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The Jane Austen Academy Series #5
Only With You
Emma has it all - looks, money, and luck. It's not like she keeps it all to herself - she's totally committed to helping those less fortunate. AKA, everyone. She invites her heartbroken friend to help with a weekend charity event with an eye to matchmake, but when that friend turns her eye toward the guy Emma wants for herself, how will she choose between friendship and her own feelings?
186 pages, Paperback
First published May 4, 2014
7 people are currently reading
666 people want to read
About the author
Cecilia Gray
37 books142 followersCecilia Gray writes stories about first love, second chances, and forever friendships. She--much like her characters--resides in quite a few places.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 25, 2015
In this fifth installment, I knew I would be tested because it is Emma's story. As much as I enjoy this series and love the camaraderie of all the girls. Emma's personality is the one that grates on me the most. She's a 'fixer-matchmaker-I know best' sort that is as blind as they come over some things. She also has many redeeming features such as love and loyalty to her friends and willingness to work for the right thing. But yeah...she exhausts me.
Emma is convinced that she is the reason that her friends are all finding love and each other. She let's this go to her head and arranges an elaborate Spring Break event at her home to orchestrate a romance between poor Anne and Josh. She reels in Knight to be her able-bodied assistant and ignores his pointed opinion that she needs to leave well enough alone and stop interfering in people's lives. Too late, Emma's eyes are opened.
As with the others in the series (which really should be read in order) this is a loose retelling of a Jane Austen novel. This one tackles Emma. I thought it did a really good job letting the original story shine through while updating it with these teens from the Academy with their current interactions and situations. I haven't mentioned it before, but I enjoy the role of Josh Wickham through all of these and the other fun thing is the way the series progresses through one school year of events in the students' lives.
Now it comes down to the story of a couple who have been miserable in their issue since book one. I can't wait to get Anne and Rick's story and see what happens in this final battle to save the school.
Emma is convinced that she is the reason that her friends are all finding love and each other. She let's this go to her head and arranges an elaborate Spring Break event at her home to orchestrate a romance between poor Anne and Josh. She reels in Knight to be her able-bodied assistant and ignores his pointed opinion that she needs to leave well enough alone and stop interfering in people's lives. Too late, Emma's eyes are opened.
As with the others in the series (which really should be read in order) this is a loose retelling of a Jane Austen novel. This one tackles Emma. I thought it did a really good job letting the original story shine through while updating it with these teens from the Academy with their current interactions and situations. I haven't mentioned it before, but I enjoy the role of Josh Wickham through all of these and the other fun thing is the way the series progresses through one school year of events in the students' lives.
Now it comes down to the story of a couple who have been miserable in their issue since book one. I can't wait to get Anne and Rick's story and see what happens in this final battle to save the school.
May 12, 2014
I was really looking forward to reading this one in the series, because Emma is my favorite Austen story. This is in large part to the existence of Mr Knightley, so I was a bit worried that I wouldn't like the portrayal of him in this modern retelling.
I shouldn't have worried, because Knight was written so perfectly. There was the perfect balance of his sweet, caring side, how he's always there for Emma, supporting her, and the gentle disapproval that is just so perfectly Mr Knightley's character.
I also loved that Emma's growth was done in a really believable way. Her character was perfect for Emma Woodhouses' character in Emma. Bubbly, kind hearted, generous and just a little misguided sometimes. I thought she was written perfectly.
The story that this followed as well was great. I liked the use of characters in this one, just as much as I liked the use of them in the last book.
I thought that there was a perfect balance of moments with Emma's scheming, and also with her and Knight. I also felt that it was great having these small mentions of her feelings for Knight, as she continually ignored what they really meant. I thought things were paced out really nicely.
Overall, this is definitely my favorite of the series so far. It was cute, fun, and utterly absorbing. I loved it and would highly recommend it.
I shouldn't have worried, because Knight was written so perfectly. There was the perfect balance of his sweet, caring side, how he's always there for Emma, supporting her, and the gentle disapproval that is just so perfectly Mr Knightley's character.
I also loved that Emma's growth was done in a really believable way. Her character was perfect for Emma Woodhouses' character in Emma. Bubbly, kind hearted, generous and just a little misguided sometimes. I thought she was written perfectly.
The story that this followed as well was great. I liked the use of characters in this one, just as much as I liked the use of them in the last book.
I thought that there was a perfect balance of moments with Emma's scheming, and also with her and Knight. I also felt that it was great having these small mentions of her feelings for Knight, as she continually ignored what they really meant. I thought things were paced out really nicely.
Overall, this is definitely my favorite of the series so far. It was cute, fun, and utterly absorbing. I loved it and would highly recommend it.
February 6, 2016
I caved in.
And for the price I paid, I wish it had been a full novel. As it is, it's just a short story to me so it's definitely lacking in some areas. Character development mostly. Although, in all fairness, Only with you is the fifth book in a series so if I wanted to know more about these characters' backstories then I should have probably read these novellas in order to begin with.
Also if I had to be honest, maybe I didn't care all that much about the growth and progression of these protagonists' journey.
I was in it for Knightly only. And I regret nothing.
And for the price I paid, I wish it had been a full novel. As it is, it's just a short story to me so it's definitely lacking in some areas. Character development mostly. Although, in all fairness, Only with you is the fifth book in a series so if I wanted to know more about these characters' backstories then I should have probably read these novellas in order to begin with.
Also if I had to be honest, maybe I didn't care all that much about the growth and progression of these protagonists' journey.
I was in it for Knightly only. And I regret nothing.
February 20, 2015
I really really adore this series!
Funny, short, light and romantic, they make you feel better. And it focuses on friendship, aswell! I love good girl-bonding moments in books. :3
My favourites are still Lizzie's and Kat's stories, but I really loved Emma in this one too.
And Knight. *^*
I want a Knght in my life!
I can't wait for the next and *sobs* last one! I have a feeling Rick is going to be really dreamy. :'D
Funny, short, light and romantic, they make you feel better. And it focuses on friendship, aswell! I love good girl-bonding moments in books. :3
My favourites are still Lizzie's and Kat's stories, but I really loved Emma in this one too.
And Knight. *^*
I want a Knght in my life!
I can't wait for the next and *sobs* last one! I have a feeling Rick is going to be really dreamy. :'D
November 19, 2019
On the surface Emma believes she has it all - the looks, the family, the money - so it is her duty to help everyone less fortunate than herself. Which unfortunately she believes is everyone. This is so she can prove to her parents that she is worthwhile, and hide her insecurities.
Although it was a well-written story I just didn't care for any of the characters
Although it was a well-written story I just didn't care for any of the characters
May 16, 2016
Emma la matchmaker
Si svolge durante il weekend delle vacanze di primavera questo quinto episodio della serie della Jane Austen Academy di Cecilia Gray.
Emma Greene è stata la più presente delle ragazze negli altri romanzi della serie, proprio grazie al suo carattere esuberante e altruista. E anche questa volta la storia nasce dall'esigenza di Emma di aiutare le sue amiche. Sin dal primo episodio, Fall For You, sappiamo che Anne Escobar è ancora innamorata del suo amore di ragazzina, Rick Wright. In quel caso Anne giocava nel ruolo di Jane Bennet, ma in realtà sappiamo che sarà la protagonista di Always You, l'ultimo episodio della serie e retelling di Persuasione.
Qui, nel retelling di Emma, Anne recita la parte di Harriet Smith, l'amica che Emma vuole aiutare nella ricerca del ragazzo ideale. Emma è certa che, malgrado i propri trascorsi non proprio sereni con Josh Wickham, e nonostante il giovane attore idolo delle teenagers sia ancora innamorato di Fanny Sato (Suddenly You), Josh sia il ragazzo ideale per fare in modo che Anne dimentichi Rick.
La ragazza manda un messaggio di emergenza ad Anne, Josh e Gregory Knight, il suo migliore amico - sapendo che tutte le altre amiche con i loro ragazzi sono impegnate durante il weekend -, perché la raggiungano alla sua casa sul mare. Purtroppo, Knight, che non sa dei progetti di Emma, invita proprio l'ultima persona che Emma vorrebbe tra i piedi quel weekend: Rick Wright.
L'emergenza riguarda un ospizio per cani e gatti randagi a cui trovare dei padroni.
La fedeltà a Emma di Jane Austen è molto approssimativa, dato che Josh Wickham, che si sta ancora leccando le ferite lasciate da Fanny, non è un granché come Mr. Elton: dopo gli eventi di So Into You sappiamo che Emma non gli interessa, e qui non c'è nessun ritorno di fiamma tra loro due; dopo aver rifiutato di prestarsi come burattino per gli scopi di matchmaker di Emma, Josh non va a cercarsi un'altra ragazza, ma si dedica tutto alla recitazione, studiando dei nuovi copioni tra cui scegliere il suo prossimo film. Inoltre aiuta attivamente Emma con la sua opera benefica di piazzare gli animali randagi, malgrado sia allergicissimo al loro pelo e sia costretto a prestare il suo aiuto solo da lontano. Insomma, è lontano anni luce dall'odioso Philip Elton. Né recita il ruolo di Frank Churchill (che nel libro esiste, cioè, esiste un personaggio con questo nome, ma si tratta solo del direttore dell'asilo degli animali randagi), perché la Gray ha tralasciato la parte riguardante Jane Fairfax e Frank Churchill, sebbene a volte Anne somigli più a Jane che a Harriet Smith, in effetti.
Invece mi è piaciuto molto come la Gray ha reso l'episodio in cui Emma offende Miss Bates, a causa del quale viene sgridata aspramente da Mr. Knightley. Qui non c'è nessuna Miss Bates, ovviamente, ma Emma riesce a essere davvero sgradevole!
Sul rapporto tra Emma e Knight sono un po' perplessa, perché in realtà, anche se i due si sono visti spesso nel corso dei romanzi precedenti - in particolare, proprio in Suddenly You, dato che Knight è il compagno di stanza di Tran Blackburne alla Jane Austen Academy - non mi era sembrato nel corso dei loro incontri precedenti che fossero poi così intimi. Però, in effetti, Knight è perfetto nel ruolo di Mr. Knightley.
E ora ci rimane solo il retelling di Persuasione, Always You, l'ultimo episodio della serie, in cui aspettiamo di vedere non solo la storia di Anne e Rick, ma di trovare anche un finale (possibilmente lieto) per tutti gli altri personaggi - Josh Wickham in primis: poverino, ha fatto da antagonista praticamente in tutti i romanzi! - e per la Jane Austen Academy, il cui futuro è ancora molto, molto incerto...
Potete leggere la recensione completa QUI:
http://ildiariodellelizzies.blogspot....
Si svolge durante il weekend delle vacanze di primavera questo quinto episodio della serie della Jane Austen Academy di Cecilia Gray.
Emma Greene è stata la più presente delle ragazze negli altri romanzi della serie, proprio grazie al suo carattere esuberante e altruista. E anche questa volta la storia nasce dall'esigenza di Emma di aiutare le sue amiche. Sin dal primo episodio, Fall For You, sappiamo che Anne Escobar è ancora innamorata del suo amore di ragazzina, Rick Wright. In quel caso Anne giocava nel ruolo di Jane Bennet, ma in realtà sappiamo che sarà la protagonista di Always You, l'ultimo episodio della serie e retelling di Persuasione.
Qui, nel retelling di Emma, Anne recita la parte di Harriet Smith, l'amica che Emma vuole aiutare nella ricerca del ragazzo ideale. Emma è certa che, malgrado i propri trascorsi non proprio sereni con Josh Wickham, e nonostante il giovane attore idolo delle teenagers sia ancora innamorato di Fanny Sato (Suddenly You), Josh sia il ragazzo ideale per fare in modo che Anne dimentichi Rick.
La ragazza manda un messaggio di emergenza ad Anne, Josh e Gregory Knight, il suo migliore amico - sapendo che tutte le altre amiche con i loro ragazzi sono impegnate durante il weekend -, perché la raggiungano alla sua casa sul mare. Purtroppo, Knight, che non sa dei progetti di Emma, invita proprio l'ultima persona che Emma vorrebbe tra i piedi quel weekend: Rick Wright.
L'emergenza riguarda un ospizio per cani e gatti randagi a cui trovare dei padroni.
La fedeltà a Emma di Jane Austen è molto approssimativa, dato che Josh Wickham, che si sta ancora leccando le ferite lasciate da Fanny, non è un granché come Mr. Elton: dopo gli eventi di So Into You sappiamo che Emma non gli interessa, e qui non c'è nessun ritorno di fiamma tra loro due; dopo aver rifiutato di prestarsi come burattino per gli scopi di matchmaker di Emma, Josh non va a cercarsi un'altra ragazza, ma si dedica tutto alla recitazione, studiando dei nuovi copioni tra cui scegliere il suo prossimo film. Inoltre aiuta attivamente Emma con la sua opera benefica di piazzare gli animali randagi, malgrado sia allergicissimo al loro pelo e sia costretto a prestare il suo aiuto solo da lontano. Insomma, è lontano anni luce dall'odioso Philip Elton. Né recita il ruolo di Frank Churchill (che nel libro esiste, cioè, esiste un personaggio con questo nome, ma si tratta solo del direttore dell'asilo degli animali randagi), perché la Gray ha tralasciato la parte riguardante Jane Fairfax e Frank Churchill, sebbene a volte Anne somigli più a Jane che a Harriet Smith, in effetti.
Invece mi è piaciuto molto come la Gray ha reso l'episodio in cui Emma offende Miss Bates, a causa del quale viene sgridata aspramente da Mr. Knightley. Qui non c'è nessuna Miss Bates, ovviamente, ma Emma riesce a essere davvero sgradevole!
Sul rapporto tra Emma e Knight sono un po' perplessa, perché in realtà, anche se i due si sono visti spesso nel corso dei romanzi precedenti - in particolare, proprio in Suddenly You, dato che Knight è il compagno di stanza di Tran Blackburne alla Jane Austen Academy - non mi era sembrato nel corso dei loro incontri precedenti che fossero poi così intimi. Però, in effetti, Knight è perfetto nel ruolo di Mr. Knightley.
E ora ci rimane solo il retelling di Persuasione, Always You, l'ultimo episodio della serie, in cui aspettiamo di vedere non solo la storia di Anne e Rick, ma di trovare anche un finale (possibilmente lieto) per tutti gli altri personaggi - Josh Wickham in primis: poverino, ha fatto da antagonista praticamente in tutti i romanzi! - e per la Jane Austen Academy, il cui futuro è ancora molto, molto incerto...
Potete leggere la recensione completa QUI:
http://ildiariodellelizzies.blogspot....
December 10, 2014
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Only With You is the fifth book in The Jane Austen Academy Series focusing on Emma Greene – the rich, pretty girl with beautiful hair and nice clothes. But we all know she is more than just that. Emma is all heart. She has always been adorable; I love her character and the way she handles things for the sake of her friends. I have always been looking forward to read her story and to see the world with her perspective, so I was so excited to finally read this book. And you know what? I loved it. Though I missed some of the girls, I enjoyed every moment even it was set outside the academy. Emma is just as adorable as ever, even with her flaws and insecurities.
Emma thinks she’s leading a perfect life, and as a girl who has it all, it’s not that hard to help the people around her. She’s looking up to her parents who have helped so many and have achieved a lot. She’s very thoughtful and generous and is always there to lend a helping hand to whoever needs it. But there are times that she needed help, too, and she’s busy staying fab to realize it. The thing is she’s really the girl who has it all, insecurities included. She may appear as the most confident girl but unknowingly, she’s sometimes just trying to appear as happy and as fun and as perfect as she can be for the people around her.
I liked how the story unfolds in every chapter and showed more and more of Emma’s thoughts and feelings. It was nice to know and understand how she sees things. She seemed different here and maybe that's just the whole point of the story. I also loved the character developments in this book. Josh is finally away from his jerky self and he actually said some meaningful words! (Too bad though, that he still hasn’t moved on from Fanny; I believe this star could actually deserve a real-life love life.) And then of course, the Knight in shining armor. I have always adored Knight since his first appearance in this series and have always thought she’s perfect for Emma. Well, he is. He’s always going to be there (in he’s cute, adorable way) to rescue Emma from her 911’s. Anna and Rick haven’t made such improvements but I know we’re going to get it soon in the next book (and I’m just super excited for it).
This book is well-written and I can say that the series is getting better and better. Each character is essential to one another and I like them all. Emma’s story is heartwarming and fans of the series would surely love it. It felt a bit short though, but it was okay. Now, I really cannot wait to know how the series is going to end. I’ve always had a soft spot for Anne, and as much as I adored Emma’s character, I believe Anne is my favorite out of the girls. I’m expecting a lot from Always You and I can’t wait to read it soon!
Only With You is the fifth book in The Jane Austen Academy Series focusing on Emma Greene – the rich, pretty girl with beautiful hair and nice clothes. But we all know she is more than just that. Emma is all heart. She has always been adorable; I love her character and the way she handles things for the sake of her friends. I have always been looking forward to read her story and to see the world with her perspective, so I was so excited to finally read this book. And you know what? I loved it. Though I missed some of the girls, I enjoyed every moment even it was set outside the academy. Emma is just as adorable as ever, even with her flaws and insecurities.
Emma thinks she’s leading a perfect life, and as a girl who has it all, it’s not that hard to help the people around her. She’s looking up to her parents who have helped so many and have achieved a lot. She’s very thoughtful and generous and is always there to lend a helping hand to whoever needs it. But there are times that she needed help, too, and she’s busy staying fab to realize it. The thing is she’s really the girl who has it all, insecurities included. She may appear as the most confident girl but unknowingly, she’s sometimes just trying to appear as happy and as fun and as perfect as she can be for the people around her.
I liked how the story unfolds in every chapter and showed more and more of Emma’s thoughts and feelings. It was nice to know and understand how she sees things. She seemed different here and maybe that's just the whole point of the story. I also loved the character developments in this book. Josh is finally away from his jerky self and he actually said some meaningful words! (Too bad though, that he still hasn’t moved on from Fanny; I believe this star could actually deserve a real-life love life.) And then of course, the Knight in shining armor. I have always adored Knight since his first appearance in this series and have always thought she’s perfect for Emma. Well, he is. He’s always going to be there (in he’s cute, adorable way) to rescue Emma from her 911’s. Anna and Rick haven’t made such improvements but I know we’re going to get it soon in the next book (and I’m just super excited for it).
This book is well-written and I can say that the series is getting better and better. Each character is essential to one another and I like them all. Emma’s story is heartwarming and fans of the series would surely love it. It felt a bit short though, but it was okay. Now, I really cannot wait to know how the series is going to end. I’ve always had a soft spot for Anne, and as much as I adored Emma’s character, I believe Anne is my favorite out of the girls. I’m expecting a lot from Always You and I can’t wait to read it soon!
June 24, 2014
**See this full review and more at http://bookbriefs.net**
I'm going to be honest with you. I wasn't sure how much I was going to like this book before I started it. I read it because I have loved all of the other books in the Jane Austen Academy series, but this one was about Emma. And because we started the series with Lizzie, Emma was the "mean girl". I just wasn't too sure how I was going to connect with her. But I am super pleased to say that I ended up really, really enjoying her story.
Each book in the Jane Austen Academy series focuses on a different friend from the school, and each of the books can be read as a standalone. When I first started reading Only With You, Emma seemed like a completely different person than I remembered her. She was such a do-gooder; nice to everyone and she seemed really selfless. But then as the story continued, I started to see more and more of the Emma I remembered, and oddly enough it were these little moments of selfishness, immaturity, and her attention commanding look at me now personality that put me at ease and drew me into the story. I know that sounds weird but it was closer to the Emma that I had drawn in my head. But in Only With You we get to see why she is this way. We really get to dive into her head. Emma is a complete meddler in her friends lives. She thinks that she was the one that set all of her friends up with their boyfriends and she is at it again- this time with Anne.
Since I already knew the characters and their personalities, I loved reading Only With You and trying to guess what was going to happened. I figured out the end game of this book pretty quickly, but I was still surprised a bunch of times along the way. I loved how Emma's character grew. It took a while for her to get there and to admit her shortcomings, but her insecurities and her overall character growth surprisingly turned out to be the most rewarding one yet in the series for me. And that is something I did not expect to happen. Once Emma lets her guard down, she is very relate-able and likable. I wanted her to get her happy ending.
All of the books in the Jane Austen Academy series are light and fun happy ending books. They each standalone and you can read them out of order, but they do have an overarching story theme of what is going to happen to the academy itself. I think that is going to play a larger role in the 6th book, so if you can, I would read them in order. Plus you will fall in love with this group of friends. This is my 5th book with them and they kind of feel like family now to me.
I'm going to be honest with you. I wasn't sure how much I was going to like this book before I started it. I read it because I have loved all of the other books in the Jane Austen Academy series, but this one was about Emma. And because we started the series with Lizzie, Emma was the "mean girl". I just wasn't too sure how I was going to connect with her. But I am super pleased to say that I ended up really, really enjoying her story.
Each book in the Jane Austen Academy series focuses on a different friend from the school, and each of the books can be read as a standalone. When I first started reading Only With You, Emma seemed like a completely different person than I remembered her. She was such a do-gooder; nice to everyone and she seemed really selfless. But then as the story continued, I started to see more and more of the Emma I remembered, and oddly enough it were these little moments of selfishness, immaturity, and her attention commanding look at me now personality that put me at ease and drew me into the story. I know that sounds weird but it was closer to the Emma that I had drawn in my head. But in Only With You we get to see why she is this way. We really get to dive into her head. Emma is a complete meddler in her friends lives. She thinks that she was the one that set all of her friends up with their boyfriends and she is at it again- this time with Anne.
Since I already knew the characters and their personalities, I loved reading Only With You and trying to guess what was going to happened. I figured out the end game of this book pretty quickly, but I was still surprised a bunch of times along the way. I loved how Emma's character grew. It took a while for her to get there and to admit her shortcomings, but her insecurities and her overall character growth surprisingly turned out to be the most rewarding one yet in the series for me. And that is something I did not expect to happen. Once Emma lets her guard down, she is very relate-able and likable. I wanted her to get her happy ending.
All of the books in the Jane Austen Academy series are light and fun happy ending books. They each standalone and you can read them out of order, but they do have an overarching story theme of what is going to happen to the academy itself. I think that is going to play a larger role in the 6th book, so if you can, I would read them in order. Plus you will fall in love with this group of friends. This is my 5th book with them and they kind of feel like family now to me.
May 5, 2014
This is going to be hard to write. I love Cecilia Gray and even her new book Drawn was different but exciting, this one however just didn't do it for me. To be honest I have not read the Jane Austen series in quite some time so maybe I just need to go back and re-read but I don't think that's it. Most of Cecilia's books grab me no matter the order I read them in!
Here are the ups and downs for this one.
First the downs so I can get this out of the way! I just don't like Emma in this one. I vaguely remember reading about her before and I don't think I had any problems with her but this Emma in THIS book is a complete and utter disaster, and not in a fun or quirky way. Emma has everything and I do mean everything, and even though she doesn't have the best self esteem I just couldn't feel for her. She texts her friends at the beginning of the book and types that it's an emergency. The emergency is that she would like her friends to come over and help her with getting some dogs and cats adopted, awesome cause in my book! But, she wants to set up two of her friends and gets disgruntled and thinks the ENTIRE WORLD Is coming down when another guy shows up. Also, the way she treats Knight just kills me. He's such a sweet guy and it's like all she wants is to have a cute guy on her arm as a trophy, not because she likes him! Argh...
So.. enough about Emma. As we move on through the book, sadly not much was happening. It's all about Emma's plans and where she wants her friends to be and how. I was nearly 50% into the book when stuff finally started happening. I don't normally DNF books but... I was really having to push through this one. And again to be completely honest if this were not Cecilia Gray I may have DNF'd it. There is just not enough plot here.
Fortunately! About halfway through things did start moving along. Emma actually started, sort of coming out of her shell and things go much better. There wasn't much of a character arc so I feel like if Emma is in Cecilia Gray's next book that she is still not going to be my fav character but at least something was going on!
All in all it sort of felt like Cecilia didn't write this. And maybe that was my problem. I have Cecilia gray on such a high pedestal that there is no way that even she can reach it in EVERY book. I still love her and her stories but this one left me short of expectations. Still a good story but not her best.
3.5/5
Here are the ups and downs for this one.
First the downs so I can get this out of the way! I just don't like Emma in this one. I vaguely remember reading about her before and I don't think I had any problems with her but this Emma in THIS book is a complete and utter disaster, and not in a fun or quirky way. Emma has everything and I do mean everything, and even though she doesn't have the best self esteem I just couldn't feel for her. She texts her friends at the beginning of the book and types that it's an emergency. The emergency is that she would like her friends to come over and help her with getting some dogs and cats adopted, awesome cause in my book! But, she wants to set up two of her friends and gets disgruntled and thinks the ENTIRE WORLD Is coming down when another guy shows up. Also, the way she treats Knight just kills me. He's such a sweet guy and it's like all she wants is to have a cute guy on her arm as a trophy, not because she likes him! Argh...
So.. enough about Emma. As we move on through the book, sadly not much was happening. It's all about Emma's plans and where she wants her friends to be and how. I was nearly 50% into the book when stuff finally started happening. I don't normally DNF books but... I was really having to push through this one. And again to be completely honest if this were not Cecilia Gray I may have DNF'd it. There is just not enough plot here.
Fortunately! About halfway through things did start moving along. Emma actually started, sort of coming out of her shell and things go much better. There wasn't much of a character arc so I feel like if Emma is in Cecilia Gray's next book that she is still not going to be my fav character but at least something was going on!
All in all it sort of felt like Cecilia didn't write this. And maybe that was my problem. I have Cecilia gray on such a high pedestal that there is no way that even she can reach it in EVERY book. I still love her and her stories but this one left me short of expectations. Still a good story but not her best.
3.5/5
August 10, 2016
This was the Jane Austen Academy story I was looking forward to more than any other. Emma is my favorite Austen heroine. I love her because she's flawed, and also because she reminds me of myself. I, too, have played matchmaker for my friends - one couple even got married on my birthday! - and I've also put my foot in my mouth more times than I can count. I may not be as rich nor as perfect as Austen's Miss Woodhouse, but I admire her earnestness and lively spirit. Thankfully, Cecilia Gray's Emma is just as lively (and as flawed, even if she doesn't want to admit it). This novella is a quick, breezy read that kept me entertained and eager to see what would happen next. Or rather, to see how it would play out - the happily-ever-after-with-the-guy-of-her-dreams is a foregone conclusion, but getting there is a lot of fun. Emma invites steadfast Anne, male BFF Knight, and playboy/actor Josh to her parents' house for a weekend. The goal: hookup Anne and Josh, both of whom are nursing broken hearts. The reality turns out to be a bit more complicated, as Anne's ex, Rick, also shows up. The kids spend time volunteering at an animal shelter (complete with a vet named Frank Churchill!) and Emma learns a thing or two about love - namely, that she can (and does!) feel it.
One thing I love about Gray's adaptations is seeing how the characters fit into the minor roles in each new book. Josh, ever the playboy, takes on both Mr. Elton and Frank Churchill. Anne makes a much more interesting Harriet Smith than OG Harriet ever did, and Rick is pretty much spot-on as Robert Martin. There are a few characters absent, of course (understandable, given how short the book is). I love Jane Fairfax as a foil to Emma in the original and would've loved to have seen Lucy in that role. That would've paired her with Josh, too, but I get the feeling that's being saved for the Louisa-Benwick-Wentworth triangle in the last book. Another interesting change from the source material is Emma's relationship with her elderly widowed father. Here, Emma's mother is living and Emma constantly tries to live up to her. It bothered me a bit at first (that father/daughter dynamic is central to Emma's characterization, I feel), but it makes a lot of sense. Both Emmas are trying hard to live up to expectations, and I love the idea of modern Emma being a insecure "mean girl" who isn't actually mean.
One thing I love about Gray's adaptations is seeing how the characters fit into the minor roles in each new book. Josh, ever the playboy, takes on both Mr. Elton and Frank Churchill. Anne makes a much more interesting Harriet Smith than OG Harriet ever did, and Rick is pretty much spot-on as Robert Martin. There are a few characters absent, of course (understandable, given how short the book is). I love Jane Fairfax as a foil to Emma in the original and would've loved to have seen Lucy in that role. That would've paired her with Josh, too, but I get the feeling that's being saved for the Louisa-Benwick-Wentworth triangle in the last book. Another interesting change from the source material is Emma's relationship with her elderly widowed father. Here, Emma's mother is living and Emma constantly tries to live up to her. It bothered me a bit at first (that father/daughter dynamic is central to Emma's characterization, I feel), but it makes a lot of sense. Both Emmas are trying hard to live up to expectations, and I love the idea of modern Emma being a insecure "mean girl" who isn't actually mean.
May 14, 2014
Emma is someone who likes to meddle in everyone’s lives in order to improve them. She means well, but what she thinks is good for someone isn’t always good for them. She gets a bit too involved in everyone else’s lives for my taste, however, though she redeems herself at the end when she becomes unselfish and starts truly thinking about her friends’ happiness.
Knight is kind and always caring for Emma. He is truly like a knight-in-shining-armor. He was my favorite character in this book and I felt for him the many times Emma was following her schemes and didn’t pay attention to what was already there. I really liked how he cared about Emma and always came when she needed him.
Emma kind of took Knight for granted and I really didn’t like that, especially when she talked about only need to snap her fingers and he would be there.
Though this book can be read as a stand-alone, I definitely recommend reading the series in order. I felt as if I was missing a lot of backstory and I would have wanted to know everyone Emma mentioned. I would have liked to know everyone else better and I feel that if I had read the series in order, I would have liked Emma more than I did.
I liked the plot. Though I felt like Emma was a little over the top and meddling, it worked wonders for the storyline. It’s the classic friends-turned-lovers trope, with a little miscommunication dashed in.
The secondary characters seemed just that—secondary. Though Emma was meddling in their lives, it was honestly about Emma and what she was doing and what she was thinking. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, but I would have liked to know more about these characters. Again, this is probably because of the fact that I didn’t read the books before this one. Still, I would have liked to know more about the people in the background.
This book is the perfect feel-good book. It’s the type you read when you need a break from all of those angsty teen novels and need a short, witty, and fun novel. I read it in one sitting—it was light and funny, but there was a bit of drama in there to spice it up. I recommend this for someone who is in between books and needs something sweet and feel-good.
Knight is kind and always caring for Emma. He is truly like a knight-in-shining-armor. He was my favorite character in this book and I felt for him the many times Emma was following her schemes and didn’t pay attention to what was already there. I really liked how he cared about Emma and always came when she needed him.
Emma kind of took Knight for granted and I really didn’t like that, especially when she talked about only need to snap her fingers and he would be there.
Though this book can be read as a stand-alone, I definitely recommend reading the series in order. I felt as if I was missing a lot of backstory and I would have wanted to know everyone Emma mentioned. I would have liked to know everyone else better and I feel that if I had read the series in order, I would have liked Emma more than I did.
I liked the plot. Though I felt like Emma was a little over the top and meddling, it worked wonders for the storyline. It’s the classic friends-turned-lovers trope, with a little miscommunication dashed in.
The secondary characters seemed just that—secondary. Though Emma was meddling in their lives, it was honestly about Emma and what she was doing and what she was thinking. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, but I would have liked to know more about these characters. Again, this is probably because of the fact that I didn’t read the books before this one. Still, I would have liked to know more about the people in the background.
This book is the perfect feel-good book. It’s the type you read when you need a break from all of those angsty teen novels and need a short, witty, and fun novel. I read it in one sitting—it was light and funny, but there was a bit of drama in there to spice it up. I recommend this for someone who is in between books and needs something sweet and feel-good.
June 24, 2014
**Thank you Celia Gray and NetGalley for this book**
3.5-4 Stars
When I was in high school (and I'm probably fixing to tell my age), YA wasn't a huge genre, definitely not one I was vastly aware of anyway. However, I still devoured books, they were the classics. My favorites of course being anything by the Bronte sisters or Jane Austen. I read most of them way more than once, and could probably quote some of them line for line. However, I don't remember much about Austen's Emma. Which tells me I may not have cared for the original very much.
I was afraid Gray's retelling was going to follow in those footsteps. In fact, this book for me was almost a DNF at 25%, thank goodness I kept on reading or I would have missed out on this delightful story!
"Only With You" is a retelling of Jane Austen's Emma. Emma is an upperclass, privileged , and beautiful young lady who has everything going for her, and she knows it. She is controlling, meddlesome, and whiny. However, she also has a huge heart, wants to see her friends happy, and tries to make the world a better place one small step at a time. Beneath all the false bravado and seeming confidence is a young lady riddled with insecurities and fear. The first half of the book Emma annoyed me so bad that she was like nails on a chalk board. Every sentence I read I felt like banging my head against a wall.
However, I persevered and through it I saw Emma grow and change. It made the first part worth it!!
I loved Knight, he was definitely my favorite in the whole book. He was honest, real, and oh so cute and likable. He was so endearing as a friend that you couldn't help but love him and his devotion and sweetness!!
I think the part of this that was the hardest for me was, these are supposed to be juniors and seniors in high school, I get they are the upper echelons of society, but they still did not feel like high school students. Not in behavior (Emma excluded), language, or attitude. It felt more like these should be college students. This story had a very Gossip Girl feel to it.
That being said, for me, the last half of the book more than made up for the first. It was an enjoyable and light read and I will read other books in this series.
3.5-4 Stars
When I was in high school (and I'm probably fixing to tell my age), YA wasn't a huge genre, definitely not one I was vastly aware of anyway. However, I still devoured books, they were the classics. My favorites of course being anything by the Bronte sisters or Jane Austen. I read most of them way more than once, and could probably quote some of them line for line. However, I don't remember much about Austen's Emma. Which tells me I may not have cared for the original very much.
I was afraid Gray's retelling was going to follow in those footsteps. In fact, this book for me was almost a DNF at 25%, thank goodness I kept on reading or I would have missed out on this delightful story!
"Only With You" is a retelling of Jane Austen's Emma. Emma is an upperclass, privileged , and beautiful young lady who has everything going for her, and she knows it. She is controlling, meddlesome, and whiny. However, she also has a huge heart, wants to see her friends happy, and tries to make the world a better place one small step at a time. Beneath all the false bravado and seeming confidence is a young lady riddled with insecurities and fear. The first half of the book Emma annoyed me so bad that she was like nails on a chalk board. Every sentence I read I felt like banging my head against a wall.
However, I persevered and through it I saw Emma grow and change. It made the first part worth it!!
I loved Knight, he was definitely my favorite in the whole book. He was honest, real, and oh so cute and likable. He was so endearing as a friend that you couldn't help but love him and his devotion and sweetness!!
I think the part of this that was the hardest for me was, these are supposed to be juniors and seniors in high school, I get they are the upper echelons of society, but they still did not feel like high school students. Not in behavior (Emma excluded), language, or attitude. It felt more like these should be college students. This story had a very Gossip Girl feel to it.
That being said, for me, the last half of the book more than made up for the first. It was an enjoyable and light read and I will read other books in this series.
October 22, 2014
Featured in a Reading on a Theme: Inspired by the Classics on Intellectual Recreation.
Cecilia Gray's idea to put all of Jane Austen's characters together in one high school is pretty fun. Only With You is the only book in the series that I have read, but I could definitely see that the best part about these books is how all the characters' stories interweave.
Only With You is Emma's tale. However, instead of trying to set up a Harriet, she attempts to set up the Anne Elliot character from Persuasion with the George Wickham from Pride and Prejudice.
As in many retellings the fun comes not from the surprise ending but in reliving a beloved classic in new clothes. These stories will probably be most loved by Jane Austen fans.
Review copy from NetGalley.
May 15, 2014
Only With You is the fifth book in The Jane Austen Academy Series, it follows a weekend of summer adventures that Emma and her friends from The Jane Austen Academy get up to. This story focuses more on Emma and her matchmaking plans for two of her friends. Though, it may take her more time and effort than she first thought along with a couple of fibs as well, Emma believes that Anne and Josh would be perfect for each other, even with the history between herself and Josh.
Although, what seemed like a simple plan soon turns into much more, when Knight, who is a close friend of Emma decides to invite another person to her house for the weekend, that person being Anne's ex-boyfriend Rick. Things seem to take a slight detour from the original plan that Emma was planning, Knight seems to figure out what Emma is planning and tries to stop her from making a big mistake and literally pushing two people together in a weekend of activities who wouldn't want to be together anyway. Although, Emma think they are perfect for each other, she just has to make them see it for themselves.
Things get more complicated when Emma notices Knight and Anne spending more time together, and the feelings that she experiences after witnessing it. Emma has a big heart which she is willing to share with the people that she loves in her life, her closest friends especially, but she just cant get over why she feels that way. She wants her best friends to find love and be happy, though she just doesn't want them to be happy together. Throw in some fluffy animals, a few hasty comments, a few shocking confessions and a cliff-hanger, this book has everything you could want in a romantic young adult book.
Only With You is the perfect modern re-telling of the classic Emma, with its friendship, love and drama it tells the story of what happens when something has been in front of you the whole time without you even knowing it.
If I had to sum this book up in three words, they would be Glamorous, Unique and Extraordinary.
Although, what seemed like a simple plan soon turns into much more, when Knight, who is a close friend of Emma decides to invite another person to her house for the weekend, that person being Anne's ex-boyfriend Rick. Things seem to take a slight detour from the original plan that Emma was planning, Knight seems to figure out what Emma is planning and tries to stop her from making a big mistake and literally pushing two people together in a weekend of activities who wouldn't want to be together anyway. Although, Emma think they are perfect for each other, she just has to make them see it for themselves.
Things get more complicated when Emma notices Knight and Anne spending more time together, and the feelings that she experiences after witnessing it. Emma has a big heart which she is willing to share with the people that she loves in her life, her closest friends especially, but she just cant get over why she feels that way. She wants her best friends to find love and be happy, though she just doesn't want them to be happy together. Throw in some fluffy animals, a few hasty comments, a few shocking confessions and a cliff-hanger, this book has everything you could want in a romantic young adult book.
Only With You is the perfect modern re-telling of the classic Emma, with its friendship, love and drama it tells the story of what happens when something has been in front of you the whole time without you even knowing it.
If I had to sum this book up in three words, they would be Glamorous, Unique and Extraordinary.
May 10, 2014
Only With You: A Modern Retelling of Emma (The Jane Austen Academy Series #5) was such a wonderful read. The premise was so enchanting that I was simply giddy with excitement when I learned about it.
Off the bat, I must say that I adored Knight. He was strong and commanding, while at the same time he was quiet and aware. His maturity was evident. His charm was memorable. He was solid, likeable and real. He was a great match for the main character, Emma. I really liked the fact that he could go toe to toe with her and still make her smile. His feelings for her were palpable.
What can I say about dear, dear Emma? I liked her overall, but in the beginning, I could not relate to her. Her life of privilege was blaring, and her seemingly flirtatious actions toward Knight were so loud. But, I soon warmed to her and my heart felt for her, especially as it relates to her parents. It's a good thing Knight was there to lean on. She had a good heart and good intentions underneath the sass and misguided matchmaking.
Rick and Anna... Oh my! Can they just reunite, please? Love lost and hearts longing. I want to cry over these two. It's so obvious that they belong together. (sigh)
Josh. The verdict is still out on this guy. Obviously, there is more there than meets the eye. I am going to have to see Fannie's story, for sure.
Although Gray's book does depart somewhat from Austen's original story, it still had many romantic similarities. And the final scene between Knight and Emma, it was PRICELESS.
Outstanding all the way around!
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Recommend: Yes
Content: Clean
Angle: Modern day twist on Emma
Extras: Discussion questions, Series listing, Reference info on Austen's original work
A complimentary e-copy of this title was made available by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The words I have expressed are my own.
Off the bat, I must say that I adored Knight. He was strong and commanding, while at the same time he was quiet and aware. His maturity was evident. His charm was memorable. He was solid, likeable and real. He was a great match for the main character, Emma. I really liked the fact that he could go toe to toe with her and still make her smile. His feelings for her were palpable.
What can I say about dear, dear Emma? I liked her overall, but in the beginning, I could not relate to her. Her life of privilege was blaring, and her seemingly flirtatious actions toward Knight were so loud. But, I soon warmed to her and my heart felt for her, especially as it relates to her parents. It's a good thing Knight was there to lean on. She had a good heart and good intentions underneath the sass and misguided matchmaking.
Rick and Anna... Oh my! Can they just reunite, please? Love lost and hearts longing. I want to cry over these two. It's so obvious that they belong together. (sigh)
Josh. The verdict is still out on this guy. Obviously, there is more there than meets the eye. I am going to have to see Fannie's story, for sure.
Although Gray's book does depart somewhat from Austen's original story, it still had many romantic similarities. And the final scene between Knight and Emma, it was PRICELESS.
Outstanding all the way around!
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Recommend: Yes
Content: Clean
Angle: Modern day twist on Emma
Extras: Discussion questions, Series listing, Reference info on Austen's original work
A complimentary e-copy of this title was made available by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The words I have expressed are my own.
May 22, 2014
"You're always trying to save the world. I love that about you." He pulled her against him, grinning at her confused look. "But for right now, how about you just save me?"
My. Gosh! This book was a splendid mix of excitement and anguish.
When I first started reading it I didn’t take much of a liking to Emma. She seemed like a spoiled, little, rich girl; and yes, she was that, but she was also so much more. The deeper into this story I got the more I liked her and the more my heart broke for her. She seemed to be giving all of herself to everyone else, trying to be the perfect daughter and the perfect friend, and it meant she overlooked her own needs. She hid behind a wall of confidence and sarcasm, when she was really quite fragile and vulnerable.
As for Knight *sigh* he was pure perfection. His is officially my new favorite book boyfriend. I loved how he was always there for Emma. Even when they were not on speaking terms, he kept an eye on her and it was obvious he was worried about her. It was also obvious that there was more between these two. It drove me insane that Emma was so blind to it, even when she realized how much she cared about him and she allowed her own doubt to mess with her mind. My heart was in a vice the night Emma 911d Knight and there was so much confusion about who felt what for whom. And then things became strange between them and I was on the verge of tears because I couldn’t take the heartache any more.
I am glad that this story had a happy ending, for almost everyone, and I’m excited for Anne’s story. She was a sweet girl and I hope she can find her happiness. This was a fun and quick, but extremely emotional read. I can’t wait for more.
My. Gosh! This book was a splendid mix of excitement and anguish.
When I first started reading it I didn’t take much of a liking to Emma. She seemed like a spoiled, little, rich girl; and yes, she was that, but she was also so much more. The deeper into this story I got the more I liked her and the more my heart broke for her. She seemed to be giving all of herself to everyone else, trying to be the perfect daughter and the perfect friend, and it meant she overlooked her own needs. She hid behind a wall of confidence and sarcasm, when she was really quite fragile and vulnerable.
As for Knight *sigh* he was pure perfection. His is officially my new favorite book boyfriend. I loved how he was always there for Emma. Even when they were not on speaking terms, he kept an eye on her and it was obvious he was worried about her. It was also obvious that there was more between these two. It drove me insane that Emma was so blind to it, even when she realized how much she cared about him and she allowed her own doubt to mess with her mind. My heart was in a vice the night Emma 911d Knight and there was so much confusion about who felt what for whom. And then things became strange between them and I was on the verge of tears because I couldn’t take the heartache any more.
I am glad that this story had a happy ending, for almost everyone, and I’m excited for Anne’s story. She was a sweet girl and I hope she can find her happiness. This was a fun and quick, but extremely emotional read. I can’t wait for more.
August 4, 2015
I am a HUGE Jane Austen fan! I can't believe I didn't know about the modern-day series before I joined the blog tour.
Cecilia Gray does a fantastic job of creating a modern-day Emma within a teen setting, and while having a modern-day Emma she manages to stay true to the original character written by Jane Austen. Emma means well by trying to always help others but she seems to put aside what she really wants until she's faced with the possibility of losing it (*cough*who*cough*). And of course I loved Knight, who doesn't?! He's so sweet and truly cares for Emma.
In every chapter the story continues to unfold, I loved watching Emma grow, and having her slowly become more comfortable with herself. Although the way she treated Knight got on my nerves, I didn't let it affect my overall depiction of this book. While this can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the rest of the series first. I wish I had! I would have better enjoyed and understood the back story had I read books 1-4.
Overall, Only With You was a cute; light read that I found to be refreshing. I highly look forward to the last book in this series (December 2014) and reading all previous books in the Jane Austen Academy Series. If you're looking for a chick-lit, make you feel good, cute and I can't stop giggling kind of read than I highly recommend picking up this book/series!
May 13, 2014
As much as I loved Only You I almost wish I waited to read this because now I have to wait for the last book in the series. Hopefully I don't have to wait too long.
Only You is the story of Emma Greene. For having such a blessed life she is such a sweetheart and works very hard to help anyone and anything. Her parents are huge donors to many charities and pretty famous for their humanitarian work and Emma is trying her best to walk in their footsteps. She invites her best friends Knight and Anne, along with Josh and Rick, who Knight brought, to her beach house for the weekend. On the agenda for Emma is setting up Anne with Josh so Anne can finally get over Rick.
I think Only You is my favorite so far but I wish it was longer. The time line was two days and even though everything did happen, I just hoped it stretched longer. But I guess it's a good thing since Knight is a year older and would be graduating soon and I don't want to say goodbye to him. He is definitely the best friend I wish I had. Any time Emma needed anything and he was there. I also got to know Rick a little better. He is somewhat stuffy but still kind and very helpful. I absolutely loved Emma and setting up to work the pet adoption was so awesome and even with her own life getting out of control, she helps others first.
I loved that not only Emma grew in this story, but also Anne and their friendship. Yes they are friends at the Academy but real friendship happens outside the gates and that is what is important. Once again another great ending and a very crazy cliffhanger. There is one more book to go and I will be sad to see this series end for good.
Only You is the story of Emma Greene. For having such a blessed life she is such a sweetheart and works very hard to help anyone and anything. Her parents are huge donors to many charities and pretty famous for their humanitarian work and Emma is trying her best to walk in their footsteps. She invites her best friends Knight and Anne, along with Josh and Rick, who Knight brought, to her beach house for the weekend. On the agenda for Emma is setting up Anne with Josh so Anne can finally get over Rick.
I think Only You is my favorite so far but I wish it was longer. The time line was two days and even though everything did happen, I just hoped it stretched longer. But I guess it's a good thing since Knight is a year older and would be graduating soon and I don't want to say goodbye to him. He is definitely the best friend I wish I had. Any time Emma needed anything and he was there. I also got to know Rick a little better. He is somewhat stuffy but still kind and very helpful. I absolutely loved Emma and setting up to work the pet adoption was so awesome and even with her own life getting out of control, she helps others first.
I loved that not only Emma grew in this story, but also Anne and their friendship. Yes they are friends at the Academy but real friendship happens outside the gates and that is what is important. Once again another great ending and a very crazy cliffhanger. There is one more book to go and I will be sad to see this series end for good.
June 2, 2014
3.5 stars
Did I enjoy this book: I did. It was cute, I liked the characters, I read every free chance I had.
My one wish is that I would have had the chance to read books 3 and 4 (When I’m With You and Suddenly You) before Only With You. I have a feeling I missed quite a bit. But, if I hadn’t known this was a series, I would have been fine just reading this one. But because I read the first two books, I wish I had read books 3 and 4 before this one.
Totally my fault.
Now, as for Only With You, I really enjoyed it. I haven’t read Emma by Jane Austen yet. (I know, I know. I should be ashamed of myself.) I have read a few retellings of Emma and I don’t know that I will like Emma. In the retellings, she is rather bossy, nosy, and a know-it-all. But she has a heart of gold. She truly wants to help others. She just goes about it the wrong way sometimes.
In Only With You, Emma Greene takes the role of matchmaker/happiness maker seriously. She uses 911 texts to get her friends to come to her. She is sweet, kind, but pushy and a bit clueless. Even if your heart is in the right place, you need to open your eyes and pay attention.
This is a great series, and I can’t wait to dive into books 3, 4, and 6!
Would I recommend it: If you like Jane Austen and Jane Austen retellings, check out this series.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/05/bl...
Did I enjoy this book: I did. It was cute, I liked the characters, I read every free chance I had.
My one wish is that I would have had the chance to read books 3 and 4 (When I’m With You and Suddenly You) before Only With You. I have a feeling I missed quite a bit. But, if I hadn’t known this was a series, I would have been fine just reading this one. But because I read the first two books, I wish I had read books 3 and 4 before this one.
Totally my fault.
Now, as for Only With You, I really enjoyed it. I haven’t read Emma by Jane Austen yet. (I know, I know. I should be ashamed of myself.) I have read a few retellings of Emma and I don’t know that I will like Emma. In the retellings, she is rather bossy, nosy, and a know-it-all. But she has a heart of gold. She truly wants to help others. She just goes about it the wrong way sometimes.
In Only With You, Emma Greene takes the role of matchmaker/happiness maker seriously. She uses 911 texts to get her friends to come to her. She is sweet, kind, but pushy and a bit clueless. Even if your heart is in the right place, you need to open your eyes and pay attention.
This is a great series, and I can’t wait to dive into books 3, 4, and 6!
Would I recommend it: If you like Jane Austen and Jane Austen retellings, check out this series.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/05/bl...
July 3, 2014
I got a free copy of this book via Netgalley for an honest review.
4/5 stars!
I really enjoyed Emma's story. Her interactions with Gregory Knight can only be described in one word. Adorable! Emma's still not my favorite person out of the series, but I understood her a bit more in this story. She really wants to be helpful, and I admire her for that. In Only With You, Emma tries to play matchmaker (as usual) for the happiness of her friends. Unfortunately (for her), things do not go as planned.
Emma invites Josh and Anne to her home in the hopes of getting them to spend more time with each other and becoming more than just friends, but Anne's ex-boyfriend joins the party and her whole plan gets foiled.
All the juicy details are considered spoilers, so I can't summarize any further than that, but you should know that all the Knight and Emma scenes are really cute! I also loved the interactions between Emma and Anne, We've never seen a good look at their friendship till now, and I love how they are almost total opposites. Emma lives the life that Anne was meant to live, and Emma is a social "go-getter" while Anne is more relaxed and gives off a "let things happen as they should" type of vibe.
I also really like the scenes with Josh. Oh, Josh! I hope he gets a happy ending. Fingers crossed for the next book! Maybe he'll end up with Lucy? *shrugs* It could happen.
I enjoyed the story. Would I recommend this to anyone? Yes! Even if you haven't read the previous books, you'll definitely enjoy this one.
4/5 stars!
I really enjoyed Emma's story. Her interactions with Gregory Knight can only be described in one word. Adorable! Emma's still not my favorite person out of the series, but I understood her a bit more in this story. She really wants to be helpful, and I admire her for that. In Only With You, Emma tries to play matchmaker (as usual) for the happiness of her friends. Unfortunately (for her), things do not go as planned.
Emma invites Josh and Anne to her home in the hopes of getting them to spend more time with each other and becoming more than just friends, but Anne's ex-boyfriend joins the party and her whole plan gets foiled.
All the juicy details are considered spoilers, so I can't summarize any further than that, but you should know that all the Knight and Emma scenes are really cute! I also loved the interactions between Emma and Anne, We've never seen a good look at their friendship till now, and I love how they are almost total opposites. Emma lives the life that Anne was meant to live, and Emma is a social "go-getter" while Anne is more relaxed and gives off a "let things happen as they should" type of vibe.
I also really like the scenes with Josh. Oh, Josh! I hope he gets a happy ending. Fingers crossed for the next book! Maybe he'll end up with Lucy? *shrugs* It could happen.
I enjoyed the story. Would I recommend this to anyone? Yes! Even if you haven't read the previous books, you'll definitely enjoy this one.
May 17, 2014
This is a modern day version or retelling of the famous Jane Austen story Emma. Emma, a rich girl who studies at the Jane Austen Academy thinks it is her duty to help everyone around her. She has the looks and the brains but is not selfish or self centered. She is well aware of her looks and status in spite of which she goes out of her way to help anyone she thinks is in need of her help.
This story is about Emma trying to set up one of her girl best friends with another guy she knows. She thinks she is doing this with her friend’s best interest at heart. When the guy she considers her best friend turns against her because he thinks she is meddling she has to rethink her strategies. Ploughing on nevertheless, Emma justifies her actions to herself. When her friend turns her sights on the guy Emma realises she likes she now has a choice to make, love or friendship. Even here Emma is ready to sacrifice love for friendship as long as she can make others happy.
This story is sweet and well written with an interesting take on the classic novel Emma. The author has done a great job with this retelling, flawlessly converting the classic to a modern day setting. I appreciate the fact that the author managed to retain the essence of the main character and wove a story around her.
This is worth a read for all those who enjoyed the classic by Jane Austen and for all those searching for a sweet romance.
This story is about Emma trying to set up one of her girl best friends with another guy she knows. She thinks she is doing this with her friend’s best interest at heart. When the guy she considers her best friend turns against her because he thinks she is meddling she has to rethink her strategies. Ploughing on nevertheless, Emma justifies her actions to herself. When her friend turns her sights on the guy Emma realises she likes she now has a choice to make, love or friendship. Even here Emma is ready to sacrifice love for friendship as long as she can make others happy.
This story is sweet and well written with an interesting take on the classic novel Emma. The author has done a great job with this retelling, flawlessly converting the classic to a modern day setting. I appreciate the fact that the author managed to retain the essence of the main character and wove a story around her.
This is worth a read for all those who enjoyed the classic by Jane Austen and for all those searching for a sweet romance.
September 21, 2016
I am not a fan of Jane Austen’s Emma. It is probably my least favourite of Austen’s novels and Emma – the character – was the only one of Austen’s heroines that I failed to find any redeeming features. Somewhat ironically I love Clueless – the hit 90s movie based on Emma. Only With You by Cecilia Gray is a rip off of a rip off. That sounds particularly harsh. It probably would be nicer to say that she is paying homage to both pieces of entertainment. I just personally didn’t love Only With You.
Instead of rural England, Only With You takes place in America, the characters are all teenagers who attend Jane Austen Academy – now maybe I have come into the series too late but I didn’t understand the naming of the academy so that initially threw me off. Like in the Austen novel, Emma tries to set up her friends but she keeps getting it wrong. She means well but her actions are sometimes a bit selfish.
To be fair to Cecilia Gray, Only With You isn’t a bad story. I think it is that I am personally biased against it because of my dislike of the original text. I think it would be best suited for a teenage audience and my age probably played a part in whether or not I liked this book. What I am trying to say is that Only With You was a good book it just wasn’t for me.
Only With You by Cecilia Gray is available now.
For more information regarding Cecilia Gray (@CeciliaBooks) please visit www.ceciliagray.com.
Instead of rural England, Only With You takes place in America, the characters are all teenagers who attend Jane Austen Academy – now maybe I have come into the series too late but I didn’t understand the naming of the academy so that initially threw me off. Like in the Austen novel, Emma tries to set up her friends but she keeps getting it wrong. She means well but her actions are sometimes a bit selfish.
To be fair to Cecilia Gray, Only With You isn’t a bad story. I think it is that I am personally biased against it because of my dislike of the original text. I think it would be best suited for a teenage audience and my age probably played a part in whether or not I liked this book. What I am trying to say is that Only With You was a good book it just wasn’t for me.
Only With You by Cecilia Gray is available now.
For more information regarding Cecilia Gray (@CeciliaBooks) please visit www.ceciliagray.com.
May 12, 2014
One of my favourite things to read about is Austen Inspired fiction and a favourite series is Cecilia Gray's Jane Austen Academy series where each of the books is loosely based on an Austen tale and the characters within the books - well , most of them anyway.
Only with You is based on Austen's fiction tale of "Emma" . In this book we meet Emma Greene who loves helping people , just like her parents and sees it as her job not to meddle but help them discover their purpose in life or at least point them in the right direction. Her latest escapade is to help Anne ( from Sense and Sensibility) to get over her ex- Rick by setting her up with Josh Wickham ( Pride and Prejudice) . This weekend she enlists the help of her best friend Knight , but he doesn't realise her plans and brings along his friend Rick - Anne's ex. Will Emma's plan work this weekend as she keeps thrusting the two of them together or will she discover that it's not them that needs the matchmaking but her and Knight as sparks tend to fly between these two during the weekend. Is Emma too oblivious to see that Knight wants her or will her friends be able to step in and pull Emma back to reality to show her what's been in front of her all this time ?
This is such an awesome read and fans of Austen Inspired Fiction or even the movie "Clueless" which is also based on Emma will enjoy.
Only with You is based on Austen's fiction tale of "Emma" . In this book we meet Emma Greene who loves helping people , just like her parents and sees it as her job not to meddle but help them discover their purpose in life or at least point them in the right direction. Her latest escapade is to help Anne ( from Sense and Sensibility) to get over her ex- Rick by setting her up with Josh Wickham ( Pride and Prejudice) . This weekend she enlists the help of her best friend Knight , but he doesn't realise her plans and brings along his friend Rick - Anne's ex. Will Emma's plan work this weekend as she keeps thrusting the two of them together or will she discover that it's not them that needs the matchmaking but her and Knight as sparks tend to fly between these two during the weekend. Is Emma too oblivious to see that Knight wants her or will her friends be able to step in and pull Emma back to reality to show her what's been in front of her all this time ?
This is such an awesome read and fans of Austen Inspired Fiction or even the movie "Clueless" which is also based on Emma will enjoy.
May 20, 2014
Jane Austen's Emma was one of my least favourite books when studying my English degree, but in Only With You Cecilia Gray revises the 19th century story and transposes it into the modern world.
Cecilia Gray's heroine, Emma Greene, is as meddlesome as Austen's Emma, constantly attempting to 'help' and pair up her friends. However, Emma Greene is not malicious in any way, though perhaps a little self-absorbed and ambitious. Cecilia Gray is able to enhance these often negative characteristics, influencing her reader to love and even admire Emma.
Only With You is essentially a romance, with the added drama surrounding the group's friendships and worry about The Jane Austen Academy's closure. Emma is adamant that during the weekend the group of friends are together she will be successful in match making a relationship between Anne and Josh, yet she is blind to her evolving feelings for her best friend Gregory Knight. Cecilia Gray is careful to develop Emma and Gregory's friendship slowly, with the repartee between the two, rather than actions, enchanting the reader and giving us hope that Emma's will be a HEA.
Only With You is a relatively short novel, but the characters are animated and like able, even for their faults. This is a story for an relaxing afternoon at the beach, or even curled up on a rainy day. I look forward to reading more of Cecilia Gray's books.
Cecilia Gray's heroine, Emma Greene, is as meddlesome as Austen's Emma, constantly attempting to 'help' and pair up her friends. However, Emma Greene is not malicious in any way, though perhaps a little self-absorbed and ambitious. Cecilia Gray is able to enhance these often negative characteristics, influencing her reader to love and even admire Emma.
Only With You is essentially a romance, with the added drama surrounding the group's friendships and worry about The Jane Austen Academy's closure. Emma is adamant that during the weekend the group of friends are together she will be successful in match making a relationship between Anne and Josh, yet she is blind to her evolving feelings for her best friend Gregory Knight. Cecilia Gray is careful to develop Emma and Gregory's friendship slowly, with the repartee between the two, rather than actions, enchanting the reader and giving us hope that Emma's will be a HEA.
Only With You is a relatively short novel, but the characters are animated and like able, even for their faults. This is a story for an relaxing afternoon at the beach, or even curled up on a rainy day. I look forward to reading more of Cecilia Gray's books.
September 12, 2014
Book Review- Only With You by Cecilia Gray
Emma has big plans for spring break. She has invited Anne and Josh to her beach house. She is in her match making mode. She wants Anne to get passed her broken heart and her ex Rick. Josh is broken hearted over Fanny. Emma is sure if she can get these two together everyone will be happy.
She enlists Knight to help her unknowingly to him. So when he shows up bringing Rick with him she thinks her plans are ruined. However she decides to put a positive spin on and ask Josh to keep an eye on Anne since she is uncomfortable about Rick.
Of course nothing goes as planned and she ends up hurting herself in the process. She lets her fears take over her actions. Emma could lose everything she ever wanted.
I love this series. I have enjoyed the characters immensely that the author created. The idea of her stories being written in the spirit of Jane Austen novels is fun. Jane Austen is a favorite author, so I enjoy how others spin her tales. With that in mind this series is a fun read for me.
The characters Emma and Anne have been present in all the previous books. Emma has been present in all the love lives of her friends. It was fun to watch her scheme to help Anne’s love life only to figure out her own. I can’t wait to read what Anne’s story brings. I give it a 4 out of 5.
Emma has big plans for spring break. She has invited Anne and Josh to her beach house. She is in her match making mode. She wants Anne to get passed her broken heart and her ex Rick. Josh is broken hearted over Fanny. Emma is sure if she can get these two together everyone will be happy.
She enlists Knight to help her unknowingly to him. So when he shows up bringing Rick with him she thinks her plans are ruined. However she decides to put a positive spin on and ask Josh to keep an eye on Anne since she is uncomfortable about Rick.
Of course nothing goes as planned and she ends up hurting herself in the process. She lets her fears take over her actions. Emma could lose everything she ever wanted.
I love this series. I have enjoyed the characters immensely that the author created. The idea of her stories being written in the spirit of Jane Austen novels is fun. Jane Austen is a favorite author, so I enjoy how others spin her tales. With that in mind this series is a fun read for me.
The characters Emma and Anne have been present in all the previous books. Emma has been present in all the love lives of her friends. It was fun to watch her scheme to help Anne’s love life only to figure out her own. I can’t wait to read what Anne’s story brings. I give it a 4 out of 5.
May 20, 2014
So cute. A wonderful take on the Jane Austin story EMMA. Here Emma is a teenager with insecurities and always trying to live up to what her mother would be proud of and would try to achieve. She has a heart of gold for her friends but is selfish as well. Always trying to help others without thinking of the consequences. She is even willing to sacrifice her happiness so her friends can be happy instead.
so Emma is scheming as matchmaker. She is trying to give Anne some happiness after all that has happened in her life. anne's world has been turned upside down when her parents lose everything. She is trying to pair her with Josh the bad boy actor who has his heart broken and is now their friend.
While this is going on Emma is starting to feel for her bestie Knight. A precious guy that does anything for Emma and has a crush on her but hasn't done anything about it. As Emma sorts out her feelings for Knight, she misreads signals and thinks he is wanting Anne. She believes in her friends happiness so she is willing to sacrifice her happiness and her friendship with Knight.
A fun read that will have you smiling at Emma's antics and glad for the HEA that occurs. And Rick the one Emma despises is a cutey not as cute as Knight but cute and definitely the one for Anne.
so Emma is scheming as matchmaker. She is trying to give Anne some happiness after all that has happened in her life. anne's world has been turned upside down when her parents lose everything. She is trying to pair her with Josh the bad boy actor who has his heart broken and is now their friend.
While this is going on Emma is starting to feel for her bestie Knight. A precious guy that does anything for Emma and has a crush on her but hasn't done anything about it. As Emma sorts out her feelings for Knight, she misreads signals and thinks he is wanting Anne. She believes in her friends happiness so she is willing to sacrifice her happiness and her friendship with Knight.
A fun read that will have you smiling at Emma's antics and glad for the HEA that occurs. And Rick the one Emma despises is a cutey not as cute as Knight but cute and definitely the one for Anne.
June 29, 2015
Received from: Gray Life, LLC
Received Via: NetGalley.com
THE REVIEW
Why this book?
I love Jane Austen, So when I seen this was a retelling of Emma I Couldn't request it fast enough
What I thought
This was a fun and cute book. Emma and knights parts had me smiling like an idiot, I just loved their banter. Not reading the other books in the series yet had me scared that I would be confused.But luckily for me this could be read as a stand alone It gave enough background that you could easily pick up on what has happened in the other books.With that said Knight was my favorite character by far I just loved him,he was written perfectly and made a wonderful modern version of Mr. Knightly.Same goes for Emma the popular matchmaker.I also think Emma's growth was done Perfectly in a believable way. Even though this story was a bit predictable definitely since I knew the Persuasion retelling was next I still enjoyed this book alot, and it made this Jane Austen Fan proud.
Bonus Points!
- Anne and Rick totally setting up for Persuasion.
- Poor Josh
- Gosh I loved knight I can't say that enough
Overall this light fast paced read that Jane Austen Fans or fans Contemporary Romance will enjoy
Received Via: NetGalley.com
THE REVIEW
Why this book?
I love Jane Austen, So when I seen this was a retelling of Emma I Couldn't request it fast enough
What I thought
This was a fun and cute book. Emma and knights parts had me smiling like an idiot, I just loved their banter. Not reading the other books in the series yet had me scared that I would be confused.But luckily for me this could be read as a stand alone It gave enough background that you could easily pick up on what has happened in the other books.With that said Knight was my favorite character by far I just loved him,he was written perfectly and made a wonderful modern version of Mr. Knightly.Same goes for Emma the popular matchmaker.I also think Emma's growth was done Perfectly in a believable way. Even though this story was a bit predictable definitely since I knew the Persuasion retelling was next I still enjoyed this book alot, and it made this Jane Austen Fan proud.
Bonus Points!
- Anne and Rick totally setting up for Persuasion.
- Poor Josh
- Gosh I loved knight I can't say that enough
Overall this light fast paced read that Jane Austen Fans or fans Contemporary Romance will enjoy
August 30, 2016
I love reading this series and this book was no exception. The books aren't exactly retelling Jane Austen's stories. They just have the same basic themes and some borrowed names. I love that though. Each of these books has it's own story to tell separate from Austen's and that makes them more interesting to read. When I'm With You (the third book) is still my favorite but this book, Emma and Knight's story, was really good too. My heart ached for Emma when she was feeling lost and it felt light when she was happy. That's the thing about a series like this with each character getting their own story; I've been reading about them all for so many books now and have gotten to know them all so well that I really care about them and want to see them happy. Persuasion is my favorite Austen novel so I've been waiting for Anne and Rick's story for a while now and patience isn't really my strong suit. I am really looking forward to December.
July 24, 2014
Finally, Emma is the MC! Yay!
I went into the read with high hopes and they were indeed fulfilled! I loved everything from the plot to the cast interactions. I got so super lost in this series read a book and a half in a day! Dare I say this series inspired an instalove for me. I cannot recommend it enough. Swoon-Worthy, Young Adult Contemporary reading that kept me engaged the entire series through.
I could go on and on about this ensamble of characters with distinct characteristics. I have definitely told myself no. No spoilers! No way! We follow our MC slash matchmaker through an interesting journey and an unexpected turn of events that only left me wanting more!! I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!
This book does not disappoint in any way shape or form at all. I am ecstatic and waiting for Always You which I am hoping will be two characters I really want to see come together! This is my Sweet Valley High with strong female leads and a Jane Austen vibe, I just can't get enough!!
I went into the read with high hopes and they were indeed fulfilled! I loved everything from the plot to the cast interactions. I got so super lost in this series read a book and a half in a day! Dare I say this series inspired an instalove for me. I cannot recommend it enough. Swoon-Worthy, Young Adult Contemporary reading that kept me engaged the entire series through.
I could go on and on about this ensamble of characters with distinct characteristics. I have definitely told myself no. No spoilers! No way! We follow our MC slash matchmaker through an interesting journey and an unexpected turn of events that only left me wanting more!! I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!
This book does not disappoint in any way shape or form at all. I am ecstatic and waiting for Always You which I am hoping will be two characters I really want to see come together! This is my Sweet Valley High with strong female leads and a Jane Austen vibe, I just can't get enough!!
July 12, 2014
"Strangers are just future friends", as Emma says. I'll try to remember that as I go out today and see people....
Thank you, Cecilia Gray and NetGalley, for this free book to review!
Can I just say: the characters! We got to delve into Emma's personality and see her motives for things she's down in previous books. She overreacts sometimes (does it really matter if the guys go to a bonfire without telling her?), but she can be really sweet. And if I were Anne, I would totally love Rick too. We never saw him much in the other books, but this time we got a little more. I can't wait for the next one in the series, which will be Persuasion.
The plot was the same as most of the other books: girl loves guy, guy flirts with other girl, first girl is hurt, but then the guy says he never meant anything with the other girl and actually loves the first one. A little variation, please? But it was still quick and fun, and I can't wait for the next book. :)
Thank you, Cecilia Gray and NetGalley, for this free book to review!
Can I just say: the characters! We got to delve into Emma's personality and see her motives for things she's down in previous books. She overreacts sometimes (does it really matter if the guys go to a bonfire without telling her?), but she can be really sweet. And if I were Anne, I would totally love Rick too. We never saw him much in the other books, but this time we got a little more. I can't wait for the next one in the series, which will be Persuasion.
The plot was the same as most of the other books: girl loves guy, guy flirts with other girl, first girl is hurt, but then the guy says he never meant anything with the other girl and actually loves the first one. A little variation, please? But it was still quick and fun, and I can't wait for the next book. :)
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