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Pride and Modern Prejudice
What happens when Jane Austen’s immortal characters are thrust into 21st century Pennsylvania, with an all-male twist? Liam Bennet has always been a good judge of character, but when William Darcy is thrown into his social circle, everything spins out of control. Darcy is proud, cold, arrogant—and strangely captivating. When Liam’s brother and Darcy’s business partner start seeing each other, Liam cannot avoid this enigmatic businessman. But does he want to? As Liam struggles to find his identity in college and acknowledge his feelings, he must deal with the fortunes of his four brothers, his gossiping mother, and the possibility of a large inheritance that could save his family from financial ruin. Emotions come to a boil when George Wickham, a world-weary musician, stumbles into town and ignites a feud with Darcy. He threatens to expose a long-hidden past, and Liam must decide for himself who William Darcy really is and what he really wants.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 5, 2014
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June 25, 2014DNF at 30%
I won't rate this because I didn't read most of it... but that is because it was REALLY boring. It was less a re-telling than a cut-and-paste of the original in a modern, gay setting. I was missing that chemistry, that spark that the original story had. It was a big let down for a Pride and Prejudice fan like myself.
I won't rate this because I didn't read most of it... but that is because it was REALLY boring. It was less a re-telling than a cut-and-paste of the original in a modern, gay setting. I was missing that chemistry, that spark that the original story had. It was a big let down for a Pride and Prejudice fan like myself.
June 7, 2014
Absolutely ADORED this. By no means erotica, but romantic and such a fun gay retelling-ish of Pride & Prejudice (one of my all time faves). Just fabulous. And Will Darcy... be still my heart.
May 4, 2016
It is a truth universally acknowledged that where there is a Pride and Prejudice there must also be a swimming Darcy. A wet, practically naked, let me just dry you off with my tongue, swimming Darcy. It is also a truth universally acknowledged that where there is a swimming Darcy, there I shall be also.
I’m not going to spend a lot of time rehashing the plot for you on this one. Mainly because Pride and Prejudice is a rather well known story, even if you have never read the actual book. But just to catch you up to speed: Liam is Elizabeth, Darcy is Darcy, and George Wickham is still a bloody big tosser. The overall plot is the same, just set in a modern time, with modern guys, but with problems that seem to fit well into whatever era you are currently inhabiting. Love, secrets, pride, and a good dash of prejudice, we have it all here.
Liam is just heading off to college when Jamie (our Jane) lands himself in the path of one Charlie Bingley. And because of that, Liam is dragged into the path of one William Darcy. Words are exchanged, prides are bruised, and general misunderstandings lead to hate, anger, respect, and maybe–-if they can pull their heads out their asses–-love.
It is a familiar story, with familiar character, but, then again, some love stories are timeless. Even if this one has rather more dick than the original.
I have a confession to make (one that will probably have my ‘street cred’ as an English major revoked): I have found the original Pride and Prejudice incredibly boring to read. I love the story. And I adore the movies and various other takes on the story–-but, dear god, I cannot get thru the book to save my life. I have tried, several times, and still…nope, still not happening. I feel kinda bad about this ‘cause I tend to go on about how the source material is almost always better than all the crap that comes from it, but I cannot deny that several hundred pages of balls, teas, and general pleasantries, just bores me to tears. Forgive me, my brethren, I knew exactly what I did and I will not apologize for it.
However…I love love love love love the story of Elizabeth and Darcy. It is just such a good romance. And I was thrilled to see a m/m book based off of it. And once I started reading, I have to say, it was well worth the wait to find it. It may not be all that original (but, then again, it is not really supposed to be), but the characters were really well written, and the transfer from the 19th century to the 21st was done in a way that it kept the heart of the story, but allowed the characters to be normal people. Not 19th century characters in T-shirts and jeans. The author didn’t feel the need to copy a bunch of dialogue from the original book and just stick it in the mouths of these updated characters, but trusted that the bones of the story would hold up the romance, not the flowery language.
There were a few changes to the story, which I heartedly agreed with-–or at least had no problem with. The Bennet girls become the Bennet boys (Jamie, Liam, Mason, Ben, and Nate), though Charlotte remains a chick. And we’ve moved most of the story over to the USA (except for the scenes that take place in England-–because Darcy is not really Darcy without Pemberley). Caroline is as bitchy as ever, Charlie as easygoing (and easily manipulated) as ever, and the dreaded cousin Collins is just as big of a brown-nosing wanker as he ever was. Darcy is, of course, now gay.
One of my favorite changes has to do with Charlotte, though. I will not spoil it, for those who have not read the story yet, but I love how Charlotte’s story changes in this book. I have always hated how her life ended up in the original story, so this one was something I wholeheartedly agreed with.
Most of the relationships in the story were incredibly well written. I loved the brotherly affection between Liam and Jamie. It reminds me a lot of how my sister and I are, and that is something I always loved from the original P&P. The friendship between Liam and Ann (something that usually doesn’t come up in most retellings) was a nice addition, as well.
Now…I can tell you are asking yourself: “But what about Liam and Darcy?!” Well, calm yourselves, dears. I was just about to get to that.
For the most part I really loved how Liam and Darcy interacted. It played nicely to the canon, but it never felt odd in this new time setting. And even though I practically knew what was going to happen every step of the way, I enjoyed it anyways. However, I think one of the problems of rewriting something that is so well known is that very fact. That everyone already knows what is going to happen to our MCs. Yes they may be dudes now, and they might have email, and phones, and text instead of nicely worded letters…but at the core, they are the same characters. So if you really want to make that story work, you are going to have to make it something incredibly special. And it never quite got there with me. I loved the story, just by the simple fact that it is Darcy and who doesn’t love Darcy? But there was just something lacking at the end there. Maybe it was because we never got to see Liam’s first time (after spending a majority of the book with him angsting over his whole newfound gayness) or just that there was no real surprises to keep us on our toes–but the story of Liam and Darcy never really sparked. It glowed, it gave off warmth, it painted a cozy picture…but we were never in any real danger of being set alight.
But even if I was safe from the need to call in the fire department, I did love this story. The humor was just spot on, the story was brilliantly reimagined, and it was close enough to the original that I felt like I knew the character, but new enough that there was room for surprises. If you are looking for a story to melt your panties or light your pants on fire, this is probably not the book for you, but if you are looking for a great story with some great characters (that you know and love) than I heartedly recommend it.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
I’m not going to spend a lot of time rehashing the plot for you on this one. Mainly because Pride and Prejudice is a rather well known story, even if you have never read the actual book. But just to catch you up to speed: Liam is Elizabeth, Darcy is Darcy, and George Wickham is still a bloody big tosser. The overall plot is the same, just set in a modern time, with modern guys, but with problems that seem to fit well into whatever era you are currently inhabiting. Love, secrets, pride, and a good dash of prejudice, we have it all here.
Liam is just heading off to college when Jamie (our Jane) lands himself in the path of one Charlie Bingley. And because of that, Liam is dragged into the path of one William Darcy. Words are exchanged, prides are bruised, and general misunderstandings lead to hate, anger, respect, and maybe–-if they can pull their heads out their asses–-love.
It is a familiar story, with familiar character, but, then again, some love stories are timeless. Even if this one has rather more dick than the original.
I have a confession to make (one that will probably have my ‘street cred’ as an English major revoked): I have found the original Pride and Prejudice incredibly boring to read. I love the story. And I adore the movies and various other takes on the story–-but, dear god, I cannot get thru the book to save my life. I have tried, several times, and still…nope, still not happening. I feel kinda bad about this ‘cause I tend to go on about how the source material is almost always better than all the crap that comes from it, but I cannot deny that several hundred pages of balls, teas, and general pleasantries, just bores me to tears. Forgive me, my brethren, I knew exactly what I did and I will not apologize for it.
However…I love love love love love the story of Elizabeth and Darcy. It is just such a good romance. And I was thrilled to see a m/m book based off of it. And once I started reading, I have to say, it was well worth the wait to find it. It may not be all that original (but, then again, it is not really supposed to be), but the characters were really well written, and the transfer from the 19th century to the 21st was done in a way that it kept the heart of the story, but allowed the characters to be normal people. Not 19th century characters in T-shirts and jeans. The author didn’t feel the need to copy a bunch of dialogue from the original book and just stick it in the mouths of these updated characters, but trusted that the bones of the story would hold up the romance, not the flowery language.
There were a few changes to the story, which I heartedly agreed with-–or at least had no problem with. The Bennet girls become the Bennet boys (Jamie, Liam, Mason, Ben, and Nate), though Charlotte remains a chick. And we’ve moved most of the story over to the USA (except for the scenes that take place in England-–because Darcy is not really Darcy without Pemberley). Caroline is as bitchy as ever, Charlie as easygoing (and easily manipulated) as ever, and the dreaded cousin Collins is just as big of a brown-nosing wanker as he ever was. Darcy is, of course, now gay.
One of my favorite changes has to do with Charlotte, though. I will not spoil it, for those who have not read the story yet, but I love how Charlotte’s story changes in this book. I have always hated how her life ended up in the original story, so this one was something I wholeheartedly agreed with.
Most of the relationships in the story were incredibly well written. I loved the brotherly affection between Liam and Jamie. It reminds me a lot of how my sister and I are, and that is something I always loved from the original P&P. The friendship between Liam and Ann (something that usually doesn’t come up in most retellings) was a nice addition, as well.
Now…I can tell you are asking yourself: “But what about Liam and Darcy?!” Well, calm yourselves, dears. I was just about to get to that.
For the most part I really loved how Liam and Darcy interacted. It played nicely to the canon, but it never felt odd in this new time setting. And even though I practically knew what was going to happen every step of the way, I enjoyed it anyways. However, I think one of the problems of rewriting something that is so well known is that very fact. That everyone already knows what is going to happen to our MCs. Yes they may be dudes now, and they might have email, and phones, and text instead of nicely worded letters…but at the core, they are the same characters. So if you really want to make that story work, you are going to have to make it something incredibly special. And it never quite got there with me. I loved the story, just by the simple fact that it is Darcy and who doesn’t love Darcy? But there was just something lacking at the end there. Maybe it was because we never got to see Liam’s first time (after spending a majority of the book with him angsting over his whole newfound gayness) or just that there was no real surprises to keep us on our toes–but the story of Liam and Darcy never really sparked. It glowed, it gave off warmth, it painted a cozy picture…but we were never in any real danger of being set alight.
But even if I was safe from the need to call in the fire department, I did love this story. The humor was just spot on, the story was brilliantly reimagined, and it was close enough to the original that I felt like I knew the character, but new enough that there was room for surprises. If you are looking for a story to melt your panties or light your pants on fire, this is probably not the book for you, but if you are looking for a great story with some great characters (that you know and love) than I heartedly recommend it.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
October 7, 2015
It is a truth universally acknowledged that true classics cannot be improved upon.
However sometimes they can be updated and adapted (bent?) and enjoyed all over again in a different form - first I must say that Pride and Prejudice is one of my all-time favorite books and I'm very very familiar with all the major plot points. I've read the book repeatedly and have seen the BBC version of the story a score of times with the later version featuring Keira Knightley at least a dozen times as well.
When I learned that there was an m/m version set in modern times, I simply HAD to read it. But I was as ready for disappointment as I could be. How does one update the ultimate "chick-lit" classic about regency era women's property rights and marriage without mangling it irreparably?
This book does it! While it will never be as great as the original on which it's based, it is a fun new twist on many of the story elements for true fans, if not for Austen purists. It's clear that the adaptation was done in a loving and clever manner... and with no zombies!
The five Bennet sisters become the five Bennet brothers with Jaime and Liam as the two oldest rather than Jane and Lizzie. And when Bingley Corporation rents nearby Netherfield Hall for a cocktail reception/product unveiling party, the fun is on. But this homage to the original is more than just names and plot points. Yes, Jamie Bennet does get an internship at Bingley Corporation. When one learns that Jamie is the only "out" Bennet brother, one has to laugh as one ponders just how much differently the term "out" was once used.
The one character that has seemingly changed the least is Lady Catherine de Bourgh but then would anyone who knows P&P expect that crusty old harridan to be changed by only a century and a half? Just as her confrontation with Lizzie in the original is epic, her face-off with Liam is gut-wrenchingly funny.
Charlotte and Mr. Collins have their moments as do Wickham and the youngest Bennet, now renamed Nathan. Even Georgiana has her part to play but her role has morphed the most.
This book will not be to everyone's taste. (I'm sure that the Austen purists will hate it) But for me it was fun romp through familiar environs and fresh way to enjoy a favorite classic. I suggest that you read it and decide for yourself.
*** Note: I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review ***
However sometimes they can be updated and adapted (bent?) and enjoyed all over again in a different form - first I must say that Pride and Prejudice is one of my all-time favorite books and I'm very very familiar with all the major plot points. I've read the book repeatedly and have seen the BBC version of the story a score of times with the later version featuring Keira Knightley at least a dozen times as well.
When I learned that there was an m/m version set in modern times, I simply HAD to read it. But I was as ready for disappointment as I could be. How does one update the ultimate "chick-lit" classic about regency era women's property rights and marriage without mangling it irreparably?
This book does it! While it will never be as great as the original on which it's based, it is a fun new twist on many of the story elements for true fans, if not for Austen purists. It's clear that the adaptation was done in a loving and clever manner... and with no zombies!
The five Bennet sisters become the five Bennet brothers with Jaime and Liam as the two oldest rather than Jane and Lizzie. And when Bingley Corporation rents nearby Netherfield Hall for a cocktail reception/product unveiling party, the fun is on. But this homage to the original is more than just names and plot points. Yes, Jamie Bennet does get an internship at Bingley Corporation. When one learns that Jamie is the only "out" Bennet brother, one has to laugh as one ponders just how much differently the term "out" was once used.
The one character that has seemingly changed the least is Lady Catherine de Bourgh but then would anyone who knows P&P expect that crusty old harridan to be changed by only a century and a half? Just as her confrontation with Lizzie in the original is epic, her face-off with Liam is gut-wrenchingly funny.
Charlotte and Mr. Collins have their moments as do Wickham and the youngest Bennet, now renamed Nathan. Even Georgiana has her part to play but her role has morphed the most.
This book will not be to everyone's taste. (I'm sure that the Austen purists will hate it) But for me it was fun romp through familiar environs and fresh way to enjoy a favorite classic. I suggest that you read it and decide for yourself.
*** Note: I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review ***
June 22, 2014
I enjoyed reading this book but just didn't love it. I liked the slow romance between Will and Liam but was disappointed if I'm honest that we didn't get to read about, or even have any comments on, the one night they spent together. I'm ok with fade to black sex scenes but to not even mention it the next morning at all just ruined it for me.
Read
August 11, 2018I thought this was wonderful. Okay, I missed a teeny tiny bit of heat, but whatever. This hit the spot. The writing was strong and precise and the dialogue a lot of fun. I liked how much Pride and Prejudice shimmered through.
July 4, 2014
Confessions time! Pride and Prejudice is one of my all-time favorite romances and I think I have the glory that is the 1990’s BBC miniseries memorized, so when I saw the description for a modern update of P&P, but this time with a m/m romance twist, I was quite intrigued. (And happy to say that this P&P fan came away pleased.)
This time, the story is set in a college town outside of Philadelphia (but don’t worry, anglophiles! There is a trip to England and a visit to the gorgeous Pemberly estate.) Here, we have young Liam entering college, a little snarky and very much wanting to get away from his family and live on his own (with best buddy Charlotte), but he finds his life getting a little more complicated as he is dragged to a high-end party with favorite brother (and all-around sweetie) Jamie. There he comes face to face with the rich, handsome, awkward, and standoffish William Darcy. First impressions leave their mark, and Liam can’t wait to never see Darcy again, but when Jamie starts dating Darcy’s best friend Charlie Bingley, the two of them find they can’t stop meeting up, and even as Darcy irritates him to no end, Liam starts to have the first stirrings of feelings for someone else, and he doesn’t quite know what to do with this realization and what this means.
Toss in a rascal of a musician, a skeezy cousin bent on marriage, financial woes and some broken hearts, and you have a fun romp that stays very true to its origins while adding in a few twists and surprises. (If you’ve read or seen Pride and Prejudice, you’ll follow along the trajectory of the story very easily, but for me, who is very familiar with P&P, it was still very fun to read and see how the author would take things.)
And props for the author even getting in the scene of Liam stumbling upon the vision of a dripping wet Darcy! I whole-heartedly agree that a dripping wet Darcy needed inclusion! It’s even needed for this review! Hello, Colin!
One note for ye olde Sexy Romance fans—this is a very sweetly romantic read, and although there is a little more action this round with Liam and Darcy than in the very “respectable” original novel, any intimate relations is fade to black and not described, so you’ll have to make up the hotness in your heads.
I think the author did a really nice job—in some ways because it did stay very true to P&P’s overall plotline, there wasn’t too many surprises, and I wouldn’t have minded a little more Liam/Darcy time (‘cause I’m greedy), but this was very enjoyable, and would be a great read for someone looking for something light, fun, and romantic.
I also wouldn’t mind a return to this modern P&P universe—it would be interesting to see how you take Austin’s set-up and then take it further. (What’s next for them??)
Recommended, especially if you need something breezy and fun for the beach. (Not a bad place to be reading about a dripping Darcy!)
This time, the story is set in a college town outside of Philadelphia (but don’t worry, anglophiles! There is a trip to England and a visit to the gorgeous Pemberly estate.) Here, we have young Liam entering college, a little snarky and very much wanting to get away from his family and live on his own (with best buddy Charlotte), but he finds his life getting a little more complicated as he is dragged to a high-end party with favorite brother (and all-around sweetie) Jamie. There he comes face to face with the rich, handsome, awkward, and standoffish William Darcy. First impressions leave their mark, and Liam can’t wait to never see Darcy again, but when Jamie starts dating Darcy’s best friend Charlie Bingley, the two of them find they can’t stop meeting up, and even as Darcy irritates him to no end, Liam starts to have the first stirrings of feelings for someone else, and he doesn’t quite know what to do with this realization and what this means.
Toss in a rascal of a musician, a skeezy cousin bent on marriage, financial woes and some broken hearts, and you have a fun romp that stays very true to its origins while adding in a few twists and surprises. (If you’ve read or seen Pride and Prejudice, you’ll follow along the trajectory of the story very easily, but for me, who is very familiar with P&P, it was still very fun to read and see how the author would take things.)
And props for the author even getting in the scene of Liam stumbling upon the vision of a dripping wet Darcy! I whole-heartedly agree that a dripping wet Darcy needed inclusion! It’s even needed for this review! Hello, Colin!
One note for ye olde Sexy Romance fans—this is a very sweetly romantic read, and although there is a little more action this round with Liam and Darcy than in the very “respectable” original novel, any intimate relations is fade to black and not described, so you’ll have to make up the hotness in your heads.
I think the author did a really nice job—in some ways because it did stay very true to P&P’s overall plotline, there wasn’t too many surprises, and I wouldn’t have minded a little more Liam/Darcy time (‘cause I’m greedy), but this was very enjoyable, and would be a great read for someone looking for something light, fun, and romantic.
I also wouldn’t mind a return to this modern P&P universe—it would be interesting to see how you take Austin’s set-up and then take it further. (What’s next for them??)
Recommended, especially if you need something breezy and fun for the beach. (Not a bad place to be reading about a dripping Darcy!)
August 19, 2015
Ná, una tontuna para pasar el rato. Rollo NA y nada de trocotró.
July 4, 2018
3 stars! Read this out of curiosity since I am a huge fan of Jane Austen. This was odd but sweet story.. however there is literally no steam factor.. just a very tame adaptation.
October 30, 2017
Full review at :
OptimuMM - Home of MM Book Reviews
If you ask me: "Levi what is your all-time favorite book? Without any hesitation, the answer would be Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin". So imagine my shock when I saw this title! It was like a dream come true!
I have to be honest with you I may have had some fantasy about Darcy going to the pink side when I was reading the original (in 4 languages and no I’m not obsessed…shut up!) well you know me …
This book though…I read some reviews of this book, it wasn’t all great, but for me, it’s more than 5 OptimuMMs (aka stars).
Liam Benet (excellent name!!!) comes from a large family with five siblings (uhm duhhh!) and his best friend is his brother Jamie (another excellent choice of character name for the original Jane). When Bingley pops into Jamie’s life, Darcy pops into Liam’s.
I will not talk about the plot because you know…you don’t? How can you…?! You read romance and never read Pride and Prejudice?! … shame!…but I tell you a few things about the difference between the original and this marvelous work.
I loved the changes, the adaptation to this modern life of US. Loved how Georgiana is so different and Wickham, my…our modern Wickham whom you really want to punch in his face.
Darcy is his original self, proud, judgmental and very distant. Liam though doesn’t give a fu..dge about him. He must support Darcy because of Jamie and Bingley. But they can’t avoid each other for long, and some sparks took life.
There is no described sex scene in the book, but you can let your imagination go wild when Liam and Darcy finally collide. Of course they had sex! This is a contemporary story, not just holding hands and walking on a muddy road to Charleston…
We all know how this book ends, so there was neither twist (well except the changes) nor surprises for me. It’s an absolutely beautiful love story (the original) turned perfectly into an MM Romance.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
OptimuMM - Home of MM Book Reviews
If you ask me: "Levi what is your all-time favorite book? Without any hesitation, the answer would be Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin". So imagine my shock when I saw this title! It was like a dream come true!
I have to be honest with you I may have had some fantasy about Darcy going to the pink side when I was reading the original (in 4 languages and no I’m not obsessed…shut up!) well you know me …
This book though…I read some reviews of this book, it wasn’t all great, but for me, it’s more than 5 OptimuMMs (aka stars).
Liam Benet (excellent name!!!) comes from a large family with five siblings (uhm duhhh!) and his best friend is his brother Jamie (another excellent choice of character name for the original Jane). When Bingley pops into Jamie’s life, Darcy pops into Liam’s.
I will not talk about the plot because you know…you don’t? How can you…?! You read romance and never read Pride and Prejudice?! … shame!…but I tell you a few things about the difference between the original and this marvelous work.
I loved the changes, the adaptation to this modern life of US. Loved how Georgiana is so different and Wickham, my…our modern Wickham whom you really want to punch in his face.
Darcy is his original self, proud, judgmental and very distant. Liam though doesn’t give a fu..dge about him. He must support Darcy because of Jamie and Bingley. But they can’t avoid each other for long, and some sparks took life.
There is no described sex scene in the book, but you can let your imagination go wild when Liam and Darcy finally collide. Of course they had sex! This is a contemporary story, not just holding hands and walking on a muddy road to Charleston…
We all know how this book ends, so there was neither twist (well except the changes) nor surprises for me. It’s an absolutely beautiful love story (the original) turned perfectly into an MM Romance.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
July 12, 2020
This was so so so so so so good!
Seriously. Everything I didn’t know I needed but absolutely did.
There’s not much else to say. Everyone knows the story. This one is just modern. And very, very gay.
Seriously. Everything I didn’t know I needed but absolutely did.
There’s not much else to say. Everyone knows the story. This one is just modern. And very, very gay.
June 10, 2014
Ah, well, it started out brilliantly, had all of the Jane Austen charm, humor, beauty, and the characters down pat...but then it fizzled. It got drawn off into the side characters a bit much, wasn't as charming or intriguing to read...and just went a bit splat. As you can see from all the ellipses.
It was a very good attempt, and I more or less liked the overall effect, it just didn't click with me after the first couple of chapters. It didn't have the spark that I was anticipating. It was similar in some ways, different in others, from "Pride and Prejudice," and did a very good job at modernizing the story and characters. I did like the m/m aspect, and how it was very well accepted by all, but I felt like things went too smoothly. I would have liked it all to have be drawn out more with some more tension injected. And I would have liked the characters to feel more realistic, they just felt rather contrived and fake as I got to know them better.
In summary: a good recreation, a lovely idea, and a fair execution; it just didn't make me that excited, make me fall in love with characters, or even feel much emotion at all, towards any part of the story. Leaves me rather blah.
It was a very good attempt, and I more or less liked the overall effect, it just didn't click with me after the first couple of chapters. It didn't have the spark that I was anticipating. It was similar in some ways, different in others, from "Pride and Prejudice," and did a very good job at modernizing the story and characters. I did like the m/m aspect, and how it was very well accepted by all, but I felt like things went too smoothly. I would have liked it all to have be drawn out more with some more tension injected. And I would have liked the characters to feel more realistic, they just felt rather contrived and fake as I got to know them better.
In summary: a good recreation, a lovely idea, and a fair execution; it just didn't make me that excited, make me fall in love with characters, or even feel much emotion at all, towards any part of the story. Leaves me rather blah.
August 30, 2014
I am quite torn about how I feel about this book. I LOVE Pride and Prejudice and all things Jane Austen, I've watched every movie and every spin off thing that's out there. And a gay spin off about one of the Austen novels is a dream come true.
I am just not convinced that THIS book was well done. I loved that all five of the Bennet's were boys and Jamie and Liam (Jane and Lizzie) fall for Charles Bingley and William Darcy respectively. I think that where this plot went wrong was when the author tried to stick to the original plot. I think she could have used the basic premise and changes the plot into becoming a story that made more sense. I dont understand why she didnt change stuff, since she changes Charlotte's story! (I thought the half a million inheritance to the first Grandson to get married was a stroke of genius on the authors part) Charlotte's story was well done. But the rest just didnt flow well together.
There was a lot of flying around between America and England that added to a lot of confusion, which could have easily been avoided had the story been set in England. There was no need to add Philadelphia, Hartford AND New York to the story in addition to the british cities..
The thing that bugged me the most: THE WICKHAM PLOT!!!!!
That was SO poorly done, I just wanted to rip the book into pieces. If he author so badly wanted to stick to the original plot line, she should have made Nate a female character and stuck to the original story line of Wickham being a player and broke Georgiana's heart. Maybe add that he (wickham) had gotten her pregnant and then made the Lydia equivalent in this story pregnant too or maybe convince her to elope with him.
I am not convinced Liam and Darcy really fell for each other either. Sigh. The more I review the less I feel like I enjoyed the book. And the truth is the original story was so amazing that even with all the problems in this plot, I did like this story and did actually enjoy it. I think if I had never read P&P I would have hated this book. I thought this book would be a five star rating for me, because a "Gay P&P" is a dream come true.
This just wasnt done well.
I am just not convinced that THIS book was well done. I loved that all five of the Bennet's were boys and Jamie and Liam (Jane and Lizzie) fall for Charles Bingley and William Darcy respectively. I think that where this plot went wrong was when the author tried to stick to the original plot. I think she could have used the basic premise and changes the plot into becoming a story that made more sense. I dont understand why she didnt change stuff, since she changes Charlotte's story! (I thought the half a million inheritance to the first Grandson to get married was a stroke of genius on the authors part) Charlotte's story was well done. But the rest just didnt flow well together.
There was a lot of flying around between America and England that added to a lot of confusion, which could have easily been avoided had the story been set in England. There was no need to add Philadelphia, Hartford AND New York to the story in addition to the british cities..
The thing that bugged me the most: THE WICKHAM PLOT!!!!!
That was SO poorly done, I just wanted to rip the book into pieces. If he author so badly wanted to stick to the original plot line, she should have made Nate a female character and stuck to the original story line of Wickham being a player and broke Georgiana's heart. Maybe add that he (wickham) had gotten her pregnant and then made the Lydia equivalent in this story pregnant too or maybe convince her to elope with him.
I am not convinced Liam and Darcy really fell for each other either. Sigh. The more I review the less I feel like I enjoyed the book. And the truth is the original story was so amazing that even with all the problems in this plot, I did like this story and did actually enjoy it. I think if I had never read P&P I would have hated this book. I thought this book would be a five star rating for me, because a "Gay P&P" is a dream come true.
This just wasnt done well.
June 7, 2014
I did enjoy this, but it just missed the mark on making a connection. I understand keeping a book Pg13, but skipping over the entire thing the first time Will and Liam were together, kept the reader at too far of a distance, I think it needed some more of the before and after to show the intimacy between them. The original shows such great passion between Darcy and Elizabeth and this is what is lacking in this otherwise good version.
April 13, 2018
I love Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice and really looked forward to this one
and I have to give a compliment to the author as the story is really very near the original
but there is also my criticism: there is one sentence in there which is more or the less the same as in the original ... but it just did not fit here
also I would have liked a bit more discussion in regards to Liams romantic feelings
nevertheless, I liked it nearly as much as the original
and I have to give a compliment to the author as the story is really very near the original
but there is also my criticism: there is one sentence in there which is more or the less the same as in the original ... but it just did not fit here
also I would have liked a bit more discussion in regards to Liams romantic feelings
nevertheless, I liked it nearly as much as the original
December 9, 2016
3.5 stars
Fluffy and cute little YA romance, with a Austen twist. Not great, but very enjoyable and easy to read. I'd prefer though if it all took place in England, or USA. This back and forth between the two countries just served to complicate the logistics and confuse the reader, but nothing to the plot.
Fluffy and cute little YA romance, with a Austen twist. Not great, but very enjoyable and easy to read. I'd prefer though if it all took place in England, or USA. This back and forth between the two countries just served to complicate the logistics and confuse the reader, but nothing to the plot.
June 19, 2014
Modern retellings of this story just don't work. This was more like a P&P paint-by-numbers. I was distracted by the running tally of how direct quotations/references to the original could be found in a page.
October 10, 2015
This was adorable. Sweet and easy and fun. I wasn't bored for even a second even though I know the plot of P&P by heart. It's not a great work of art but is definitely one of the two most enjoyable reads I've had in months so it deserves its rating. I loved it.
January 1, 2016
Pride and Modern Prejudice by A.J. Michaels I have been a huge fan of Jane Austen for years, and I've read and reread all of her books. I must have read Pride and Prejudice 20 times at least. I've also watched nearly all of the adaptations and read many books based on P&P - modern and historical, mysteries, comedies, even crossover fan fiction. I even recall a cartoon called Wishbone doing a short bit.
All of this is, of course, fan fiction, though the term isn't usually used. "Clueless" is fan fiction in the form of a movie (although of Emma, rather than P&P). Bridget Jones Diary is a fan fiction novel.
What makes a good adaptation of Pride and Prejudice? For me, it has to capture the spirit of the book. The romance is lovely, of course, but so is the character development, the humor, and the close relationships with family and friends beyond the romance. Darcy and Lizzie aren't broken Heathcliff sorts. They have loved family members and friends, they are intelligent, decent people who generally enjoy their lives. They each are a bit lonely and a bit too arrogant and sure that they perceive everyone's character and true motivations. They don't need each other in order to change who they are, but to be each others' match, to broaden each others' horizons, and to be happy.
So how is Pride and Modern Prejudice? Not bad. I liked the main characters. I laughed a lot. I had a good time. I didn't have the worry for the characters and the deep satisfaction of seeing them finally together that the original always gives me - but that is a high bar!
It was fun to see how the author approached various plot points in her retelling - she pretty much always went for the funny and offbeat option rather than trying to stick too close to the original, which in many places wouldn't make sense in modern times. The plot points didn't always make a lot of sense, and many of the characters shared little but a name with the originals. I was also sorry the sex was closed door - I don't need a lot of sex in my romances, but sex is an important part of how characters falling in love relate to each each other and I miss it when it isn't there at all.
So I would recommend this with the caveat that it does better with fun and humor than with plot and character.
All of this is, of course, fan fiction, though the term isn't usually used. "Clueless" is fan fiction in the form of a movie (although of Emma, rather than P&P). Bridget Jones Diary is a fan fiction novel.
What makes a good adaptation of Pride and Prejudice? For me, it has to capture the spirit of the book. The romance is lovely, of course, but so is the character development, the humor, and the close relationships with family and friends beyond the romance. Darcy and Lizzie aren't broken Heathcliff sorts. They have loved family members and friends, they are intelligent, decent people who generally enjoy their lives. They each are a bit lonely and a bit too arrogant and sure that they perceive everyone's character and true motivations. They don't need each other in order to change who they are, but to be each others' match, to broaden each others' horizons, and to be happy.
So how is Pride and Modern Prejudice? Not bad. I liked the main characters. I laughed a lot. I had a good time. I didn't have the worry for the characters and the deep satisfaction of seeing them finally together that the original always gives me - but that is a high bar!
It was fun to see how the author approached various plot points in her retelling - she pretty much always went for the funny and offbeat option rather than trying to stick too close to the original, which in many places wouldn't make sense in modern times. The plot points didn't always make a lot of sense, and many of the characters shared little but a name with the originals. I was also sorry the sex was closed door - I don't need a lot of sex in my romances, but sex is an important part of how characters falling in love relate to each each other and I miss it when it isn't there at all.
So I would recommend this with the caveat that it does better with fun and humor than with plot and character.
December 5, 2017
For anyone who loves to read MM romances and loves P&P, this book should be like a dream come true. Sadly, it was very disappointing. I have yet to find a P&P retelling that I like.
Characters were too dull. All of them. There is ZERO chemistry between Liam and Darcy... For about 50% Darcy isn't even in sight, and I don't get the hate Liam feels. I think that Lizzy never hated Mr. Darcy... she only disliked him. But authors who write these retellings tend to make her feelings (or in this case, his feelings) much more intense.
Anyway, they spend too much time apart, so there is zero reason for the reader to feel the romance. They have a few kisses that are either awkward or chaste. And whatever happened between them that first night fade to black, so extra disappointing. I think, since I didn't buy their romance, a little passion would have helped.
Also, since Jamie and Charlie dated for months their split doesn't make much sense. Charlie has been with Jamie and done things together that Darcy didn't witness, so how come Charlie was so easily convinced that Jamie didn't really love him? In this retelling, I find Charlie too wishy-washy. I almost wish Jamie hadn't forgiven him. And I can't understand how Jamie had a rebound **eye-rolling** I also wish Jamie had stayed as "Jane".
I like that Georgiana became friends with Liam before they even know who the other was, and I like the ending for Charlotte, but other things didn't make any sense. Why Charlotte was willing to marry someone she didn't like, at 19-years-old? It is understandable in the Regency era, but nowadays?? How come the setting is England and different cities of USA? Couldn't the author make it in England only? How come Liam believed Wickham if they even weren't that closed, and Liam didn't like him that much as in the original? It makes Liam look stupid and too gullible.
This book is like this version of Darcy: not bad, but dull. Nice, but forgettable. Needed more personality.
Characters were too dull. All of them. There is ZERO chemistry between Liam and Darcy... For about 50% Darcy isn't even in sight, and I don't get the hate Liam feels. I think that Lizzy never hated Mr. Darcy... she only disliked him. But authors who write these retellings tend to make her feelings (or in this case, his feelings) much more intense.
Anyway, they spend too much time apart, so there is zero reason for the reader to feel the romance. They have a few kisses that are either awkward or chaste. And whatever happened between them that first night fade to black, so extra disappointing. I think, since I didn't buy their romance, a little passion would have helped.
Also, since Jamie and Charlie dated for months their split doesn't make much sense. Charlie has been with Jamie and done things together that Darcy didn't witness, so how come Charlie was so easily convinced that Jamie didn't really love him? In this retelling, I find Charlie too wishy-washy. I almost wish Jamie hadn't forgiven him. And I can't understand how Jamie had a rebound **eye-rolling** I also wish Jamie had stayed as "Jane".
I like that Georgiana became friends with Liam before they even know who the other was, and I like the ending for Charlotte, but other things didn't make any sense. Why Charlotte was willing to marry someone she didn't like, at 19-years-old? It is understandable in the Regency era, but nowadays?? How come the setting is England and different cities of USA? Couldn't the author make it in England only? How come Liam believed Wickham if they even weren't that closed, and Liam didn't like him that much as in the original? It makes Liam look stupid and too gullible.
This book is like this version of Darcy: not bad, but dull. Nice, but forgettable. Needed more personality.
October 18, 2015
I was delighted to discover this modern retelling of P&P with the twist that some of the characters are gay. This will not be for every Austen lover because of the twist even though I will say that it is clean and low on passion. The author stays true to the original tone and yet portrays the contemporary world. Characters were recognizable to the originals even if settings and circumstances were new. Collins is smarmy, Lady C is snobby as is Caroline. Georgiana is sweet. Bingley is nice and easily led. Darcy is mysterious and seems arrogant. Wickham is..well, Wickham. The Bennets are a bunch of brothers and Charlotte is her practical self. I was intrigued that Jamie (Jane) was gay and that Liam (Elizabeth) was learning his sexuality while being snarky and prejudiced as in the orginal. It's a gentle story and classy considering its modern. Slower, but still engaging.
January 29, 2016
uhm... yeah... no... as a gay romance it was so-so, but as a retelling of pride and prejudice it makes you wonder if the author actually ever really read the book... the characters were so OC...
April 6, 2022
I liked it! Now I feel like I’m in need of reading Far from the Maddening Crowd which, luckily, I have!
June 14, 2014
Original Blog Post: http://www.multitaskingmommas.com/201...
Everyone who knows me know of my love for Jane Austen. I have lost count the number of times I read Pride & Prejudice since I first read it way back in grade school. To say that I practically have that novel memorized is an understatement as I live for Mr. Darcy and just loved how Colin Firth portrayed him and, of course, the young Matthew Macfadyen did a wonderful job as well. When I saw this modern and MM take on the classic novel, I could not resist. The only thing that kept me in doubt was not knowing who the author was. No matter, I took the bait and never regretted it for an instant.
There is no need to rehash the whole plot, those who read know who are involved, Mr. Darcy being one, Mr. Bingley being the other. In the original book, the two men fell for sisters Elizabeth and Jane. For this modern MM take, it is brothers Liam and Jamie.
From the moment the story begins, it is immediately apparent that the author is a huge Austen fan. There was no question in my mind of the love for the characters for there was a seamless transition from the original female character to the male one. As Elizabeth was the perfect portrayal of Victorian femininity, Liam was the stereotypical modern/urban educated male who comes from a loving family. He is secure in his masculinity and thus was supportive of his openly gay brother, Jamie. Mr. Darcy, well, he remained the enigmatic and quiet man whose inner strength and intelligence made him a bit unsociable. The clash of personalities stayed true to the original novel.
Their romance stayed true as well. Quiet, slow on the uptake, and chaste.
The main change was, obviously, the main characters involved were all male. There had to be some sort of angst in the plot that should differentiate it and there was: Liam's realization that he was having feelings for another man. He never thought of himself as gay. In fact, he had been accused of being pansexual or simply not interested in anyone. With the realization came the shutting down of emotions and his family realized it, even if he did not.
If there is one thing I have to complain about, although it is not enough to bring down the rating for me, it is the language used which was a bit too Austen-ish for a modern plot. For others, the main complaint would be the zero erotic content, something which I am not complaining about for this made it a more beautiful book for me to read. I love the romance that developed and anything erotic would have destroyed the 'sanctity' of the original novel.
Pride and Modern Prejudice is a modern take on the classic novel that has seen so many interpretations come to fruition, including one involving zombies (I will not even think about that one). So it comes as no surprise that an MM adaptation finally comes around and it is done beautifully and faithfully. The author not only made my dreams come true, it also solidified this one fact: I am absolutely, very much still, in love with Mr. Darcy. And I always will.
Highly recommended for all Austen fans who love the MM genre.
Everyone who knows me know of my love for Jane Austen. I have lost count the number of times I read Pride & Prejudice since I first read it way back in grade school. To say that I practically have that novel memorized is an understatement as I live for Mr. Darcy and just loved how Colin Firth portrayed him and, of course, the young Matthew Macfadyen did a wonderful job as well. When I saw this modern and MM take on the classic novel, I could not resist. The only thing that kept me in doubt was not knowing who the author was. No matter, I took the bait and never regretted it for an instant.
There is no need to rehash the whole plot, those who read know who are involved, Mr. Darcy being one, Mr. Bingley being the other. In the original book, the two men fell for sisters Elizabeth and Jane. For this modern MM take, it is brothers Liam and Jamie.
From the moment the story begins, it is immediately apparent that the author is a huge Austen fan. There was no question in my mind of the love for the characters for there was a seamless transition from the original female character to the male one. As Elizabeth was the perfect portrayal of Victorian femininity, Liam was the stereotypical modern/urban educated male who comes from a loving family. He is secure in his masculinity and thus was supportive of his openly gay brother, Jamie. Mr. Darcy, well, he remained the enigmatic and quiet man whose inner strength and intelligence made him a bit unsociable. The clash of personalities stayed true to the original novel.
Their romance stayed true as well. Quiet, slow on the uptake, and chaste.
The main change was, obviously, the main characters involved were all male. There had to be some sort of angst in the plot that should differentiate it and there was: Liam's realization that he was having feelings for another man. He never thought of himself as gay. In fact, he had been accused of being pansexual or simply not interested in anyone. With the realization came the shutting down of emotions and his family realized it, even if he did not.
If there is one thing I have to complain about, although it is not enough to bring down the rating for me, it is the language used which was a bit too Austen-ish for a modern plot. For others, the main complaint would be the zero erotic content, something which I am not complaining about for this made it a more beautiful book for me to read. I love the romance that developed and anything erotic would have destroyed the 'sanctity' of the original novel.
Pride and Modern Prejudice is a modern take on the classic novel that has seen so many interpretations come to fruition, including one involving zombies (I will not even think about that one). So it comes as no surprise that an MM adaptation finally comes around and it is done beautifully and faithfully. The author not only made my dreams come true, it also solidified this one fact: I am absolutely, very much still, in love with Mr. Darcy. And I always will.
Highly recommended for all Austen fans who love the MM genre.
January 31, 2017
Oh, this book was so cute and precious. It was a nicely written and fun to read. The details are in the title. So basically, yea, this story was not meant to be an exact retelling of the original by Jane Austen but based on the original with an added twist.
I was originally worried there was going to be a lot of sex scenes thrown around to emphasise the point of it being a M/M book. While I am a huge fan of the genre I'd like to see a few stories sprinkled here and there that don't call for hot sex at every turn but are character driven. Thankfully there wasn't unnecessary sex scenes added but I didn't think it was necessary to do a fade to black on the few scenes there were. I was enjoying the story so much that it really made no difference to me either way.
The story itself didn't really stray too far from the original text and I was able to recognized most of the characters from the original story.
I was disappointed to find that this author didn't attempt to do at least a couple of other classics just for kicks. I think it would be just as fun to read a M/M Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, and Northanger Abbey.
Definitely will read again.
I was originally worried there was going to be a lot of sex scenes thrown around to emphasise the point of it being a M/M book. While I am a huge fan of the genre I'd like to see a few stories sprinkled here and there that don't call for hot sex at every turn but are character driven. Thankfully there wasn't unnecessary sex scenes added but I didn't think it was necessary to do a fade to black on the few scenes there were. I was enjoying the story so much that it really made no difference to me either way.
The story itself didn't really stray too far from the original text and I was able to recognized most of the characters from the original story.
I was disappointed to find that this author didn't attempt to do at least a couple of other classics just for kicks. I think it would be just as fun to read a M/M Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, and Northanger Abbey.
Definitely will read again.
October 29, 2014
2.5 stars.
I guess I expected something original, despite this being a modernized version of Pride and Prejudice. But this was just it, a modernized, in a cut-paste way, rendition of the famous novel. The characters were the same..Liam was like a Regency maiden, blushing, having no sex life.. which is ridiculous, because he is a college kid, quite confident and well-adjusted in all the other spheres of his life. But the author turned him into an Elizabeth Bennet copy, and it felt forced and unnatural. The lack of sex scenes was frustrating..actually, there was little no chemistry in Liam&Will's relationship. Which felt unnatural, too. I think there was more spark and sexual tension in the original novel than in this modern era gay romance... Ridiculous.
I guess I expected something original, despite this being a modernized version of Pride and Prejudice. But this was just it, a modernized, in a cut-paste way, rendition of the famous novel. The characters were the same..Liam was like a Regency maiden, blushing, having no sex life.. which is ridiculous, because he is a college kid, quite confident and well-adjusted in all the other spheres of his life. But the author turned him into an Elizabeth Bennet copy, and it felt forced and unnatural. The lack of sex scenes was frustrating..actually, there was little no chemistry in Liam&Will's relationship. Which felt unnatural, too. I think there was more spark and sexual tension in the original novel than in this modern era gay romance... Ridiculous.
December 10, 2014
This is a retelling of the classic Pride and Prejudice story, keeping the fan-favourite moments and changing the things most people wished were different.
I really enjoyed this story and I loved the slow burn between Will and Liam. For a modern retelling, I was hoping for a little more heat than there actually was in the story.
I would say this leans more towards the aloof book version of Pride and Prejudice as opposed to the massively popular BBC tv version. Still, enough of the story was changed that fans of the classic may be turned off by the way the story develops and there's no real solid sex scenes to satisfy MM readers.
I was amused by the alternate version of the wet Darcy scene from the miniseries played out.
If you're a fan of passionate romances, this may not be your cup of tea.
I really enjoyed this story and I loved the slow burn between Will and Liam. For a modern retelling, I was hoping for a little more heat than there actually was in the story.
I would say this leans more towards the aloof book version of Pride and Prejudice as opposed to the massively popular BBC tv version. Still, enough of the story was changed that fans of the classic may be turned off by the way the story develops and there's no real solid sex scenes to satisfy MM readers.
I was amused by the alternate version of the wet Darcy scene from the miniseries played out.
If you're a fan of passionate romances, this may not be your cup of tea.
May 25, 2016
It was promising in the beginning but it was just too predictable. Like - where was the spark? I wrote a drunk review of this book on a paper napkin a while ago and the basic gist was..."it needs more emotions. P & P is about EMOTION!!!"
So I'll start by saying, a) I love Pride & Prejudice b) I was expecting this to be a lot better than it was c) It was predictable - as in predictably boring.
I didn't feel for Liam at all... he didn't leave me winded and Darcy was just such a fucking bore.
I've read (and written) better Harry/Draco Hogwarts Pride and Prejudice that this disaster.
The author ruined the book for me when - during my favourite scene - there was no spark. Darcy's confession to Liam about how much he likes him despite his better judgement and etc and Liam's rebuttle was soooooooooooooooo vapid that I was like - WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS?
So I'll start by saying, a) I love Pride & Prejudice b) I was expecting this to be a lot better than it was c) It was predictable - as in predictably boring.
I didn't feel for Liam at all... he didn't leave me winded and Darcy was just such a fucking bore.
I've read (and written) better Harry/Draco Hogwarts Pride and Prejudice that this disaster.
The author ruined the book for me when - during my favourite scene - there was no spark. Darcy's confession to Liam about how much he likes him despite his better judgement and etc and Liam's rebuttle was soooooooooooooooo vapid that I was like - WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS?
October 16, 2014
This one was super slow to start. I almost DNF'd it but held on and it did get much, much better. The supporting characters are what made this one a 4 star for me. We were told the MCs had this great chemistry but I never did feel it. Of course, I wanted them together but it didn't seem like they cared themselves. There was zero sex in this one. Like zero...two kisses, I think. They did spend the night together but nothing was ever mentioned about what they did during the night. At all. Not even fade to black...just nada. That right there took another star off my rating. How are we supposed to believe their love if we don't get to see any intimacy at all? Fun story but we all know it's a fun story. Not bad just not great.
July 21, 2014
This is a poorly written book with little to nothing going for it. It's not a "modern take" on P&P, it's a cut and paste, scene to scene, with superficial details changed. This is a seventh-grader's approach to a "take on things."
Literature is about patterns. Literature is about archetypes, echoes, stories, and models. A central tenet in the art of literature is that your text is rarely text in isolation. Context is all of literature.
There are many, many subtle takes on P&P, and most of the good ones don't childishly hammer it in as though the reader is deaf, dumb and blind, to make their point (like having the title be "Pride and Modern Prejudice").
Good god, this was terrible.
Literature is about patterns. Literature is about archetypes, echoes, stories, and models. A central tenet in the art of literature is that your text is rarely text in isolation. Context is all of literature.
There are many, many subtle takes on P&P, and most of the good ones don't childishly hammer it in as though the reader is deaf, dumb and blind, to make their point (like having the title be "Pride and Modern Prejudice").
Good god, this was terrible.
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