Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - Emma of 83rd Street

A really cute modern take on Emma. I liked Emma and Knightley together, even though their inability to communicate was frustrating to sit through as the reader who happens to know both POVs. I'm a big fan of the friends-to-lovers trope. There was a little too much spice for my liking (sometimes restraint with spice is the sexiest thing, but that's just me). Overall a fun read.

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readingwithmeredith's review against another edition

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lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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emmas_bookshelf's review

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was a delightful modern retelling of Emma by Jane Austen, with the titular character Emma Woodhouse as a wealthy Manhattanite pursuing a master’s degree in art history and an internship at the Met. She’s navigating adulthood and changing relationships with poise and the occasional mistake - but she’s never too proud to admit when she’s wrong. I enjoyed it soooooo much and it was such a fun read!

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thekissballad's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

I need to preface this review by stating that I technically haven't read Jane Austin's 'Emma,' but I know the concept and general plot. I therefore can't honestly comment on whether or not this is a good retelling, and will focus my review solely on this story.

I'm giving 'Emma of 83rd Street' an even 3.0 stars. There were good moments, there were bad moments. Overall I just felt very neutral during and after reading.

I had a love/hate relationship with most of the characters, particularly Emma and Knightley since they're the main duo, but also some of the side characters. They acted more like teenagers than adults in their 20s-30s. I also don't feel like there was any real growth.

A big issue for me was the miscommunication trope. I personally have no issues with the trope, if done well. But miscommunication via assumptions / lack of communication, and used multiple times as a way to prolong the inevitable end result, is just a huge turn off. Once or twice I can accept, maybe even a third, but not more. This was a lot more.

Then on a personal level - which I made sure did not influence my review - I wish I knew there were "spicy" scenes prior to reading. They're just not my cup of tea.

ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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