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Influence: A Modern Take on Austen's Persuasion
A hilarious, modern romantic comedy inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion.
Not going to lie. There are some perks to being a rock star.
The money, the adoring fans, the grammy—rubbing it in my ex's beautiful face.
Five years ago April Rain dumped me after her celebrity father convinced her that I—a lowly law student—wasn't rich or famous enough to date a pop star.
Now everything has changed. She's left the spotlight and I've made a name for myself.
Can't say I mind watching her squirm as I flirt with her friends at my beach house or catch her sneakily checking me out when she thinks I'm not looking.
The only drawback? We're expected to sing a duet at my best friend's wedding.
How am I supposed to write a love song with the woman who broke my heart? How to keep pretending that I'm over her?
Sparks fly in this dual POV, second-chance romance, packed with witty banter, yearning, and sizzling chemistry but no spice. (Just epic kisses)
Not going to lie. There are some perks to being a rock star.
The money, the adoring fans, the grammy—rubbing it in my ex's beautiful face.
Five years ago April Rain dumped me after her celebrity father convinced her that I—a lowly law student—wasn't rich or famous enough to date a pop star.
Now everything has changed. She's left the spotlight and I've made a name for myself.
Can't say I mind watching her squirm as I flirt with her friends at my beach house or catch her sneakily checking me out when she thinks I'm not looking.
The only drawback? We're expected to sing a duet at my best friend's wedding.
How am I supposed to write a love song with the woman who broke my heart? How to keep pretending that I'm over her?
Sparks fly in this dual POV, second-chance romance, packed with witty banter, yearning, and sizzling chemistry but no spice. (Just epic kisses)
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2025
50 people are currently reading
4783 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Mitchell
5 books201 followersRuth Mitchell strongly believes the world needs more happy endings. She aims to write “hospital waiting room” books, stories that cheer and distract readers when their world is crumbling, make them laugh and sigh, and finish with a little more hope. All of her books are love stories with plenty of banter, and sizzling chemistry, but no spice. (Just kissing.)
Ruth and her husband live in San Diego, where their four mostly-grown children visit often. She loves long rambling conversations, baking (she makes the best pie), hiking, and running (slowly) along the coasts and canyons of Southern California.
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Ruth and her husband live in San Diego, where their four mostly-grown children visit often. She loves long rambling conversations, baking (she makes the best pie), hiking, and running (slowly) along the coasts and canyons of Southern California.
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Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 27, 2025
I adore Ruth Mitchell, the human and the writer.
This Persuasion retelling was so clever. It captured all of the awkwardness and aggravation of the original, but put a spin on some of the characters that worked so well in this modern setting.
I tried to pace myself to make this book last longer, but I ended up speeding through the last half because I couldn't put it down.
I loved learning the history of this book from the author's notes at the end.
"On television shows like The Bachelor, they make finding love look like some sort of competition. Love goes to the "best" or the "winning" candidate. But love is not some prize for the most deserving. It's the magical combination of two people that, for whatever reason, just works. When you are with the right person, you are your best, most interesting self."
Read this book. You won't be disappointed.
7/27/25: Reading a book twice in the same year is a sign that I've found a soulmate book. I loved this modern Persuasion retelling even more the second time. It captures everything I love about the original masterpiece.
This Persuasion retelling was so clever. It captured all of the awkwardness and aggravation of the original, but put a spin on some of the characters that worked so well in this modern setting.
I tried to pace myself to make this book last longer, but I ended up speeding through the last half because I couldn't put it down.
I loved learning the history of this book from the author's notes at the end.
"On television shows like The Bachelor, they make finding love look like some sort of competition. Love goes to the "best" or the "winning" candidate. But love is not some prize for the most deserving. It's the magical combination of two people that, for whatever reason, just works. When you are with the right person, you are your best, most interesting self."
Read this book. You won't be disappointed.
7/27/25: Reading a book twice in the same year is a sign that I've found a soulmate book. I loved this modern Persuasion retelling even more the second time. It captures everything I love about the original masterpiece.
February 4, 2025
Loved this Persuasion retelling. The author did a great job of modernizing the original characters. I especially liked the portrayal of Mr. Elliot. The romantic tension was palpable and the uncertainty and awkwardness between April and Freddy did justice to Austen.
April 10, 2025
Influence
Ruth Mitchell
Rating: It doesn't deserve a simple 5 🌟 but the huge freakin 🌞
Review
Oh the ways I could wax poetry about the authors writing ✨ but since I know you'll just skip all those 🥲 I'm gonna write a simple review IT WAS AN AMAZING BOOK, I've read P&P retellings but not a Persuasion retelling so this was definitely intriguing to dive in and I didn't know that I was diving into an ocean before doing so because it has so much beauty and grace(I know I should've known because after all it's inspired by the Queen of Romance #JaneAusten but I didn't expect it for a modern retelling) The writing style is my absolute favourite because I read the author's book #Deleted in 2020 and still begging her for book 2😭🫣, the characters are simply divine, the plot was so well set with an unexpected twist.
Disclaimer:
The book will suck you in so be prepared with adequate water and snacks at the ready before diving in, the author is not responsible for your family searching for you because you've been MIA for a while 😉
About the book:
Our MC is April Rain a great singer, one summer she fell in love with a surfer boy but......
She broke up with the love of her life because of her father and agent's pressure but now that Freddy is staying next door sparks are about to fly!!
Freddy loved April very deeply and when they broke up it ripped him apart but life has brought her around a second time and even though they try to put distance between them life smushes them back and they have to write a duet together for her sisters wedding, but when there's still a sizzle between them a fire is inevitable ✨
Only Ruth can pull off such a feat of changing the setting from historical to modern and still make it as amazing as the classic definitely worth a read........ now I'll go back and reread it toodles 👋🏻
Ruth Mitchell
Rating: It doesn't deserve a simple 5 🌟 but the huge freakin 🌞
Review
Oh the ways I could wax poetry about the authors writing ✨ but since I know you'll just skip all those 🥲 I'm gonna write a simple review IT WAS AN AMAZING BOOK, I've read P&P retellings but not a Persuasion retelling so this was definitely intriguing to dive in and I didn't know that I was diving into an ocean before doing so because it has so much beauty and grace(I know I should've known because after all it's inspired by the Queen of Romance #JaneAusten but I didn't expect it for a modern retelling) The writing style is my absolute favourite because I read the author's book #Deleted in 2020 and still begging her for book 2😭🫣, the characters are simply divine, the plot was so well set with an unexpected twist.
Disclaimer:
The book will suck you in so be prepared with adequate water and snacks at the ready before diving in, the author is not responsible for your family searching for you because you've been MIA for a while 😉
About the book:
Our MC is April Rain a great singer, one summer she fell in love with a surfer boy but......
She broke up with the love of her life because of her father and agent's pressure but now that Freddy is staying next door sparks are about to fly!!
Freddy loved April very deeply and when they broke up it ripped him apart but life has brought her around a second time and even though they try to put distance between them life smushes them back and they have to write a duet together for her sisters wedding, but when there's still a sizzle between them a fire is inevitable ✨
Only Ruth can pull off such a feat of changing the setting from historical to modern and still make it as amazing as the classic definitely worth a read........ now I'll go back and reread it toodles 👋🏻
February 15, 2025
What a fun, cheerful take on Persuasion! I ignored all my other to-do’s this afternoon to finish the book because it was so delightful and I wanted to see how it all played out (even though I know Persuasion!). I really enjoyed the rock star spin on the characters and loved picturing the amazing settings and backdrops. Mr. Elliot was a favorite- so funny. I laughed out loud at the things he said. The author did a wonderful job of recreating this Austen classic into a modern day rom com and the dual POV made the book even better! I can highly recommend this book!
February 9, 2025
Hot take: rom-coms don't have to be shallow. I hoped this book would be a fun and easy read, and it was. But I cringed a lot more than I would like. Jane Austen wasn't shallow and fluffy — why are all modern Austen retellings so mediocre?
May 14, 2025
"I'm just a dentist."
Not to me, Flossman, not to me.
This is not your standard Austen retelling. Mitchell handles the source text with such care. Scenes from Persuasion kept sneaking up on me, because she inserts them so well into her narrative. The author doesn't just adapt, but morphs the original story into something that could only happen to her well-rounded characters.
The romance is underlined by a strong sense of place. Countless books and movies take place in California, but few are as authentic as Influence. This is the SoCal I love, with its beautiful scenery, and also, its annoying traffic and silly billboards. (Flossman, call me if it doesn't work out with Daisy.)
An easy 5 stars.
Not to me, Flossman, not to me.
This is not your standard Austen retelling. Mitchell handles the source text with such care. Scenes from Persuasion kept sneaking up on me, because she inserts them so well into her narrative. The author doesn't just adapt, but morphs the original story into something that could only happen to her well-rounded characters.
The romance is underlined by a strong sense of place. Countless books and movies take place in California, but few are as authentic as Influence. This is the SoCal I love, with its beautiful scenery, and also, its annoying traffic and silly billboards. (Flossman, call me if it doesn't work out with Daisy.)
An easy 5 stars.
February 18, 2025
I'm not usually a rom com type reader, but I really enjoyed this one! Loved the Persuasion-ish story line. The witty banter, and dual point of view made it so fun!
March 1, 2025
“I never stopped loving Rainy, but what I’m feeling now is something more, and I’m blown away by its strength. It’s as if our first love was a swift river, but this love is as wide and deep and unfathomable as the ocean. I am ready to be swallowed up in it.”
Swoon. Sigh. And swoon.
Oh this is a delightful, delicious, joyful, and hilarious modern take on Jane Austen’s Persuasion! The pining! The slow burn! The banter! I loved every second of it.
The way Ruth Mitchell swaps the aristocracy of Austen’s time with modern celebrity and influencer culture is so flipping clever! The character of Dean Elliot (Sir Walter) is especially brilliant and so damn funny. I was CACKLING.
It’s not a beat by beat or even character by character modernization of Persuasion but the nods to Jane that do appear delighted me to no end. The group date on the Santa Monica pier in place of Lyme, a downpour in a topless jeep for the umbrella scene, a heartfelt song instead of a heartfelt letter, it’s all GOLD.
But what I love most about Influence is that you honestly don’t have to be a Janeite like me to enjoy this story. It’s a playful, smart, swoony (not spicy), banter-filled, funny, second chance contemporary romance.
And I cannot WAIT for more Modern Jane novels from Ruth Mitchell.
Swoon. Sigh. And swoon.
Oh this is a delightful, delicious, joyful, and hilarious modern take on Jane Austen’s Persuasion! The pining! The slow burn! The banter! I loved every second of it.
The way Ruth Mitchell swaps the aristocracy of Austen’s time with modern celebrity and influencer culture is so flipping clever! The character of Dean Elliot (Sir Walter) is especially brilliant and so damn funny. I was CACKLING.
It’s not a beat by beat or even character by character modernization of Persuasion but the nods to Jane that do appear delighted me to no end. The group date on the Santa Monica pier in place of Lyme, a downpour in a topless jeep for the umbrella scene, a heartfelt song instead of a heartfelt letter, it’s all GOLD.
But what I love most about Influence is that you honestly don’t have to be a Janeite like me to enjoy this story. It’s a playful, smart, swoony (not spicy), banter-filled, funny, second chance contemporary romance.
And I cannot WAIT for more Modern Jane novels from Ruth Mitchell.
February 25, 2025
I don’t always love a modern take on Jane Austen’s works, however there are always stand out performances! Clueless was one, and I’d definitely place this up there with Clueless. Honestly knowing this was a screenplay first makes so much sense because it would make a stellar movie!
What makes this a great take on Persuasion? Well it keeps the heart of the original story all while making it relevant to the modern age. There are some obvious deviations that were made but I fully supported them all! That’s a rarity for me, and I especially truly loved what the author did with the Dean Elliot aka Dad character. I find him irredeemable in the original, but so much better in this one. Truly a great choice.
All in all if you love Persuasion and want to read a tv screen worthy adaptation in novel form, definitely give this one a go. It’s quite lovely, fun, and will keep you reading far after you should be asleep!
What makes this a great take on Persuasion? Well it keeps the heart of the original story all while making it relevant to the modern age. There are some obvious deviations that were made but I fully supported them all! That’s a rarity for me, and I especially truly loved what the author did with the Dean Elliot aka Dad character. I find him irredeemable in the original, but so much better in this one. Truly a great choice.
All in all if you love Persuasion and want to read a tv screen worthy adaptation in novel form, definitely give this one a go. It’s quite lovely, fun, and will keep you reading far after you should be asleep!
Read
March 12, 2025I have a spot for retellings, and I'm happy to report that this was fun from the start! Freddy/April were cute, and as a fan of mutual pining, this delivered that and more. Some of the nods to the original source were really creative (I appreciated the "Half Agony, Half Hope" song Freddy wrote), and I loved the constant descriptions of the ocean (i.e. April's eyes, the state of their relationship, etc), as well as the fun inclusion of text messages. I've always enjoyed realistic little touches like that in novels!
All in all, this is a fun and quick read. I finished it in two sittings!
All in all, this is a fun and quick read. I finished it in two sittings!
March 6, 2025
LOVED this book! I had just finished watching the 1995 Persuasion Film and wanted more. Found this book and fell in love. Even if I hadn't watched the film first, it stands on its own as a complete package. Great pacing, believable characters, settings, dialogue, and love that overcomes. Hard to think of an age or gender who wouldn't enjoy it. A new modern classic for me!
September 18, 2025
This was fun! Obviously predictable… since it’s based on Persuasion. But making Mr. Elliot a Botox-obsessed former child actor was top notch casting.
March 17, 2025
Ahhh, a feel good romance. I loved it. I’m glad I got through Persuasion first - not that it was needed at all, but it made all the matching pieces of it within Influence more clever. I could picture it all and at times felt similar setting vibes as “Malibu Rising” and “If the Shoe Fits.” There were so many good lines and descriptions. My favorite was that one character was a black hole of happiness. The relationships felt real and it made me wonder what my favorite romantic trope is. Lost love just might be it…though I’d probably say different after reading another romantic book with a different trope that made me feel equally happy as this did. I didn’t want to stop reading and could have stayed in bed all day following along with Freddy and April. So, so good! I want to go back and see what next, to spend more time with them and their friends. Loved it.
August 19, 2025
Review: 5/5
Influence: A Modern Take on Austen's Persuasion – Ruth Mitchell
An absolutely delightful modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. Ruth Mitchell captures the timeless charm of Austen’s story while giving it a fresh, contemporary spin that feels both authentic and engaging. The characters are vibrant and relatable, and the romance unfolds with just the right balance of tension and tenderness.
The writing is witty yet heartfelt, and I loved how the novel bridges the elegance of Austen’s world with modern themes of love, regret, and second chances. For me, it was impossible to put down.
In summary:
Smart, romantic, and deeply satisfying—a modern classic in its own right.
Influence: A Modern Take on Austen's Persuasion – Ruth Mitchell
An absolutely delightful modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. Ruth Mitchell captures the timeless charm of Austen’s story while giving it a fresh, contemporary spin that feels both authentic and engaging. The characters are vibrant and relatable, and the romance unfolds with just the right balance of tension and tenderness.
The writing is witty yet heartfelt, and I loved how the novel bridges the elegance of Austen’s world with modern themes of love, regret, and second chances. For me, it was impossible to put down.
In summary:
Smart, romantic, and deeply satisfying—a modern classic in its own right.
July 15, 2025
This was fine? The “talking to each other about everything but the elephant in the room” trope got old real fast. That was the entire book, essentially.
June 30, 2025
➳ 4.5 stars ౨ৎ ⋆ ｡˚
JANE AUSTEN IS THE BLUEPRINT. FOR ANYTHING ROMANCE.
i loved this retelling sooooo much! ate this up in one sitting. persuasion is so underrated in my opinion, and this book just did it wonderfully! it captured the yearning and the pining and preserved the purity and passion in the original book. ruth mitchell is severely underrated as well! wow, the pacing of this book is *chefs kiss*, and even though it’s a retelling, she made it uniquely her own as well! this was so so cute like i literally don’t know what else to say expect i loved everything about it🤷♀️
˚ ✦ . . ˚ . . ✦ ˚ . ★⋆.
. ˚ * ✦ . . ✦ ˚ ˚ ✦
JANE AUSTEN IS THE BLUEPRINT. FOR ANYTHING ROMANCE.
i loved this retelling sooooo much! ate this up in one sitting. persuasion is so underrated in my opinion, and this book just did it wonderfully! it captured the yearning and the pining and preserved the purity and passion in the original book. ruth mitchell is severely underrated as well! wow, the pacing of this book is *chefs kiss*, and even though it’s a retelling, she made it uniquely her own as well! this was so so cute like i literally don’t know what else to say expect i loved everything about it🤷♀️
˚ ✦ . . ˚ . . ✦ ˚ . ★⋆.
. ˚ * ✦ . . ✦ ˚ ˚ ✦
March 2, 2025
This book was written by a friend of a friend of mine. I actually re-read Jane Austen’s Persuasion to get in the mindset for this modern retelling of it. I loved it! Good clean romance is getting harder to find. Ruth Mitchell is a great author for just that!
September 15, 2025
3.5 stars. This was a fun, modern twist on Persuasion. I wish everyone in the book weren't famous.
March 7, 2025
What a great retelling - it's so clever and fun. You can just feel Mitchell's love for Jane Austen's work. I loved the characters and Mitchell's choices to bring them into the 21st century. I can't wait for Tolerable: Inspired by Pride and Prejudice. I pre-ordered it and I'm hoping she writes more!
February 7, 2025
Dropped one star for the insult of linking Jane Austen to Bridgerton, which is an especially odd choice for a "no spice, just kissing" author. Otherwise, this modern retelling of Persuasion is superb! I put aside everything else I was reading and burned straight through it in a day. I'm looking forward to the next book in her Modern Jane series, which will be a rom-com inspired by Pride & Prejudice.
March 8, 2025
“Tell me about this muse of yours?” I ask as we speed walk across the immaculate green lawn.“
“Where to begin?” He plays along. “She’s brilliant and talented and kind. Also, I think she’s beautiful.” He turns to me. “Especially tonight.” His words, combined with his sincere expression, leave me speechless. “Oh, and she broke my heart.”
I absolutely adored this Persuasion retelling by @literally.ruth.mitchell !!
It’s a swoony, second-chance romance with all the aching regrets and longing of Austen’s classic.
April Rain gave up her chance with Freddy West when she chose college over his fledgling music career. Now he’s a world famous rock star and she’s trying to move forward, until fate draws them back together.
Full of witty banter and the swooniest (is that even a word?) moments, all without spice.
It’s just so much fun!
And I’m going to agree with all the reviews that state that Dean Elliot stole the show. Such a clever take on the vanity driven Sir Elliot!
You don’t have to be a Jane Austen fan to enjoy this book, just a fan of happily ever afters!
Ruth’s next book, Tolerable, a modern day retelling of Pride and Prejudice is now at the top of my TBR!
“Where to begin?” He plays along. “She’s brilliant and talented and kind. Also, I think she’s beautiful.” He turns to me. “Especially tonight.” His words, combined with his sincere expression, leave me speechless. “Oh, and she broke my heart.”
I absolutely adored this Persuasion retelling by @literally.ruth.mitchell !!
It’s a swoony, second-chance romance with all the aching regrets and longing of Austen’s classic.
April Rain gave up her chance with Freddy West when she chose college over his fledgling music career. Now he’s a world famous rock star and she’s trying to move forward, until fate draws them back together.
Full of witty banter and the swooniest (is that even a word?) moments, all without spice.
It’s just so much fun!
And I’m going to agree with all the reviews that state that Dean Elliot stole the show. Such a clever take on the vanity driven Sir Elliot!
You don’t have to be a Jane Austen fan to enjoy this book, just a fan of happily ever afters!
Ruth’s next book, Tolerable, a modern day retelling of Pride and Prejudice is now at the top of my TBR!
September 3, 2025
This is a delightful second-chance romance filled with heartfelt regrets and longing reminiscent of Austen’s timeless stories. Packed with clever banter and truly swoon-worthy moments, all without any spice. It’s genuinely a lot of fun! You don’t need to be a Jane Austen enthusiast to enjoy this book—just someone who loves happily ever afters!
April 28, 2025
Loved it!
I love a great Jane Austen retelling and this one is fantastic! You love the characters, the place. It is a fun and beautiful escape! Loved it!
I love a great Jane Austen retelling and this one is fantastic! You love the characters, the place. It is a fun and beautiful escape! Loved it!
November 26, 2025
What classic novel would you like to be retold in a modern-day setting?
April Rain was a superstar singer when she fell in love with a surfer boy one summer. Her father and agent persuaded her to break things off with Freddy. Five years later, Freddy is a superstar while April is a “has been” that has focused on college rather than her career. Freddy has moved next door for the summer. Freddy and April are assigned to write a duet for the marriage of April’s sister and Freddy’s best friend. Will these two find a second chance at romance?
My thoughts on this novel:
• This was a great modern-day retelling of Persuasion by Jane Austen. It was true to the original characters with a good contemporary story that made sense.
• The story is a romantic comedy.
• It is told through a dual point of view and is a second chance romance. I liked that Freddy and April narrated the book and I enjoyed getting Freddy’s point of view, which you do not get in the original novel.
• I read this delightful book back in September.
• This is the first in a series of modern-day retellings of Jane Austen’s novels and I can’t wait to read the rest.
• The story was clever, funny, and romantic. I enjoyed the witty banter.
• I loved April’s Dad. He was a washed-up actor who is very into himself. It was so true to the original character! The author did a great job of modernizing all the characters.
• I loved the romance between Freddy and April.
• I also enjoyed that April was the inspiration for many of Freddy’s songs.
• This book is set in California.
• The story was very engaging, and I read it quickly.
• This would make a great movie!
• It was a clean read.
Overall, Influence by Ruth Mitchell is a very engaging, witty, and romantic retelling of Persuasion by Jane Austen.
Book Source: Thank-you to @literally.ruth.mitchell @austenprose for a review copy of this novel as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2025...
April Rain was a superstar singer when she fell in love with a surfer boy one summer. Her father and agent persuaded her to break things off with Freddy. Five years later, Freddy is a superstar while April is a “has been” that has focused on college rather than her career. Freddy has moved next door for the summer. Freddy and April are assigned to write a duet for the marriage of April’s sister and Freddy’s best friend. Will these two find a second chance at romance?
My thoughts on this novel:
• This was a great modern-day retelling of Persuasion by Jane Austen. It was true to the original characters with a good contemporary story that made sense.
• The story is a romantic comedy.
• It is told through a dual point of view and is a second chance romance. I liked that Freddy and April narrated the book and I enjoyed getting Freddy’s point of view, which you do not get in the original novel.
• I read this delightful book back in September.
• This is the first in a series of modern-day retellings of Jane Austen’s novels and I can’t wait to read the rest.
• The story was clever, funny, and romantic. I enjoyed the witty banter.
• I loved April’s Dad. He was a washed-up actor who is very into himself. It was so true to the original character! The author did a great job of modernizing all the characters.
• I loved the romance between Freddy and April.
• I also enjoyed that April was the inspiration for many of Freddy’s songs.
• This book is set in California.
• The story was very engaging, and I read it quickly.
• This would make a great movie!
• It was a clean read.
Overall, Influence by Ruth Mitchell is a very engaging, witty, and romantic retelling of Persuasion by Jane Austen.
Book Source: Thank-you to @literally.ruth.mitchell @austenprose for a review copy of this novel as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2025...
September 6, 2025
I received a free e-copy of this book from Austenprose PR and the author Ruth Mitchell and it absolutely delivered! This is book one in the Modern Jane series, a contemporary take on Jane Austen’s Persuasion, and I always love a good retelling.
This story follows 🎤 April Rain, a former pop star now fresh out of college, and 🎸 Freddy, once a surf-loving law student, now a famous rock star. Years ago, they were together… until life and choices pulled them apart. When fate throws them back together to co-write a wedding song (for April’s sister and Freddy’s best friend, no less 🙈), old feelings mix with new complications. Her sister has no idea about their past, and April and Freddy have to navigate whether they’re truly into other people or if they’re still very much into each other.
💖 Told in dual POV (one of my favorite formats!) this second-chance romance had everything I was hoping for:
✨ Fast-paced & fun
✨ Closed-door chemistry (perfectly sweet!)
✨ Awkward + entertaining wedding shenanigans
✨ A swoony love story with a modern twist
If you’re a fan of retellings, closed-door romance, or second-chance love stories, this one is definitely worth picking up. It’s cute, witty, and such an entertaining read. 💕
This story follows 🎤 April Rain, a former pop star now fresh out of college, and 🎸 Freddy, once a surf-loving law student, now a famous rock star. Years ago, they were together… until life and choices pulled them apart. When fate throws them back together to co-write a wedding song (for April’s sister and Freddy’s best friend, no less 🙈), old feelings mix with new complications. Her sister has no idea about their past, and April and Freddy have to navigate whether they’re truly into other people or if they’re still very much into each other.
💖 Told in dual POV (one of my favorite formats!) this second-chance romance had everything I was hoping for:
✨ Fast-paced & fun
✨ Closed-door chemistry (perfectly sweet!)
✨ Awkward + entertaining wedding shenanigans
✨ A swoony love story with a modern twist
If you’re a fan of retellings, closed-door romance, or second-chance love stories, this one is definitely worth picking up. It’s cute, witty, and such an entertaining read. 💕
February 28, 2025
I don’t say this lightly—Influence might just be one of the best modern retellings of a Jane Austen novel I’ve ever read. If you love Persuasion, this one is a must.
This book has everything: second-chance romance, sharp wit, and an emotional depth that sneaks up on you. I read it in one sitting and ate it up. Dean Elliot, in particular, stole the show—his ridiculous vanity had me cracking up.
Ruth Mitchell delivers a hilarious and heartfelt rom-com that perfectly captures the longing and tension of Persuasion, while giving it a fresh, modern spin. No spice, but trust me—the yearning and the epic kisses more than make up for it.
Read if you like:
🎸 Second chance romance
🎸 Rock star angst
🎸 Forced proximity
🎸 Mutual pining
🎸 Dual POV
🎸Jane Austen, but make it modern
In this case the delight is in the details and I loved all of the subtle (and not-so-subtle) nods to the original! That said, while this is a total treat for the Austen lovers, you could equally enjoy it on its own.
Also just wanted to add that I loved the fun nod to the Bridgerton fans! Regency enthusiasts - Austen or otherwise - are such a fun bunch.
This book has everything: second-chance romance, sharp wit, and an emotional depth that sneaks up on you. I read it in one sitting and ate it up. Dean Elliot, in particular, stole the show—his ridiculous vanity had me cracking up.
Ruth Mitchell delivers a hilarious and heartfelt rom-com that perfectly captures the longing and tension of Persuasion, while giving it a fresh, modern spin. No spice, but trust me—the yearning and the epic kisses more than make up for it.
Read if you like:
🎸 Second chance romance
🎸 Rock star angst
🎸 Forced proximity
🎸 Mutual pining
🎸 Dual POV
🎸Jane Austen, but make it modern
In this case the delight is in the details and I loved all of the subtle (and not-so-subtle) nods to the original! That said, while this is a total treat for the Austen lovers, you could equally enjoy it on its own.
Also just wanted to add that I loved the fun nod to the Bridgerton fans! Regency enthusiasts - Austen or otherwise - are such a fun bunch.
May 28, 2025
If the Netflix Persuasion would have worked for you in a modern setting, this book may be for you.
Biggest reasons it didn't work for me:
-The dual POVs didn't match. It was as if the characters were completely different people when the POVs switched.
-This is not Clueless, where I realized it was an Emma retelling just by watching the film. This one is more loosely based/inspired by rather than direct retelling. I'm not sure I would have known it was Austen-themed had the cover not told me.
-Every character has a redemption arc and is deep-down good inside (which is honestly boring).
-The relationships were all shallow and the drama only came from lack of communication, rather than an actual need to overcome deep hurt with forgiveness. This is much more high school level emotional angst than the mature love story of Austen's original.
Biggest reasons it didn't work for me:
-The dual POVs didn't match. It was as if the characters were completely different people when the POVs switched.
-This is not Clueless, where I realized it was an Emma retelling just by watching the film. This one is more loosely based/inspired by rather than direct retelling. I'm not sure I would have known it was Austen-themed had the cover not told me.
-Every character has a redemption arc and is deep-down good inside (which is honestly boring).
-The relationships were all shallow and the drama only came from lack of communication, rather than an actual need to overcome deep hurt with forgiveness. This is much more high school level emotional angst than the mature love story of Austen's original.
November 7, 2025
I love a good Austen retelling and Persuasion is my favorite of her books so I was really excited to win a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. This was a really sweet, modern retelling where both main characters are in the music industry and juggling the trajectories of fame along with their unresolved feelings for each other. There was no spice but I didn’t miss it. It is really hard with a second chance romance to drop into a relationship that has already bloomed and fractured and make you really feel all of the emotions involved- the attraction, the pain, the forgiveness. This book didn’t really accomplish that. It all felt very neat and tidy which made for a pleasant read but not one that made me overly invested. Still it was an enjoyable way to spend a few hours and I would read more in this series.
September 5, 2025
I adore Jane Austen modernizations and this was no exception! It was new and fresh and fun, yet had all favorite Austen moments.
April used to be a famous musician, and now her ex is famous. When her sister becomes engaged to Freddy’s best friend they find themselves looking at old memories, current rivals, and a second chance.
Highlights:
Razzing Freddy for his award
The bachelorette party sounds amazing
Sweet song writing together
I love April because she is clever and generous. I love that she is a peace maker and has a heart to help.
I love Freddy for being so grounded and down to earth.
“The more we talk, the more I find the words “I love you” hovering inside me like an imminent sneeze.”
April used to be a famous musician, and now her ex is famous. When her sister becomes engaged to Freddy’s best friend they find themselves looking at old memories, current rivals, and a second chance.
Highlights:
Razzing Freddy for his award
The bachelorette party sounds amazing
Sweet song writing together
I love April because she is clever and generous. I love that she is a peace maker and has a heart to help.
I love Freddy for being so grounded and down to earth.
“The more we talk, the more I find the words “I love you” hovering inside me like an imminent sneeze.”
September 11, 2025
Freddy West never really got over April Rain when she broke up with him years earlier. Well, April really never got over him either. But, being famous and listening to the naysayers have a way of effecting your decisions. April must live with the consequences of that fateful night when she broke off things with Freddy. With references to Jane Austen’s Persuasion, you are sure to recognize the lyrics to at least one song. This is a quick read with other friends and family of Freddy and April sure to have their own stories to follow.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Austen Prose. All opinions in this review are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
mild swearing, discussion of plastic surgery enhancements
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Austen Prose. All opinions in this review are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
mild swearing, discussion of plastic surgery enhancements
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