Scan barcode
misha_ali's review against another edition
3.0
A fun take on Charlotte Lucas and her life after being married for security to the absolutely insufferable Mr Collins and living in uncomfortably close proximity to Lady Catherine's household. I was enjoying this until it gets to a point of significant drama with a SA survivor storyline but was otherwise interesting and a great addition to the P&P character lore.
hrjones's review against another edition
4.0
(Read as part of a "sapphic takes on Jane Austen" binge.) This novel builds on the premise that Charlotte Lucas (of Pride and Prejudice) now Mrs. Collins, harbored a secret and never expressed passion for Lizzie Bennet. Having resigned herself to Lizzie’s happiness as Mrs. Darcy, and deeply unhappy and unsatisfied in her own marriage, she finds herself falling for the sister of the local doctor, a woman with a mysterious and ultimately horrifying backstory. A somewhat uncomfortable psychological novel, though structurally satisfying as a romance. But there were several plot twists and backstory scenarios that stretched my willing disbelief to the breaking point. The writing is quite good, though.
aluhealz's review against another edition
3.0
I will admit It took a little bit to actually get into this one. I had no idea what to expect when I went into it. The entire story is told through letters the main character Charlotte is writing to a friend that she never actually plans to send. While this was different and unique, the language and lack of context early on made it difficult to get involved with the story.
I think after about a third of the way through the book however I actually started getting into the story and I grew fond of Charlotte.
I'm glad I stuck with it, but I that it might be a little too unique for some readers.
I feel it is worth noting that I have not read Pride and Prejudice so I cannot comment on it's connections to this story.
I think after about a third of the way through the book however I actually started getting into the story and I grew fond of Charlotte.
I'm glad I stuck with it, but I that it might be a little too unique for some readers.
I feel it is worth noting that I have not read Pride and Prejudice so I cannot comment on it's connections to this story.
judeinthestars's review
5.0
I’m far from a Jane Austen expert, in part because I’m French and grew up reading French classics (and YA novels from English-speaking countries, since my mother would buy any book I wanted as long as it was in English, great way to learn), so while I have an idea of the atmosphere, it all feels very exotic. I’m reading or planning to read so many Austen retellings that, while they usually stand alone perfectly, I wonder whether the time hasn’t come to go back to the original, which I read a thousand years ago, as a teenager. For the time being, however, I’ll focus on Lucas.
I spent most of my time reading Lucas thinking how fabulous and exquisite the writing was. I could feel my brain cells dance with joy. I didn’t stay on the surface though, as that beautiful and, as far as I can tell, accurate writing tells a captivating story of forbidden love.
Married to a man she doesn’t love and who doesn’t love her, grieving the death of her son, Charlotte Collins, née Lucas, has convinced herself that she’s content with her boring life. The arrival of Ailsa Reid, the local doctor’s bright and irreverent cousin, shatters the still image of life as she knows it and fills Charlotte with all sorts of desires and possibilities. In letters – never sent – to her best friend (and first love) Elizabeth Darcy, née Bennet, she describes growing feelings and love between herself and Ailsa, the schemes they have to resort to, the hope and despair.
Even if she doesn’t understand it immediately, it’s love at first sight for Charlotte (and for Ailsa, as she’ll tell her repeatedly afterwards). At first, it’s all stolen looks and secret touches, until their first night together allows them to explore further, unleashing fire and passion. The intimate scenes are just as grandiose as the rest of the book, the author detailing the actions and events lesfic readers are used to reading about with completely different words, without ever weakening the hotness of the scenes. If you’ve ever felt like you’re reading the same sex scene over and over in lesfic, these will delight you.
There’s a lot more to this book than pretty words and clever turns of phrase. Ailsa is irresistible, clever, with a strong will and a kind heart. Charlotte aka Charly aka Lucas is naive and sensitive and passionate. They’re wonderful characters that you’ll just want to root for. Around them, each character has a very real personality. Charlotte’s husband is both bland and annoying, Ailsa’s cousin Tom is earnest and kind, Lady Catherine de Bourgh is stern and a diva, her daughter Anne and her nurse are full of surprises…
Beyond the romance, Lucas is a tale of adventures, of unforeseen betrayals and unexpected allies. It’s as heartbreaking as it is clever and, yes, thrilling and funny too.
ARC provided to Les Rêveur for an honest review.
I spent most of my time reading Lucas thinking how fabulous and exquisite the writing was. I could feel my brain cells dance with joy. I didn’t stay on the surface though, as that beautiful and, as far as I can tell, accurate writing tells a captivating story of forbidden love.
Married to a man she doesn’t love and who doesn’t love her, grieving the death of her son, Charlotte Collins, née Lucas, has convinced herself that she’s content with her boring life. The arrival of Ailsa Reid, the local doctor’s bright and irreverent cousin, shatters the still image of life as she knows it and fills Charlotte with all sorts of desires and possibilities. In letters – never sent – to her best friend (and first love) Elizabeth Darcy, née Bennet, she describes growing feelings and love between herself and Ailsa, the schemes they have to resort to, the hope and despair.
Even if she doesn’t understand it immediately, it’s love at first sight for Charlotte (and for Ailsa, as she’ll tell her repeatedly afterwards). At first, it’s all stolen looks and secret touches, until their first night together allows them to explore further, unleashing fire and passion. The intimate scenes are just as grandiose as the rest of the book, the author detailing the actions and events lesfic readers are used to reading about with completely different words, without ever weakening the hotness of the scenes. If you’ve ever felt like you’re reading the same sex scene over and over in lesfic, these will delight you.
There’s a lot more to this book than pretty words and clever turns of phrase. Ailsa is irresistible, clever, with a strong will and a kind heart. Charlotte aka Charly aka Lucas is naive and sensitive and passionate. They’re wonderful characters that you’ll just want to root for. Around them, each character has a very real personality. Charlotte’s husband is both bland and annoying, Ailsa’s cousin Tom is earnest and kind, Lady Catherine de Bourgh is stern and a diva, her daughter Anne and her nurse are full of surprises…
Beyond the romance, Lucas is a tale of adventures, of unforeseen betrayals and unexpected allies. It’s as heartbreaking as it is clever and, yes, thrilling and funny too.
ARC provided to Les Rêveur for an honest review.
semorigan's review
4.0
I loved this reimagining of Charlotte Lucas post Pride and Prejudice. I always wondered about Charlotte, since Lizzy Bennet is such a bright, funny character, but her best friend is not very developed in the original. To me, this is a believable and enjoyable twist on Charlotte's story, and it definitely explains away her willingness to be bound to Mr. Collins. Lucas and Alisa are very sweet and have great chemistry, and although some things do seem odd in the context of our modern society, I can appreciate what lengths they had to go through to be together at the time this book was set. Overall, it was a fun read.
anniekslibrary's review
3.0
I'm only just getting into historical romance, and I really enjoyed the style of this one. It's inspired by Pride and Prejudice and picks up after the events in that book, and I thought the writing style really matched the vibe of Jane Austen's novels while still being very readable. I found myself really enjoying the writing style.
That said, I found myself enjoying the actual story and especially the romance less, at least initially, because it all just felt like it happened too fast - it felt quite rushed. Especially in historical romance, I personally prefer a slowburn. Later on, I did become more invested in the story as it progressed into a lot of yearning, which I'm always here for!
That said, I found myself enjoying the actual story and especially the romance less, at least initially, because it all just felt like it happened too fast - it felt quite rushed. Especially in historical romance, I personally prefer a slowburn. Later on, I did become more invested in the story as it progressed into a lot of yearning, which I'm always here for!
jlh_reads's review against another edition
3.0
Sometimes what you need is a good old fashioned gothic novel. And this one delivers.
shereadstales's review against another edition
5.0
I was super excited with Elna Holst reached out to me with news of this book’s publication and the offer to read a copy.
“I am sick of interposing these superfluous men between us.”
Lucas is a book I never knew I needed, but now that I’ve read it, I’ll never look at Pride and Prejudice the same way again, in the best kind of way.
Largely to save her friend from a loveless marriage to a boring man, Charlotte Lucas married William Collins in 1813. In this story, after a stillborn birth and a pretty joyless life as a rector’s wife, Miss Ailsa Reid shows up and changes her entire life. Charlotte has always held a peculiar preference, one that Ailsa brings to the surface, but it’s the early 1800s, and what chance do two women have to find happiness? This revisionist fiction dares to explore the untold queer story of one of the most important friends in Austen history.
For the past two(ish) weeks, all I’ve wanted to do is sit down and read this book, and I’ve stolen a few letters here and there at the end of each long day, but this morning, I finally had a solid hour and a half to sit down and finish it. I was on the edge of my seat for a good 50% of the book. Well versed in not only queer literature, but film, television, and culture, I know the odds of a happy ending for most lesbians, much less those in historical fiction, but I had faith that perhaps Charlotte “Lucas” and Ailsa might find some way to be together.
I love re-tellings and revisionist fiction, particularly when it involves queer characters, and Holst, I felt, stayed true to the original story and characters while giving me more incentive to care about them. Let’s be honest, all you have to do is tell me there are lesbians, and I’m all in, but I loved the life that Holst gave to Charlotte. Dear, sweet Charlotte who only wanted a comfortable home and was more than willing to sacrifice a chance at happiness so that Lizzie need not live a life of misery.
Nine Star Press never fails to deliver for me, and this latest publication is no different. If you’re an Austen fan and need something to hold your interest in these weird ass times that make it hard to concentrate, you’ll enjoy a quick escape back into the world of Austen with new perspectives.
“I am sick of interposing these superfluous men between us.”
Lucas is a book I never knew I needed, but now that I’ve read it, I’ll never look at Pride and Prejudice the same way again, in the best kind of way.
Largely to save her friend from a loveless marriage to a boring man, Charlotte Lucas married William Collins in 1813. In this story, after a stillborn birth and a pretty joyless life as a rector’s wife, Miss Ailsa Reid shows up and changes her entire life. Charlotte has always held a peculiar preference, one that Ailsa brings to the surface, but it’s the early 1800s, and what chance do two women have to find happiness? This revisionist fiction dares to explore the untold queer story of one of the most important friends in Austen history.
For the past two(ish) weeks, all I’ve wanted to do is sit down and read this book, and I’ve stolen a few letters here and there at the end of each long day, but this morning, I finally had a solid hour and a half to sit down and finish it. I was on the edge of my seat for a good 50% of the book. Well versed in not only queer literature, but film, television, and culture, I know the odds of a happy ending for most lesbians, much less those in historical fiction, but I had faith that perhaps Charlotte “Lucas” and Ailsa might find some way to be together.
I love re-tellings and revisionist fiction, particularly when it involves queer characters, and Holst, I felt, stayed true to the original story and characters while giving me more incentive to care about them. Let’s be honest, all you have to do is tell me there are lesbians, and I’m all in, but I loved the life that Holst gave to Charlotte. Dear, sweet Charlotte who only wanted a comfortable home and was more than willing to sacrifice a chance at happiness so that Lizzie need not live a life of misery.
Nine Star Press never fails to deliver for me, and this latest publication is no different. If you’re an Austen fan and need something to hold your interest in these weird ass times that make it hard to concentrate, you’ll enjoy a quick escape back into the world of Austen with new perspectives.
corrie's review
5.0
"I thought ease would come, here, tucked away in the safe uneventfulness of Hunsford. It would seem I was mistaken."
Charlotte Lucas, now Mrs. Collins is living the dull live of a parson’s wife just as she wanted. Resigned to a loveless marriage her days are filled with endless dinners at Rosings Park, household chores, correspondence, and minding her poultry. That changes abruptly when she meets the mysterious Ailsa Reid, who has come to stay with her cousin, the village physician Dr. Thomas Reid. A torrid romance ensues. An affair that’s deemed to be ill-fated for Mrs. Collins is not free to love, but maybe Charly Lucas is.
Lucas was my first Elna Holst experience, and oh am I glad to have found her. Her style elegant and soulful and perfectly in tune with the period. I fell in love with the story, the characters we know so well but get to see in a totally different light (well, at least some of them), and with the author as well. I completely bowled over and in serious need of reading her entire back catalogue.
Lucas is an account of what happened to Charlotte and Ailsa between September 1815 and June 1816, written in a series of letters never sent to an imaginary version of her best friend Elizabeth (Lizzy) Bennet (now of course Mrs. Darcy). First I thought, Oh no, letters mean we are going to be too far removed from the feelings to get emotionally involved. Luckily that was not the case. Au contraire! Instead we are front row and center as this whole illicit love affair unfolds with enough passion to make your ears burn.
I loved that the romance happens early in the book so we get plenty of quality time with our two heroines and their stolen moments. Yes, Charlotte is cuckolding Mr. Collins and she is plenty aware of that. The author makes sure to convince the reader that Charlotte is at no point flippant about the choices she makes and how it will affect others. I also urge readers who would normally ignore a book with adultery as a subject to take a leap of faith. If you know the character of Mr. Collins you will find it easier already.
”I could do nothing but quake and draw my hand over my face, repeatedly, as if I could rub away the culpability that must be stamped upon it. Would he know? Would he be able to descry the unspeakable deed I have committed? To be cuckolded by a man— Oh! But by a woman! For such I must call it. I will not allow myself to veil my sin by linguistic mincing about. I have been unfaithful. I would—I will—be unfaithful again, should the opportunity arise. The infidelity of my flesh is as nothing, of no consequence, compared to the waywardness of my heart and soul. Even at that very moment, waiting for the door to be opened, for Travis to inform me of his return, I could feel her breath upon me. I could taste her sweet kisses on my lips. I was blushing. I was torn by guilt. I was defiant. If he could not tell from the merest glance, then he must be a greater dunce than ever even your papa would have reckoned him.”
Ailsa Reid is such a wonderful character. I loved her ardent nature, the way she goes after her Charly was thrilling. She comes with some pretty heart breaking drama from her past that will catch up with her in the present. Maidservant Lilly plays an important part in all of this and it kicks the plot into action. Some shocking revelations I could not foresee (superbly done, Elna Holst).
There was an excellent balance of romance, passion, drama and humor. It was engaging from start to finish and I completely fell in love with the book and will re-read it many times. I almost wanted to start at the beginning again as soon as I finished it, just to spend more time with Lucas and Ailsa. Lovers of Regency romance, Georgette Heyer fans, Jane Austen fans, Pride and Prejudice fans, historical romance fans, run to Amazon now and get this book. You don’t want to miss out.
Possible triggers: description of stillbirth, and mention of past non-consensual sexual abuse.
f/f explicit but in keeping with the period
Themes: 1815, secret letters, a love that does not dare speak its name, migraines, a pink rosebud left on the grave, Charlotte’s escritoire, Switzerland, a trip to Bath, Miss Anne de Bourgh likes to have her bottom paddled, the sisterhood to the rescue, Jane Austen would have approved.
5 Stars
* ARC provided by the author to www.lezreviewbooks.com in exchange for an honest review
Charlotte Lucas, now Mrs. Collins is living the dull live of a parson’s wife just as she wanted. Resigned to a loveless marriage her days are filled with endless dinners at Rosings Park, household chores, correspondence, and minding her poultry. That changes abruptly when she meets the mysterious Ailsa Reid, who has come to stay with her cousin, the village physician Dr. Thomas Reid. A torrid romance ensues. An affair that’s deemed to be ill-fated for Mrs. Collins is not free to love, but maybe Charly Lucas is.
Lucas was my first Elna Holst experience, and oh am I glad to have found her. Her style elegant and soulful and perfectly in tune with the period. I fell in love with the story, the characters we know so well but get to see in a totally different light (well, at least some of them), and with the author as well. I completely bowled over and in serious need of reading her entire back catalogue.
Lucas is an account of what happened to Charlotte and Ailsa between September 1815 and June 1816, written in a series of letters never sent to an imaginary version of her best friend Elizabeth (Lizzy) Bennet (now of course Mrs. Darcy). First I thought, Oh no, letters mean we are going to be too far removed from the feelings to get emotionally involved. Luckily that was not the case. Au contraire! Instead we are front row and center as this whole illicit love affair unfolds with enough passion to make your ears burn.
I loved that the romance happens early in the book so we get plenty of quality time with our two heroines and their stolen moments. Yes, Charlotte is cuckolding Mr. Collins and she is plenty aware of that. The author makes sure to convince the reader that Charlotte is at no point flippant about the choices she makes and how it will affect others. I also urge readers who would normally ignore a book with adultery as a subject to take a leap of faith. If you know the character of Mr. Collins you will find it easier already.
”I could do nothing but quake and draw my hand over my face, repeatedly, as if I could rub away the culpability that must be stamped upon it. Would he know? Would he be able to descry the unspeakable deed I have committed? To be cuckolded by a man— Oh! But by a woman! For such I must call it. I will not allow myself to veil my sin by linguistic mincing about. I have been unfaithful. I would—I will—be unfaithful again, should the opportunity arise. The infidelity of my flesh is as nothing, of no consequence, compared to the waywardness of my heart and soul. Even at that very moment, waiting for the door to be opened, for Travis to inform me of his return, I could feel her breath upon me. I could taste her sweet kisses on my lips. I was blushing. I was torn by guilt. I was defiant. If he could not tell from the merest glance, then he must be a greater dunce than ever even your papa would have reckoned him.”
Ailsa Reid is such a wonderful character. I loved her ardent nature, the way she goes after her Charly was thrilling. She comes with some pretty heart breaking drama from her past that will catch up with her in the present. Maidservant Lilly plays an important part in all of this and it kicks the plot into action. Some shocking revelations I could not foresee (superbly done, Elna Holst).
There was an excellent balance of romance, passion, drama and humor. It was engaging from start to finish and I completely fell in love with the book and will re-read it many times. I almost wanted to start at the beginning again as soon as I finished it, just to spend more time with Lucas and Ailsa. Lovers of Regency romance, Georgette Heyer fans, Jane Austen fans, Pride and Prejudice fans, historical romance fans, run to Amazon now and get this book. You don’t want to miss out.
Possible triggers: description of stillbirth, and mention of past non-consensual sexual abuse.
f/f explicit but in keeping with the period
Themes: 1815, secret letters, a love that does not dare speak its name, migraines, a pink rosebud left on the grave, Charlotte’s escritoire, Switzerland, a trip to Bath, Miss Anne de Bourgh likes to have her bottom paddled, the sisterhood to the rescue, Jane Austen would have approved.
5 Stars
* ARC provided by the author to www.lezreviewbooks.com in exchange for an honest review
More...