Discouraged: A Clean Young Adult Persuasion Retelling

by Luci Taylor

Ellie


I'm going to prove myself to my family. I'm going to be named class valedictorian in the spring and earn a spot in the prestigious Hartfield University's Architectural Design Department. That will show the famous architectural genius, AKA my dad, not to underestimate me. There's just one little catch. In order to ensure my spot as Kellynch High's class valedictorian, I have to work with the town's notorious bad boy on a class project. But what will my family say when they find out I've been hanging out with the boy from the wrong side of town? They're not going to be pleased, especially after a study date ends with an impulsive kiss in the library parking lot.


Frederick

I'm going to prove myself to the town of Kellynch. I'm going to graduate high school in the spring and earn a full-time position at Croft Construction. That will show the snobs in this town that I am not my father. Only one thing stands in my way. In order to get my grades on track for graduation, I have to work with the town's uptight bookworm on a class project. But what will the gossips say when they find out I've been hanging out with the heiress of the Elliot fortune? It's not going to end well for anyone, especially when they find out about the kiss in the library parking lot.


Discouraged is a clean young adult Persuasion retelling. Forbidden love, motorcycles, and color-coded notes are included. Discouraged is perfect for anyone with a passion for tragic romances, bad boys in leather jackets, and nerdy girls obsessed with architecture.

104 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2025

Reviews

[Hannah Leutzinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I like watching Jane Austen, reading them is a different story. But persuasion was one that I did read back in college (probably because it was the shortest😉). I really enjoyed this retelling of Ellie and Frederick! Two people from opposite social circles, anxiety rep, and finding your voice. Even though I knew it was coming, I wasn’t ready for the ending💔😢. It just makes me eagerly await the rest of the story!

[🍂 emma 🍂 · Rating 4 out of 5]

age rating: 13+
spice: none
language: none

like luci taylor’s other modern reimagined books, this was a very quick and heartfelt read. the anxiety representation was also appreciated. 🤍

i’m not extremely familiar with jane austen’s ‘persuasion,’ with most of my knowledge coming from the terrible adaptation that netflix released. 😅
BUT, i do have a physical copy on my shelf, and i think this book may have convinced me to finally pick it up.

ellie, a senior in high school and aspiring architect, finds herself thrown in a project with leather jacket wearing, motorcyclist frederick wentworth, the bad boy in town.

their dynamic is so sweet, and i love how frederick doesn’t hesitate to offer ellie advice for her anxiety attacks, as well as encourage her not to give up on her hopes and dreams in life. greenest flag ever!!

part 1 ended with a bit of a cliff hanger, so i can’t wait to get my hands on the next book.

thank you to the author for the e-arc copy!!

discouraged is out NOW!!
(happy release day!! ✨)

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a young adult modern reimagining of Persuasion by Jane Austen. The main character are Frederick and Ellie. Frederick is known as the bad guy while Ellie is known as the rich girl. They get partnered up on a school project and throughout it they have feelings for each other and date. Will they continue being together when her dad finds out? Will they get what they wanted? Her a spot at Hartfield University and him a full time job with the construction company he works for? My heart broke for both of them as neither had a great home life. This book did end on a cliffhanger so stay tuned for the second book. Overall, I loved this book.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a modern retelling of Persuasion and part one of the story. Ellie and Frederick’s story is just beginning and I look forward for the next part. They are sweet together even as friends and learning to help each other. I loved the movie Persuasion and thought this was a fun modern spin on it.
I received a copy of this copy and was not required to write a review.

[Emily Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luci Taylor did a beautiful job with this book. Her characters dealt with real world issues, highlighting and normalizing mental health struggles. A modern retelling on Persuasion, Discouraged is a heartfelt read that is sure to stick with you after the final page!

[noenjoyment.likereading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part one of a modern YA retelling of Persuasion. Ellie and Frederick are from two different worlds but what happens when they start spending time together on a project? My favorite quote in the book- “You’re stronger than you think, and I want you to remember that.” I can’t wait for part two!