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The Worst Darcy
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Brodie Bishop is the worst.
Vivian Trent is desperate. Her family doesn't approve of her life as a single mom and the small town of Austen still won't accept her as one of their own four years later. Playing Elizabeth Bennet at the annual Jane Austen Festival is the perfect way to win over the locals and prove that she's thriving. But when Austen's favourite festival hero is replaced by his tattooed, metalhead brother, how is she supposed to achieve perfection with such a bad boy playing Mr. Darcy? He's never read the book. He's brash and unpolished. He's... blond?!
You must allow me to tell you how ardently I dislike you.
Brodie's used to being the town disappointment, so when Vivian turns her nose up at him, he's not surprised. Hot librarian or not, she's way too uptight. But once the festival gets underway, they see new sides of each other. When he finds out her dark secret, suddenly she’s much more endearing. She’s vulnerable, but strong. And the way she looks in that gown only blurs the lines between playing the part and falling for her for real.
But when her goal is within reach, can Vivian go off-book and choose Brodie, if it means risking everything she thought she wanted?
This book contains over 80,000 words of spicy romance! Please see my website for the Content Warning ( robyngynne . com ).
Vivian Trent is desperate. Her family doesn't approve of her life as a single mom and the small town of Austen still won't accept her as one of their own four years later. Playing Elizabeth Bennet at the annual Jane Austen Festival is the perfect way to win over the locals and prove that she's thriving. But when Austen's favourite festival hero is replaced by his tattooed, metalhead brother, how is she supposed to achieve perfection with such a bad boy playing Mr. Darcy? He's never read the book. He's brash and unpolished. He's... blond?!
You must allow me to tell you how ardently I dislike you.
Brodie's used to being the town disappointment, so when Vivian turns her nose up at him, he's not surprised. Hot librarian or not, she's way too uptight. But once the festival gets underway, they see new sides of each other. When he finds out her dark secret, suddenly she’s much more endearing. She’s vulnerable, but strong. And the way she looks in that gown only blurs the lines between playing the part and falling for her for real.
But when her goal is within reach, can Vivian go off-book and choose Brodie, if it means risking everything she thought she wanted?
This book contains over 80,000 words of spicy romance! Please see my website for the Content Warning ( robyngynne . com ).
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2023
2 people are currently reading
408 people want to read
About the author
Robyn Gynne
1 book24 followersRobyn writes emotionally complex contemporary romances that feature resilient women overcoming their struggles, memorable men who fall in love hard, and fresh spice! She enjoys writing (and reading) about characters healing from trauma and exploring their sexuality in a healthy, adventurous way. Having published numerous short romances over the years under different pen names, she is ready to share her debut novel-length book, The Worst Darcy, with the world.
After graduating from film school, Robyn spent a stint in the Film & TV world, but she ultimately found her way back to her first love: books! When she's not doing something bookish, she's probably watching spooky movies, woodburning crafts or - most of the time - goofing around with her 3 year old son. She lives in the Greater Toronto Area with the aforementioned toddler and her cinnamon roll husband.
After graduating from film school, Robyn spent a stint in the Film & TV world, but she ultimately found her way back to her first love: books! When she's not doing something bookish, she's probably watching spooky movies, woodburning crafts or - most of the time - goofing around with her 3 year old son. She lives in the Greater Toronto Area with the aforementioned toddler and her cinnamon roll husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
August 13, 2023
The worst Darcy sounds about right 🌝.
Vivian is a single mom. Her son’s dad Sam is her best friend but they were not meant to be and he is engaged to someone else. For her son’s sake Vivian lives in Sam’s hometown but she doesn’t have many friends. Playing Lizzy during the town’s Jane Austen festival is a way to help her fit in.
Brodie is known as the town’s bad boy because of his troubled youth, but he’s a successful musician and generally a nice guy. He doesn’t like books, says ‘fuck’ and ‘hell’ a lot, has pierced nipples and wears his metal band’s stage clothes every day.
I struggled with this story. The ‘enemies’ part of ‘enemies to lovers’ felt forced, especially on Vivian’s part. I could not understand why she was so hostile towards Brodie when he was literally saving the day; he didn’t have to be Darcy, he had filled in for his brother last minute!
It also bothered me that Vivian kept calling Sam her best friend even after she got together with Brodie. I liked that she was on good terms with her son’s dad but it was sad that her best friend was another guy and not her man. (Couldn’t blame her though, Sam was a better catch.)
What I liked was the Austen festival. I hope it’s based on true events, I’d love to see it one day!
Thank you Robyn Gynne and NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Vivian is a single mom. Her son’s dad Sam is her best friend but they were not meant to be and he is engaged to someone else. For her son’s sake Vivian lives in Sam’s hometown but she doesn’t have many friends. Playing Lizzy during the town’s Jane Austen festival is a way to help her fit in.
Brodie is known as the town’s bad boy because of his troubled youth, but he’s a successful musician and generally a nice guy. He doesn’t like books, says ‘fuck’ and ‘hell’ a lot, has pierced nipples and wears his metal band’s stage clothes every day.
I struggled with this story. The ‘enemies’ part of ‘enemies to lovers’ felt forced, especially on Vivian’s part. I could not understand why she was so hostile towards Brodie when he was literally saving the day; he didn’t have to be Darcy, he had filled in for his brother last minute!
It also bothered me that Vivian kept calling Sam her best friend even after she got together with Brodie. I liked that she was on good terms with her son’s dad but it was sad that her best friend was another guy and not her man. (Couldn’t blame her though, Sam was a better catch.)
What I liked was the Austen festival. I hope it’s based on true events, I’d love to see it one day!
Thank you Robyn Gynne and NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2023
⭐⭐⭐.5/5 - A modern-day Darcy and Elizabeth story exactly when I needed it! So cute and such a sweet romance!
THOUGHTS:
- The hero isn't dark-haired, but we'll forgive Gynne because Brodie's character sounds flaming hot! Decently tall, longer, thick blonde hair and fully tatted? Lord have mercy! *fans self* 😂😂
- I love the opposites attract themes in The Worst Darcy! I think that really was the case with Elizabeth and Mr.Darcy so I loved that the author brought out those original story themes!!
*I've never been to an Austen festival, and as soon as I was finished reading, I immediately had to look up what was in my area. There are surprisingly more than I thought there would be including one in the city I live in! I will def be supporting this soon.
NOTES:
- 🌶️🌶️/5 - Definitely more than I was expecting, but not overly smutty!
- LGBTQ+ themes
- Single-parent romance
- Short read
**Thank you Robyn Gynne & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
THOUGHTS:
- The hero isn't dark-haired, but we'll forgive Gynne because Brodie's character sounds flaming hot! Decently tall, longer, thick blonde hair and fully tatted? Lord have mercy! *fans self* 😂😂
- I love the opposites attract themes in The Worst Darcy! I think that really was the case with Elizabeth and Mr.Darcy so I loved that the author brought out those original story themes!!
*I've never been to an Austen festival, and as soon as I was finished reading, I immediately had to look up what was in my area. There are surprisingly more than I thought there would be including one in the city I live in! I will def be supporting this soon.
NOTES:
- 🌶️🌶️/5 - Definitely more than I was expecting, but not overly smutty!
- LGBTQ+ themes
- Single-parent romance
- Short read
**Thank you Robyn Gynne & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
August 14, 2023
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.*
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
I love pride and prejudice, so when I saw this book on NetGalley, I immediately sent a request. And it was worth it.
- Single mom
- Bad boy
- He falls first
Vivian is trying to get the town to remember her as more than just a single mom, while Brodie is trying to get the town to forget his bad reputation. When they start spending more time together, they start to understand each other more, and some funny moments start to happen. In the scene where Brodie ends up listening to Vivian's audiobook, I laugh out loud.
I love it when the bad boy falls in love first. When he gets jealous, it's wonderful to read:
'' I didn't want them to have stuff in common. I didn't want them to have inside jokes. V and I should have inside jokes..."
I really liked the characters and how the story was developed. I also have to say that I loved the fact that she had a good relationship with Sam. And I would love to read more about Renée, and who knows, maybe she would make a good match with Ethan?
I loved reading this book and highly recommend it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
I love pride and prejudice, so when I saw this book on NetGalley, I immediately sent a request. And it was worth it.
- Single mom
- Bad boy
- He falls first
Vivian is trying to get the town to remember her as more than just a single mom, while Brodie is trying to get the town to forget his bad reputation. When they start spending more time together, they start to understand each other more, and some funny moments start to happen. In the scene where Brodie ends up listening to Vivian's audiobook, I laugh out loud.
I love it when the bad boy falls in love first. When he gets jealous, it's wonderful to read:
'' I didn't want them to have stuff in common. I didn't want them to have inside jokes. V and I should have inside jokes..."
I really liked the characters and how the story was developed. I also have to say that I loved the fact that she had a good relationship with Sam. And I would love to read more about Renée, and who knows, maybe she would make a good match with Ethan?
I loved reading this book and highly recommend it.
August 18, 2023
The part that kept me going was the Austen Festival. I absolutely adored the idea of the promenade where all the characters would walk among the crowd all while keeping up the appearance of where they were at in the actual plays time frame.
I think it was just a little...boring? Viv is a librarian and people kept shitting on her for it for some reason? It seemed like so much hate for no reason. The same went for her being a single mom who still had a good relationship with her ex. She was getting a lot of criticism for it - so much so that it started to feel almost overplayed.
I think it was just a little...boring? Viv is a librarian and people kept shitting on her for it for some reason? It seemed like so much hate for no reason. The same went for her being a single mom who still had a good relationship with her ex. She was getting a lot of criticism for it - so much so that it started to feel almost overplayed.
August 5, 2023
This book was just pure, sexy fun. The premise being there’s a Jane Austen festival, and Vivian, the town librarian, is trying to show that she’s more than just a single mother, she’s the heroine of her own story. And then there’s Brodie, a bad boy rockstar who is trying to maneuver his way past his dark reputation. When these two are cast as Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett, barbs and sparks fly as they find themselves lost in Austen…Canada 😂 I just loved it! It was so fun, and while the end felt a little rushed, it felt perfect for what a fun time it was. I loved the amount of love Jane Austen fans get out of this, as well as the dark romance readers. Very fun, and thank you to NetGalley for the early copy!
September 26, 2023
On the paper it sounds perfect - a strung librarian and a laid-back metalhead, a match made in heaven, and she is a single mom, while he has some mommy issues. And it's Austen, a small town in Canada that holds annual Austen festival, where this year they enact scenes from Pride and Prejudice, and our heroine plays Lizzy and the hero plays Mr. Darcy. And sex scenes are really hot. And even monster romances are mentioned!
And yet somehow for me those pieces didn't work together. Execution could be better. And I couldn't understand the initial dislike that the heroine took to the hero, the reasoning for it seemed weak and forced. And why Mrs. Evil Bitch was so cruel to her own son? And the 3rd act breakup, ugh, I'm so not a fan of it. Thank goodness, it was solved really quickly.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange of honest review.
And yet somehow for me those pieces didn't work together. Execution could be better. And I couldn't understand the initial dislike that the heroine took to the hero, the reasoning for it seemed weak and forced. And why Mrs. Evil Bitch was so cruel to her own son? And the 3rd act breakup, ugh, I'm so not a fan of it. Thank goodness, it was solved really quickly.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange of honest review.
August 28, 2023
Opening Lines- “There was nothing like a little passive aggression to wake you up in the morning. “Are you sure this isn’t a mistake, Vivi?” my mother asked over the phone. “It’s not too late to change your mind.”
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that if the name of your town is Austen, Ontario, you will indubitably host an annual Jane Austen festival.
And, said festival is the spring board for a well-paced, fun, and sizzling romance beginning with a cringe worthy first encounter that paces out from there with a character-driven romance. I was originally caught by the cover and title to try a new to me author, but I enjoyed the author’s writing that made me care about the characters, enjoy the bantering, and feel the progress of the relationship.
Vivien and Brody both think they have something to prove because, to their families, they are screw-ups. They take the festival as a challenge that being the best Lizzy and Darcy ever will get people to see them differently. Viv, in particular, starts out wound pretty tight and judges on appearance while Brody was prickly because he knew he was always compared and found wanting. In the process, they start to see themselves differently as they work together and start respecting each other as allies then something more. They share a sizzling attraction and whew boy do they get up to some smexy times, but they both hold back from commitment because of fears of inadequacy and rejection. I loved how Viv’s ex, Sam, does a great job as her bestie and gives her the nudges needed to not mess up her own chance of happiness and Brody’s bandmates-friends do the same for him.
The librarian and the heavy metal rocker finding love at a Jane Austen festival was sheer fun for me. Want some spice and a small town contemporary romance, take up The Worst Darcy.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for my honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink Aug 21.
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that if the name of your town is Austen, Ontario, you will indubitably host an annual Jane Austen festival.
And, said festival is the spring board for a well-paced, fun, and sizzling romance beginning with a cringe worthy first encounter that paces out from there with a character-driven romance. I was originally caught by the cover and title to try a new to me author, but I enjoyed the author’s writing that made me care about the characters, enjoy the bantering, and feel the progress of the relationship.
Vivien and Brody both think they have something to prove because, to their families, they are screw-ups. They take the festival as a challenge that being the best Lizzy and Darcy ever will get people to see them differently. Viv, in particular, starts out wound pretty tight and judges on appearance while Brody was prickly because he knew he was always compared and found wanting. In the process, they start to see themselves differently as they work together and start respecting each other as allies then something more. They share a sizzling attraction and whew boy do they get up to some smexy times, but they both hold back from commitment because of fears of inadequacy and rejection. I loved how Viv’s ex, Sam, does a great job as her bestie and gives her the nudges needed to not mess up her own chance of happiness and Brody’s bandmates-friends do the same for him.
The librarian and the heavy metal rocker finding love at a Jane Austen festival was sheer fun for me. Want some spice and a small town contemporary romance, take up The Worst Darcy.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for my honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink Aug 21.
July 30, 2023
Opposites Attract
Forced Proximity
Single Mom
Small Town
Spicy
Vivian Trent has been living in Austen with her son and her BFF who is also the father of her son for about four years.
She has been trying to fit in with the people of the town, but they only remember her as Keaton’s mom or Sam’s ex. This year she wants to make an effort to get noticed because she feels invisible and overlooked by everyone and she just can’t seem to make a connection with anyone.
The town is hosting an annual Austin Festival and Viv decides to volunteer to play Lizzy and also help organize the event in the hopes of making a few friends and finally having a place to feel included, welcome and at home.
The dashing man who is to play opposite her as Mr Darcy suddenly has to leave town and the only person willing and available to play his part is his brother Brody, the local bad boy.
Viv’s dreams of presenting the best possible version of Pride & Prejudice is dashed because Brody Bishop is the complete opposite of Mr Darcy in every possible way with his long blond hair, tattoos and grungy appearance. Not what she had envisioned at all.
The book deals with some family issues like Viv’s family having trouble accepting the fact that she is an unmarried single mom while Brody’s family is unsupportive and still sees him as the juvenile delinquent he used to be. Although the story does not concentrate on the issues with Viv’s family it does emphasise the emotional scaring left behind.
The journey of their relationship is filled with joking and teasing and it constantly filled me with that warm feeling that had my heart in a puddle. I was giggling at their cute interactions and swooning at their tender moments. I highly recommend this book for people who are Jane Austen fans and spicy modern romances.
A huge thank you to Netgalley and Expresso Book Tours for a copy of this e-ARC in exchange for this honest review.
Forced Proximity
Single Mom
Small Town
Spicy
Vivian Trent has been living in Austen with her son and her BFF who is also the father of her son for about four years.
She has been trying to fit in with the people of the town, but they only remember her as Keaton’s mom or Sam’s ex. This year she wants to make an effort to get noticed because she feels invisible and overlooked by everyone and she just can’t seem to make a connection with anyone.
The town is hosting an annual Austin Festival and Viv decides to volunteer to play Lizzy and also help organize the event in the hopes of making a few friends and finally having a place to feel included, welcome and at home.
The dashing man who is to play opposite her as Mr Darcy suddenly has to leave town and the only person willing and available to play his part is his brother Brody, the local bad boy.
Viv’s dreams of presenting the best possible version of Pride & Prejudice is dashed because Brody Bishop is the complete opposite of Mr Darcy in every possible way with his long blond hair, tattoos and grungy appearance. Not what she had envisioned at all.
The book deals with some family issues like Viv’s family having trouble accepting the fact that she is an unmarried single mom while Brody’s family is unsupportive and still sees him as the juvenile delinquent he used to be. Although the story does not concentrate on the issues with Viv’s family it does emphasise the emotional scaring left behind.
The journey of their relationship is filled with joking and teasing and it constantly filled me with that warm feeling that had my heart in a puddle. I was giggling at their cute interactions and swooning at their tender moments. I highly recommend this book for people who are Jane Austen fans and spicy modern romances.
A huge thank you to Netgalley and Expresso Book Tours for a copy of this e-ARC in exchange for this honest review.
August 9, 2023
Being that this is a debut novel, I went into this arc with relatively low expectations and they were blown out of the water - I LOVED this book!!! It was a lighthearted and funny read with excellent character development and solid spice. Vivian and Brodie had an absolutely electric chemistry you could feel through the pages and the angst was *chefs kiss*. I also loved the timeline and pacing of the book, it made their romance very believable and easy to find yourself rooting for.
Ethan and Brodies reunion at the end of the book was so sweet that I have to say I wish there was more closure with Vivs family. Their disapproval of her not marrying Sam was mentioned once in the first chapter and then they didn’t make an appearance again - it would’ve been nice to see them interact with Brodie (even if it was still negative) so we could see Vivians growth!
I loved this book and I will definitely be rereading - highly recommend!!
Ethan and Brodies reunion at the end of the book was so sweet that I have to say I wish there was more closure with Vivs family. Their disapproval of her not marrying Sam was mentioned once in the first chapter and then they didn’t make an appearance again - it would’ve been nice to see them interact with Brodie (even if it was still negative) so we could see Vivians growth!
I loved this book and I will definitely be rereading - highly recommend!!
August 9, 2023
Thank you Robyn Gynne and NetGalley for this ARC copy of The Worst Darcy - in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
5 BRIGHT AND SHINING STARTS for this spicy romance.
What a beautiful blend of eras - my favorite classic regency era novel... with a twist of something modern and spicy.
Read if you love:
- Pride and Prejudice
- Opposites Attract
- Small Town Romance
- Single Parent Trope
- He Falls First
- Caveman Alpha hero
- HILARIOUS dialect
- Found Family
- Slow Burn
- Incredibly hot smutty scenes
- LGBT+ friendly side characters
I have SO MANY THOUGHTS to bear with me as I get them down... warning there will definitely be spoilers ahead... you have been warned.
The parallels between the main characters of Robyn's story... compared to the classic Pride and Prejudice is so incredibly fun. With their ridiculous families, prideful nature, and sexual tension - I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN! The in control librarian mother... collides with the rockstar bad boy.
I loved this version of Darcy - the rebellious, tattoo'd, great with children, caveman like (blonde). And the uptight librarian mother, who was desperate to fit in - created an Elizabeth that was truly what the town needed. As they inevitable fall in love over the course of the story - paired perfectly with the classic adventures, I found myself swooning.
The author does a really great job touching on some sensitive topics that make our main characters incredibly relatable.
-Motherhood troubles
-Emotional abuse from family members
-Social stigmas of single mothers
Some scenes that I LOVED:
*** When Brodie visits the library after Vivian requests he ACTUALLY read Pride and Prejudice. He struggles with sitting and reading books with crammed print... so she suggests trying an audiobook.... and lets him sample her latest Monster Romance on accident... during a spicy scene!! It is HILARIOUS.
*** When her son asks Brodie why he dresses the way he does (rockstar vibes), and his response is; "I just wear this stuff to scare off the bad guys... Somebody's gotta protect your mom when you're not around." *SWOON*
*** When the quartet is late and Brodie busts out his talented self.... um yeah that did it for me too hahah
*** All the scenes of his jealousy and caveman behavior - trust me on this... if you like that sort of thing you will LOVE seeing Brodie in action!
*** When they act out the Lady Katherine scene and she makes her stand - I teared up. Find out why for yourself!
5 BRIGHT AND SHINING STARTS for this spicy romance.
What a beautiful blend of eras - my favorite classic regency era novel... with a twist of something modern and spicy.
Read if you love:
- Pride and Prejudice
- Opposites Attract
- Small Town Romance
- Single Parent Trope
- He Falls First
- Caveman Alpha hero
- HILARIOUS dialect
- Found Family
- Slow Burn
- Incredibly hot smutty scenes
- LGBT+ friendly side characters
I have SO MANY THOUGHTS to bear with me as I get them down... warning there will definitely be spoilers ahead... you have been warned.
The parallels between the main characters of Robyn's story... compared to the classic Pride and Prejudice is so incredibly fun. With their ridiculous families, prideful nature, and sexual tension - I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN! The in control librarian mother... collides with the rockstar bad boy.
I loved this version of Darcy - the rebellious, tattoo'd, great with children, caveman like (blonde). And the uptight librarian mother, who was desperate to fit in - created an Elizabeth that was truly what the town needed. As they inevitable fall in love over the course of the story - paired perfectly with the classic adventures, I found myself swooning.
The author does a really great job touching on some sensitive topics that make our main characters incredibly relatable.
-Motherhood troubles
-Emotional abuse from family members
-Social stigmas of single mothers
Some scenes that I LOVED:
*** When Brodie visits the library after Vivian requests he ACTUALLY read Pride and Prejudice. He struggles with sitting and reading books with crammed print... so she suggests trying an audiobook.... and lets him sample her latest Monster Romance on accident... during a spicy scene!! It is HILARIOUS.
*** When her son asks Brodie why he dresses the way he does (rockstar vibes), and his response is; "I just wear this stuff to scare off the bad guys... Somebody's gotta protect your mom when you're not around." *SWOON*
*** When the quartet is late and Brodie busts out his talented self.... um yeah that did it for me too hahah
*** All the scenes of his jealousy and caveman behavior - trust me on this... if you like that sort of thing you will LOVE seeing Brodie in action!
*** When they act out the Lady Katherine scene and she makes her stand - I teared up. Find out why for yourself!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2023
"It was a truth universally acknowledged... that Darcy couldn't be blond."
And yet he is, and thank God he is! Brodie is the cutest bestest fake bad boy I never knew I needed. He's so used to being underestimated and judged by everyone that he stopped believing in himself and yet he's still the cutest with Vivian💔
"I have nobody. Nobody chooses me. I'm so fucking tired of fighting by myself."
I wanted to hug him so bad. His dynamic with Vivian was the best, so much tension around their banter and funny dialogue, so nice. A true romcom like we love it🥰
"You make me feel like it's okay to not be perfect."
Vivian is a full, real, complex character just like Brodie. Though I hoped for her "pain" and issues to be a bit heavier and to take a bit more time to process, like Brodie's issues which required all the book to be somewhat "resolved" (quotation marks because some stuff just don't get resolved that easily). Nevertheless she is a great mom and a great person overall.
Had lots of fun reading this and loved the original turn on the famous Austen novel. Though the kinks were definitely out of my thumbs-up list, that's just up to personal preferences...... although some body parts are best left alone imo 😵💫
Absolutely recommend this one, the smut is veryyy steamy and the tension rises quick and good 🤌
[I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.]
And yet he is, and thank God he is! Brodie is the cutest bestest fake bad boy I never knew I needed. He's so used to being underestimated and judged by everyone that he stopped believing in himself and yet he's still the cutest with Vivian💔
"I have nobody. Nobody chooses me. I'm so fucking tired of fighting by myself."
I wanted to hug him so bad. His dynamic with Vivian was the best, so much tension around their banter and funny dialogue, so nice. A true romcom like we love it🥰
"You make me feel like it's okay to not be perfect."
Vivian is a full, real, complex character just like Brodie. Though I hoped for her "pain" and issues to be a bit heavier and to take a bit more time to process, like Brodie's issues which required all the book to be somewhat "resolved" (quotation marks because some stuff just don't get resolved that easily). Nevertheless she is a great mom and a great person overall.
Had lots of fun reading this and loved the original turn on the famous Austen novel. Though the kinks were definitely out of my thumbs-up list, that's just up to personal preferences...... although some body parts are best left alone imo 😵💫
Absolutely recommend this one, the smut is veryyy steamy and the tension rises quick and good 🤌
[I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.]
August 13, 2023
Vivian Trent has lived in charming Austen for a few years, but feels like the town only sees her as the librarian or the mom to her young son. However, Vivian has a plan to become memorable. Step one: purchase her very first house and plant roots for her and her son Keaton. Step two: Land the leading role of Elizabeth Bennett at this year’s Jane Austen Festival. She will undoubtedly be paired with Ethan Bishop, the festival’s leading hero for years and everything will be perfect.
Except Ethan will be relinquishing his role as the brooding Mr. Darcy, asking his brother Brodie to take his place. Brodie with his shaggy blonde hair, tattoos, and loud car is the exact opposite of Mr. Darcy. Brodie is used to being a disappointment to the town so when things do not start well between he and Vivian, he isn’t surprised. However, as the festival goes on, the performances begin to go off-script and the sparks between Viv and Brodie leave them both questioning if they are simply embracing their characters or if this is the start of something more.
This single mom, bad boy romance is a phenomenal book filled with plenty of spice, memorable (albeit more contemporary) Pride and Prejudice scenes, a hero who falls first, two lost souls overcoming familial trauma, found family, and an adorable, dinosaur-obsessed little boy. Vivian and Brodie will make you laugh for them, feel for them, and ultimately fall in love with them! I loved the opposites attract element of this book and how seamlessly Viv and Brodie complimented each other. Where Brodie struggled to see past the disappointment his family saw, Vivian saw the man who always showed up and gave 100%, despite the negativity in his life. It was refreshing to see her initial perception of him rapidly change as the pages flew by.
This book is perfect for Austen fans or anyone who loves a spicy contemporary romance that has much more under its beautiful cover and I sincerely hope Robyn Gynne brings us back to Austen very soon!
The Worst Darcy releases August 15th. Pre-order your copy today.
*Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours and Netgalley for providing this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Except Ethan will be relinquishing his role as the brooding Mr. Darcy, asking his brother Brodie to take his place. Brodie with his shaggy blonde hair, tattoos, and loud car is the exact opposite of Mr. Darcy. Brodie is used to being a disappointment to the town so when things do not start well between he and Vivian, he isn’t surprised. However, as the festival goes on, the performances begin to go off-script and the sparks between Viv and Brodie leave them both questioning if they are simply embracing their characters or if this is the start of something more.
This single mom, bad boy romance is a phenomenal book filled with plenty of spice, memorable (albeit more contemporary) Pride and Prejudice scenes, a hero who falls first, two lost souls overcoming familial trauma, found family, and an adorable, dinosaur-obsessed little boy. Vivian and Brodie will make you laugh for them, feel for them, and ultimately fall in love with them! I loved the opposites attract element of this book and how seamlessly Viv and Brodie complimented each other. Where Brodie struggled to see past the disappointment his family saw, Vivian saw the man who always showed up and gave 100%, despite the negativity in his life. It was refreshing to see her initial perception of him rapidly change as the pages flew by.
This book is perfect for Austen fans or anyone who loves a spicy contemporary romance that has much more under its beautiful cover and I sincerely hope Robyn Gynne brings us back to Austen very soon!
The Worst Darcy releases August 15th. Pre-order your copy today.
*Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours and Netgalley for providing this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 7, 2023
A reformed bad boy and a single mom with forced proximity? SIGN ME UP! 😍
Vivian has been living in Austen for a couple of years with her son. Since she has complicated relationship with her own family, she decided to stay near her ex (father of her child and also her best friend) in Austen. She's ready to call this town her home, now that she has set her roots by buying a house. But there's one thing that has always bothered her. She's always been overlooked by the people of Austen. She's either Sam's ex or Keaton's mom.
With the annual Jane Austen festival looming around, Vivian is determined to play the role of Elizabeth and hopefully leave an impact on the audience.
But then she finds out who will be playing as Mr. Darcy.
Brodie, the bad boy in leather. The tattooed metalhead who drives a loud car. He's never serious. Worst of all, he's... blond. He's never even read the book, for the love of God!
Vivian's hope shatters. But Brodie has his own agenda. He's sick of being seen as a "fuck up" in contrast to his pristine family. Now he's determined to prove everyone wrong.
While they are polar opposites, they share one similarity. They want to be seen and appreciated for who they are rather than who they were or could be.
I really enjoyed reading this book!! There were so many cute, laugh-out-loud moments. I loved their bickering and teasing. And it was so much spicier than I was expecting omg. Their journey from strangers to friends to lovers was so heartwarming. Brodie was swoonworthy. I loved the ending bc Brodie's mom finally got the shut up call. I hated her so much. Overall, this was a great rom-com with opposites attract, single mom, small town & forced proximity. The whole "Jane Austen Festival" concept was new to me and was very well executed. I would highly recommend this book to Jane Austen fans who also enjoy contemporary romance.
4.5 ⭐
Thank you so much NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Vivian has been living in Austen for a couple of years with her son. Since she has complicated relationship with her own family, she decided to stay near her ex (father of her child and also her best friend) in Austen. She's ready to call this town her home, now that she has set her roots by buying a house. But there's one thing that has always bothered her. She's always been overlooked by the people of Austen. She's either Sam's ex or Keaton's mom.
With the annual Jane Austen festival looming around, Vivian is determined to play the role of Elizabeth and hopefully leave an impact on the audience.
But then she finds out who will be playing as Mr. Darcy.
Brodie, the bad boy in leather. The tattooed metalhead who drives a loud car. He's never serious. Worst of all, he's... blond. He's never even read the book, for the love of God!
Vivian's hope shatters. But Brodie has his own agenda. He's sick of being seen as a "fuck up" in contrast to his pristine family. Now he's determined to prove everyone wrong.
While they are polar opposites, they share one similarity. They want to be seen and appreciated for who they are rather than who they were or could be.
I really enjoyed reading this book!! There were so many cute, laugh-out-loud moments. I loved their bickering and teasing. And it was so much spicier than I was expecting omg. Their journey from strangers to friends to lovers was so heartwarming. Brodie was swoonworthy. I loved the ending bc Brodie's mom finally got the shut up call. I hated her so much. Overall, this was a great rom-com with opposites attract, single mom, small town & forced proximity. The whole "Jane Austen Festival" concept was new to me and was very well executed. I would highly recommend this book to Jane Austen fans who also enjoy contemporary romance.
4.5 ⭐
Thank you so much NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 15, 2023
I love Pride and Prejudice so when I saw this I had to read it. At first, I wasn’t sure I would enjoy it. Vivian, our FMC, annoyed me in the beginning. She did grow on me, and I loved reading her interactions with Brodie, the town’s ‘bad boy’. They live in a place called Austen and there is an annual Jane Austen festival. This year, Vivian is portraying Elizabeth and is distraught to discover Darcy to be played by Brodie. This book is an easy read and the P&P plot was something I’ve never seen done before. 4⭐️/2🌶 Thank you Netgalley and Robyn Gynee for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2023
I requested this book simply because I love anything Pride & Prejudice. This book did not disappoint! Although the plot line is not a direct retelling of Jane Austen's novel, it was so adorable to see how parallels between the two were included!
This story was easy to read, made me laugh out loud, and instantly had me falling in love with Vivian and Brodie as individuals. The slow burn and growing friendship aspects kept me interested and wanting to read more.
Vivian is a single mom who is struggling to find her place in the world. Brodie is a metal head who has family issues he can't seem to find an escape from. Neither one was looking for love when they fell into the roles of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in the towns annual festival. Not only did their relationship flourish, but together they were able to overcome their family baggage and personal insecurities they had each been holding onto.
I was able to finish this book in less than one day because it flowed nicely from beginning to end. I loved the character development throughout the story and how the author included such a healthy co-parenting relationship!
*This book includes spicy scenes. It also mentions monster smut when talking about the FMC's reading preferences. Be prepared for those parts.
Overall I thought this book was worth the read and would highly recommend it others!
Thank you Xpresso Book Tours & NetGalley for allowing me to recieve an ARC in exchange for this honest review.
This story was easy to read, made me laugh out loud, and instantly had me falling in love with Vivian and Brodie as individuals. The slow burn and growing friendship aspects kept me interested and wanting to read more.
Vivian is a single mom who is struggling to find her place in the world. Brodie is a metal head who has family issues he can't seem to find an escape from. Neither one was looking for love when they fell into the roles of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in the towns annual festival. Not only did their relationship flourish, but together they were able to overcome their family baggage and personal insecurities they had each been holding onto.
I was able to finish this book in less than one day because it flowed nicely from beginning to end. I loved the character development throughout the story and how the author included such a healthy co-parenting relationship!
*This book includes spicy scenes. It also mentions monster smut when talking about the FMC's reading preferences. Be prepared for those parts.
Overall I thought this book was worth the read and would highly recommend it others!
Thank you Xpresso Book Tours & NetGalley for allowing me to recieve an ARC in exchange for this honest review.
August 10, 2023
I received an ARC from netgalley in exchange of an honest review. I wanna thank netgalley and the author for this copy:
This book was so good, I absolutely loved it. Brodie, that poor man, I just wanted to hug and tell him he was more than enough. He was such a good person, and he really did love Vivian. He showed everyone that they were wrong about him. Vivian, I liked her, it took a little bit yeah but she stood for him and what she felt, that was an amazing scene. Tjey made just a perfect couple, they shouldn't at first glance but they did, they fit together so beautifully. I just hated his mother, that woman didn't deserve to have a fabulous man as her son, really couldn't stand her
This book was so good, I absolutely loved it. Brodie, that poor man, I just wanted to hug and tell him he was more than enough. He was such a good person, and he really did love Vivian. He showed everyone that they were wrong about him. Vivian, I liked her, it took a little bit yeah but she stood for him and what she felt, that was an amazing scene. Tjey made just a perfect couple, they shouldn't at first glance but they did, they fit together so beautifully. I just hated his mother, that woman didn't deserve to have a fabulous man as her son, really couldn't stand her
Read
August 21, 2023DNF 6%. Too much telling rather than showing, cliches everywhere and the writing and dialogue are bad.
August 4, 2023
I received this book as an arc from netgalley and to be honest I didn’t have big expectations. I try to only ask for arcs of authors I already know because in the past it happened to me that I asked for books I did t end up liking and reading them was more of a chore than a pleasure but then I saw this one and I will forever be on the quest of reading anything even remotely based on P&P so I asked for it and I GOT IT! And I’m so glad for all this!!
This book got a grip on me from the first chapter, it’s so fresh and cute and then BOOM!! SPICE!! And I’m a sucker for cute but spicy. I giggled like a teenager a lot but then the spice hit me like a freight train and I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT! There’s a lot of Pride and Prejudice retellings doing the rounds but this one is more of its own story with a P&P background and it was a great idea.
Brodie is my kind of men, let’s face it, but his vulnerability made me want to hug him so bad. My poor baby feeling he’s not worthy I’ll fight anyone who dares hurt him. And Viv? Totally represented by her! One can be a quiet bookworm but have a hidden spicy personality.
So yes, I struck gold with this book, came for the title, stayed for the story.
This book got a grip on me from the first chapter, it’s so fresh and cute and then BOOM!! SPICE!! And I’m a sucker for cute but spicy. I giggled like a teenager a lot but then the spice hit me like a freight train and I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT! There’s a lot of Pride and Prejudice retellings doing the rounds but this one is more of its own story with a P&P background and it was a great idea.
Brodie is my kind of men, let’s face it, but his vulnerability made me want to hug him so bad. My poor baby feeling he’s not worthy I’ll fight anyone who dares hurt him. And Viv? Totally represented by her! One can be a quiet bookworm but have a hidden spicy personality.
So yes, I struck gold with this book, came for the title, stayed for the story.
August 9, 2023
This is a solid 3.5 ⭐️.
Opposites attract? ✔️
Goth hottie with a heart of gold? ✔️
Scenes that made me cackle? ✔️
Smut? ✔️ and 🌶🌶🌶
Lots of references to Pride and Prejudice and Matthew Macfayden? ✔️✔️✔️
For the most part, I really loved the chemistry between Brodie (🥵) and Vivian. I definitely had some issues with their subpar problem solving skills and external locus of control (knew I'd use that psych degree someday), but this was a fun, fluffy read that I truly enjoyed. Their relationship felt organic and true, and I enjoyed falling with them! Here's to hoping that Medusa gets her comeuppance in the near future.
This was an e-ARC gifted to me by NetGalley and Robyn Gynne in exchange for my personal and honest review. Thank you!
Opposites attract? ✔️
Goth hottie with a heart of gold? ✔️
Scenes that made me cackle? ✔️
Smut? ✔️ and 🌶🌶🌶
Lots of references to Pride and Prejudice and Matthew Macfayden? ✔️✔️✔️
For the most part, I really loved the chemistry between Brodie (🥵) and Vivian. I definitely had some issues with their subpar problem solving skills and external locus of control (knew I'd use that psych degree someday), but this was a fun, fluffy read that I truly enjoyed. Their relationship felt organic and true, and I enjoyed falling with them! Here's to hoping that Medusa gets her comeuppance in the near future.
This was an e-ARC gifted to me by NetGalley and Robyn Gynne in exchange for my personal and honest review. Thank you!
August 11, 2023
Received via Netgalley for an honest review.
The first couple of chapters feel too fast. Vivian is both meek and too bold. The whole getting Lizzy by just asking seemed too little of a build up. She is very judgemental of Brodie's look. She did grow on me.
It didnt eventually hook me a couple of chapters in.
When Vivian called Brodie a "good boy" I damn near died. It was perfect, and I loved the switch up with the trope there.
I would totally go to a festival like this if it were real.
Also Ms. Bishop is such a mean person, and a bad mom.
Cute, sexy romance.
The first couple of chapters feel too fast. Vivian is both meek and too bold. The whole getting Lizzy by just asking seemed too little of a build up. She is very judgemental of Brodie's look. She did grow on me.
It didnt eventually hook me a couple of chapters in.
When Vivian called Brodie a "good boy" I damn near died. It was perfect, and I loved the switch up with the trope there.
I would totally go to a festival like this if it were real.
Also Ms. Bishop is such a mean person, and a bad mom.
Cute, sexy romance.
July 26, 2023
5 Stars, 2.5 🌶
Dual POV, First Person, Small Town, Bad Boy/Single Mum, Forced Proximity.
Vivian takes on the role of Elizabeth Bennet in her small towns annual Jane Austen festival, in an attempt to win over the residents that have ignored her for the past 4 years. Instead of the festivals usual beloved hero playing Mr Darcy, this year his bad boy brother Brodie takes on the role, much to the disappointment of both Vivian, and his mother.
Both Vivian and Brody had difficult relationships with their families, and both were working towards the same goal of changing how the residents of Austen perceive them.
I absolutely loved Brodie, he was so open to everything about Vivian, including her 5 year old Son. The relationship between Vivian and her sons dad Sam was also super refreshing to read, it's not often that there is such a good relationship between co-parents in romance books.
The setting felt different to other books I've read, and I really enjoyed getting to know the characters.
Highly recommend this book!
Thank you to Netgalley and Xpresso Book Tours for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Dual POV, First Person, Small Town, Bad Boy/Single Mum, Forced Proximity.
Vivian takes on the role of Elizabeth Bennet in her small towns annual Jane Austen festival, in an attempt to win over the residents that have ignored her for the past 4 years. Instead of the festivals usual beloved hero playing Mr Darcy, this year his bad boy brother Brodie takes on the role, much to the disappointment of both Vivian, and his mother.
Both Vivian and Brody had difficult relationships with their families, and both were working towards the same goal of changing how the residents of Austen perceive them.
I absolutely loved Brodie, he was so open to everything about Vivian, including her 5 year old Son. The relationship between Vivian and her sons dad Sam was also super refreshing to read, it's not often that there is such a good relationship between co-parents in romance books.
The setting felt different to other books I've read, and I really enjoyed getting to know the characters.
Highly recommend this book!
Thank you to Netgalley and Xpresso Book Tours for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.
August 21, 2023
Nipple-pierced Mr. Darcy?? 😆 Count me in!!!
___________________________
Cute small town rom-com with lovely "my type of Hero".
___________________________
Cute small town rom-com with lovely "my type of Hero".
August 5, 2023
This book was such a rollercoaster for me - it went from a 4 star book to a 5 star book down to a 3 star book. I am such a sucker for anything Pride and Prejudice, and I honestly felt like this book didn't do it enough justice. Just being set in a place called Austen, and having a festival about Pride & Prejudice does not equate to relating the books to one another.
Our FMC was hot and cold - she honestly drove me a little crazy. It felt like she couldn't make up her mind as to whether or not she wanted to be with Brodie, and he deserved better. Both Brodie's family and Vivian's family were awful, but we only hear about Vivian's family once. It would have been nice to have some resolution with BOTH families, but especially Brodie's as his family played a much larger part in the story. The third act drama was a bit much, especially considering it wasn't the big "break-up" scene.
This story starts off super cute and sweet - and then out of nowhere, once Brodie and Vivian have agreed they like each other, it felt like we read more about their sexual encounters than anything else. I also am unsure of the obsession with monster romance books...they're great, but that isn't what this book was.
Honestly, I had my hopes set high for this one and maybe they were a little too high.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Our FMC was hot and cold - she honestly drove me a little crazy. It felt like she couldn't make up her mind as to whether or not she wanted to be with Brodie, and he deserved better. Both Brodie's family and Vivian's family were awful, but we only hear about Vivian's family once. It would have been nice to have some resolution with BOTH families, but especially Brodie's as his family played a much larger part in the story. The third act drama was a bit much, especially considering it wasn't the big "break-up" scene.
This story starts off super cute and sweet - and then out of nowhere, once Brodie and Vivian have agreed they like each other, it felt like we read more about their sexual encounters than anything else. I also am unsure of the obsession with monster romance books...they're great, but that isn't what this book was.
Honestly, I had my hopes set high for this one and maybe they were a little too high.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 2, 2023
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Tell me how you make a story with METALHEAD MR. DARCY boring? HOW?!?!?!
Tell me how you make a story with METALHEAD MR. DARCY boring? HOW?!?!?!
September 23, 2023
'Mientras apoyaba mis dedos sobre los suyos, juro que vi una chispa revolotear sobre nuestra piel. Definitivamente lo sentí.'
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.
The Worst Darcy de Robyn Gynne
Argumento:
Es una verdad universalmente reconocida que Brodie Bishop es el peor.
Vivian Trent está desesperada. Su familia no aprueba su vida como madre soltera y el pequeño pueblo de Austen todavía no la acepta como uno de los suyos cuatro años después. Interpretar a Elizabeth Bennet en el Festival anual Jane Austen es la manera perfecta de ganarse a los lugareños y demostrar que está prosperando. Pero cuando el héroe del festival favorito de Austen es reemplazado por su hermano metalero tatuado, ¿cómo se supone que ella alcanzará la perfección con un chico tan malo interpretando al Sr. Darcy? Nunca ha leído el libro. Es descarado y sin pulir. Él es... ¡¿rubio?!
Debes permitirme decirte lo mucho que me desagradas.
Brodie está acostumbrado a ser la decepción de la ciudad, así que cuando Vivian lo desprecia, no se sorprende. Bibliotecaria sexy o no, es demasiado tensa. Pero una vez que comienza el festival, ven nuevos lados del otro. Cuando descubre su oscuro secreto, de repente ella se vuelve mucho más atractiva. Ella es vulnerable, pero fuerte. Y la forma en que luce con ese vestido solo desdibuja la línea entre interpretar el papel y enamorarse de ella de verdad.
Pero cuando su objetivo está a su alcance, ¿puede Vivian salirse del libro y elegir a Brodie, si eso significa arriesgar todo lo que pensaba que quería?
Mi humilde opinión:
Retelling Orgullo y Prejuicio/madre soltera/chico malo/pueblo pequeño/ enemigos a amigos/amigos a amantes/ proximidad forzada/opuestos se atraen
Lo primero que me atrajo fue la portada con el chico tatuado bailando con una chica vestida de regencia. Estaba curiosa por este Darcy que no encajaba y la verdad me encantó el libro!
Me gustó la ambientación de pueblo pequeño y todos los eventos que se realizaban en Austen para el festival que hacían todos los años con el tema Orgullo y Prejuicio. Totalmente iría a ver representar en vivo los mejores momentos de uno de mis libros favoritos!
Los protagonistas me encantaron. El atractivo era lo opuestos que eran los dos en personalidad y el echo de que sus familias los criticaran los hacían más queribles. Vivían juzgó mal a Brodie al inicio pero cuando comienza a conocerlo fue conmovedor verlos abrir sus corazones el uno al otro, aceptarse y ser el apoyo del otro.
Me encantó su compañerismo y las bromas. La que le hace Brodie sobre el romance de monstruos que lee secretamente Vivian me sacó unas carcajadas. Él tenía un look de rockero extravagante pero era el hombre ideal para Vivian.
A medida que se va desarrollando una relación romántica ellos comparten tanto momentos tiernos como ardientes que, más allá que actuaban partes de la obra clásica, hacían su propia historia de amor. Eso me pareció genial.
Y tengo que mencionar a Keaton que era un amor! Este niño era adorable y me derritió la manera en que era Brodie era con él. También fue linda la relación de los padres que no estaban juntos y cómo este aceptó a Brodie como si fuera parte de la familia.
Y por supuesto hay partes que dan bronca como la madre de Brodie y su forma de tratarlo. El drama familiar forma parte de la historia y se resolvió de la mejor forma aunque sí me hubiera gustado una charla con la malvada Lady Catherine!
Agradecí que no hubiera angustia innecesaria, el final fue perfecto con Vivian defendiendo a Brodie y él regresando a terminar su parte como Darcy porque nunca dejaba las cosas a medias.
August 15, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
This was a very light read, with good pacing, loveable characters and a good writing style. But, yes there is a but, it lacked depth. Especially the main characters, while likable, were lacking in depth. I liked the concept of the story and paired with authors' writing style made it a fast read. Vivian and Brodie's story was entertaining. I loved that they both had their own insecurities and they were not "perfect". They were such a good match, these two flawed, yet strong individuals finding each other was a treat to witness. Them falling in love was very nicely done and believable as it didn't happen overnight but it took time for their affections to grow. I really appreciated that.
Overall, I have no regrets whatsoever reading The Worst Darcy. It satisfied my craving for a sugar sweet happy ending, it was so lighthearted and cute and I liked it. I was smilling all through reading it.
***I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This was a very light read, with good pacing, loveable characters and a good writing style. But, yes there is a but, it lacked depth. Especially the main characters, while likable, were lacking in depth. I liked the concept of the story and paired with authors' writing style made it a fast read. Vivian and Brodie's story was entertaining. I loved that they both had their own insecurities and they were not "perfect". They were such a good match, these two flawed, yet strong individuals finding each other was a treat to witness. Them falling in love was very nicely done and believable as it didn't happen overnight but it took time for their affections to grow. I really appreciated that.
Overall, I have no regrets whatsoever reading The Worst Darcy. It satisfied my craving for a sugar sweet happy ending, it was so lighthearted and cute and I liked it. I was smilling all through reading it.
***I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
August 19, 2023
Thanks to the author and Netgalley for an ARC of this book. I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily.
I, like many romance readers, fell in love with Pride and Prejudice from a young age. Our heroine, Viv, is also a bit of a fan. A single mum, who is just trying to fit into her new community, is a little shy and worries that she might come across too starchy and buttoned up to make friends.
Brodie, the town bad boy with hidden layers agrees that she's a little prim when they first meet. But when they have to work together during the town's Jane Austen festival as Lizzy Bennet and Mr Darcy, they discover that there is more to each other than meets the eye. So there is the similarity between Pride and Prejudice (which incidentally was originally called First Impressions) but this book doesn't draw too heavily on Elizabeth and Darcy's story, which I liked.
It's spicy and funny with a little angst thrown in and a Lady Catherine figure who is truly diabolical. Lots of fun to read.
I, like many romance readers, fell in love with Pride and Prejudice from a young age. Our heroine, Viv, is also a bit of a fan. A single mum, who is just trying to fit into her new community, is a little shy and worries that she might come across too starchy and buttoned up to make friends.
Brodie, the town bad boy with hidden layers agrees that she's a little prim when they first meet. But when they have to work together during the town's Jane Austen festival as Lizzy Bennet and Mr Darcy, they discover that there is more to each other than meets the eye. So there is the similarity between Pride and Prejudice (which incidentally was originally called First Impressions) but this book doesn't draw too heavily on Elizabeth and Darcy's story, which I liked.
It's spicy and funny with a little angst thrown in and a Lady Catherine figure who is truly diabolical. Lots of fun to read.
July 28, 2023
Sweet, spicy and an easy read!
Read for: dual POV, small town, reformed bad boy, single mum, spicy
3.5 ★
3 🌶
3 ♥
“They don’t know me. Outside the band, it felt like nobody really did.”
In The Worst Darcy, we meet Brodie and Vivian, both struggling to find their place in Austen. Vivian has been living in Austen for a few years but has struggled to find connection to the town or its people. Brodie is a reformed bad boy whose family won’t let him forget his youthful misadventures.
Vivian had to work through her own misconceptions of Brodie as he challenged what her pre-conceived idea of a leading man was. I loved seeing Brodie and V’s love story grow, as they both accepted each other exactly as they were, while changing how they saw themselves.
“When are you going to let the past die? I’m not sixteen anymore”
Speaking of the past, The Worst Darcy is set against the backdrop of a retelling of Pride and Prejudice. It was such an interesting plot device and added an extra element to the story. I’ve not seen this done much in books and found it really well done in this story.
“We’re adults, V. Talk to me.”
Brodie, oh Brodie. I really appreciate a well-rounded hero who has his own life and is a good example of a grown adult. I appreciated that he pushed Vivian to talk to him and wanted to work through their problems. He wanted her in his life, and he made plans for it to happen – yes!
I was a bit disappointed that we got hints of V’s difficult relationship with her family but didn’t see many examples of this, except flashbacks. The relationship between Sam and Vivian was brilliant – it was so refreshing to see a healthy example of co-parenting.
“I could do weird,” he said in a deep, almost whispery voice.
Oh, can you do weird, Brodie. The spice was SPICY and unexpected. Vivian’s eventual acceptance of her sexuality made me want to cheer and Brodie’s complete lack of embarrassment for her kinks was refreshing. He just rolled with it and even encouraged V to find what worked for her. All encounters were consensual and healthy, with hints of kink.
“But Mrs. Bishop was no Lady Catherine. She was just a petty woman who wanted to hurt her family”
I loved the conflict and loved the way the main character resolved it. Brodie really showed his maturity and Vivian showed her backbone. I thought it was going to be more Vivian running scared, but I felt my respect for her really increase when she stood up for Brodie.
Overall, a really good read. Nothing too hard hitting but isn’t that what we love about a bit of romance!
All views are my own. Thanks to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the Advance Reading Copy!
Read for: dual POV, small town, reformed bad boy, single mum, spicy
3.5 ★
3 🌶
3 ♥
“They don’t know me. Outside the band, it felt like nobody really did.”
In The Worst Darcy, we meet Brodie and Vivian, both struggling to find their place in Austen. Vivian has been living in Austen for a few years but has struggled to find connection to the town or its people. Brodie is a reformed bad boy whose family won’t let him forget his youthful misadventures.
Vivian had to work through her own misconceptions of Brodie as he challenged what her pre-conceived idea of a leading man was. I loved seeing Brodie and V’s love story grow, as they both accepted each other exactly as they were, while changing how they saw themselves.
“When are you going to let the past die? I’m not sixteen anymore”
Speaking of the past, The Worst Darcy is set against the backdrop of a retelling of Pride and Prejudice. It was such an interesting plot device and added an extra element to the story. I’ve not seen this done much in books and found it really well done in this story.
“We’re adults, V. Talk to me.”
Brodie, oh Brodie. I really appreciate a well-rounded hero who has his own life and is a good example of a grown adult. I appreciated that he pushed Vivian to talk to him and wanted to work through their problems. He wanted her in his life, and he made plans for it to happen – yes!
I was a bit disappointed that we got hints of V’s difficult relationship with her family but didn’t see many examples of this, except flashbacks. The relationship between Sam and Vivian was brilliant – it was so refreshing to see a healthy example of co-parenting.
“I could do weird,” he said in a deep, almost whispery voice.
Oh, can you do weird, Brodie. The spice was SPICY and unexpected. Vivian’s eventual acceptance of her sexuality made me want to cheer and Brodie’s complete lack of embarrassment for her kinks was refreshing. He just rolled with it and even encouraged V to find what worked for her. All encounters were consensual and healthy, with hints of kink.
“But Mrs. Bishop was no Lady Catherine. She was just a petty woman who wanted to hurt her family”
I loved the conflict and loved the way the main character resolved it. Brodie really showed his maturity and Vivian showed her backbone. I thought it was going to be more Vivian running scared, but I felt my respect for her really increase when she stood up for Brodie.
Overall, a really good read. Nothing too hard hitting but isn’t that what we love about a bit of romance!
All views are my own. Thanks to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the Advance Reading Copy!
August 16, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Robyn Gynne for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
I knew as soon as I read the premise that this book was going to hook me, and I was right. I love Pride and Prejudice, I love opposites attract, I love a Hot Bad Boy, this book was full of things I love. I really enjoyed this one, and I'm looking forward to seeing what Robyn Gynne does next!
I knew as soon as I read the premise that this book was going to hook me, and I was right. I love Pride and Prejudice, I love opposites attract, I love a Hot Bad Boy, this book was full of things I love. I really enjoyed this one, and I'm looking forward to seeing what Robyn Gynne does next!
September 14, 2023
I read this as an ARC from NetGalley and I have to say I really liked it. I’m a complete sucker for incorporating Pride and Prejudice into anything and this really hit the mark for me. The two MCs face off as Lizzy and Darcy and the progression of the book plays off in their own relationship over the course of a month, while their town puts on Pride and Prejudice as a month long festival.
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