her toward the dull and taciturn Mr. Dean, who is “by far the best prize in Bath.” Meanwhile, Catherine’s mother encourages her to try to steal Rosalie’s suitor as revenge. But over the course of musical salons, outings, and shopping expeditions, the girls discover a mutual disdain for men and a growing fondness for each other. Feelings unearthed, the story pivots to their outrageous schemes to dissuade Mr. Dean from interest in either of them, with plenty of secret trysts along the way. Alban makes good use of the classic Regency setup of the hyper-competitive marriage mart while establishing her heroines’ chemistry from the start. The equal parts dreamy and well-earned happy ending includes a reconciliation for the older generation and the couple’s quiet acceptance by their families and friends. It’s delicious. (Jan.)