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lauren_soderberg's review
3.0
A Certain Appeal puts a unique, contemporary spin on the classic Pride and Prejudice story. Set in the world of New York City’s burlesque scene, this story revolves around stage kitten Liz Bennet and wealth manager Will Darcy.
I’m a fan of the source material, and greatly enjoy reading retellings. This particular version utilizes a lot of similar phraseology and plot elements of the original, but in a thoroughly modern context. I appreciated the way that the author reimagined the world to encompass a varied cast of characters. I also enjoyed the introduction into the burlesque world and all its nuances. I just craved more romantic tension and chemistry between the protagonists. (Because the original Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are the queen and king of the slow burn.) And I wanted there to be a few more surprises to the plot.
In all, it’s fun, it’s entertaining, and it’s worth a read.
An ARC was provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I’m a fan of the source material, and greatly enjoy reading retellings. This particular version utilizes a lot of similar phraseology and plot elements of the original, but in a thoroughly modern context. I appreciated the way that the author reimagined the world to encompass a varied cast of characters. I also enjoyed the introduction into the burlesque world and all its nuances. I just craved more romantic tension and chemistry between the protagonists. (Because the original Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are the queen and king of the slow burn.) And I wanted there to be a few more surprises to the plot.
In all, it’s fun, it’s entertaining, and it’s worth a read.
An ARC was provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
bargerel's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
90sinmyheart's review
5.0
This was cute, I learned a lot about burlesque, and I’m still never reading p&p.
labarrec's review
2.0
As far as P&P retellings go, this *might* be someone’s Darcy and Lizzy…but all the “do I have permission”(x’s 100) does not equate to mine.
cassiesnextchapter's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this take on Pride and Prejudice! Add in a bit of interior design and some burlesque? Love it!
rosiebp's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
katasstropheee's review
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
missdewza's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A fun re-imagining of Pride and Prejudice centered around a New York burlesque club. Elizabeth is a stage kitten and her boy best friend Jane is a talented singer. Charles and Darcy are "men of business" who don't know what they're in for.
Honestly, it's a fun time (and it makes me wish I could catch a burlesque show in real life, but - alas! - I do not live in New York). However, some of the writing - dialogue in particular - comes off a little clunky to me when quotes taken essentially straight from the original and plonked into modern-day NYC. I get what the writer is going for, and I love Austen, but it just feels shoe-horned in rather than like organic dialogue.
Overall, I would absolutely recommend this for anyone looking for a fun rom-com.
Honestly, it's a fun time (and it makes me wish I could catch a burlesque show in real life, but - alas! - I do not live in New York). However, some of the writing - dialogue in particular - comes off a little clunky to me when quotes taken essentially straight from the original and plonked into modern-day NYC. I get what the writer is going for, and I love Austen, but it just feels shoe-horned in rather than like organic dialogue.
Overall, I would absolutely recommend this for anyone looking for a fun rom-com.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
4.0
A clever, sexy Pride & Prejudice retelling set in the contemporary NYC Burlesque scene. I loved the witty banter and sizzling chemistry between the two main characters. This was definitely one of the best P&P retellings I've ever read. Strong secondary characters, lots of laugh out loud one-liners and a strong sense of found family and sexual consent. Highly recommend this wonderful debut that's great on audio narrated by Julia Whelan!